Corfu is located in a cultural crossroad, in the entrance of the Adriatic sea and it is historically well known since the 8th century B.C. when it was first colonized by the Corinthians. Since then Corfu was influenced by the Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Angevins, Venetians, French, British until its union with Greece in 1864. The passages of so many civilizations from the corfiot land gave birth to a vivid historical melting pot, which attracts every year over one million visitors.
In 2009 UNESCO recognized Corfu as a fortified port end Mediterranean city that kept its integrity and authenticity. This recognition has prompted local authorities and the inhabitants to become active carriers of the responsibility to preserve, advance and promote the natural and historical monuments located in the island.
Corfu is a hospitable and popular tourist destination not just because of its historical uniqueness in the Greek territory but also thanks to its natural beauty. The climate supports dense vegetation right to the seashore while the coastline that extends over 200 kilometers provides a multivariate selection of beaches to the visitor.
Culturally the island is especially active in the areas of music, theater and painting. Music and art exhibitions constitute a very important section of the life of the city with various events in the central town spots, from spring all through summer, while the majority of the locals know how to draw, create and participate in the traditional philharmonic bands. The presence of the Ionian University with two artistic departments (Music and AudioVisual Arts) enriches the cultural life of the island with concerts, multimedia art, shows, festivals and events.
The visitor besides all the other activities has access to entertainment through the numerous options offered on the island for local food and innovative beverages and drinks including Kumquat-based liquors and ginger beer.
Corfu - Travel Information
Apart from being home to the Ionian University, Corfu is a popular travelling destination, as it is renowned, among other things, for the beauty of its landscape and for its style of architecture which is unique among Greek islands. This means that Corfu is easily accessible and in a variety of ways.
Flights to Corfu from Athens are scheduled several times a day. There are also flights from other airports, both in Greece and from several destinations abroad, on a regular basis. Another way to reach Corfu is by ferry, from Igoumenitsa (if you're travelling from the Greek mainland), or from Italian ports such as Brindisi, Bari, Ancona or Venice. These ferries are also used for carrying cars.
If you bring your own car or rent one while in Greece, you should keep in mind that E.U. Member-State citizens may use their own national driving license. Travelers from other countries, should have an international driving license along with their own valid national driving license.
Along with private vehicles, one can use the intercity buses system (KTEL). There are two scheduled KTEL bus routes from Athens to Corfu (and vice versa). You can also hire a taxi to get you to Corfu, even though this solution might prove a costly one.
Once you've reached the island, you can use its netwok of city buses, its intercity buses, or you can rent a car. There are also many taxis available. Please note that most of the sights within Corfu's old city are in walking distance from each other, but if you want to visit places outside the city, you will need some sort of transportation. There are also small ferries and boats that can take you to nearby destinations such as the islands of Paxos, Antipaxos, Vido or the islet of Lazaretto.
