Corfu
About Corfu
Corfu is one of the Ionian Islands which nestle off the West side of the Greek mainland. The island is 36 miles long and at its widest part (the North) 15 miles wide. Covered with over 3 million evergreen olive trees, watered by winter rains, Corfu, even during the hot dry summers remains one of the greenest of the Mediterranean islands.
At the center is 'Mount Pantocrator' with a height of 998 meters. The NE coast is made up of sheltered rocky coves and shingle beaches offering secluded bays and traditional fishing villages. The North and South offer long sweeping sandy bays and the expected commercialism. The craggy west coast, with the high cliffs and horse-shoe sandy beaches and spectacular sunsets.
By the coast, search for quiet rocky coves or untouched sandy beaches. Inland a network of twisting roads service local villages that seem totally untouched by tourism; stop and explore and meet the warm and friendly Corfiot people. Discover deserted villages such as Old Sinies and Perithia with sheep and goats being the only residents!
Laze by the pool, or search for secret coves that can only be reached by motor boat. With sparkling waters, and beachside tavernas awaiting, Corfu is your 'stress cure'.
Corfu lies to the north of the Ionian sea at the entrance of Adriatic. It is the second largest island in the group known as the Seven Islands, or Eptanisa. Together with the small island of Paxi and others that are still smaller (Antipaxi, Othoni, Erikoussa, Mathraki), Corfu constitutes a separate prefecture.
It has an area of 592 km2, a coastline of 217 km and a population of over 100.000 making it the largest Ionian island in terms of population.
Approximately 65% of the surface of the island is under cultivation and 59% of this area is covered with olives, cypress trees, citrus fruit trees, fruit trees and vineyards.