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See the detailed hotel description on the web-site
CORFU – AN EMERALD I SLAND
GEOGRAPHY
Corfu (Kerkyra) is the second largest Ionian island as well as the north-
ernmost of the whole group which is off the west coast of the mainland
Greece. Its area is about 593 square kilometers. km with the rugged
coastline of 217 km. The landscape is mostly mountainous. Its Northern
part is separated from the rest by a line of mountains with the biggest
being the Mount of Pantokrator (906 m).
MYTHOLOGY
Corfu, as a name of the island, is mostly favoured by the foreigners. It
is an Italian modification of the Byzantine word «κορυφώ» (koryphō)
that means “city of the peaks”. This word, in its turn, is derived from the
Greek «κορυφαί» (koryphai) meaning “crests of peaks, top”. The island’s
inhabitants still prefer to call it Kerkyra.
WHAT TO SEE
Architecture is the main feature that makes the island different from
any other place as if history was captured by these stones. Walk along
these paved sidewalks, watch the ancient churches and you will come to
understand those who return to this place again and again. To feel and
understand the island’s individuality one should visit the Old Town (Palia
Poli) that nestles between two fortresses.
There are a lot of churches on Corfu. But the church of Agios Spiridonas
(Saint Spiridon) plays leading role in the island’s life. Agios Spiridonas is
the most beloved saint patron and the keeper of Corfu. One of the most
visited places of the island Kanoni is located on the peninsular of the
same name. It has a wonderful view to the nearby monastery of Panagia
Vlachernon and Pontikonisi.
Pontikonisi, which means “mouse island”, lies not far from Kanoni and
about 4-5 km off the capital. This all green islet covered with cypress
trees today is under government protection. It has become the “trade-
mark” of Corfu Island. The whitewashed stair leads to the small church
of Pantokrator of the eleventh-twelfth centuries. It is said that the
island owes its name to this very stair that looks like a mouse tail from
afar.
Ancient Kerkyra today is mostly known as Corfu.
The island still keeps its charms and every year
it attracts loads of visitors. Lush landscapes
“intrude” into the local architectural eclecticism
making up a unique and magnificent picture.
C O R F U - D E S C R I P T I O N
