Corfu travel guide
Corfu - the green one
Even Empress Sissi loved the green paradise that lies off the north-west coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea. Corfu is a paradise that delights every visitor: whether they are culture vultures following in the footsteps of the Venetians, Italians, French and British; hikers strolling through the hilly to mountainous landscape or connoisseurs who want to enjoy local specialities and extensive sunbathing on the picture-book beaches.
LOCATION
Corfu is located off the north-west coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea
AREA
638 km2
POPULATION
115.000
CAPITAL CITY
Kerkyra (Corfu Town)
Evergreen cypress forests, beautiful bays and endless sandy beaches, fragrant orange orchards, small mountain and coastal villages and historical sights: Corfu, the northernmost and second largest island in the northern Ionian Sea, is one of the most popular Greek holiday islands
The Greek name of Corfu - Kerkyra - is said to derive from the legendary monster Gorgo. Apart from this, the island has been known since ancient times, as Corfu is considered the island of Scheria of the Phaeacians in Homer's Odyssey. According to legend, the Phaeacians took in the shipwrecked Odysseus, had him recount his wanderings and finally brought him to Ithaca. The Bay of Ermones, Garitsa and Liapades in particular play a major role in the tales of the Odyssey - and are therefore popular holiday destinations.
Culture and history
Corfu is Greece's green island and attracts nature lovers in particular, who explore the diverse natural landscape - from the mountainous north through the island's dense forests to the golden sandy beaches in the south. However, the island also has many culturally and historically interesting sights that tell of a vibrant history. If you want to follow in the footsteps of Turkish rule and discover the influences of Byzantine and Venetian culture, you will find plenty of evidence in today's Corfu in churches and monasteries, castles and palaces or other archaeological and historical monuments. Greek mythology also plays a special role in the culture of Corfu: according to legend, the Phaeacians, the island's forefathers, took in the shipwrecked Odysseus. Before he returned to his home island of Ithaca, he told them about his wanderings. Places that play a role in his stories are still popular travel destinations today - including the bay of Ermonés, where he was stranded.
Weather and climate
The climate on Corfu is typically Mediterranean: the summer months are hot and dry, while the winter months are mild and humid. Mild temperatures prevail from the end of April, when temperatures can reach up to 19°C. Many tourists travel to Corfu in April and May - not least for the Easter holidays, so as not to miss out on the processions in Corfu Town. The real high season begins in June: temperatures climb to 28°C and reach highs of over 30°C in July and August. Corfu attracts visitors with up to 11 hours of sunshine a day, pleasant water temperatures of over 20°C and few rainy days - the best conditions for sun-seekers and water sports fans!
In October, when the low season ends, milder temperatures of 13°C to 23°C prevail. However, as is usual for the autumn and winter months in Greece, there are more rainy days. From October and into February, you can expect up to 28 days of rain, while the sun only shines for 3 to 5 hours. For this reason, many accommodations, restaurants and sights remain closed in the low season. If you want to enjoy pleasantly mild and dry weather on your excursions around the island, you should therefore travel to Corfu in the spring months of April and May - the perfect months for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking or walks on the beach.
Flora and fauna
Corfu is an exception among the Greek islands: while other archipelagos dry out in the summer months and often resemble a desert, Corfu remains surprisingly green. This is because the northernmost of the Ionian Islands is situated in a special microclimate that favours the growth of wild flowers. Not only do an estimated four million olive trees grow on Corfu, but also countless cypress trees, citrus trees, wild flowers and herbs, most of which can only be found on the island.
Typical of the island are also the 36 species of orchids that grow in the wild, as well as the dwarf orange trees. The "κουμ κουάτ" (kumquat) was introduced to Corfu at the end of the 19th century and has been cultivated and processed for Corfiot liqueurs, jams and sweets ever since. The island is also characterised by its approximately 4 million olive trees, the cultivation of which was promoted by the Venetians. Other citrus fruits, vineyards, oaks, elms and cypresses as well as the aspen, which blooms purple in spring, are also typical of evergreen Corfu.
In the south-west of the island there are several wetlands and lagoons that form an important habitat for birds. Over 150 species have been counted around the Korrision lagoon alone. Otherwise, the island is mainly home to small mammals - martens, foxes, rabbits and hedgehogs. Various reptile species such as geckos, spiders and scorpions as well as tortoises are a typical sight on Corfu, as on other Mediterranean islands. Even more typical are the countless species of lizards that enjoy the many sunny days on the island. Just like the loudly chirping cicadas, they are probably the most characteristic image of Corfu's wildlife.
Public holidays on Corfu
On Corfu, as in the rest of Greece, the majority of the population professes the Greek Orthodox faith. The most important holidays are Easter and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It is also customary on Corfu to honour patron saints and icons and celebrate their memorial days. Many of the holidays and festivals celebrated in the various regions of the island are also a special experience for tourists.
Important public holidays on Corfu
- 1 January: New Year
- 6th January: Epiphany (Theofania)
- Rose Monday (floating public holiday)
- 25 March: National holiday of the Greek Revolution of 1821
- Easter (public holiday)
- 1 May: Labour Day
- 21 May: National holiday of the Ionian Islands
- Whitsun (floating public holidays)
- 15 August: Assumption Day
- 28 October: National holiday (Ochi Day)
- 12 December: Agios Spyridon Day, patron saint of Corfu
Some of the public holidays are based on the Julian calendar - such as Easter and Whitsun.
Easter on Corfu
Easter has a special significance on Corfu: for a week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, there is no other theme than the Easter holidays, especially in the island's capital. The celebrations begin on Palm Sunday with processions to commemorate the patron saint of the island, St Spiridion, who saved it from the plague. The highlight is the processions on Good Friday, which begin in the morning and continue until late in the evening. Afterwards, the Corfiots parade through the town celebrating and playing music - often in splendid, colourful uniforms and watched by tourists, who often arrive for Easter in the low season. The resurrection of Christ is celebrated in the old quarter until the early hours of the morning - with typical specialities, music and dancing. On Holy Saturday, don't miss the fireworks display in Corfu Town, which heralds the end of Easter - but also the breaking of the fast. Easter Sunday and Monday are also dedicated to family dinners with pork, lamb and beef.
Carnival on Corfu
It is thanks to the Venetian influence that Carnival on Corfu is also celebrated exuberantly - for three weeks. In the first week of carnival, the season of fools is heralded with the roll of drums and town criers, while in the following week many Corfiots organise barbecues to eat meat before Lent. In the third week of carnival, many give up milk and dairy products before the actual 40-day fasting period begins on "Kathero Deftera" - the equivalent of Ash Wednesday in Germany. On this day, many families organise picnics and fly kites with their children. During this time, parades are held in many places on the three Sundays, in which current and historical events are made fun of - similar to the carnival speeches. Colourful, funny or traditional costumes are also a must on Corfu. The following applies to all fools on holiday in Corfu: a trip to the island is worthwhile, especially now during the carnival season!
Bestsellers Corfu
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