Corfu covers an area of 592 km2 and has a coastline of 217 km. It is a long narrow island, 62 km long and 9 km wide. It is green, due to its fertile terrain, with olive trees in the north, wealthy vegetation in the center and less greenery in the south. The island’s land is mainly mountainous, with its highest peak Mount Pantokratora (906m), on its northern side. The capital is the town of Corfu.
Its western side, bordered by the Ionian Sea, has rocky and abrupt coasts and its sea is often rough. Its eastern side, separated from the Greek mainland by a narrow stretch of sea, has large beaches and beautiful bays and its sea is often calm.
The island’s climate is mild throughout the year, with a pleasant cool summer because of the winds from the Adriatic Sea. On the island agriculture had flourished, but today it has given way to tourism. Corfu has many beautiful sites that visitors should not omit from their itineraries. One of these is the little bay in the peninsula Kanoni, 4 km from the capital, with the Monastery of Vlachernas, connected to mainland only by a narrow passage, and with the small picturesque island of Pontikonisi. This place is one of the most beautiful and representative of the island.
In the village of Palaiokastrizza, 25 km from the capital, on the western side of the island, the visitor meets a wonderful natural environment, full of ancient legends. The landscape is green, with little bays of unique beauty. The legend says that the Palace of King Alkinoo, who helped the legendary hero Odysseus after his shipwreck, was on this side. It says also that a small island, in the area, is the hero’s petrified ship.
Other Greece destinations
For more information about other Greece destinations make sure to checkout the Iventure Card.