Useful information 
The Old Fortress
Destination
Corfu
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Corfu is one of the most beautiful and romantic islands in the Ionian island chain, and also a worthy holder of the title of "Queen of the Ionian sea". From its verdant hills and stately manors, to its idyllic beaches and interesting museums, this island has everything that is needed to satisfy all types of travellers. Being strongly influenced by the Venetian, French, and English cultures, the city of Corfu is a remarkable base for a journey of exploration. Wander around the narrow paved alleyways, known as "kantounia", visit its splendid museums, go down its splendid seaside road, walk Corfu's famous Liston pedestrian street, or the huge Spianada square... The entire city of Corfu shines with a nostagic charm! You will become aware of the glorious past of Corfu through its majestic palaces, stately manors, pleasing museums, and charming squares. If you leave the city of Corfu, you will discover scenic seaside villages, microscopic verdant islets, luxurious resorts and unrefined landscapes. It is amazing to think how harmonically these different aspects of this idyllic location manage to coexist! If you succeed to get away from the enchanting city of Corfu, you shoud visit its shores, where you will find beaches enclosed in sandy coves and surrounded by green forests and mountains - they are truly some of the finest beaches in the whole of Greece! Lastly, the island's landmarks and excellent food are two more elements that will make you fall even more in love with his exquisite diamond of the Ionian Sea.
The history
Corfu was named after the nymph Kerkyra, daughter of Aisopos. According to the myth, Poseidon, the god of the sea, fell in love with the nymph Kerkyra, kidnapped her and brought her to this island. The archeological excavations have proven that the island was inhabited since the paleolithic era. According to mythology, Kerkyra was the island of the Phaeacians, where Ulysseus debarked during the journey of his return to Ithaca. In ancient times, Corfu was a major trade center inhabited by the Phoenicians. Due to the existence of trade with all cities in the Adriatic Sea, Corfu became a strong naval force and an important colonial city. During the Peloponnesian War, Corfu asked for military assistance from Athens for an important battle against Corinth. The alliance between Athens and Corfu lasted a century, until the Macedonians conquered the island on 338 B.C. and assumed control over Corfu. From 300 B.C. onwards, Corfu was successively attacked and conquered by Spartans, Illyrians and Romans, who remained on the island from 229 B.C. to 337 A.D. After the split of the Roman Empire, Corfu was united with the Eastern Roman Empire. During medieval times, the island was frequently attacked by pirates and barbarian armies, such as Goths or Saracens. Corfu was afterwards ceded to the Normans, and subsequently to the Venetians. The era of the Venetian Rule was a thriving period in the history of the island. Corfu was afterwards occupied by the French, English, Turks and Russians, and in the 20th century, Corfu took part in both World Wars and suffered great losses.
Sightseeing
The New Fortress
Kanoni and Pontikonisi
The Old Fortress
The Old Fortress of Corfu is among the most impressive fortifications in Europe, and also the first thing visitors see as the ship approaches Corfu, due to its location in the east side of the city, on a rocky promontory entering the sea. This fortress was built by the Venetians in the 15th century, on the site of a former Byzantine castle that connected to the shore by means of a mobile wooden bridge. In 1819, the British replaced this bridge with the current fixed pathway. The entrance to the fortress is via Corfu's famous Spianada square, which is also among the largest squares in Europe. This fortress stood as symbol of Venetian Rule over the Ionian islands for more than four centuries. Now, it is one of Corfu's most remarkable landmarks.
Local gastronomy
Pastitsada
Sofrito
Bourdeto
Pastitsada
Pastitsada is a traditional Corfiot dish, whose ingredients are capon or veal, plenty of red wine, spices, and pasta. The exact origin of this dish is not clear. However, it is believed that pastitsada, as it currently stands, was first developed sometime in the 15th century. In its most basic version, pastitsada is plain capon stew, which is why it was considered a rural dish of the poor. In fact, people traditionally used sour wine - which was no longer suitable for drinking - just so they wouldn't have to throw it away. The modern version of this dish became dominant after the Venetians became the rulers of Corfu.
Useful information
Police: +30 26610 29168
Airport: +30 26610 89600
Bus: +30 26610 31595
Taxi: +30 26610 39911
Hospital: +30 26613 60400
Port: +30 26613 65200
Weather conditions in Corfu
January
104mm
5°C - 12°C
February
106mm
5°C - 13°C
March
88mm
7°C - 15°C
April
57mm
10°C - 19°C
May
24mm
14°C - 24°C
June
10mm
17°C - 29°C
July
4mm
20°C - 32°C
August
4mm
20°C - 32°C
September
27mm
17°C - 27°C
October
78mm
14°C - 23°C
November
130mm
9°C - 17°C
December
160mm
6°C - 13°C
