Corfu, known locally as Kerkyra is truly an island of enchantment.
The island is rich in history, but here’s a potted version as a primer. Do dig deeper, you’ll find it really rewarding.
Because of its enviable position and gentle climate, it has attracted the attention of settlers, traders and invaders through its history.
It’s well represented in ancient history, with references to great battles, one of which was the catalyst to the Pelopnnnesian War. In fifth century BC it was one of three great naval powers along with Athens and Corinth. You don’t need to travel far to find ruins of ancient Greek temples and other archeological sites.
Its strategic position invited invasions by the Ottomans and pirates in the Middle Ages, and prompted the building of formidable fortresses, two of which can still be found enclosing Corfu Town. Indeed it’s sometimes referred to as the Kastropolis - Castle City.
It became part of the republic of Venice in the 13th century just as this Italian city was opening up the world to trade.
In 1815, the British moved in following the Napoleonic Wars, and then in 1864 after the Treaty of London, it was ceded to Greece, along with the remaining islands of the United States of the Ionian Islands.
The Ionian Academy was the first university of modern Greece, with the Nobile Teatro di San Giacomo di Corfu the first Greek theatre and opera hous ein Modern Greece.
The first governor of an independent Greece after the revolution in 1921 - Ioannis Kopdistrias - was born in Corfu. The airport bears his name.
Corfu’s Old Town is a World Heritage Site.