Corfú

Corfú, also known as Kerkyra in Greek, is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, off the northwest coast of the mainland. It is the northernmost of the Ionian Islands and covers about 593 square kilometers. The island's topography includes a jagged coastline, beaches, olive groves, and the rugged interior dominated by Mount Pantokrator, which rises to 906 meters. The population is around 100,000 to 104,000, with Corfu Town (Kerkyra) as the capital and largest settlement.

The history: The area has been inhabited since ancient times, and the island was part of the Byzantine Empire before being conquered by Venice in the 14th century. It remained under Venetian rule until 1797, then passed to the French, later briefly to the Septinsular Republic (under Russian and Ottoman influence), and finally to British administration as part of the United Provinces of the Ionian Islands. In 1864, Corfu joined the modern Greek state.

The Old Town of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2007, recognized for its architectural blend of Venetian, French, and British influences, and its urban layout around the large central square and harbor.

Economy and culture: Tourism is the main economic activity, supported by agriculture (olive oil, citrus, wine) and shipping. The island attracts visitors with its fortified town, palaces such as Achilleion, monastic sites, and beaches around Paleokastritsa, Kanoni, and Sidari. Transport links include Corfu International Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias) and ferry connections with the Greek mainland and Italy.