Villa Ellie—St. George, Corfu
Serene—Secluded—Sunny
Corfu
Corfu
Corfu lies to the north of the Ionian sea at the entrance of Adriatic. It is the second largest island in the group known as the Seven Islands, or Eptanisa. Together with the small island of Paxi and others that are still smaller (Antipaxi, Othoni, Erikoussa, Mathraki), Corfu constitutes a separate prefecture. It has an area of 592 sq. km, a coastline of 217 km and a population of over 100,000 making it the largest Ionian island in terms of population.
Approximately 65% of the surface of the island is under cultivation and 59% of this area is covered with olives, cypress trees, citrus fruit trees, fruit trees and vineyards. It's taste and aroma have made it a symbol of the island for tourists and is produced only in Corfu and nowhere else in Europe. Its dense vegetation exists thanks to the mild climate of Corfu and to what is by Greek standards the high level of humidity. The summer heat is moderated by the humidity and the winters are mild.
The island can be reached by air from Athens (daily service from Athens airport and more than six flights a day during peak periods) or Europe. Ships go from Patras (132 nautical miles), Igoumenitsa (18 nautical miles) or Sagiada as well as from Italy (Bari, Brindizi, Ancona, Otranto) and the former Yugoslavia (Bar, Dubrovnik, Split). By road you can go from Athens or Thessaloniki by way of Igoumenitsa.
Olive oil is the chief product of the island which is considered to be among the best in Greece. The island also grows cumquat, the very small orange of Chinese derivation which is made into a sweet or a liqueur.
It's taste and aroma have made it a symbol of the island for tourists and is produced only in Corfu and nowhere else in Europe. Its dense vegetation exists thanks to the mild climate of Corfu and to what is by Greek standards the high level of humidity. The summer heat is moderated by the humidity and the winters are mild.
Corfu has a typical Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and sunny while winter is mild with relatively heavy rain, so the island stays green all year round. In spring Corfu is famous for the wild flowers which cover the ground like a carpet. Amongst the flowers are over forty kinds of wild orchids, some of them rare.
A brief history……...
Archaeological and literary research takes the history of Corfu back to the very earliest times; the first myths refer to it as a stop on the voyage of Iason and the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece and Medea.
It is also described in the 'Odyssey' where Homer calls Corfu the rich Island of the Phaeacians, ruled by Alcinoos, whose daughter Nausicaa found Odysseus wading ashore from his wrecked ship.
During the Byzantine period the fortifications of the new town began with the walls of the Old Fortress (8th century) in an endeavor to confront the attacks of the island's enemies, particularly the Normans. During this period the name Coryfo prevailed.
In 1204 it was occupied by the Genoans and continually changed masters until 1356 when the Venetians took command and stayed until 1797. In the meantime Turks made their appearance starting in 1537. After the attacks by the Turks, Corfu experienced a flowering in the arts and letters which continued until the 19th century.
In 1797 it was occupied by the French and ten years later by the Russo- Turkish fleet. This was followed by the Anglo- French struggle for the domination of the island.
The union of Corfu and the other Ionian Islands with Greece finally took place in 1864
Today’s island combines the old and the new, so that visitors can enjoy all aspects of their destination with every comfort. A contemporary airport lies within close access of the charming old town and top class hotels. Modern roads lead into the countryside, to picturesque villages and dramatic scenery. High fashion boutiques sit beside craftsmen’s workshops. Restaurants located in antique buildings serve quality cuisine. In today’s Corfu, the past lives with the present, and the present reveals the past.
En-suite Rooms to rent