Located off the northwest coast of Greece, the Emerald Island of Corfu is considered one of the most beautiful of the Greek Islands. With 112,000 inhabitants, Corfu is the most populated of the major islands in the Ionian Sea. The old town of the largest town on the island, Corfu, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007.
The Achilleion Palace in Village of Gastouri (Sisi’s beloved Greek summer palace), Corfu, Greece. Credit: VW PICS/Universal Images Group 
Vlacherna Monastery in Kanoni, Corfu, Greece. Credit: VW PICS/Universal Images Group 
The Old Fortress, Corfu Old Town, Kerkyra, Corfu Island, Ionian Islands, Greece. Credit: Matthew Williams-Ellis/Universal Images Group 
Sunset ferry to Corfu from mainland Greece. Credit: Matthew Williams-Ellis/Universal Images Group 
Saint George Palace statue, Corfu Old Town, Kerkyra, Corfu Island, Ionian Islands, Greece. Credit: Matthew Williams-Ellis/Universal Images Group 
Corfu Old Town, Kerkyra, Corfu Island, Ionian Islands, Greece. Credit: Matthew Williams-Ellis/Universal Images Group 
Corfu Old Town, Kerkyra, seen from The Old Fortress, Corfu Island, Ionian Islands, Greece. Credit: Matthew Williams-Ellis/Universal Images Group
Corfu has a diverse and rich cultural history that reflects its time under Venetian, French and British rule before being united with Greece in 1864. Corfu (Kerkyra in Greek), unlike the rest of Greece, never fell under the Ottoman oppression. Venetian, French and British influences inspired the culture of Corfu, and the island was always more closely associated with the West rather than the Levantine world. The first Greek University was established on Corfu as were the first Philharmonic Orchestra and the First School of Fine Arts.
The Old Fortress, Corfu Old Town, Kerkyra, Corfu Island, Ionian Islands, Greece. Credit: Matthew Williams-Ellis/Universal Images Group 
Moon over Corfu Island, Europe, background with copy space. Credit: Matthew Williams-Ellis/Universal Images Group 
Corfu Old Town, Kerkyra, Corfu Island, Ionian Islands, Greece. Credit: Matthew Williams-Ellis/Universal Images Group 
Sailing boats, Corfu Old Town, Kerkyra, Corfu Island, Ionian Islands, Greece. Credit: Matthew Williams-Ellis/Universal Images Group 
Gifts and souvenir shop, Corfu Town, Corfu, Greek Islands, Greece. Credit: REDA&CO/Universal Images Group 
People walking through the streets and sitting in cafes, Corfu, Ionian Islands, Greece. Credit: REDA&CO/Universal Images Group
The old town features remarkable architecture, again inspired by the Venetians, French and British. Venetian engineers designed three forts on the island adjacent to the strategic entrance of the Adriatic Sea. Neoclassical architecture is the most common style amongst residential structures in the Old Town.
Typical pastry shop, Corfu Town, Corfu, Greek Islands, Greece. Credit: REDA&CO/Universal Images Group 
Greek Orthodox chapel of Christian church, Corfu town, Greek Islands, Greece. Credit: REDA&CO/Universal Images Group 
People walking through the streets and sitting in cafes, Corfu, Ionian Islands, Greece. Credit: REDA&CO/Universal Images Group 
Greek Orthodox chapel of Christian church, Corfu town, Greek Islands, Greece. Credit: REDA&CO/Universal Images Group 
People sitting in cafes, Corfu, Ionian Islands, Greece. Credit: REDA&CO/Universal Images Group 
People walking through the streets and sitting in cafes, Corfu, Ionian Islands, Greece. Credit: REDA&CO/Universal Images Group 
Public square in old town of Corfu, Corfu Island, Ionian Islands, Greece. Credit: REDA&CO/Universal Images Group
Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, the island boats lush greenery, a versatile coastline with pristine and often uncrowded beaches, diverse and delicious cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and kind-hearted, music-loving locals.
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Sources:
https://www.visitgreece.gr/islands/ionian-islands/corfu
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/978
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/guide-to-corfu by Vangelis Koronakis June 11, 2024