Identified with the ancient island of Faeakes where Ulysses stayed for a while before his return to Ithaca. One of the most important events was the destruction of the island by Barbarossa (1537) and the intervenence of Turks (1714-1718). It was integrated to Greece on 21 May 1864. Of particular significance is the contribution of Korfu in the cultural development.

The green full of trees island of Faeakes with the considerable historical evolution is extended in an area of 592 sq.km. and is in a distance of 132 n.m. (9 hours) from Patras and 18 n.m. (1 hour) from Igoumenitsa.

The capital Korfu is a town with characteristically finess and of high aesthetics with a lot vast squares as the famous Spianada, broad roads, narrow stone-paved streets, houses influenced by the Italian architectural style, traditional English mansions, byzantine churches.

In Spianada there are remarkable monuments as the palace of Sts. Michael and George in georgian style with the Municipal Art Gallery, the monument of the Union of Eptanissa, the Multiangle Venetian Well (Polygoniko Enetiko Pighadi), Liston.

To the eastern side of Spianada it is located the Palaeo Frourio (Old Castle) and in the castle you can visit one of the most splendid churches of Korfu St. George.

Two of the most famous sightseeings of the island is the location Kanoni with its marvellous view and the park Mon Repo with the villa-summer residence of the English high commissioner Adams.

Among the most worthwhile churches of the city is the Cathedral or Panaghia Spiliotissa, built in 1577, Panaghia Antivouniotissa with the byzantine museum, the church of St.Spyridonas considered as protector of the city and brilliantly celebrated, built in 1590. The church in basilica rythm of Palaeopolis, the oldest christian monument of the island, of the 5th century, is known as Aghia Kerkyra (St. Korfu).

In the capital you can visit the Archaeological Museum, of Byzantine and Postbyzantine Art, of Asian Art.

In the picturesque village Gastouri, 11 km. from the capital, in a hill it is built "Achillio", summer residence of the empress of Austria Elisabeth. Some of its rooms have been changed into a museum, whereas in the gardens of the palace it is found the famous statue of "Thniskontos Achilles" (Achilles Dying), a work of Heder. The cosmopolitan place Benitses with the tense night life is in a distance of 13,5 km. from the city.

One of the best known touristical settlement is St.Gordios, 16 km. south-west of the capital, built in a marvellous sandy bay with green hillsides and queer rocks all around. Very close to St. Gordios it is located the old village Sinarades where the Popular Art Museum is to be found.

Messoghi, 22 km. south of the capital, is a crowded summer resort. The biggest country town of the southern Korfu is Lefkimmi, the harbour of which is connected by ferryboat with Igoumenitsa. Here you can visit the monasteries of Panaghia Kyra ton Aggelon (Virgin Mary of Angels) and Panaghia of Arkoudila. Following the road to Lefkimmi you will pass from the touristical settlement Perama, built in olive-trees.

8 km. to the northwest of the city it is Kontokali, whereas 37 km. north of the capital it is Kassiopi, picturesque country town with the well-known bay of kouloura. Going on you will pass from Aharavi with the immense sandy beach, the small village Roda and finally you reach Sidari, 31 km. north of Korfu, famous for its beach, the fantastic Kanali tou Erota (Channel of Love).

In the north-western side of the island it is situated the crowded village Arillas, St. Stefanos Avlioton and St. George Pagon with the marvellous, immense beaches with splendid crystal sea.

Of enchanting beauty is Palaeokastritsa with its olive groves, its bays and sandy beaches, in a distance of 25 km. from the capital. You can visit also Aggelokastro, a castle that was built in 13th century by Angeli Komnini and the men's monastery of Palaeokastritsa founded in 1228, with a small collection of byzantine and postbyzantine icons, vestments and sacred books.