Corfu

Geography and territory
Corfu is located on the Ionian island, situated in the western part of Greece. Arriving from Italy, the island of Corfu is the first Greek Island you see. The island covers an area of approximately 590 km², has more than 200 kilometers of coastline and a population of over 100 000 inhabitants. Its coastal area is characterized by sandy beaches and a hinterland, where mountains alternate with flat areas. The island has rich and green vegetation. The land has fertile ground where there are vineyards and olive groves.

Climate
The Island of Corfu enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. Winters are often rainy (and this guarantees the presence of a rich vegetation), while the summers are hot.

Time Zone
The time zone is GMT +2h.

Currency
The official currency is the Euro.

Language
Modern Greek (also known as Demotiki), which is the Greek spoken today, is a language derived from vulgar Greek and was made official in 1976. It is very different, both in pronunciation and vocabulary, from ancient Greek. In the main tourist resorts, hotels, restaurants and shops, people also speak English, French, German and Italian. You'll also find menus, directions and tourist brochures written in Italian, English, French and German.

Electrical outlets / phone coverage
Electrical current is 220 volts. In the case of different socket, you can buy an adapter locally or at the airport.

When you enter, your telephone will automatically connect to a Greek telephone operator.
For calls to Greece, the country code is +30, following with the local area code.

Customs / Habits
Since 1800 the island of Corfu was a popular tourist destination. The island was in fact a popular destination for the Empress Elisabeth of Austria (also known as Sissi), who constructed the huge villa Achilleion. But the real tourism boom only occurred in recent decades. Today the island is one of the most popular of the Ionian Islands, and each year it attracts thousands of tourists, who are fascinated by its greenery, its sandy beaches and the incredible historical and cultural background on the Greek island. In the past the island had been conquered by different peoples (the Venetians, the French and finally the British), in the villages, away from tourist areas, the Greek culture is still very present.

Culture / Traditions
The island of Corfu has a beautiful and fascinating, historical past. A past marked by a succession of conquests by other people (the Venetians, French and English). Walking around the island and especially in the city of Corfu, you will be amazed by its architectural and multicultural mix; by the combination of buildings and fortresses in Venetian style, the arcades reminiscent to those of the rue de Rivoli in Paris and by the British buildings.
With a mild climate, the island of Corfu has rich and flourishing vegetation. Particularly popular are its vast olive groves. At the end of a holiday in Corfu you cannot go home without buying a souvenir in the olive wood, handmade by local artisans.

Religion
Over 90% of the population is Greek Orthodox. Religious ceremonies are a very impressive performance, as the Orthodox liturgy is based on a number of rituals. In the country there are also minorities of Jews, Protestants, Catholics and Moslems.

Airports / Rent a car
Two kilometers from Corfu’s center is the International Airport Ioannis Kapodistrias (or simply Corfu airport). Having landed, you can reach town by bus or taxi. In addition, many hotels organize shuttle buses from the airport to the hotel.

For visiting the beauties of the island it’s recommended to rent a car. Many car rental stations are located in tourist areas and at the airport. The island's road network is well maintained.

Ship
The island of Corfu is even accessible by water from Italy; this is done by ferry. Italian ports that provide connections to Corfu are: Venice, Ancona, Bari and Brindisi. The island's main port is in Corfu.

Public Transport
On the island there are buses that provide daily connections to all major tourist destinations.

Taxi
Outside the airport and in tourist resorts there are plenty of taxis.

Gastronomy
In tourism the cuisine usually served is international.
Greek cuisine instead is based on fish, meat and enriched by numerous spices. Listed below are some of the major Greek specialties:
Feta: famous goat cheese that is usually accompanied by olives
Zaziki: Greek sauce made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, seasoned with a little oil and vinegar. The Tsatsiki you eat with pita bread (unleavened bread)
Moussaka: eggplant fried pie, minced meat, tomatoes, onions and cheese typical Greek.
Souvlaki: kebabs

Lifestyle
On the coast and in the town of Corfu, tourist life is the hostess. Following the strong growth of the tourism industry, Corfu had to gradually adapt to the needs of visitors, many hotels have been built, the streets of the historic centers were filled with shops, restaurants and localities and shores have been invaded by numerous beaches. Nevertheless, Corfu is an island that is fascinating; especially because of its vegetation, its architecture and its multicultural past. On the coasts and in major towns, tourism plays an essential role in everyday life; we cannot say the same for small villages located in the hinterland of the island. Here the daily life is far away from the spotlight of mass tourism. The inhabitants are still attached to their traditions and live among vineyards, olive trees and forests.

Attractions
Corfu Town is a mix of history and culture. Walking along the streets you can admire fortresses, palaces and buildings dating to the occupation of the Venetians, French and English. The heart of the city is the square of the Esplanade. A short walk from the square you can admire the beautiful French arcades, recalling the rue de Rivoli in Paris. In the city museums are varied, including: the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Asian Art. The old town of Corfu is characterized by a succession of narrow streets and alleys where there are craft shops, boutiques and restaurants and clubs.

About 20 km from Corfu city is the palace Achilleion, built in 800 by the Empress Elizabeth of Austria.

Aqualand Water Park: aqualand-corfu.com