Tourism is undoubtedly the mainstay of the local economy, but the agriculture is also an important source of income. The soil is very rich and the climate humid, making for boountiful harvests. Olives, fruit, spices and wine are produced in the growing season, and in winter many of the locals turn to fishing or working on boats to support themselves. That the island has extraordinary architecture and nature cannot be disputed however. The island was lucky during the great earthquake that hit the Ionian islands in 1953 as it was largely untouched while many of the neighbouring iislands suffered great losses in both lives and buildings. The island also is and has been a popular resort for royalty and celebrities. The Greek royal family used to spend their summers here, the Austrian empress Elizabeth had a palace here called the Achilleo. Today the palace is a casino and hotel but the ex-king Constantine is trying to buy it back, which of course is a subject of great controversy here in Greece. Many international stars and public figures spend their holidays here.

The islands saint, Spyridon, is kept in a silver cascet in the sixteenth century church. He was a bishop who lived on Cyprus in the third century and is still believed to perform miracles. Reports of seaweed being found on the saints feet in the morning make many people believe he walks around at night, maybe visiting his fiend St. Gerasimos on Cephalonia. The Easter celebration here is a little different, since it is a local custom to break ceramic pots on Good Friday. You have to watch out - people are throwing the pots from their balconies everywhere.

History

The earliest mention of Corfu was in the writings of Homer. Odysseus last stop was Corfu, or island of the Faiacs, where he was washed ashore after his ship had sunk. Later, in the 8th century BC the island was colonized by the Corinthians. The Venetians ruled the island from 1386 to 1797, then it fell into the hands of Napoleon, until his defeat when it was occupied briefly by Russian-Turkish forces. In 1815 the British took over as Regents and they stayed for almost 50 years before returning it to Greek administration. The Italians occupied the island in 1923 and held it until WWII. As a result, it was heavily fought over by the Allies, and parts of Corfu town were heavily bombed.

What to See

The citadel in the harbour was made by the Venetians. The Regency palace in the town was built by the British, and the French made a copy of Paris's Rue de Rivoli. This gives the island its typical European style. Some of the nicest parts of the island are best accessed by boat - for example, Sidari, Aharavi, Dasia, Ypsos, the channel of love, the fishing villages Benitses, Moraitika etc. If you want a taste of the cosmopolitan side of Corfu, you can visit the most popular square Spianada in the town for a coffee or a drink. The palace Achilleon where the empress Sissy lived is quite splendid. The old and new Castro are worth visiting, as well as St. Spyridon, with the tallest bell tower of the island. The palace of Ag Michael and Georgiou and the church of Vlahernas are other places of interest. There is an archaeological museum you definitely should go to if you are interested in ancient history. Just outside town is an area called Pontikonisi, which not only is beautiful, but also has a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary from the 13th century. This is probably the most photographed spot in Corfu. On a cliff just by the most popular beach, Paleocastritsa, there is a 13th century monastery, which holds the huge bones of a whale. At Kalami you can see the house of Lawrence Durell.

What to Do

Watersports are available at many beaches, as well as diving and biking. You can also go horse riding in Ermone and Sidari. In Sidari there are also some really nice tracks for walking.There is an 18 hole golf course. Watch cricket matches in Corfus capital or go to the casino. Around the island, especially by the bigger hotels there are tennis courts.

Beaches

There are many beaches on the island, and are readily accessed by boat. The most famous one was the one Odysseus was allegedly washed ashore on, Paleocastritsa, but there are many more choices: Sidari, Ermones and Kavos are only a few of the nice beaches. Agios Georgios is very long (3km) and great for watersports and families with children

Nightlife

The busiest areas are Mandouki (also called the Disco Strip) and the capital Kerkyra. The Bond film A View to Kill was shot here.

Food

The local pie is worth a try, as well as and Sofrito which is cooked meat with carrots, garlic and onion. Kumquat is a special liqueur made from Japanese oranges grown on the island.