Corfu – The Emerald Island of Greece

Greece’s Corfu was not given the name of the Emerald Island for no reason. The greenest of all the Greek islands, its natural beauty is hidden under a mantle of lush olive groves, wild cypress trees, and vibrant flowers. Corfu has enchanted visitors for centuries with its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural history.

Home to a mountainous skyline plunging into the crystalline blue waters of the Ionian and Adriatic Sea, Corfu’s scenery never ceases to amaze. With its charming landscape of vibrant wildflowers and slender cypresses rising from shimmering olive groves, it feels like a living painting. The olive groves in particular tell an interesting story of the island’s past.

The Olive Heritage of Corfu

Corfu is home to nearly 3 million olive trees, planted during Venetian rule between the 14th and 18th centuries. Locals were paid in gold coins for every olive tree planted, which encouraged large-scale cultivation. Interestingly, the oil was not intended primarily as food, but as fuel to light the lamps of Venice. Olive trees still dominate the island today, giving Corfu its unique character and the nickname Emerald Island.

Facts & Figures

• 📏 Size: The island measures 590 km², stretching 62 km from north to south.
• 🌊 Coastline: 217 km in length, filled with bays, coves, and sandy beaches.
• 🏙️ Population: Around 120,000 inhabitants, with 40,000 in Corfu Town and the rest in scattered villages.
• 🎓 Education: Home to the Ionian University.

Mythology of Kerkyra

Corfu’s Greek name, Kerkyra, is steeped in mythology. According to legend, Poseidon—the god of the sea—fell in love with the nymph Korkyra, daughter of the river god Asopos. He abducted her and brought her to an unnamed island, which he named after her: Korkyra. Over time, the name evolved to Kerkyra. Together, they had a son named Phaiax, and the island’s inhabitants were called Phaiakes, later Latinized into the Phaeacians, who feature in Homer’s Odyssey.

Why Visit Corfu?

Whether you are looking for the hustle and bustle of nightlife or peace and tranquillity in nature, Corfu offers something for every visitor. From Venetian fortresses and UNESCO-listed Corfu Town, to sandy beaches and charming mountain villages, the island is a mix of history, culture, and stunning scenery. Every trip here leaves travellers with stories and memories worth keeping.