Corfu

Corfu is the northest and the second in size island of the complex of the Ionian Islands, in Ionian Sea. With a density of population 193 residents per square kilometer, is considered as one of the most densely populated islands of the Mediterranean Sea.

The town of Corfu, with a population of 28.185 residents, with strong Venetian and english-french elements, offers important sights like Pontikonissi, Cannon and Mon Repo, and remarkable buildings: the English Commissioner, the old palace of Brigadier Michael and Saint George, the mansion Kapodistrias, the metropolitan building, the current City Hall, the mansion of the Ionian Academy. Another equally important sight, in the perimeter of the town, constitutes the Achilleio, the palace of Queen Elizabeth. The patron saint of the city is Saint Spyridon, whose deathless lodge attracts thousands of tourists annually. Corfu is the seat of the Ionian University which was established in 1984 and includes six styudy department: department of History ,department of Foreign Languages,Translation and Interpretation, department of Music Studies, department of Archival and library Studies, department of Information and department of Audio and Visual Arts. On the coast of Corfu, there are dozens of beaches with fine sand (Ai Gordis, Glyfada, Sidari, Acharavi, Paleokastritsa) while the inland villages are characterised by their outstanding natural beauty.

Corfu is popular for her music tradition,starting from the 'Songs'-in greek called 'cadades'- and reaching until the famous 'band', which accompanies the litany of the Epitaph on Good Friday. In the morning of Good Suturday, according to the Corfu tradition, the residents of the Old City throw pitchers with water from the balconies which symbolizes the 'first resurrection' of Christ. The town is known and for her Carnival, which is accompanied by parades in traditional costumes. Finally, the kitchen of Corfu is famous for the «pastitsada», the «sofrito», the «bourdeto», the «nougat» and the «pasteli». The local products include the bergamot (for sweets and liqueurs),the gruyere cheese and the butter of Corfu, the olive oil and oregano.