Star Travel & Tourism Agency

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STAR TRAVEL & TOURIST AGENCY
Agios Georgios Argyradon 49080 - Corfu - Greece
Tel & Fax: +30 26620 51631 - 52800 - 52940

The verdant isle of Corfu with its peerless natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and contemporary tourist infrastructure, is the best known of the Greek and Ionian islands. Lying at the mouth of the Adriatic sea, opposite the mainland shore from which it is separated to the north by a narrow channel of water just 2.5 km in width , it is the northernmost of the Ionian islands and, at the same time, the most western part of Greek territory. The island’s capital is the delightful Kerkyra town, one of the most attractive in Europe. Built on a narrow strip of land, it owes its charm to the many disparate elements it contains, the traces of the different cultures which have settled there. The island with its pure, crystal-clear waters and picturesque bays and coves, enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate of mild winters and cool summers.

The trees and grass and bushes stretch right down to the shore, adorned all year round with the colours of the blooming flowers and the trees laden with fruit. The island people communicate with simplicity and courtesy, proud of their island’s history and culture. HISTORY & CULTURE The first literary reference to the island is in Homer’s Odyssey , where on the island of the Phaeacians Odysseus, recently escaped from Calypso , encounters Nausica , daughter of the King. A number of archaeological finds leave no doubt the Corfu was inhibited as early as the Paleolithic period. According to the mythological tradition the island acquired its current name , Kerkira in Greek , from a nymph of that name , a daughter of Asopos. Zeus fell in love with her and brought her to the island. The island was a colony of the city of Corinth during classical times , and enjoyed great affluence and a flourishing cultural life.

At the end of 4th century BC it passed into the hands of the Spartans , and was subsequently ruled by Agathocles , tyrant of Syracuse. It later became part of the territory of the King of Epeirus.

A little later the island was occupied by the Romans. During Byzantine period the island enjoyed great prosperity , although it was often subjected to the hostile raids and incursions. The island’s vital strategic importance constantly attracted new conquerors. As the Byzantine Empire entered upon its decline , Corfu was occupied for a short period by the Venetians rule , and there began a period of great importance in the island’s history. The Venetians administered the island for 400 years , stamping their mark indelibly on the island’s culture. Under the venetian Corfu enjoyed a period of great distinction in the arts and literature.Among the many traces of Venetian rule still to be , seen on the island are its fortresses , houses , monuments and opera house. On the fall of the venetian republic , the islands were surrendered to France , whose rule was quickly ended by the Russo-Turkish occupation , followed by a short interval of independence with the creation of the Septinsular Republic. The 18th century was a period of intense artistic and cultural activity for the island. It had no fewer than fifteen philharmonic orchestras , and a host of painters , writes , musicians and other artists. Following Napoleon’s agreement with the Russians , the island was conceded to the french , and almost immediately afterwards occupied by the British.

Along with the other Ionian islands, Corfu was relinquished by the British and became part of the modern Greek state in 1864

CORFU ISLAND TODAY The Corfu of today is an international tourist resort , offering a superb combination of leisure and recreation activities with an exciting nightlife. Island life obeys its own rhythm , full of music and poetry , yet at the same time its tourist infrastructure is able to respond to the needs of the most demanding visitor. It is impossible to miss the Italian influence in Corfu town , with its spacious squares , like the popular Spianada , and its narrow , stone-paved streets , known as Kantounia. All the various elements of the town – the great English mansions , the churches , first and foremost that of St. Spyridon , patron saint of Corfu , the Venetian monuments – blend together to create a completely satisfying aesthetic whole. To the west of the town lies Paleokastritsa , a miniature earthly paradise , and Angelokastro , a Byzantine fortress from the 13th century.

To the south lies Kanoni , one of the most popular spots on the whole island. A narrow strip of land leads to the Vlacherna Monastery , from where the boats will take you to Pontikonisi .. opposite here , on the hillside of Gastouri , stands the unique Achillio , summer palace of the Empress Elizabeth , or Sissy , of Austria. But Corfu does not just offer the visitor unparalleled beaches and important historic monuments …. there are also any number of sporting activities to enjoy , such as sailing, water-skiing, wind-surfing, diving and underwater fishing, tennis, cricket, and golf, while the hills of the island are ideal for hunting. The visitor can enjoy the excellent local cuisine, the superb wines, nougat, liqueurs made of fragrant strawberries and the tiny Japanese oranges known as Koum-Kouat. Most of all, one can revel in the vital traditions of the island, and soak up its cosmopolitan atmosphere in the bars, tavernas, nightclubs and Casino.

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STAR TRAVEL & TOURIST AGENCY
Agios Georgios Argyradon 49080 - Corfu - Greece
Tel & Fax: +30 26620 51631 - 52800 - 52940
E-mail: info@startravel.gr