Corfu, known as Kerkyra in Greek, has a fascinating history intertwined with Greek mythology. The early history of Corfu is more myth than fact, and it begins with a captivating story: Poseidon, God of the Sea, fell in love with the Nymph Korkira, daughter of the river god Asopos. Poseidon kidnapped Korkira and brought her to this beautiful island. Here, they lived in marital bliss, and as a token of his love, Poseidon named the island after her. This mythical origin adds to the enchanting allure of Corfu, blending its natural beauty with rich legendary tales.

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Korkira = Kerkyra

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They created a race called the Phaeacians, skilled sailors who inhabited Corfu. The Phaeacians played a pivotal role in the epic tale of Odysseus. When Odysseus was washed ashore in a shipwreck on the bay of Palaiokastritsa, the goddess Athena guided him to the Phaeacians for help. Their king generously provided Odysseus with a ship to continue his journey home. However, the sea god Poseidon, angered by the fact that Odysseus' men had blinded his son, Cyclops, turned the ship to stone in a fit of rage. This blend of mythology and history adds a rich layer of intrigue to Corfu's storied past.

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Corfu is also famous for its connections to other gods and demi-gods. It is here that Hercules met the Naiad (a water nymph) Melite before setting off on his ten labors; she later gave birth to the leader of the Heraclids, Hercules' son Hyllus. Additionally, the Argonauts hid on the island to avoid the avenging Colchic fleet after stealing the Golden Fleece.

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Make of that what you will! Archaeological excavations have shown that the island was inhabited since the Paleolithic Era. The first settlements on Corfu date back to 775-750 B.C., showcasing a long and rich history that blends myth with tangible ancient roots.

During the Roman period, Corfu had to defend itself from pirates that brought violence and terror to the Mediterranean Sea. Overwhelmed by a brutal attack in 229 B.C., the inhabitants of Corfu sought protection from the Romans. The Romans agreed and granted the Corfiots autonomy, provided they could use the island as a naval base. Consequently, Corfu followed the fate of all other Greek states and became part of the Roman Empire.

Around this time, during the first century CE, Christianity arrived on the island, brought by Christian disciples. The old Greek gods struggled to survive as monotheism became more popular, marking a significant religious and cultural shift on the island.

This period spans approximately from the 6th century until the beginning of the 11th century, marked by continuous raids and the simultaneous spread of Christianity on the island of Corfu.

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The Roman Empire was re-divided into East and West, with Corfu being placed into the early Byzantine Empire. This period lasted for about three centuries, during which the island was poorly protected and frequently exposed to barbarian raids and pirate invasions.

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In 562 CE, Corfu was attacked by the Goths, who destroyed the ancient city, leaving behind ruins known today as Paleopolis. This marked the end of the ancient city and the beginning of the medieval age for the island. The surviving inhabitants abandoned the old city and moved further north, to the land that would later become the Old Fortress. From there, the new city slowly expanded to the area where the Old Corfu Town stands today. The period from 562 CE until 1267 CE is known as the main Byzantine period.

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This was a very difficult time in Corfu’s history. As the westernmost corner of the empire, the island was particularly vulnerable to constant pirate attacks and various onslaughts from its neighbors. The multicultural Byzantine Empire tried to protect Corfu using mercenary guards consisting of Greeks, Syrians, Bulgarians, and Byzantine soldiers. These border guards gradually merged with the local population. It was during this time that most of the island's fortresses were built, many of which still stand as a testament to this turbulent period.

After enduring various invasions, Corfu was assigned to the Venetian Empire in 1386 during the partition of Greek lands. Recognizing Corfu's strategic importance for guarding their naval interests and its fertile land for agriculture, the Venetians purchased the island from the Kingdom of Naples. The Venetian rule, which lasted for about four centuries (1385-1796), imposed an aristocratic administrative structure that subdivided the inhabitants into three classes: nobles, civilians, and populars.

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The Venetians encouraged the cultivation of olive trees, establishing a crucial economic foundation for Corfu and ensuring a steady oil supply for Venice. This agricultural focus allowed Corfu to remain one of the few regions in Greece not subjected to Turkish occupation.

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Initially, there was some resistance to Venetian dominance, particularly in the north where the fortresses of Angelokastro and Kassiopi were held by those opposed to the island's sale. The Venetians sent an army to capture these forts; Angelokastro surrendered quickly, but Kassiopi resisted fiercely. The Venetians, infuriated by the resistance, completely destroyed the castle after its conquest, leaving only remnants of the fortress today.

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This marked the beginning of the second period of Venetian rule in Corfu, which lasted more than 400 years—411 years, 11 months, and 11 days, to be precise. The Venetian influence left a lasting legacy on the island, visible in its architecture, culture, and economic practices.

Napoleon Bonaparte's defeat of the Venetians ushered in the Treaty of Campo Formio, which established French control over the Ionian Islands. The French invaders symbolically burned documents in Corfu's main public square and planted a tree of liberty to mark their rule. The Corfiots welcomed the French, inspired by the revolutionary ideals and the hope that Napoleon might help Greece regain its freedom.

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However, the geopolitical ambitions of Russia and the Ottoman Empire led to a treaty in 1800 that recognized the State of the Ionian Islands as free and independent, aiming to curb French power. This period saw a cultural and economic renaissance, with the establishment of the Corfu Library.

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In 1807, the French reasserted their dominance over Corfu. During this time, Corfiots and French coexisted, and the island saw economic growth and significant advancements in public education. The French established the first Ionic University, emphasizing the importance of education and laying the groundwork for future intellectual development on the island.

After Napoleon's downfall, many nations vied for control of Corfu. However, with the intervention of General Ioannis Kapodistrias, the Treaty of Paris in 1815 granted the Ionian Islands autonomy under exclusive British protection. The first British High Commissioner, Sir Thomas Maitland, soon revealed himself to be a strict and repressive ruler, provoking strong opposition from the Corfiots.

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Despite Maitland's authoritarian rule, British governance marked one of the most prosperous periods in Corfu's history. The British administration significantly advanced the island's economy, public health, and education. They established the first Greek University, expanded the road network, and laid water pipes throughout the island, which greatly improved infrastructure. During this time, Corfu also saw a progressive development in commerce, enhancing trade relations with neighboring countries.

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On May 21, 1864, following the London Treaty, Corfu officially became part of Greece. Though the island lost its university, the memories of its illustrious past remain, making Corfu unique among Greek towns.

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Throughout Corfu, evidence of various periods of occupation—Italian, Venetian, and French—can be seen, reflecting its rich and diverse history.

With its integration into Greece, Corfu began to thrive both politically and economically, expanding its industrial, agricultural, and artistic activities. However, the two World Wars brought heavy consequences to the island, with numerous historical and architectural monuments and various cultural centers being destroyed. During the Second World War, the island was occupied by Italian forces until Mussolini's fall.

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Despite these challenges, the resilient Corfiots quickly bounced back. They capitalized on the island's splendid natural beauty and hot climate to spark a new wave of economic development, paving the way for Corfu's modern prosperity.

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Corfu today

Today, Corfu stands as one of the most captivating and well-organized destinations for holidays in the entire Mediterranean region. While fishing and agriculture play important roles in the local economy, tourism reigns supreme as the primary economic driver. Every summer, its sandy beaches, picturesque bays, and warm hospitality attract thousands of travelers. Visitors are enamored by the charming city of Kerkyra and the enduring traditions of Corfu that continue to thrive.

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In Kerkyra city's modern quarters, the island buzzes with life even during the quieter winter months. Local products such as olive oil, honey, wine, and kumquat are renowned specialties. Skilled artisans uphold the island's heritage through their craftsmanship, producing items like shoes, intricately carved olive wood, jewelry, embroidered fabrics, woven straw goods, and furniture.

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The popular television series "The Durrells" (2016-2019), based on Gerald Durrell’s trilogy of books about his family's time on Corfu, has sparked a renewed interest in the island and attracted many first-time visitors. In town, there's a dedicated shop featuring their stories, and visitors can tour "The White House" where the Durrell family lived. A dedicated Durrells trail offers enthusiasts a chance to immerse themselves in the family's captivating story.

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From its mythical origins involving Greek gods to its modern-day charm immortalized on television, Corfu remains a truly special place, where history and contemporary allure blend seamlessly to create a unique and unforgettable experience.