Corfu

Corfu, originally known as Kerkyra, has a long history. The earliest significant Greek settlement was a colony established by the ancient city of Corinth. And later, by quarreling with its mother city, it became the flashpoint that started the Peloponnesian war. It's one of the most conquered islands of the Mediterranean, having been ruled by Greeks, Romans, pirates, Venetians, the French and the British to name but a few. And they all seem to have left their mark in some way. Hence you can enjoy spaghetti marinara with French wine as you watch a cricket match in Corfu Town. For a bit of living history visit "The Village," an operating ...

Corfu, originally known as Kerkyra, has a long history. The earliest significant Greek settlement was a colony established by the ancient city of Corinth. And later, by quarreling with its mother city, it became the flashpoint that started the Peloponnesian war. It's one of the most conquered islands of the Mediterranean, having been ruled by Greeks, Romans, pirates, Venetians, the French and the British to name but a few. And they all seem to have left their mark in some way. Hence you can enjoy spaghetti marinara with French wine as you watch a cricket match in Corfu Town. For a bit of living history visit "The Village," an operating Venetian era settlement where you can see life as it was. For life as it is, many hit the beach. Corfu has some of the cleanest, longest, most beautiful beaches in Greece, many dotted with lovely little coves. And while the island has a reputation as a hedonist getaway, it also has a strong religious tradition. The mummy of its patron saint, Spyridon, is buried and venerated in his eponymous church. The Vlacherna Monastery is one of the most photogenic in Greece, and the Monastery of Our Lady of the Mother of God is one of the oldest.

About the Expert

Richard Sterling is the author of Lonely Planet's World Food: Greece, Eyewitness Travel Guide Vietnam, and many other books.