Corfu is the second largest Greece Island in the Ionian Sea. Together with other satellite towns, it forms the northern western frontier of Greece. The island is administered together with Ereikoussa, Mathraki and Othonoi as the Corfu Regional Unit.

The history of Corfu is tied to that of Greece since its Greek name, Korkyra, is related to two powerful water symbols: Poseidon, god of the sea, and Asopos, an important Greek mainland river. Below are things you ought to know about the island.

1. The mythology behind the island

Poseidon fell in love and married the beautiful nymph Korkyra, daughter of Asopus and river nymph Metope. After marriage, he brought his bride to hitherto unnamed island and during the marital bliss, named the island after her. Together they had a son called Phaiax, after whom the inhabitants of the island are named - Phaiakes.

2. Climate and geography

Corfu is nestled off the coast of Sarandë, Albania, and its highest point is Mount Pantokrator at 911 meters (2,989 ft.). The island is characterized with plants such as wild olive, pear, pomegranate, apple, fig and grape vine. It averages a temperature of 23 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit) annually.

3. Attractions

Among the attractions in the island of Corfu includes; the Byzantine Gardiki Castle, the Achillion Palace built for Elizabeth the Empress of Austria, The Palaio Frourio (Old Fort), Mirtiotissa Beach, Paleokastritsa and many more.

4. Fun activities

Like all resort islands, Corfu has a number of fun activities one can engage in. Top among this is a visit to the 70,000 square meters amusement park, Aqualand. Another activity you can engage in is exploration of Mouse Island. While at it, make sure you take a picture of the place. Amazingly, the island has three major orchestras that include; Philharmonic Society of Corfu, Mantzaros Philharmonic Society, and Capodistria Philharmonic Union. Trust me; you cannot get better insights into the Greeks lifestyle than through concerts by the orchestras.

5. Getting around

The best way to see the island is on foot. However, for those that want to cover more ground, there are buses which ply Glyfada, Sidari, Paleokastritsa, Roda and Acharavi, Lefkimmi, Lefkimmi and Piri routes six times a day. International visitors can use Corfu International Airport. For island hopping, there is a seaplane service available.

Corfu is as Greek as any island can be, but with an added advantage - it is a resort island and thus one of the best places to vacation in Greece. If you are on a tour of the country, make sure you make a stop in Corfu.