Fun Facts About Corfu

Most people know Corfu for its amazing beaches, great food and the stunning old town. However, there is much more to this island. In fact, here are some useful facts you probably did not know.

Unlike the rest of Greece, Corfu has never been conquered by the Ottomans. The main fortresses on the island managed to resist all attacks, including the major sieges from 1537, 1571 and 1716.
Corfu has the same name as its capital. Whether it is referred to as Corfu or Kerkyra, the name is the same. However, locals often refer to the capital as the old town.
Corfu was reunited with Greece in 1864. King George I decided to leave the Ionian islands and gave the island to Greece. The reunification was voted for on the 23^rd of September, 1963.
Corfu is only three kilometres away from Albania. That is less than two miles. The northern part of the island is less than three kilometres away, meaning ferries can take you there in less than 30 minutes.
Plane spotters love the Chalkiopoulos lagoon. Located close to the airport, the bridge over this lagoon gives you some great views over the Vlacherna monastery, but you can also spot planes from a short distance.
The island has been inhabited for over 3,000 years. Back then, the island was part of the mainland, while the sea separating it was just a lake.
Kumquats only grow in Corfu in Europe. While most people associate Greece with olive trees, the Chinese fruit has made its way to Corfu in the 18^th century. The climate is perfect for its growth.
The first university of Greece was founded in Corfu. The Ionian University was established in 1824.
The first opera and theatre of Greece were also established in Corfu. The San Giacomo Theatre was established in 1691.
Corfu is the greenest island in Greece.
Saint Spyridon is the patron saint of the island. It is believed the saint expelled the plague from Corfu.
The biggest catastrophe occurred in 1718. Back then, lightning hit a gunpowder storehouse. The explosion killed hundreds of people and destroyed many parts of the city.
You can see the highest Greek banknote. The banknote museum hosts the 100 billion drachma banknote, which was printed during times of hyperinflation between 1943 and 1946.
It took the French about seven years to complete Liston. It is a replica of the Rue de Rivoli in Paris.
Corfu has a unique way to celebrate Easter. Locals throw pots from their windows and balconies in order to smash them on the streets.
Corfu’s Spianada Square is one of the largest squares in the entire Europe.
The first tennis club in Greece was established in Corfu, in 1896. The British were responsible for it.
From over 6,000 species of flowers and herbs, about 55 of them are extremely rare and almost impossible to find somewhere else. Ophrys bertolonii and Ophrys attica are just two examples.
About 3% of all the olive oil in the world comes from Corfu, which has about 4,000 olive trees.
The Balkan green lizard is one of the rare reptiles to be found in Corfu. The laudakia stellio is another example.