Corfu

Corfu

Corfu is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, located off the coast of Epirus, on the border between Greece and Albania, with an area of 592 km² and a population of 110,000 in 2008.

Etymology –
The name “Corfu” has an uncertain etymology, but it is believed that it derives from the ancient Greek term “Korýphai” (Κορύφαι), which means “peaks” or “summit”. This could be due to the mountainous shape of the island of Corfu or the idea that the island was some kind of highlight or landmark in the Ionian Sea.

Geographic Features –
Corfu, or Kerkyra in Greek, is a Greek island located in the Ionian Sea, off the northwest coast of mainland Greece. It is the second largest island of the Ionian Islands and the northernmost of them. Below are some of the geographical features of Corfu:
Corfu is characterized by a series of hills and mountains that cross the island. The highest peak of the island is Mount Pantokrator, which reaches an altitude of about 906 meters. These mountains offer breathtaking views of the island and the Ionian Sea.
Corfu is famous for its beautiful beaches. Along the coast of the island there are numerous bays and coves, with sandy or pebble beaches, offering crystal clear waters and an ideal environment for swimming and relaxation. Some of the most popular beaches in Corfu include Paleokastritsa, Glyfada, Sidari and Agios Gordios.
In addition to the beaches, the island also has spectacular cliffs and rock formations along the coast. The cliffs of Cape Drastis, in the northwest of the island, are particularly famous for their impressive panoramas and for the possibility of hiking and taking in the panoramic views.
Corfu is home to several wetlands and lakes, which contribute to the richness of its biodiversity. Lake Korission, located in the southwestern part of the island, is one of the most notable examples. This lake is surrounded by sand dunes and a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Corfu is famous for its lush greenery. The island is characterized by olive groves, cypresses, citrus trees and a variety of Mediterranean plants. Its lush vegetation creates a green and relaxing environment, which is often referred to as the “emerald green of the Mediterranean”.
Corfu has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Winters are generally rainier, while the summer months offer an ideal climate for seaside tourism. The sea breeze helps mitigate the high summer temperatures.

Historical Notes –
Corfu is an island with a long and rich history dating back thousands of years. The history of Corfu can be divided into periods.
– Ancient age: Corfu has a documented human presence since the upper Paleolithic. During antiquity, the island was settled by the Corinthians in the 8th century BC. and became one of the most important cities of the Delian League. It was involved in conflicts between the Greek city-states and came under the influence of powers such as Rome and the Byzantine Empire.
– Venetian rule: In 1386, Corfu fell under the rule of the Republic of Venice, which lasted almost four centuries. During this period, the island thrived on maritime trade and became an important cultural and artistic centre. Numerous monuments, fortifications and works of art were built during the Venetian period and many of them can still be seen today.
– French and British occupation: In 1797, Corfu fell under the French occupation of Napoleon Bonaparte. Subsequently, in 1814, it passed to the United Kingdom after the Congress of Vienna. During the British occupation, Corfu became a military base and further developed economically and culturally.
– Union with Greece: In 1864, Corfu was united to the Kingdom of Greece after a plebiscite. The island became an integral part of modern Greece and contributed to its independence and history.
– Second World War: During the Second World War, Corfu was occupied by Fascist Italy and then by Nazi Germany. The occupation was marked by severe violence and deportations of civilians. After the war, Corfu recovered and became a popular tourist destination.
– Corfu today: Today, Corfu is one of the main tourist destinations in Greece. The island is renowned for its beautiful beaches, historic towns and rich cultural heritage. Corfu is also an important trading and port center and offers a fascinating blend of Greek, Italian, French and British influences in its architecture and culture.

Ecosystem –
The Corfu ecosystem is a natural environment located on the island of Corfu, which is part of the Ionian Islands in Greece. Corfu is famous for its natural beauty, with a combination of mountainous landscapes, rocky coasts and sandy beaches. The island is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, creating a rich ecosystem.
In terms of flora, Corfu has a luxuriant and diverse vegetation. You will find forests of oak, pine, cypress and olive trees dotted around the island. There are also numerous species of wild plants and flowers that adorn the island during the spring and summer.
As for the fauna, Corfu is inhabited by a variety of wild animals. Among the mammals present on the island there are hares, badgers, hedgehogs, beech martens and foxes. Several species of birds can also be seen, such as gray partridge, green woodpecker and hoopoe. Along the coasts of Corfu it is possible to spot sea turtles and dolphins, which inhabit the surrounding waters.
Corfu’s ecosystem is protected through several nature reserves and national parks, such as the Corfu National Park and the Pantokratoras Nature Reserve. These areas offer safe habitats for many plant and animal species, contributing to the conservation of the island’s biodiversity.
However, it is important to note that Corfu’s ecosystem can be affected by factors such as urban development, pollution and mass tourism. Therefore, it is essential to adopt sustainable practices and preserve the ecological balance of the island to ensure the survival of this precious ecosystem.

Flora –
Corfu is famous for its rich biodiversity and for the presence of numerous endemic plant species.
The island of Corfu has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. These climatic conditions favor the growth of a wide range of plants.
In the coastal areas of Corfu, it is common to find salt-resistant plants, such as mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus) and salsola (Salsola kali). Along the beaches and in the wetlands, you can also find rushes and reeds.
Within the island, the hills and mountains are covered with a variety of trees and shrubs. Olive trees are a common sight, as olive oil is an important product in the local economy. Other common trees include cypresses, pines and holm oaks. Corfu is also famous for its cedar trees, which are a symbol of the island.
In the wilder and less developed areas, you can find a variety of wild flowers and plants. Corfu is known for its wild orchids, including the Corfu orchid (Serapias ionica) and the ophrys orchid (Ophrys corfiensis). Other wild plants include sea lily (Pancratium maritimum) and sea iris (Iris unguicularis).
The island is also home to several protected areas, such as the Corfu National Park, which contribute to the conservation of its unique flora.
In summary, the flora of Corfu is characterized by a great variety of coastal plants, fruit trees, wild flowers and endemic species. The island offers a rich experience for nature lovers and those who wish to explore its biodiversity.

Wildlife –
The fauna of Corfu is characterized by a variety of animal species, both terrestrial and marine. Here is an overview of the most common species found on the island:
1. Birds: Corfu is an ideal place for bird watching. Among the species present, you can find the osprey, the kestrel, the small shrike, the oriole and the blue chaffinch. Furthermore, the island is a crossing point for many migratory species.
2. Reptiles: Corfu is home to several species of reptiles, including the Mediterranean tortoise, the eyed lizard and the Balkan lizard.
3. Amphibians: Island amphibians include the Corfu frogfish and the Balkan anglerfish. These species are usually found in wetlands and freshwater springs.
4. Mammals: Corfu’s mammalian fauna includes animals such as foxes, hedgehogs, weasels, badgers and the European wildcat. These species are mainly nocturnal and can be difficult to spot.
5. Insects: The island is rich in insects, with many species of butterflies, dragonflies and bees. Among the most common butterflies are the swallowtail and the nettle vanessa.
6. Fish and Sea Creatures: The waters around Corfu offer a great variety of fish and sea creatures. Fish such as barracuda, sea bass and grouper can be found. Furthermore, it is possible to spot sea turtles such as the caretta caretta turtle.

Environmental Protection Actions –
The island of Corfu, located in Greece, is famous for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. To preserve Corfu’s unique environment, several environmental conservation actions have been taken. Some of the main measures taken on the island are listed below:
1. National parks and nature reserves: National parks and nature reserves have been established on the island of Corfu to protect sensitive ecosystems and promote the conservation of local flora and fauna. These areas are subject to specific regulations to limit access and preserve their ecological integrity.
2. Recycling and Waste Management Programs: Recycling programs and waste management systems have been introduced to reduce the environmental impact on the island. These programs involve both residents and tourists, encouraging them to recycle properly and reduce the amount of waste they produce.
3. Renewable Energy: Corfu is promoting the use of renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The installation of solar and wind farms helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution on the island.
4. Protection of the beaches and the sea: The island of Corfu is surrounded by beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea. Measures have been taken to protect the beaches from coastal erosion and to preserve the quality of the sea water. Additionally, regulations have been introduced to limit the use of single-use plastics in coastal areas and to encourage clean beaches.
5. Environmental awareness and education: Environmental awareness and education programs have been organized to educate residents and visitors about the importance of environmental conservation. These programs aim to promote sustainable behaviours, such as the reduction of water use, the use of environmentally friendly means of transport and the protection of local fauna and flora.
6. Protection of cultural heritage: In addition to safeguarding the natural environment, measures have been taken to preserve the cultural heritage of Corfu. This includes the protection of historic buildings, archaeological sites and local cultural traditions.
These are just some of the environmental protection actions taken on the island of Corfu. The main objective is to preserve the natural beauty of the island and promote sustainable development that balances environmental conservation with the needs of the local community and visitors.

Guido Bissanti