Corfu: The Jewel of the Ionian Sea

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Ya sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Andio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Πώς είστε;
  [Pos iste?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσείς;
  [Kala. Esis?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;
  [Milate Agglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menou, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!ΥΓΕΙΑ!
  [Yia]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosso, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voithia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fiye!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astinomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε έναν γιατρό!
  [Kaleste enan giatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hathi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Ime arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agoraso...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla kito]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akribo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Borite na miisete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Ine mia ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (deka)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Avrio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dio]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Εφτά
  [Efta]
• 8Οχτώ
  [Ohto]
• 9Εννέα
  [Ennea]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou ine ena/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia ine i diefthinsi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Borite na mou dixete (sto charti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (προς το ....)
  [Ena isitirio (pros to ....)]

The history of Corfu dates back to ancient times, with the earliest evidence of human habitation found in the Paleolithic era. The island, known as Kerkyra in Greek, is mentioned in Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey, where it is described as the home of the Phaeacians. According to mythology, Poseidon, the god of the sea, brought his love, the nymph Korkyra, to the island, giving it her name.

During the Classical period, Corfu was a prominent player in Greek politics. It was one of the first Greek cities to ally with Athens in the Peloponnesian War against Sparta. The naval battle of Sybota, considered one of the largest naval battles of the ancient Greek world, took place near Corfu in 433 BC.

In 229 BC, Corfu came under Roman control, becoming part of the Roman Empire. It later transitioned into the Byzantine Empire after the fall of Rome. During this time, the island served as a crucial military and trading post in the Adriatic Sea, benefiting from its strategic location.

From 1386 to 1797, Corfu was ruled by the Republic of Venice. This period significantly shaped the island's architecture, culture, and fortifications. The Venetians built impressive structures, including the Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio) and the New Fortress (Neo Frourio), which can still be visited today. They also introduced the cultivation of olive trees, which continue to be a staple of Corfu's landscape and economy.

After the fall of Venice, Corfu briefly came under French control in 1797, followed by British rule from 1815 to 1864. The British established the Ionian Academy, the first university in modern Greece, and constructed notable buildings such as the Palace of St. Michael and St. George. The British period also saw the introduction of cricket to the island, a sport still played in Corfu today.

In 1864, Corfu, along with the other Ionian Islands, was united with the Kingdom of Greece. This period marked significant changes as the island integrated into the modern Greek state. The unification was celebrated by the islanders and remains a crucial part of Corfu's national identity.

During World War II, Corfu was occupied by Italian and later German forces, enduring significant hardship and destruction. After the war, the island rebuilt and gradually became a popular tourist destination. Today, Corfu is renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage, attracting visitors from around the world.

Corfu is accessible by both air and sea. Corfu International Airport (CFU), also known as Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport, is the primary airport and receives flights from major European cities. During the summer season, numerous charter flights operate to and from Corfu. For those preferring sea travel, ferries connect Corfu to the Greek mainland, particularly from the port of Igoumenitsa. There are also ferry connections from Italy, including ports like Bari, Venice, and Ancona.

Public transportation on Corfu includes buses operated by the KTEL service, which connect the main towns and tourist areas. Taxis are widely available, and car rentals are a popular option for exploring the island at your own pace. Scooter and bike rentals are also common and provide a convenient way to navigate the narrow streets and scenic routes. For short distances and local exploration, walking is a pleasant way to enjoy the island's beauty.

The official currency in Corfu is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting rural areas or smaller establishments. ATMs are available throughout the island, so withdrawing cash is generally convenient. Currency exchange services can be found in major towns and tourist areas.

Corfu is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any popular tourist destination, it's wise to exercise standard precautions. Be vigilant in crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing, and avoid leaving valuables unattended on beaches. While Corfu does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is advisable to stay cautious, especially at night and in lesser-known neighborhoods.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Corfu has several medical facilities and hospitals, such as the Corfu General Hospital in the town of Corfu. Pharmacies are available in all major towns and can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-emergency medical advice, local clinics and private medical centers are also accessible.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites; avoid beachwear outside of beach areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; always cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be punctual and respectful on public transport; give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Kalimera' (Good morning) or 'Kalispera' (Good evening). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Corfu like a local, visit the local markets, such as the Corfu Town Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals in kafeneia (coffee shops) to learn about the island's culture and history. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the lesser-known villages, such as Pelekas and Agios Matheos, where you can enjoy authentic local cuisine and scenic views. Attend local festivals and events to immerse yourself in the island's vibrant traditions.