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Corfu and The Ionian Islands

After the Cyclades and Crete, the Ionian islands are the most popular island group in Greece.
Located on the western side of the country, these islands have been strongly connected to Italy in terms of history and culture since the Venetian occupation period.

There are about twenty islands in the group but the seven largest and most popular are Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Paxos and Kythira

Apart from their unique architecture, the Ionian islands are known for their lush green nature and wonderful beaches, with emerald waters and an exotic landscape. Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Lefkada are the liveliest and most popular holiday islands while Ithaca, Paxi, Kythira, and Meganisi are more laid back.

As a distinct historic region, the centuries-long Venetian rule, preserved them from the Muslim conquests of the Ottoman Empire, and created a distinct cultural identity with many Italian influences. The Ionian Islands became part of the modern Greek state in 1864.

The largest and most populated Ionian island Corfu , along with Crete , played critical role in Venice’s maritime empire for 400 years

From medieval times and into the 17th century, the island was recognised as a bulwark of the European States against the Ottoman Empire and became one of the most fortified places in Europe. The fortifications of the island were used by the Venetians to defend against Ottoman intrusion into the Adriatic. Corfu repulsed several Ottoman sieges, before passing under British rule following the Napoleonic Wars.

Kerkyra, also known as Corfu Town, was known as the “Door of Venice” during the centuries when the whole Adriatic was known as the Gulf of Venice, and remained in Venetian hands from 1401 until 1797, when Napoleon invaded Italy and sacked Venice.

Ruled by Venetian nobility; much of Corfu Town reflects this era with multi-storeyed buildings on narrow lanes. The Old Town of Corfu has clear Venetian influence and is amongst the World Heritage Sites in Greece. It was in the Venetian period that the city saw the erection of the first opera house , the (Nobile Teatro di San Giacomo di Corfù), in Greece.

Powerful Venetian fortifications as well as some old Byzantine castles in Angelokastro, Kassiopi Castle, Gardiki, were additional factors that enabled Corfu to remain free. It was one of the few parts of Greece never conquered by the Ottomans

Destination: Greece and Greek Islands, Italy

TV Shows: Ottomans v Venetians : Battle for Crete