Corfu

Corfu is a Greekisland in the Ionian Sea. It is the second largest of the Ionian Islands, and, including its small satellite islands, forms the edge of the northwestern frontier of Greece.

The island is part of the Corfu regional unit, and is administered as a single municipality. The municipality includes the island Corfu and the smaller islands Ereikoussa, Mathraki and Othonoi. The principal city of the island and seat of the municipality (pop. 33,886) is also named Corfu. Corfu is home to the Ionian University.

The island is bound with the history of Greece from the beginning of Greek mythology. Its Greek name, Kerkyra or Korkyra, is related to two powerful water symbols: Poseidon, god of the sea, and Asopos, an important Greek mainland river. According to myth, Poseidon fell in love with the beautiful nymph Korkyra, daughter of Asopus and river nymph Metope, and abducted her. Poseidon brought Korkyra to the hitherto unnamed island and, in marital bliss, offered her name to the place: Korkyra, which gradually evolved to Kerkyra (Doric). Together, they had a child they called Phaiax, after whom the inhabitants of the island were named: Phaiakes. This term was transliterated via Latin to Phaeacians.

The island's history is laden with battles and conquests. The legacy of these struggles is visible in the form of castles punctuating strategic locations across the island. Two of these castles enclose its capital, which is the only city in Greece to be surrounded in such a way. As a result, Corfu's capital has been officially declared a Kastropolis ("castle city") by the Greek government. Corfu was long controlled by Venice, which repulsed several Turkish sieges, before falling under British rule following the Napoleonic Wars. Corfu was eventually ceded by the British Empire along with the remaining islands of the United States of the Ionian Islands, and unification with modern Greece was concluded in 1864 under the Treaty of London.

In 2007, the city's old city was designated for the UNESCO World Heritage List, following a recommendation by ICOMOS.

Corfu is a very popular tourist destination. Up until the early 20th century, it was mainly visited by the European royals and elites, including Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany and Empress Elisabeth of Austria; today it is also widely visited by middle class families (primarily from the UK, Scandinavia and Germany), leading to mass tourism. It is still popular with the global elite however, and in the island's northeast the homeowners include members of the Rothschild family and Russian oligarchs.

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Water Sports

There are plenty of land based and water sports to do on a holiday in Dassia. Water sports in Dassia can include jet-skiing, sailing, windsurfing, power boating and diving. Horse riding, tennis, golf and hiking are just a few of the land based sports available in and around Dassia. The thrilling theme park rides of Aqualand Water Park will keep the children busy for hours.

Visit Corfu Town

Excursions from Dassia should include the historic Corfu Town. A trip during the day or in the evening when the Corfu Town lights twinkle across the sea will be a magical experience. Dassia is only 8 miles from Corfu Town and a visit will provide holiday makers with the best restaurants, shopping and nightlife options on Corfu.

Cruises

Cruises from Dassia are easily accessible thanks to the proximity to Corfu Town. The stunning islands of Paxos and Antipaxos will provide spectacular beaches and a glimpse of the traditional Greek way of life. You can experience he delights of a visit to mysterious Albania by taking another boat trip from Dassia. A trip to the famous Blue Lagoon from Dassia should be included on any holiday schedule.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Dassia can be lively and there are plenty of restaurants, tavernas, bars and nightclubs. Ispos is a short cab ride from Dassia and is one of Corfu’s hottest nightlife resorts. Corfu Town is another short trip and offers a diversity of restaurants, nightclubs and live music venues.
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