Corfu lies a short distance off the northwestern coast of Greece, in the Ionian Sea. Local legend says that the sea god Poseidon fell in love with a beautiful nymph named Korkyra, daughter of the river Asopos. The couple settled on the island of Corfu, which takes its name from the nymph.

Corfu is known for its balmy Mediterranean climate; for its dramatic landscapes of mountains and sea; and for its lush fruit harvests. Since the time of Homer, the island has been known for its olives, grapes, figs and pomegranates. Since then, Corfiot farmers have added other fruits, notably the prickly pear, the loquat, and especially the kumquat.

Corfu Town is the capital of the Greek island of Corfu, in the Ionian Sea. It’s known for its cobblestone streets and pastel-colored Venetian architecture. To the west, the Venetian-built New Fortress has a network of tunnels underneath and views over the harbor. The 15th-century Old Fortress overlooks the town from the east and features a small chapel and mosaics. The Esplanade is a landscaped park near the water.

Achilleion is a palace built in Gastouri on the Island of Corfu for the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi, after a suggestion by the Austrian consul Alexander von Warsberg.