How to Pronounce Corfu

Meaning and Context

Corfu, known in Greek as Kerkyra, is a principal island of the Ionian archipelago located in the Ionian Sea off the northwest coast of mainland Greece. Renowned for its lush, emerald-green landscapes that contrast sharply with the azure waters of the Mediterranean, Corfu's unique character is a tapestry woven from centuries of varied rule. The island's rich history is palpably present in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Corfu Old Town, where cobblestone streets wind past elegant Venetian fortresses, French-style arcades, and British-era monuments. Beyond its cultural heritage, Corfu is a premier Greek island destination celebrated for its stunning beaches, from the dramatic cliffs of Paleokastritsa to the golden sands of Glyfada, offering exceptional opportunities for sailing, swimming, and exploring traditional villages. Its fertile interior produces renowned local specialties, including kumquat liqueur and olive oil, completing the profile of a multifaceted Ionian Sea getaway that seamlessly blends beach holidays, historical tourism, and authentic Greek culture.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary term "Corfu" is the universally accepted English exonym for the island, derived via Italian from the Byzantine Greek "Koryphō" (meaning "crest" or "peak"). The official and modern Greek name is "Kerkyra" (Κέρκυρα), which is essential to recognize in local contexts and formal Greek documentation. Common misspellings and typographical errors include "Corphu," "Corfou" (the French spelling), "Corfue," and "Korfu." The latter, "Korfu," is a frequent transliteration error from languages like German, where it is the standard spelling, but it is considered incorrect in English. Travelers searching for information may also mistakenly use "Corfu Greece" as a single compound word or confuse it with other Ionian islands like "Kefalonia," but accurate spelling is crucial for effective research on its Venetian architecture, beaches, and flight bookings.

Example Sentences

After a morning spent wandering the labyrinthine streets of Corfu's Old Town, we enjoyed a frappé in the historic Liston arcade.

Many visitors are surprised by the island's lush interior, where ancient olive groves stretch for miles, a legacy of its Venetian agricultural planning.

The best way to appreciate the coastline is to charter a boat for a day, sailing to secluded coves inaccessible by road.

Corfu's strategic importance in the Ionian Sea is evident in the imposing bulk of the Old and New Venetian Fortresses guarding the port.

While the southern resorts are vibrant and full of energy, we found a more tranquil pace of life in the traditional mountain villages like Pelekas.

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