(courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
This beautiful locale is the coast of the island of Corfu, Greece. It is the 2nd largest of Greece's Ionian Islands. Therefore, it's probably located in the eastern Mediterranean, right? Actually, not. The Ionians are off Greece's northwest coast, near its border with Albania and in the Ionian Sea. Not only does it contain amazing coastline such as this, but its capital city, Corfu town, is a sight in its own. It has been designated a
Kastropolis, or castle town, by the Greek government due to the city being surrounded by several of these. The old town has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not surprisingly, Corfu is a pretty popular summer tourist destination for many Europeans.
(South Castle; courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
Here is an interesting Greek mythological tale explaining the origin of the island's name (thanks to Wikipedia):
The island is connected to 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.[2] According to myth, Poseidon fell in love with the beautiful nymph Korkyra, daughter of Asopus and river nymph Metope, and abducted her, as was the custom among gods of the era's myths. Zeus was a serial offender.[2] Poseidon brought Metope to the hitherto unnamed island and, in marital bliss, offered her name to the place: Korkyra,[2] which gradually evolved to Kerkyra (Doric).[3] 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, indicative of Corfu's turbulent position in a historical vortex lasting until the modern period.
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