The island takes its name from the nymph Corkira, daughter of the river Assopos with whom Poseidon fell in love and kidnapped, taking her to Corfu.

Their union produced Faikas , the first King of the island. He was succeeded by his brother Nausithos who was the father of Alkinos , who played his part in the Odessey.

The foreign name Corfu came from the new town that was created in the old fortress on the twin peaks, meaning the town on the peaks.

The symbol of Corfu is the «ancient warship», the well-known trireme in which to prove their nautical skills the sea men were so exceptional, that they could travel in their ships without a rudder.