Of all the Ionian Islands, Corfu (or Kerkyra, as it is also known, is the one that truly has it all: UNESCO World Heritage sites, beautiful architecture, Venetian fortresses, quiet monasteries, amazing scenery and an abundance of fantastic beaches that will simply take your breath away. This island is a treasure trove of new experiences and exciting things to do!
Best things to do in Corfu – a complete guide
Where is Corfu?
Corfu is the furthest northwest point off mainland Greece. The island sits in the Ionian Sea, a mere 80 miles across the water to the heel of Italy’s boot. When compared to the other Ionian Islands, Corfu seems very big and way more varied. Once you get to visit it, you’ll discover it has a very different vibe from Zakynthos, Kefalonia, or Lefkada.
Because of its long history of Venetian occupation, Corfu looks more like Italy than Greece. That’s especially noticeable in its architecture, but also in its cuisine and even in the musical tradition. Corfu’s old town is full of Venetian buildings characterized by red-tiled roofs, narrow streets, and colonnaded squares.
Corfu town at night
Even the language spoken on this island suffered Italian influences. People in Corfu speak a dialect that resembles Italian and lot and many Corfiots also speak Italian fluently.
Best Time to Visit Corfu
Corfu is one of the three most visited islands in Greece. Like most of Europe, Corfu has its warmest weather in July and August which is why sun-seekers and families with school children descend here in summertime, looking for some fun on the beach.
Having fun on the beach in Corfu in October
Since summer is the high season, expect to find big crowds anywhere you go in Corfu. Also, airfare and hotel prices will be higher at this time of year. That’s why I would encourage you to avoid the school holidays and summers if you can do so.
In my opinion, the best time to visit Corfu is during the shoulder season. From May to early June, or late September and October you’ll find not only lower prices and less crowds, but also fantastic weather. We always visit Greece in late October or mid May when the weather is not too hot, but still perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Where to Stay When Visiting Corfu
Unlike Mykonos or Santorini, Corfu is not a party island, so you don’t have to worry about having to put up with noisy crowds at night. The best place to stay in Corfu is its old town. This historic area is very attractive and has a really nice evening buzz. Here you’ll find many accommodations and plenty of good places to eat or drink. This area is also close to many attractions which is why most of the island’s visitors choose to stay here.
Corfu town
We stayed at Mon Repos Palace, a beautiful hotel in the outskirts of the old town. The hotel was right near the water and within 5 minutes drive to the old town. We also had a beautiful view of the Old Venetian Fortress from our balcony.
Mon Repos Palais hotel room
Another beautiful area to stay is in Sidari, a resort up in the northern part of the island. This is just a short drive away from Corfu town where you’ll find great beaches and many nice places to eat and drink. The resort seems a little ‘built-up‘, not exactly traditional Greek – more for the holidaymaker.
For a southern base you can try Messonghi, which has a nice village feel. The place is relatively small, with some independent accommodation options. Here you’ll find nice beaches, a good-sized local supermarket, a bakery, and a few nice places to eat.
How to Get Around
If you plan to visit Corfu I would recommend hiring a car to pick up at/return to the airport for going around the island. If you arrive here by plane, the car will serve you as a self-transfer as well, saving you both time and money. Having a car gives you a great deal of opportunity to explore all the places of interest in Corfu at your pace.
We visited Corfu as part of a bigger Ionian Islands itinerary, so we rented our car in Athens and then moved from island to island by ferry. Driving in Corfu didn’t seem particularly difficult, especially when compared to Kefalonia. However, the roads are not as wide as in the Peloponnese, or mainland Greece.
Corfu
The bus service in Corfu is good if you are staying in the old town itself, which is a hub for bus services. But otherwise it’s not so great for getting around to different places on the island. So basically you could do without a car only if you stay in the old town itself, but then you won’t have any great beaches close by.
Another option to get around without a car is to book different organized tours. There are quite a few such tours to choose from, but we didn’t use them personally.
Best Things to Do in Corfu, Greece
You’ll find a great deal of exciting activities in Corfu, so if you wonder where to go for fun let me assure you that you’ll have plenty to see and do on this island. So let’s start with the best attractions near Corfu Town and then we’ll continue with the beaches, and other places of interest.
[1] Explore the Venetian Fortress
The impressive silhouette of the Venetian Fortress is the first thing you’ll see if you arrive in Corfu by ferry. Located on a tall promontory at the edge of old town, this stronghold is Corfu’s most visited attraction.
The Chapel within the walls of the Venetian Fortress
When the Venetians arrived here in 1386 they found a Byzantine fortification on this bluff, but they replaced it with the one you see today. Inside the Old Fortress you’ll see various buildings including a chapel, a prison, two barracks and a military hospital which now serves as a music school.
There is also the church of St. George, a building reminiscent of an ancient Doric temple decorated with icons from the church of Saint Spyridon. Near the main gate you’ll see a small museum where the Byzantine collection is hosted, so don’t miss it.
The Old Venetian Fortress in Corfu
Besides its historical significance, the fortress is also a great place to visit because it offers a spectacular view of Corfu Town and the Ionian Sea.
[2] Visit The New Fortress of Corfu
The New Fortress of Corfu was built on the hill of St. Mark in order to protect the island against the Turkish attacks. At some point the fortifications included 700 pieces of artillery with a range estimated as far as the Albanian coast.
After seeing the Old Venetian Castle you’ll probably be disappointed by the New one. Nonetheless, I recommend visiting it just to get a feel for the huge scale of this place. The fortress stretches across much of the town, but sadly it has been totally neglected. Other than the ramparts that look over the city there is no much to see in the interior. I expected to see at least some of the old guns displayed here, but there were none!
[3] Stroll Around the Old Town
Corfu’s history and culture were strongly influenced by the powers that ruled the island, starting with the Byzantines and continuing with the Venetians, French and British. This is visible everywhere, but especially in the architecture of the old town. This area has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Strolling through Corfu Old Town
Strolling the old town’s pedestrian streets (cantounia) that lead to churches, restaurants, and souvenirs shops is one of the most pleasant things to do in Corfu. And if you like shopping, you’ll find temptations on every step in this area. Especially if you are looking for authentic Greek jewelry!
[4] Visit the Palace of St. Michael & St. George
The Palace of St. Michael and St. George was initially a British structure built in the early 1800s. In previous years, this building was home to the British High Commissioner, the Ionian Senate and the Ionian Parliament.
The Palace of St. Michael & St. George
Today the palace houses the Museum of Asian Art which displays a huge collection of Asian artifacts from all over the continent. You’ll find Chinese pottery, Japanese anitquities, Buddhist sculptures, Central Asian textiles and more.
[5] Step Inside St. Spiridon Church in Corfu Old Town
If you didn’t know about it, you’d probably miss the beautiful Church of St. Spiridon crammed between the buildings of the old town. The building is difficult to see and photograph because it stands on a very narrow alley. St. Spiridon Church was built the 1580s, and still functions as a Greek Orthodox church today. Its tall tower is easy recognizable and visible from many parts of town.
St. Spiridon Church in Old Town Corfu
If you decide to step inside you’ll discover some very beautiful icons and wall paintings as well as the relics of St. Spiridon, the patron saint of Corfu.
[6] Visit the Achilleion Palace
Located in the Village of Gastouri, 10 km south of Corfu Town, the Achilleion Palace was built in 1890 for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi.
Achilleion Palace in Corfu
The palace is decorated with marble sculptures and detailed mosaics and contains a large number of Greek-inspired sculptures. One of its most distinctive features is its large terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea. At its center is the majestic statue of Achilles wearing his armor. This statue was commissioned by Empress Elisabeth and represents her ideal of a strong and heroic figure.
[7] Paleokastritsa Monastery
Perched on a green hill above the sea, on the northwestern side of Corfu, stands the large Monastery complex of Paleokastritsa. The monastery was erected in 1228 and dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary). During the centuries the construction suffered many transformations, but the current one is from the 18th century.
Inside the Paleokstritsa Monastery in Corfu
The monastery complex is very peaceful and contains some beautiful terraces, a traditional olive oil press and a small ecclesiastical museum that displays a rare collection of Byzantine icons.
[8] Kassiopi Fishing Village
Kassiopi is a lovely traditional Greek village in the North East of the Island. It’s very quaint and not as touristy as Sidari. It has a wonderful harbour with many yatchs and boats for hire. You’ll not see many tourists around, mainly local men taking their coffee around the Square whilst their wives are doing their chores.
Strolling through Kassiopi Village in Corfu
There are a few nice tavernas and restaurants around the village and the harbor. It’s a nice place to stop for people watching, diving, fishing, or boat touring.
Best Beaches to Visit in Corfu
Like all Greek Islands, Corfu can brag about some of the most fantastic beaches in the world. And while there are so many worth visiting, in this post I will only name a few that are an absolute must if you visit the island.
[9] Canal D’Amour Beach
This is a one-of-a-kind beach located close to Sidari. A narrow bay area surrounded by large cliffs, with clear waters, coarse sand along its shoreline, and a plethora of narrow caverns and water caves!
Canal D’Amour
So how did this place get its name? It is said that the legend was started by a French woman who swam there with her lover. She explored the area, discovered this narrow bay and called it Canal D’Amour. Since then, they say that couples who swim through the canal together are going to be blessed with eternal love and will stay together till the end of their life.
As expected, this popular beach is always crowded, but nonetheless it’s an absolutely stunning place to visit! There is a small parking lot from where you can park your car. From there, you can walk down to the beach on a steep, narrow and muddy path.
[10] Agios Georgios Beach
This is a lovely sandy beach with clean waters, great for swimming and snorkeling. The beach, which is located on the west side of the island, has been awarded a Blue Flag Beach Award due to its crystal clear waters.
Agios Georgios Beach
It’s a well organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, plus a plethora of bars and restaurants at a close distance. The beach is very close to Porto Timoni.
[11] Paleokastritsa Beach
Paleokastritsa is one of the most popular beaches in Corfu, famous crystal clear waters and white sand. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs and is also great for a variety of water sports.
There are boat tours of the bay that will take you to the enchanting Nausicaa’s Cave and the famous Blue Caves, and many secluded beaches that are only accessible by boat.
Paleokastritsa Beach, Corfu
Paleokastritsa Monastery overlooking the bay is just a short distance from the beach.
[12] Porto Timoni Twin Beaches
The Twin Beaches at Porto Timoni are among the three most beautiful beaches in Corfu, but also among the hardest to reach! Climbing down (and back up) the uneven, steep and slippery path that leads to the beaches is not an easy task.
The Twin Beaches at Porto Timoni
It takes a good 20-30 minutes to access the place from the village, but once you reach it you won’t regret the effort. Just make sure you wear comfortable hiking shoes, not flip flops as the path is very unforgiving and quite dangerous in some places.
Walking down to Porto Timoni Beaches
There are no facilities on the beach so you must take everything you need with you and be prepared to carry it.
[13] Cape Drastis
This is one of the most spectacular places in Corfu. The vertical white cliffs of Cape Drastis hide a couple of small sand beaches which unfortunately are really difficult to reach from the top. You can drive down on a dirt road up to a certain point, but from there you’ll have to walk on a very steep road to reach the beaches.
Cape Drastis
The dirt road seemed to be in a very bad condition when we went there so we feared we may damage the rental car. I think the best option to reach these beaches is by boat. But even if you have to drive all the way here just for the view from above, it’s still worth it.
How Many Days to Spend in Corfu
Most people visit Corfu as part of an island hopping itinerary and therefore they don’t allow more than 2-3 days for this beautiful island. Considering how big and diverse Corfu is and how many interesting things you can do on this island I would suggest to plan at least 4-5 days here. We only had 5 days and that wasn’t enough time to explore the caves and hidden beaches on the island, so allow more time to visit Corfu.
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