Selecting the best Greek island will be daunting; in spite of everything, hundreds of them (although fewer than 250 are inhabited). However Corfu has been a vacationer favourite for many years.
In case you’ve narrowed down which Greek island you will and are on the lookout for the most effective issues to do in Corfu, now we have you lined with the most effective Corfu points of interest, locations to eat, and the place to remain.
First, it’s necessary to notice that the northernmost of the Ionian islands differs considerably from lots of the most well-known Greek islands: It’s a lot greener and plush and has a robust Italian affect.
The mountains in Corfu’s northern half shall be significantly fascinating to climbing followers. And after having fun with all of the fantastic landscapes, spending some hours at one of many many beautiful Corfu seashores is a welcome approach to calm down. Lastly, when you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Corfu City, the capital has loads of sightseeing choices.
So don’t fear, you received’t get bored in Corfu, irrespective of your pursuits. In case you’re nonetheless not sure of what to do in Corfu, learn on for some options.
In This Corfu Journey Information
Finest Time To Go To Corfu
How To Get Round Corfu
Finest Issues To Do In Corfu
The place to Eat On Corfu
The place To Keep On Corfu
The Superb Ionian Itinerary
When is the most effective time to go to Corfu?
Opposite to journey in different Greek islands, Corfu doesn’t shut down within the winter, so you’ll be able to actually go to at any time of the 12 months. The island has a sizeable inhabitants of scholars, that means life by no means truly stands nonetheless. When to go to Corfu depends upon what you need to do on the island.
That doesn’t imply that seaside lovers ought to guide a visit solely in the summertime. July and August, the most well liked months of the 12 months, are costlier than different months, and the temperature could be a bit a lot when you’re not used to the local weather. Could and June or September is likely to be higher choices as they’re cooler and see fewer vacationers.
I take into account these months a number of the finest instances to go to Greece. We spent many of the month in June in Corfu, and the climate was excellent, though it was positively beginning to creep up in temperature in direction of the top of the month, and costs had been rising as we acquired into July.
In case you’re on the lookout for a cultural expertise, you could need to take into account touring to Corfu round Greek Orthodox Easter. The celebrations in Corfu City differ from wherever else in Greece and are effectively value a visit. Have you ever ever seen individuals throw clay pots from balconies to rejoice Easter? You’ll in Corfu!
Issues to do in Corfu – Prime Excursions
Easy methods to get round Corfu
Corfu isn’t a tiny island, and since it’s stretched fairly lengthy, it may possibly take some time to get from the north to the south. Whereas there’s a public bus system on the island, it’s extra appropriate for seeing the primary sights, villages, and seashores. If you wish to scratch beneath the floor, renting a automobile in Greece is a extra handy approach to get round.
The roads in Corfu are in okay situation, although in case you have earlier expertise driving in Greece, it could be finest. The Corfu roads are actually the worst we’ve seen in all of the 15 islands now we have visited. Nonetheless, in case you have pushed in Greece and are okay with dilapidated, slim roads you’ll be wonderful on Corfu.
You may simply deliver all of your necessities and can even be capable of attain extra distant seashores. Simply understand that parking could be a problem in some locations.
Scooters and ATVs are standard choices on the island. Nonetheless, though they are typically cheaper, they don’t seem to be as comfy as automobiles, don’t will let you deliver a variety of stuff, and, most of all, can not present air con or shelter in opposition to the cruel Mediterranean solar. Remember that Corfu is a really late island, and it may possibly take an hour or extra to get from level to level. If going from the south to all the way in which north, anticipate nearly two hours! In order that will not be tremendous comfy on a moped or ATV.
We rented a automobile from the Corfu airport for 2 weeks for about €30 a day with Alamo.
Evaluate Costs For Rental Vehicles on Corfu
finest issues to do in Corfu, Greece
Wander by means of the Outdated City
The Outdated City of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage web site, so it must be included on any listing of issues to do in Corfu. Versus a number of the smaller Greek islands, Corfu’s capital is sort of full of life and price a go to at any time of the 12 months, although fairly actually I didn’t discover it as stunning because the Rhodes Outdated City, or these essential cities within the Cyclades.
Nonetheless, merely strolling by means of the slim alleys and admiring the gorgeous façades is a superb expertise.
In a method, strolling by means of Corfu’s Outdated City is like being in two international locations directly: Greece and Italy. Corfu was underneath Venetian rule for a number of centuries, so the structure within the previous city with its colourful buildings appears surprisingly completely different from the remainder of Greece and extra like what you’d discover in an Italian metropolis.
In case you stroll round for some time, you could come across a free live performance. Corfu is understood in Greece for its many marching bands and normal musicality, so it’s no shock that reside live shows on the streets of the Outdated City happen frequently.
In case you’re in for some less-known historical past, make your approach to Corfu’s previous Jewish quarter. Sadly, lots of Corfu’s Jews had been deported through the Second World Battle. As we speak’s group is sort of small, however you’ll be able to nonetheless go to the small synagogue.
Take pleasure in native meals
Greece is legendary for its delicacies, however there’s something particular concerning the meals you could find in Corfu. Particularly, there may be one specific ingredient that you could be not be acquainted with but: the kumquat fruit.
Kumquat is a citrus fruit you’ll discover in native liqueurs and sweets. Its taste takes a bit getting used to, however you must attempt it nonetheless.
Whereas kumquat comes from China, in Greece the fruit is principally cultivated on Corfu. Corfu produces 140 tonnes of kumquat yearly! So benefit from the vitamin A and C if you are visiting.
Except for that, there are many eating places and taverns on the islands you could select from, together with superior vegan choices in Corfu.
For the most effective sweets on the island, head to Rosy’s Bakery within the Outdated City. There are tons of choices, together with kumquat sweets. Simply bear in mind that you simply pay by weight.
Go to the Achilleion
The Achilleion is a palace not removed from the capital Corfu, within the village Gastouri. It was constructed for Austrian Empress Elisabeth, often known as Sisi. The Achilleion was in-built 1890, a 12 months after Sisi’s son died. Its identify is derived from the legendary hero Achilles, of whom there are additionally statues within the backyard.
The palace was a summer time residence, and the attractive backyard actually makes it an ideal go to through the hotter season with its fabulous views of Corfu. Remember that there are extra vacationers in the summertime, so it tends to get pretty busy. Contained in the palace, you’ll be able to admire a number of artworks akin to work and sculptures associated to Greek mythology.
The Achilleion isn’t removed from Corfu City, however parking will be troublesome to seek out throughout peak instances. An everyday ticket is €10.
Discover the bays of Paleokastritsa
You clearly can’t go to a Greek island and never go to the seaside. Corfu has a ton of choices when you’re trying to spend a while enjoyable on the seaside. A number of the most beautiful seashores you could find in Corfu are positioned round Palaiokastritsa. This is likely one of the finest areas in all of Greece!
This space within the northwest of Corfu provides probably the most splendid views as a result of cliffs and marvelous greenery. Although we had been staying close to Corfu City, we spent most of our days touring to Palaikastritsa to go to the seashores right here.
When you completely should come right here at the very least as soon as, the seashores listed below are bustling in the summertime, so you could choose to hunt out a couple of of the much less standard ones as effectively (or hire a ship to hang around within the coves).
If you wish to transcend what most vacationers do within the space, be certain that to incorporate a go to to the Monastery of Palaiokastritsa, from the place you’ll be able to see the great thing about the entire space.
From Corfu City, you’ll be able to attain Palaiokastritsa by automobile in about 40 minutes. The general public bus A9 takes about an hour from Corfu City to Palaiokastritsa. A one-way ticket prices €2.30.
25 Finest Seashores in Corfu to Chill out On
Chill out at Issos seaside
A much less well-known seaside on Corfu is Issos, which is positioned within the southwestern a part of the island. The seaside is much much less busy than a few of these in Palaiokastritsa, though it’s organized with sunbeds and umbrellas. Make sure you keep round for the sundown, which transforms the dunes behind the seaside right into a desert-like panorama.
Stroll alongside Spianada sq. and the Liston
Who would have thought that the largest sq. in all of Greece is positioned on the island of Corfu? Spianada Sq. is maybe the one place in Greece the place Greeks play cricket, a pastime launched underneath British rule.
The Liston is the promenade proper subsequent to the sq. and showcases elegant arcades the place you’ll be able to cease for a espresso.
Spend time in Hlomos village
Corfu isn’t simply nice for its capital and the numerous seashores. There are a number of stunning villages on the island which might be value visiting. For unimaginable sundown views, head to Hlomos village within the southern a part of the island. The highway to the village is sort of steep, however you may be rewarded with superb views.
As a result of location of Hlomos, you’ll be able to see each of Corfu’s coasts. The village will not be very talked-about with vacationers but, so that you would possibly find yourself being the one customer making this a really calm place to hang around.
Discover a number of the finest views on Kaiser’s Throne
One other less-visited place on Corfu is Kaiser’s Throne, positioned within the village of Pelekas. The attractive vistas you get from right here make it one other incredible place to see a dawn or sundown. As a former observatory for the German Emperor, it’s additionally an excellent place for stargazing.
From Corfu City, it solely takes about 20 minutes by automobile to achieve the point of view. You may both drive up or hike if you want.
Go to Kassiopi village and seaside
The picturesque former fishing village of Kassiopi has developed into extra of a resort and could be very standard with English vacationers. The stays of a Byzantine fortress provide a pleasant view of the village. Regardless of Kassiopi’s reputation, it’s one of many extra quiet vacationer resorts on the island.
The seaside at Kassiopi is pebbled, which isn’t everybody’s favourite. However those that recognize not getting sand throughout their stuff will certainly get pleasure from it, particularly as a result of crystal clear water. Kassiopi doesn’t get as windy as a number of the seashores within the west of Corfu, making it an excellent selection when you’re touring with youngsters.
Reaching Kassiopi is best by automobile and takes about 50 minutes from Corfu City. However when you depend on public transport, the inexperienced bus A4 takes lower than 1.5 hours. A one-way ticket prices €3.60.
Climb the previous Venetian fortress
The Venetians have left a mark on the structure of Corfu’s Outdated City and fortified components of the island to defend it. The Byzantines initially constructed the previous fortress, however the Venetians rebuilt it. The ticket worth is €6 and likewise lets you enter the Museum of Asian Artwork, the Byzantine Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and Mon Repos.
Enjoyable reality: In For Your Eyes Solely, you’ll be able to see the previous Venetian fortress as the placement the place James Bond defeats one in all his enemies. As we speak, as you stroll across the fortress, hold your ears open for music rehearsals. The Ionian College’s music division is positioned within the previous fortress so you’ll be able to hearken to some stunning melodies.
Dive Into the Sea at La Grotta
La Grotta is an superior seaside bar within the northwestern a part of the island. This bar is actually constructed into the facet of a cliff and serves up nice drinks, meals with music that retains that social gathering vibe going all day.
There’s an excellent diving board that leads those that leap straight into the crystal clear waters. It’s a relaxed place to swim and revel in time with associates and different vacationers. Our day at La Grotta was top-of-the-line we had on Corfu, and I extremely advocate trying out this little bar at the very least as soon as in your journey!
Lease a Boat and Discover Hidden Seashores
Probably the greatest issues to do in Corfu is hire a ship for the day and discover all of the hidden coves and bay accessible by way of boat. Two of the most well-liked locations to hire a ship are Paleokastritsa and Liapades, although we discovered you could additionally hire them at Agni Seashore. We rented a ship for underneath €100 for the complete day (plus €20 for gasoline).
You don’t want a particular license to hire a ship in Greece if the boat is underneath 30 hp. Nonetheless it clearly helps in case you have pushed a ship earlier than as you driving out on the ocean. In case you don’t really feel comfy driving by your self, you’ll be able to rent a skipper to drive you round to the bays as effectively!
Maintain an eye fixed out for the climate when renting a ship; you don’t need to decide a windy and uneven day as it’s going to positively have an effect on your day! We rented our boat with Triton Marine Excursions in Paleokastritsa as that they had 5-star opinions and extremely advocate their household firm.
Hike All the way down to Porto Timoni
Porto Timoni is well the most well-liked seaside within the northern a part of the island. The explanation for that is it’s a surprising double seaside with turquoise water and a viewpoint that appears out of this world.
The hike all the way down to Porto Timoni is steep and uneven, and it’s finest to put on tennis sneakers (no flip flops) for the trek down. The hike down takes about 35 minutes and there aren’t any services down on the seaside, so be certain that to deliver all of the sunscreen, water, and snacks you want. There are photograph viewpoints alongside the way in which so be certain that to deliver your digital camera!
After you hike again up cease at Zeus Throne for some drinks and snacks!
Stroll By Afionas
The hike to Porto Timoni begins at Afionas above, and having fun with the feels right here is likely one of the finest issues to do in Corfu. This can be a small city with a couple of boutique retailers and scrumptious eating places. It’s a preferred place to move and soak within the vibe and wander round.
It’s significantly well-known for its sunsets, so attempt to come and spend one night right here. Even higher, see when you can guide a lodge within the space so you’ll be able to benefit from the views proper out of your balcony.
Catch Sundown at Loggas Seashore
Loggas Seashore is the last word place to observe the sundown in Corfu. It’s positioned on the northern tip of the island and gives beautiful views out to the ocean. Loggas Seashore is a small seaside that requires a really quick hike to get to; nonetheless the obtainable sand space is sort of slim between the waterline and the cliffs, and also you’ll have to move right here at low tide to essentially benefit from the “seaside” portion.
The extra standard factor to do at sundown is head to seventh Heaven proper above the seaside. They’ve a glass-bottom viewing platform for sundown!
Benefit from the View at Cape Drastis
Cape Drastis is maybe the wildest place in Corfu. On the northernmost level, not removed from Loggas Seashore is that this stunning sight. Cape Drastis is formed by cliffs and tiny sea caves with a couple of sandy strips between them.
The easiest way to go to Cape Drastis is by automobile, and to stroll and see it from above, you’ll need to hike a brief distance to the primary viewpoint over the cliffs, however it shouldn’t take you greater than 20 minutes to get there, and it’s not troublesome!
This offers you superb views from above, however you received’t actually attain the seaside from above because the cliffs are straight off all the way down to the ocean. To achieve the sandy seashores, it’s finest to go to by boat (on a relaxed day).
Cliff Bounce at Kanali tou Erota
Probably the greatest cliff leaping spots in Corfu is Kanali Tou Erota close to Sidari. As you’ll be able to see, the form is a wild horseshoe, and from the cliffs, guests can leap in! The leap is about 5 meters, although it may possibly get larger when you attempt.
Whereas the cliff leaping was tremendous enjoyable, I discovered the climb out a bit of troublesome, particularly for brief individuals, because it requires a collection of handholds on moist rock. To keep away from the climb out, sturdy swimmers can swim across the cliffs to the left and swim by means of a sea cave to entry the seaside and get out of the water that method. Don’t neglect to have lunch at D’ Amour Seashore whenever you’re completed!
Spend an Night at Ambelonas Winery
We had been on the lookout for a vineyard on Corfu and landed on Ambelonas Corfu. This can be a small winery simply 6 km from Corfu City, on a ravishing hill with pure wild vegetation and beautiful sundown views of the island.
Whereas the white and pink wine are scrumptious, the world is phenomenal for dinner. Ambelonas serves up conventional Corfiot delicacies with a contemporary aptitude. It’s top-of-the-line meals we had in Corfu because the meals is tasty, and the grounds are actually magical.
Reservations are extremely beneficial (and nearly required). Ambelonas hosts a variety of weddings, so their hours are fairly restricted (Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 19:00—22:30).
See the Vlacherna Monastery
The Vlacherna Monastery is the one constructing on a really tiny islet close to the airport. This monastery dates again to the seventeenth or 18th century. Whereas it’s fascinating to stroll by means of and round, I significantly favored sitting at Café Kanoni up the hill and getting a view of it.
Climb Up the Angelokastro
Angelokastro is a Byzantine fortress positioned on the high of the very best peak of the island’s shoreline. In case you are close to Palaiokastritsa, take into account including it to your day because it’s not far-off and is likely one of the finest issues to do in Corfu!
It might appear to be an extended climb as much as the fortress, however it’s actually not that unhealthy and can take lower than 10 minutes. From the highest, you get superb views to the north and south!
The Finest Issues to do in Corfu Map
The Finest Locations to Eat on Corfu Island
Avli Restaurant Corfu: A Greek Conventional Restaurant within the coronary heart of Corfu City. Barely upscale so reserve for particular events!
Thymari Restaurant: Trendy Greek Mediterranean delicacies on the steps of Sofokleous Dousmani.
Romeos Cafe Taverna: Household-run taverna excellent for lunch and dinner!
The Village Taverna: One in all our favourite meals we had was at The Village Taverna. This household taverna is about in an enthralling small village, and the house owners are so candy and sort. We allow them to fully select our meal for us and it was wonderful!
The place to Keep on Corfu Island
The Good Ionian Itinerary?
Yearly we attempt to take a look at a brand new chain of Greek Islands. Why? Effectively as a result of Greece is our favourite nation to journey to! Throughout this journey, we visited the Ionian Islands. We began in Corfu, the place we rented a automobile, and after took the ferry (with the automobile) to the mainland, and drove to Lefkada.
After our time on Lefkada, we took one other ferry to the quiet island of Ithaca. It’s advocate so as to add on Kefalonia and Zakynthos right here. In case you’re already on Corfu and have additional time, we advocate trying out a couple of different Ionian islands!
READ MORE GREECE TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you loved this information on what to do on Corfu! Hopefully, you discovered it helpful. Listed here are a couple of related articles for extra journey round Greece!
Thank You For Contributing
Whereas we loved our two weeks on Corfu, Nina Ahmedow is a journey content material creator who has traveled to greater than 20 international locations on three continents – she helped curate a couple of of the objects on this listing of finest issues to do in Corfu. She is the voice behind Lemons and Baggage, a journey weblog devoted to vegan and accountable journey. You can observe her on Instagram.
