20 BEST Issues To Do In Corfu, Greece

Choosing the proper Greek island will be daunting; in any case, 1000’s 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 very best issues to do in Corfu, we’ve you coated with the very best Corfu points of interest, locations to eat, and the place to remain.

First, it’s vital to notice that the northernmost of the Ionian islands differs considerably from most of the most well-known Greek islands: It’s a lot greener and plush and has a powerful Italian affect.

The mountains in Corfu’s northern half shall be notably fascinating to mountaineering followers. And after having fun with all of the great landscapes, spending some hours at one of many many gorgeous Corfu seashores is a welcome technique to chill out. Lastly, in case you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Corfu City, the capital has loads of sightseeing choices.

So don’t fear, you gained’t get bored in Corfu, regardless of your pursuits. In case you’re nonetheless not sure of what to do in Corfu, learn on for some solutions.

When is the very best 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 wish to do on the island.

That doesn’t imply that seaside lovers ought to ebook a visit solely in the summertime. July and August, the most popular months of the 12 months, are costlier than different months, and the temperature generally is a bit a lot in case you’re not used to the local weather. Might and June or September may be higher choices as they’re cooler and see fewer vacationers.

I contemplate these months a few of the greatest 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 tip 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 wish to contemplate touring to Corfu round Greek Orthodox Easter. The celebrations in Corfu City differ from anyplace else in Greece and are effectively price a visit. Have you ever ever seen folks throw clay pots from balconies to rejoice Easter? You’ll in Corfu!

The best way to get round Corfu

Corfu isn’t a tiny island, and since it’s stretched fairly lengthy, it could actually 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 principle sights, villages, and seashores. If you wish to scratch beneath the floor, renting a automotive in Greece is a extra handy technique to get round.

The roads in Corfu are in okay situation, although if in case you have earlier expertise driving in Greece, it could be greatest. The Corfu roads are actually the worst we’ve seen in all of the 15 islands we’ve visited. Nonetheless, if in case you have pushed in Greece and are okay with dilapidated, slender roads you’ll be tremendous on Corfu.

You possibly can simply carry all of your necessities and can even have the ability to attain extra distant seashores. Simply take into account that parking generally is a problem in some locations.

Scooters and ATVs are well-liked choices on the island. Nonetheless, though they are typically cheaper, they aren’t as snug as automobiles, don’t can help you carry a whole lot of stuff, and, most of all, can not present air con or shelter in opposition to the tough Mediterranean solar. Remember the fact that Corfu is a really late island, and it could actually take an hour or extra to get from level to level. If going from the south to all the best way north, anticipate nearly two hours! In order that might not be tremendous snug on a moped or ATV.

We rented a automotive from the Corfu airport for 2 weeks for about €30 a day with Alamo.

greatest issues to do in Corfu, Greece

Wander via the Outdated City

The Outdated City of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage web site, so it must be included on any record of issues to do in Corfu. Versus a few of the smaller Greek islands, Corfu’s capital is sort of energetic and value 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 fundamental cities within the Cyclades.

Nonetheless, merely strolling via the slender alleys and admiring the attractive façades is a superb expertise.

In a means, strolling via Corfu’s Outdated City is like being in two nations without delay: 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 to be like surprisingly totally 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 encounter a free live performance. Corfu is understood in Greece for its many marching bands and common musicality, so it’s no shock that dwell concert events on the streets of the Outdated City happen usually.

In case you’re in for some less-known historical past, make your technique to Corfu’s previous Jewish quarter. Sadly, lots of Corfu’s Jews had been deported in the course of the Second World Conflict. At present’s neighborhood is sort of small, however you’ll be able to nonetheless go to the small synagogue.

Take pleasure in native meals

Greece is known for its delicacies, however there’s something particular in regards to the meals you will discover in Corfu. Specifically, there’s one explicit 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 it’s best to strive 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 while you’re visiting.

Except for that, there are many eating places and taverns on the islands that you may select from, together with superior vegan choices in Corfu.

For the very best 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 beautiful backyard actually makes it an ideal go to in the course of the hotter season with its fabulous views of Corfu. Remember the fact 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 resembling work and sculptures associated to Greek mythology.

The Achilleion isn’t removed from Corfu City, however parking will be troublesome to search out throughout peak instances. A daily 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 in case you’re trying to spend a while enjoyable on the seaside. A number of the most gorgeous seashores you will discover in Corfu are positioned round Palaiokastritsa. This is among the greatest places in all of Greece!

This space within the northwest of Corfu affords essentially the most splendid views as a result of cliffs and marvelous greenery. Despite the fact that we had been staying close to Corfu City, we spent most of our days touring to Palaikastritsa to go to the seashores right here.

Whilst you completely should come right here not less than as soon as, the seashores listed here are bustling in the summertime, so you could desire to hunt out a number of of the much less well-liked 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 sure 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 automotive 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 Greatest Seashores in Corfu to Loosen up On

Loosen up 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, regardless that 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 probably 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 are price visiting. For unbelievable sundown views, head to Hlomos village within the southern a part of the island. The street to the village is sort of steep, however you can 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 is just not extremely popular 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 few of the greatest 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 implausible place to see a dawn or sundown. As a former observatory for the German Emperor, it’s additionally an ideal place for stargazing.

From Corfu City, it solely takes about 20 minutes by automotive to succeed in the point of view. You possibly can 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 may be very well-liked with English vacationers. The stays of a Byzantine fortress supply 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 admire not getting sand throughout their stuff will certainly take pleasure in it, particularly as a result of crystal clear water. Kassiopi doesn’t get as windy as a few of the seashores within the west of Corfu, making it an ideal selection in case you’re touring with youngsters.

Reaching Kassiopi is best by automotive and takes about 50 minutes from Corfu City. However in case 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 value is €6 and likewise means that you can enter the Museum of Asian Artwork, the Byzantine Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and Mon Repos.

Enjoyable truth: In For Your Eyes Solely, you’ll be able to see the previous Venetian fortress as the situation the place James Bond defeats certainly one of his enemies. At present, as you stroll across the fortress, preserve 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 ideal diving board that leads those that bounce straight into the crystal clear waters. It’s a relaxed place to swim and luxuriate in time with mates and different vacationers. Our day at La Grotta was probably the greatest we had on Corfu, and I extremely suggest trying out this little bar not less than as soon as in your journey!

Hire a Boat and Discover Hidden Seashores

The most effective issues to do in Corfu is hire a ship for the day and discover all of the hidden coves and bay accessible through boat. Two of the most well-liked locations to hire a ship are Paleokastritsa and Liapades, although we discovered that you may additionally hire them at Agni Seashore. We rented a ship for underneath €100 for the total 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 if in case you have pushed a ship earlier than as you driving out on the ocean. In case you don’t really feel snug driving by your self, you’ll be able to rent a skipper to drive you round to the bays as effectively!

Hold a watch out for the climate when renting a ship; you don’t wish to choose a windy and uneven day as it is going to positively have an effect on your day! We rented our boat with Triton Marine Excursions in Paleokastritsa as they’d 5-star opinions and extremely suggest their household firm.

Hike Right 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 right down to Porto Timoni is steep and uneven, and it’s greatest to put on tennis sneakers (no flip flops) for the trek down. The hike down takes about 35 minutes and there are not any services down on the seaside, so be sure that to carry all of the sunscreen, water, and snacks you want. There are photograph viewpoints alongside the best way so be sure that to carry your digital camera!

After you hike again up cease at Zeus Throne for some drinks and snacks!

Stroll Via Afionas

The hike to Porto Timoni begins at Afionas above, and having fun with the feels right here is among the greatest issues to do in Corfu. This can be a small city with a number of boutique outlets and scrumptious eating places. It’s a well-liked place to go and soak within the vibe and wander round.

It’s notably well-known for its sunsets, so attempt to come and spend one night right here. Even higher, see in case you can ebook 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 final word place to look at the sundown in Corfu. It’s positioned on the northern tip of the island and supplies gorgeous views out to the ocean. Loggas Seashore is a small seaside that requires a really brief hike to get to; nevertheless the out there sand space is sort of slender between the waterline and the cliffs, and also you’ll have to go right here at low tide to actually benefit from the “seaside” portion.

The extra well-liked 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 probably 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 number of sandy strips between them.

One of the simplest ways to go to Cape Drastis is by automotive, and to stroll and see it from above, you’ll need to hike a brief distance to the principle viewpoint over the cliffs, nevertheless 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 gained’t actually attain the seaside from above because the cliffs are straight off right down to the ocean. To succeed in the sandy seashores, it’s greatest to go to by boat (on a relaxed day).

Cliff Bounce at Kanali tou Erota

The most effective 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 bounce in! The bounce is about 5 meters, although it could actually get larger in case you strive.

Whereas the cliff leaping was tremendous enjoyable, I discovered the climb out just a little troublesome, particularly for brief folks, because it requires a collection of handholds on moist rock. To keep away from the climb out, robust swimmers can swim across the cliffs to the left and swim via a sea cave to entry the seaside and get out of the water that means. 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 gorgeous hill with pure wild vegetation and gorgeous 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 probably the greatest meals we had in Corfu because the meals is tasty, and the grounds are actually magical.

Reservations are extremely really helpful (and nearly required). Ambelonas hosts a whole lot 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 via and round, I notably appreciated sitting at Café Kanoni up the hill and getting a view of it.

Climb Up the Angelokastro

Angelokastro is a Byzantine citadel positioned on the prime of the very best peak of the island’s shoreline. In case you are close to Palaiokastritsa, contemplate including it to your day because it’s not far-off and is among the greatest issues to do in Corfu!

It might seem like an extended climb as much as the citadel, nevertheless 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 Greatest Issues to do in Corfu Map

The Greatest 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 ready in an enthralling small village, and the homeowners are so candy and sort. We allow them to utterly select our meal for us and it was wonderful!

The place to Keep on Corfu Island

The Excellent Ionian Itinerary?

Yearly we strive to take a look at a brand new chain of Greek Islands. Why? Nicely as a result of Greece is our favourite nation to journey to (we even acquired married there)! Throughout this journey, we visited the Ionian Islands. We began in Corfu, the place we rented a automotive, and after took the ferry (with the automotive) 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 really helpful so as to add on Kefalonia and Zakynthos right here. In case you’re already on Corfu and have additional time, we suggest trying out a number 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 number 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 nations on three continents – she helped curate a number of of the gadgets on this record of greatest 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.