Lush inside, pristine shoreline, distinctive rock formations, and a romantic capital metropolis. All this and extra might be discovered on Corfu Island, a vacation spot that really delighted us throughout our journey to Greece. There are limitless issues to do in Corfu, you’ll by no means be bored.
The northernmost (and hottest) of the Ionian Island chain, Corfu is definitely very near mainland Greece, and the nations of Albania and Italy.
As a result of its proximity and historical past with mainland Europe, Corfu Island was really one of many first Greek Islands to expertise mass tourism.
Due to this, Corfu has quite a few lodging choices, many eating places and bars, and a extra cosmopolitan really feel than many different Greek islands.
Greatest Issues To Do in Corfu
Greece is without doubt one of the most reasonably priced nations to journey to and in addition among the finest nations for delicacies, so it’s no shock that Corfu has some nice worth and superb dishes to attempt as properly.
We spent every week in Corfu (together with our 10 12 months anniversary) and had many distinctive experiences alongside the best way. This is without doubt one of the prime locations to go to in Greece for good motive!
Right here’s my record of the 15 finest sights, locations to go to, and issues to do in Corfu.
1. Lease a Boat Independently (probably the most distinctive issues to do in Corfu)
Do you know that on most of the islands in Greece, you may rent a ship your self and rip across the shoreline? Even in the event you don’t have a ship license?!
Should you’re in search of issues to do in Corfu which can be distinctive and enjoyable, renting a ship is unquestionably it.
We first heard about this once we had been on a tour with Luxurious Island Occasions on Zakynthos Island. This is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Zakynthos, and whereas we didn’t have an opportunity to lease one whereas we had been there, we knew we had to present it a attempt someplace else in Greece.
For our 10-year anniversary, we did simply that.
We drove to the northeastern aspect of Corfu and met up with the rental firm. After a really informal signing of paperwork and a once-over of the boat, we had been set. The boat was 45 horsepower and will have match six individuals, 4 comfortably.
Whizzing alongside the gorgeous shoreline, stopping off at seaside taverns for meals and drinks, and mooring up at secret coves to leap within the Ionian Sea, how enjoyable is that?! That is positively one of many prime issues to do in Corfu for {couples}, or associates.
Hiring a automobile is a should for getting across the island and seeing the inside, however hiring a ship is a superb technique to discover the shoreline. That is positively among the finest issues to do in Corfu. Study extra about being your personal captain for the day and renting a ship right here.
- You possibly can guide your personal boat right here
- We paid €80 for the boat within the offseason/shoulder season (could be €120 within the excessive season)
- Boat gasoline for a day of driving price us €40.
- Ensure that there are life jackets on board and you’ll need your personal meals and water.
Don’t Overlook Your Journey Insurance coverage For Corfu!
Be sure to have journey insurance coverage in your journey to Corfu. It’s the one factor it’s best to at all times pack. Security Wing is a good possibility for vacationers, adventurers, and distant staff.
2. Go to Corfu City
This UNESCO-listed city is completely lovely. As a result of being underneath Venetian rule from the 14th century to the late 18th century, this beautiful structure can nonetheless be discovered on this island — particularly within the capital of Corfu City.
With Venetian-style buildings, two fortresses, slender little lanes, and quite a few eating places, Corfu City is a spot you’ll need to spend a while exploring.
We visited on two events, each occasions round sundown when the temperature was a bit cooler.
Wander by pastel-colored houses with wrought-iron balconies and wood shutters. Make your manner by character-filled, cobbled streets — streets so slender that laundry might be held on a line strung between two adjoining homes.
The slender alleyways give technique to open plazas full of tables from busy eating places spilling out onto the road.
I like to recommend visiting each through the day, and within the night to see the city in two totally different lights. It’s probably the most romantic locations to go to in Corfu, and consuming wine within the outdated city was a spotlight of our journey to Corfu.
Greatest Strolling Excursions in Corfu City
There’s a highly-rated strolling tour you may be part of to expertise extra of Corfu City. You possibly can be part of within the morning or within the night. The tour consists of an English-speaking information, visiting the necessary websites on the town, meals tastings, a drink, and a full meal as properly. Click on right here to be taught extra and guide your ticket.
Another choice is that this strolling tour with a information that features a glass of wine on the finish! This journey is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Corfu outdated city.
☞ SEE ALSO: Climate in Greece – When Is The Greatest Time to Go to?
Notes About Visiting Corfu City
- Parking might be laborious to search out in Corfu City. Park simply exterior of the city itself, and stroll in.
- We extremely advocate consuming & consuming at Salto Wine Bar. Greek wines are on supply right here (€20 / bottle, €5.50 / glass). Two appetizers & two mains price us €38. Meals, drinks and repair are glorious.
- Wander across the lanes and get misplaced. Go to the sights, however spend time simply meandering round, this is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Corfu city for positive.
- Entrance to the Previous Fortress prices €6. Put on sturdy footwear and be aware that there’s not a lot shade.
3. Sleep in Lovely Lodging
It’s a bit bizarre to have lodging as a spotlight of an island, however there are some beautiful choices obtainable on Corfu. We stayed in two lovely properties and might advocate them each, for various causes.
Find out about the place to remain in Corfu in our full information.
MarBella Corfu is a correct 5-star, luxurious resort, full with all-inclusive menu plans, 4 a la carte eating places, 4 bars, and a buffet-style restaurant serving up recent meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Set simply steps from the Agios Ioannis Peristeron seashore, close to the south finish of Corfu, this is a perfect location for exploring this half of the island.
MarBella Corfu really is an expensive lodging and if a resort vacation is what you’re after, then that is the place for you. We spent 4 nights right here, however solely dined on the restaurant two occasions — there have been too many native eating places that we needed to take a look at!
The welcome drink and complimentary wine & fruit are a pleasant contact, the constructing itself is fashionable, and the employees listed here are extremely useful and pleasant. It was the right place to deal with ourselves for our 10 12 months anniversary.
On the northern finish of the island, we stayed for 2 nights at TRYP by Wyndham Corfu Dassia (previously Corfu Palma Boutique Lodge), and extremely advocate it.
With simply 4 flooring, this low-rise lodge has an intimate really feel. We had been staying on the 4th ground within the Superior Design Suite, which was completely beautiful. The rooms are spacious, vibrant and the trendy decor is beautiful.
The lodge presents a health club and a spa, in addition to a big outside pool. The one draw back is that it’s not positioned straight on the seashore, however only a few steps away. The employees listed here are pleasant and the supervisor, Spyros, will make you’re feeling very welcome!
We completely loved our keep at this boutique lodge, and advocate it primarily based on the trendy room itself, the stunning employees, the scrumptious meals, and the facilities on supply.
Since there are such a lot of issues to do in Corfu, and because the island is fairly massive, I counsel splitting your time between the north and the south, in the event you can.
That manner, you should use your base within the north to discover close by websites, then swap to your lodge within the south and take a look at that space of the island. In any other case, you could end up driving so much. The 2 inns I listed above labored out properly for us to just do that.
Should you’re considering staying in a small condo or guesthouse (quite than a lodge or resort) throughout your journey to Corfu Island, click on right here to check costs and search by quite a few choices on Reserving.com.
4. Be a part of an Olive Oil Tasting & Tour
There are over 4 million olive timber on Corfu Island, 95% of that are lianolia selection. There are a number of merchandise that Greek individuals have been utilizing all through the ages, and olive oil is certainly one of them. It has at all times been a giant a part of their weight loss plan, traditions, and historical past.
We joined this highly-rated day journey and discovered all about olive oil. It was an amazing expertise, and really tasty!
Olive groves present jobs and meals for the individuals they usually have for a few years. Studying in regards to the manufacturing of olive oil is without doubt one of the most necessary issues to do in Corfu, and Greece as a complete.
We spent a lazy afternoon indulging in some olive oil and bits of meals and loved the corporate of the house owners of The Governor. A visit right here is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Corfu when it rains.
The Governor is a fifth era, family-run institution on the island of Corfu. It’s probably the most awarded premium olive oils on the market. Not solely does the olive oil style scrumptious, however it has unbelievable well being advantages as properly.
This lovely video was proven to us on the Governor’s Mill, and though it was filmed on the island of Crete, the traditions and values positioned on the olive tree are the identical in Corfu and the remainder of Greece.
Occurring an olive oil tour is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Corfu! The fervour these two brothers have for his or her household firm is inspiring.
You possibly can both guide your tour on-line (which incorporates some snacks, olive oil, and water), or do one thing a bit extra thrilling and be part of a scooter journey of the island, which features a cease right here at The Governor, plus wineries, viewpoints, and lunch. That is journey is without doubt one of the extra adventurous issues to do in Corfu. Discover out extra right here.
The flavour of the olive oil is outstanding and the well being advantages are unbelievable! We actually loved assembly the Dafnis household, studying in regards to the product, and naturally, tasting it.
5. Study About Bees and Honey Manufacturing
One other Greek product that has been used for hundreds of years is honey, each for enjoyment in addition to curing illnesses.
Hippocrates mentioned that this Nectar of the Gods “cleans sores and ulcers, softens laborious ulcers of the lips, heals carbuncles and working sores”. Aristotle believed that honey extended life.
We had heard about “Mr. Honey” (whose actual title is Panagiotis Vasilakis) from Spyros, the supervisor at Corfu Palma Lodge.
Arriving on the workplace of Mr. Honey, we met a soft-spoken, chilled-out man who instructed us his story of how he left a high-stress profession in Athens for beekeeping in Corfu — a commerce he knew nothing about earlier than arriving right here!
We met his bees, discovered in regards to the strategy of accumulating the honey, and had been proven most of the pure merchandise he makes.
This is without doubt one of the extra distinctive locations to go to in Corfu, and one of many prime issues to do in Corfu for households. Don’t miss a day with Mr. Honey.
Panagiotis is obsessed with beekeeping and is eager to share his data about bees and honey with you. A go to right here is without doubt one of the finest free issues to do in Corfu. Excursions listed here are free, together with samples of honey.
A go to right here is without doubt one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Corfu. The store is known as MKV – Melissokomiki Kerkyras Vasilakis, which is positioned right here.
6. Go to an Historic Monastery
There are over 250 church buildings and monasteries on Corfu Island! A few the standouts are The Vlacherna Monastery and the Monastery of Paleokastritsa. This non-public day journey takes in these monasteries and lots of extra highlights of Corfu.
When driving south from the airport, it could be laborious to overlook the Vlacherna Monastery, which sits out on the water, on an island of its personal. The island is definitely linked to the mainland by a stone bridge that crosses the bay.
The chapel was in-built 1685 and really, this was as soon as a nunnery monastery. As of late, Vlacherna Monastery is a quiet place with cypress timber surrounding it, and canine and cats roaming round.
Enjoyable truth, the For Your Eyes Solely James Bond movie had a scene set right here. The monastery is without doubt one of the finest locations to see in Corfu.
The second must-see monastery is Paleokastritsa.
The placement of this non secular website is beautiful. Set on a lush hill above the seashore with the identical title, and surrounded by sheer cliffs and fairly bays, a go to to this monastery (which is devoted to the Virgin Mary) is a should.
Paleokastritsa continues to be working as a monastery immediately, and you might even see a monk or two go by throughout your go to. It’s necessary to decorate appropriately and respectfully when coming into the advanced.
This is without doubt one of the common locations to see in Corfu, there’ll most likely be group excursions right here. However whatever the crowds, it’s value a go to. Click on right here to open the GoogleMaps location of Paleokastritsa. Click on right here for Vlacherna Monastery.
7. Chill Out Beachside at Paleokastritsa
Whilst you’re within the space visiting the monastery, be certain to take a look at the seashores and city of Paleokastritsa. There are 6 beautiful bays right here, that are surrounded by olive and cypress timber.
That is the right spot for spending the afternoon swimming, or simply lazing on the seashore. You’ll discover quite a few tavernas and eating places right here as properly, together with close by Akron Seashore Bar, which has an amazing setting for a meal or drink.
You’re in Greece, so it’s no shock that enjoyable on a wonderful seashore is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Corfu. In actual fact, the primary seashore of Paleokastritsa itself is understood for being among the finest seashores in Greece.
8. Sip on Sundown Cocktails
Situated on the very northwestern tip of Corfu Island, you’ll discover seventh Heaven restaurant. With expansive views from atop a cliff out to the Ionian Sea, that is the final word spot to look at the solar go down.
It’s largely recognized for being a spot to seize a drink with sundown, however in addition they have meals obtainable. Cocktails go from round €7 and in the event you don’t have your personal wheels, a taxi from Sidari to right here is round €9.
The drinks is probably not the most affordable, however you’re paying for the setting. Click on right here to see the Google Maps location of the restaurant.
Should you’d quite get some train, benefit from the superb sundown, and then head for a cocktail, take a look at this climbing journey with a information. After a leisurely hike by lovely villages and surroundings, you’ll benefit from the unbelievable sundown from Angel Fortress. Study extra right here.
9. Swim on the Canal d’Amour in Sidari
Whilst you’re on the northern finish of the island, be certain to go to the Canal d’Amour, or Love Canal. The rock formations round this space are vibrant, crumbly, and really distinctive.
You’ll discover individuals laying on the seashore, or leaping off of the cliffs into the clear water. This is without doubt one of the prime sights in Corfu by far.
There’s a canal right here, which leads underneath the cliff. It’s mentioned that in the event you swim by, you’ll get married quickly. Whether or not or not that’s true, it’s nonetheless probably the most common issues to do in Corfu.
You gained’t be totally submerged in water and can be capable to breathe the entire time, so don’t fear! Plus, the canal isn’t very lengthy.
On a windy day, the waves could be a bit tough right here in the event you’re planning to take a ship across the coast, however being on the seashore is ok.
You’ll discover quite a few inns, eating places, and tavernas within the city of Sidari, making this the right spot to spend the afternoon, or longer.
10. Go Mountain Biking Round Corfu
Attempt to peel your self away from the gorgeous seashores and romantic cities to get some train. Renting a mountain bike to discover both independently, or on a tour is a superb technique to see the off-track inside of the island.
No matter whether or not you’re a newbie or extra superior, there’s a route for you. Try the blokes at The Corfu Mountain Bike Store to lease a GIANT bike, or guide a enjoyable day tour right here.
11. Bask in a Decadent Meal
Should you’re in search of a advantageous eating expertise, be certain to go to Etrusco Restaurant within the city of Dassia — which is listed as one of many world’s 50 finest.
Michelin Starred chef, Ettore Botrini is an Italian Corfiat, with three eating places in Greece — Corfu, Rhodes, and Athens.
This extremely acclaimed chef is aware of presentation!
Each dish we had got here out completely manicured, with a narrative behind every plate. The outside eating space is surrounded by timber and fairly pink bougainvillea flowers.
Plus, the kitchen is behind a big window, so you may watch all the motion unfold whilst you wait in your meals.
You possibly can order a la carte, or select from certainly one of two set menus: My Origins or Akron Aoton.
Each have the choice of together with a wine pairing and go for round €130 for 7 – 12 programs, so it’s extra of a “big day” form of place and we loved our meal for our anniversary.
Click on right here to search out Etrusco Restaurant on Google Maps, and click on right here to make a reservation and see the menus on supply.
12. Go Crusing (among the finest day journeys from Corfu)
With Corfu’s location, it’s no shock that there are some superb crusing and boat day journeys you are able to do! Cruise over the crystal-clear water in your technique to close by Antipaxos & Paxos, or sail on over to the Sivota Islands.
The day is spent gawking on the surroundings, swimming within the pristine water, and visiting small villages. Getting out on the water and visiting these islands and hidden coves is unquestionably among the finest day journeys from Corfu.
There are fairly a number of excursions you may be part of, however this one to Anitpaxos and Paxos could be very extremely rated and at round $45, it’s a steal. Should you’d quite take a look at the Sivota Islands and the outdated city of Parga, this journey can be very extremely rated and is round $45 as properly.
Lastly, in the event you’d prefer to have a sailboat to your self and luxuriate in a personal day on the water, this journey is a should. The day is totally customizable and is ideal for a household or group of associates. Snacks, beer, wine, and water are all included as properly. You actually can’t go fallacious. Click on right here for extra particulars.
13. Volunteer With Donkeys
You probably have extra time on the island, why not spend a while giving again?
Among the finest issues to do in Corfu with animals is to volunteer to maintain deserted, abused, outdated, or injured donkeys. Give them some love, groom them, and even take the donkeys for a stroll.
Surrounded by olive timber and the gorgeous Corfu mountains, the setting of this sanctuary for donkeys is beautiful. Click on right here to be taught extra about visiting the shelter — one of many extra rewarding and distinctive issues to do in Corfu.
14. Be a part of a Meals Tour
Foodies, this one is for you! Spend the day strolling round lovely Corfu Previous City, whereas studying in regards to the historical past of the island, and sampling a few of the native delicacies.
On this enjoyable tour, you’ll meet up with an English-speaking information and wander across the outdated city. The highlights and stops embrace the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, hidden corners and squares, the outdated metropolis partitions, fountains, the Church of St. Spyridon, and extra.
All through the 3-hour journey, you’ll cease to eat a few occasions. The tour features a native breakfast and a sit-down lunch on the finish of the strolling tour. Discover out extra and guide your spot right here.
15. Lease a Scooter
Renting a ship is a should in Corfu to see the shoreline, however for exploring the island itself, I like to recommend renting a scooter. Do because the locals do and benefit from the day on two wheels.
There are a few choices for renting a Vespa scooter in Corfu. You possibly can both rent one for your self privately and see all the finest locations to go to in Corfu by yourself or, you may be part of a personal day tour so that you don’t get misplaced!
The unbiased Vespa rental is round $35 and you’ve got the scooter for a full day. Study extra right here. The non-public tour takes you to totally different villages with an knowledgeable information and features a non-alcoholic drink. The tour is about 3 hours lengthy and prices round $55. Study extra right here.
16. Bonus! Go to Albania
One other nice exercise throughout your keep in Corfu is to take a day journey to a close-by nation. Do you know you may take a ship from the island of Corfu to the nation of Albania?
On this enjoyable day journey, you’ll go to the UNESCO metropolis of Butrint, the gorgeous seaside metropolis of Saranda, the Venetian Tower, the Temple of Asclepius, and way more.
Every part is included on this present day journey, together with knowledgeable information, bus tickets, boat tickets, entry to museums and UNESCO websites, and a tasty lunch in Saranda. Don’t neglect your passport! Click on right here for particulars.
What to Do in Corfu: FAQ’s
Listed below are solutions to some questions that travellers have about visiting Corfu.
Corfu is value visiting. It’s probably the most common islands in Greece for its lovely shoreline, cosmopolitan vibe, mountains and enjoyable nightlife. Whether or not you could have an extended weekend, every week, or only a day journey from the cruise ship or close by island, add Corfu to your record.
Corfu is understood for its sandy seashores, cosmopolitan really feel, superb eating places, beautiful landscapes, and enjoyable nightlife. And, in fact, the Channel of Love!
Two days is the minimal time it’s best to spend on Corfu island. It’s fairly a giant island, so that you’ll need to take a day tour to see as a lot as attainable. Ideally, you can spend every week right here!
If you wish to discover off-track locations in Corfu, it’s best to lease a automobile. We like the liberty to maneuver round at our personal tempo, so we selected to lease a automobile. In any other case, in the event you plan to stay to a close-by seashore, you may get round on foot. There are buses obtainable too, and day excursions you may take that present transportation.
In Conclusion
With so many islands to go to in Greece, it may be laborious to resolve which one to decide on. Should you’re considering lovely seashores, glorious eating places, non secular websites, tradition & historical past, and beautiful lodging, then Corfu Island is for you.
And, since Corfu is so near mainland Europe, getting right here is straightforward.
You possibly can take a fast flight from wherever in Europe, with a brief layover in Athens, or in the event you’re flying from North America, you’ll must cease over in Europe earlier than persevering with on to Corfu. There are lots of ferry routes throughout Greece, seek for boats to Corfu right here.
Try Aegean Airways for flights, or search engines like google similar to Expedia.com, Kayak.com and Google Flights. For ferry routes, take a look at Ferry Hopper.
Try our Journey Movies from Corfu
Thanks to Uncover Greece for aiding us with our journey to Greece. As at all times, all ideas and opinions stay our personal. Among the photos on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
