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 countless 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 consequence 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.
Finest Issues To Do in Corfu
Greece is among the most reasonably priced nations to journey to and in addition among the best nations for delicacies, so it’s no shock that Corfu has some nice worth and wonderful dishes to strive as nicely.
We spent per week in Corfu (together with our 10 12 months anniversary) and had many distinctive experiences alongside the way in which. This is among the prime locations to go to in Greece for good cause!
Right here’s my listing of the 15 finest points of interest, locations to go to, and issues to do in Corfu.
1. Lease a Boat Independently (one of the vital distinctive issues to do in Corfu)
Do you know that on most of the islands in Greece, you’ll be able to rent a ship your self and rip across the shoreline? Even in the event you don’t have a ship license?!
In case you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Corfu which are distinctive and enjoyable, renting a ship is certainly it.
We first heard about this once we had been on a tour with Luxurious Island Occasions on Zakynthos Island. This is among the finest issues to do in Zakynthos, and whereas we didn’t have an opportunity to hire one whereas we had been there, we knew we had to provide it a strive someplace else in Greece.
For our 10-year anniversary, we did simply that.
We drove to the northeastern facet 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 folks, 4 comfortably.
Whizzing alongside the attractive 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 undoubtedly one of many prime issues to do in Corfu for {couples}, or pals.
Hiring a automobile is a should for getting across the island and seeing the inside, however hiring a ship is a superb solution to discover the shoreline. That is undoubtedly among the best issues to do in Corfu. Be taught extra about being your individual captain for the day and renting a ship right here.
- You’ll be able to guide your individual boat right here
- We paid €80 for the boat within the offseason/shoulder season (could be €120 within the excessive season)
- Boat fuel for a day of driving price us €40.
- Ensure there are life jackets on board and you have to your individual meals and water.
Don’t Neglect Your Journey Insurance coverage For Corfu!
Be sure you have journey insurance coverage in your journey to Corfu. It’s the one factor it is best to at all times pack. Security Wing is a good choice for vacationers, adventurers, and distant employees.
2. Go to Corfu City
This UNESCO-listed city is completely stunning. As a consequence of being below 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 wish to spend a while exploring.
We visited on two events, each instances round sundown when the temperature was a bit cooler.
Wander by pastel-colored properties with wrought-iron balconies and picket shutters. Make your method 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 solution 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 one of the vital romantic locations to go to in Corfu, and consuming wine within the previous city was a spotlight of our journey to Corfu.
Finest Strolling Excursions in Corfu City
There’s a highly-rated strolling tour you’ll be able to be part of to expertise extra of Corfu City. You’ll be able to be part of within the morning or within the night. The tour contains an English-speaking information, visiting the necessary websites on the town, meals tastings, a drink, and a full meal as nicely. Click on right here to be taught extra and guide your ticket.
Another choice is this strolling tour with a information that features a glass of wine on the finish! This journey is among the finest issues to do in Corfu previous city.
☞ SEE ALSO: Climate in Greece – When Is The Finest Time to Go to?
Notes About Visiting Corfu City
- Parking might be exhausting 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 provide right here (€20 / bottle, €5.50 / glass). Two appetizers & two mains price us €38. Meals, drinks and repair are wonderful.
- Wander across the lanes and get misplaced. Go to the sights, however spend time simply meandering round, this is among the finest issues to do in Corfu city for positive.
- Entrance to the Outdated Fortress prices €6. Put on sturdy footwear and notice that there’s not a lot shade.
3. Sleep in Stunning Lodging
It’s a bit bizarre to have lodging as a spotlight of an island, however there are some beautiful choices accessible on Corfu. We stayed in two stunning properties and may advocate them each, for various causes.
Study 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 contemporary 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 instances — 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 workers listed here are extremely useful and pleasant. It was the proper 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, vivid and the trendy decor is beautiful.
The lodge presents a fitness center 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 workers listed here are pleasant and the supervisor, Spyros, will make you are feeling very welcome!
We completely loved our keep at this boutique lodge, and advocate it based mostly on the trendy room itself, the stunning workers, the scrumptious meals, and the facilities on provide.
Since there are such a lot of issues to do in Corfu, and because the island is fairly massive, I recommend splitting your time between the north and the south, in the event you can.
That method, you need to 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 might end up driving so much. The 2 inns I listed above labored out nicely for us to do exactly that.
In case you’re taken with staying in a small house or guesthouse (slightly 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 bushes on Corfu Island, 95% of that are lianolia selection. There are a number of merchandise that Greek folks have been utilizing all through the ages, and olive oil is considered one of them. It has at all times been a giant a part of their weight-reduction plan, traditions, and historical past.
We joined this highly-rated day journey and realized all about olive oil. It was an ideal expertise, and really tasty!
Olive groves present jobs and meals for the folks and so they have for a few years. Studying concerning the manufacturing of olive oil is among 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 homeowners of The Governor. A visit right here is among the finest issues to do in Corfu when it rains.
The Governor is a fifth technology, family-run institution on the island of Corfu. It’s one of the vital awarded premium olive oils on the market. Not solely does the olive oil style scrumptious, but it surely has unbelievable well being advantages as nicely.
This stunning 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.
Happening an olive oil tour is among the finest issues to do in Corfu! The fervour these two brothers have for his or her household firm is inspiring.
You’ll be able to both guide your tour on-line (which incorporates some snacks, olive oil, and water), or do one thing slightly 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 among 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 concerning the product, and naturally, tasting it.
5. Be taught 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 stated that this Nectar of the Gods “cleans sores and ulcers, softens exhausting ulcers of the lips, heals carbuncles and working sores”. Aristotle believed that honey extended life.
We had heard about “Mr. Honey” (whose actual identify 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, realized concerning the means of accumulating the honey, and had been proven most of the pure merchandise he makes.
This is among 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 captivated with beekeeping and is eager to share his information about bees and honey with you. A go to right here is among the finest free issues to do in Corfu. Excursions listed here are free, together with samples of honey.
A go to right here is among the extra distinctive issues to do in Corfu. The store known as MKV – Melissokomiki Kerkyras Vasilakis, which is positioned right here.
6. Go to an Historical 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 will be exhausting to overlook the Vlacherna Monastery, which sits out on the water, on an island of its personal. The island is definitely related to the mainland by a stone bridge that crosses the bay.
The chapel was inbuilt 1685 and really, this was as soon as a nunnery monastery. Today, Vlacherna Monastery is a quiet place with cypress bushes surrounding it, and canines and cats roaming round.
Enjoyable reality, the For Your Eyes Solely James Bond movie had a scene set right here. The monastery is among the finest locations to see in Corfu.
The second must-see monastery is Paleokastritsa.
The situation of this spiritual website is beautiful. Set on a lush hill above the seashore with the identical identify, 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 right this moment, and you might even see a monk or two cross by throughout your go to. It’s necessary to decorate appropriately and respectfully when getting into the complicated.
This is among 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
When you’re within the space visiting the monastery, make sure that 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 bushes.
That is the proper 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 nicely, together with close by Akron Seashore Bar, which has an ideal setting for a meal or drink.
You’re in Greece, so it’s no shock that stress-free on a ravishing seashore is among the prime issues to do in Corfu. The truth is, the primary seashore of Paleokastritsa itself is thought for being among the best 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 observe the solar go down.
It’s principally identified for being a spot to seize a drink with sundown, however in addition they have meals accessible. Cocktails go from round €7 and in the event you don’t have your individual wheels, a taxi from Sidari to right here is round €9.
The drinks will not be the most cost effective, however you’re paying for the setting. Click on right here to see the Google Maps location of the restaurant.
In case you’d slightly get some train, benefit from the wonderful sundown, and then head for a cocktail, take a look at this climbing journey with a information. After a leisurely hike by stunning villages and surroundings, you’ll benefit from the unbelievable sundown from Angel Citadel. Be taught extra right here.
9. Swim on the Canal d’Amour in Sidari
When you’re on the northern finish of the island, make sure that 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 folks laying on the seashore, or leaping off of the cliffs into the clear water. This is among the prime points of interest in Corfu by far.
There’s a canal right here, which leads below the cliff. It’s stated that in the event you swim by, you’ll get married quickly. Whether or not or not that’s true, it’s nonetheless one of the vital common issues to do in Corfu.
You received’t be absolutely submerged in water and can be capable of breathe the entire time, so don’t fear! Plus, the canal isn’t very lengthy.
On a windy day, the waves generally is 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 proper spot to spend the afternoon, or longer.
10. Go Mountain Biking Round Corfu
Attempt to peel your self away from the attractive seashores and romantic cities to get some train. Renting a mountain bike to discover both independently, or on a tour is a superb solution 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 fellows at The Corfu Mountain Bike Store to hire a GIANT bike, or guide a enjoyable day tour right here.
11. Take pleasure in a Decadent Meal
In case you’re on the lookout for a high-quality eating expertise, make sure that 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 bushes and fairly pink bougainvillea flowers.
Plus, the kitchen is behind a big window, so you’ll be able to watch all the motion unfold whilst you wait in your meals.
You’ll be able to order a la carte, or select from considered 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 provide.
12. Go Crusing (among the best day journeys from Corfu)
With Corfu’s location, it’s no shock that there are some wonderful crusing and boat day journeys you are able to do! Cruise over the crystal-clear water in your solution 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 certainly among the best day journeys from Corfu.
There are fairly a number of excursions you’ll be able to be part of, however this one to Anitpaxos and Paxos could be very extremely rated and at round $45, it’s a steal. In case you’d slightly take a look at the Sivota Islands and the previous city of Parga, this journey can also be very extremely rated and is round $45 as nicely.
Lastly, in the event you’d wish to have a sailboat to your self and revel in a personal day on the water, this journey is a should. The day is absolutely customizable and is ideal for a household or group of pals. Snacks, beer, wine, and water are all included as nicely. You actually can’t go unsuitable. Click on right here for extra particulars.
13. Volunteer With Donkeys
If in case you have extra time on the island, why not spend a while giving again?
Probably the greatest issues to do in Corfu with animals is to volunteer to deal with deserted, abused, previous, or injured donkeys. Give them some love, groom them, and even take the donkeys for a stroll.
Surrounded by olive bushes and the attractive 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 stunning Corfu Outdated City, whereas studying concerning the historical past of the island, and sampling a number of the native delicacies.
On this enjoyable tour, you’ll meet up with an English-speaking information and wander across the previous city. The highlights and stops embrace the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, hidden corners and squares, the previous metropolis partitions, fountains, the Church of St. Spyridon, and extra.
All through the 3-hour journey, you’ll cease to eat a few instances. 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’ll be able to both rent one for your self privately and see all the finest locations to go to in Corfu by yourself or, you’ll be able to be part of a personal day tour so that you don’t get misplaced!
The impartial Vespa rental is round $35 and you’ve got the scooter for a full day. Be taught extra right here. The non-public tour takes you to totally different villages with an professional information and features a non-alcoholic drink. The tour is about 3 hours lengthy and prices round $55. Be taught 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’ll be able to 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 attractive seaside metropolis of Saranda, the Venetian Tower, the Temple of Asclepius, and way more.
The whole lot is included on this present day journey, together with an expert information, bus tickets, boat tickets, entry to museums and UNESCO websites, and a tasty lunch in Saranda. Don’t overlook your passport! Click on right here for particulars.
What to Do in Corfu: FAQ’s
Listed here are solutions to some questions that travellers have about visiting Corfu.
Corfu is value visiting. It’s one of the vital common islands in Greece for its stunning shoreline, cosmopolitan vibe, mountains and enjoyable nightlife. Whether or not you have got an extended weekend, per week, or only a day journey from the cruise ship or close by island, add Corfu to your listing.
Corfu is thought for its sandy seashores, cosmopolitan really feel, wonderful eating places, beautiful landscapes, and enjoyable nightlife. And, in fact, the Channel of Love!
Two days is the minimal time it is best to spend on Corfu island. It’s fairly a giant island, so that you’ll wish to take a day tour to see as a lot as attainable. Ideally, you possibly can spend per week right here!
If you wish to discover off-track locations in Corfu, it is best to hire a automobile. We like the liberty to maneuver round at our personal tempo, so we selected to hire a automobile. In any other case, in the event you plan to stay to a close-by seashore, you will get round on foot. There are buses accessible too, and day excursions you’ll be able to take that present transportation.
In Conclusion
With so many islands to go to in Greece, it may be exhausting to determine which one to decide on. In case you’re taken with stunning seashores, wonderful eating places, spiritual 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 simple.
You’ll be able to 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 a lot of ferry routes throughout Greece, seek for boats to Corfu right here.
Try Aegean Airways for flights, or search engines like google and yahoo 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. A number of the pictures on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
