Corfu Things to Do

The best thing to do while being on the island is to wander its picturesque capital. The Old Town of Corfu has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the most beautiful towns in Greece. It has been inhabited since ancient times and is full of medieval buildings, castle ruins and neighborhoods with old houses constructed according to Venetian architecture. Strolling around the Town may feel like you are getting lost in a labyrinth full of narrow alleys known as kantounia and charming neighborhoods with a warm atmosphere. You will discover amazing picturesque sceneries such as the Campiello, the oldest part of the Town, and large buildings in the heart of the historic center, that are still full of life.
Among the most photographed landmarks in the Town are the tall bell tower of Saint Spyridon Church and the Town Hall, an originally Venetian building that was renovated after the damage inflicted on it during the Second World War.

It is worth mentioning that the Old Town of Corfu is exceptionally beautiful after the sunset when the street lights enhance the details of the Venetian buildings. We highly recommend booking an evening guided tour to see the Town’s most significant landmarks by night and experience its vivid nightlife. This tour also offers the opportunity for wine tasting in a setting with a truly magical atmosphere!

Discover Corfu Town

Corfu has become famous for its beautiful sea and attracts visitors from all over the world every year. Similarly to the other Ionian Islands, it has distinctive turquoise waters and long beaches covered with silky sand; therefore, visiting the beautiful beaches could not be missing from the list of the best things to do in Corfu! The beaches are often surrounded by a uniquely beautiful and wild landscape that consists of hills and mountains full of dense vegetation.

Many of the island’s most popular beaches come with all sorts of facilities, such as sunbeds, restaurants, bars, accommodation options and water sports centers. You will find several well-organized ones, including Paleokastritsa and Agios Gordios.
If you prefer a more peaceful and quiet place to enjoy the magnificent landscapes, non-organized beaches with no are also easy to find. One of the island’s best remote seashores that remain unspoiled is Myrtiotissa.
For something completely out of the ordinary, we recommend visiting Canal d’Amour. Even though it is narrow and the tiny beach can easily get overcrowded, you have the opportunity to see some of the most impressive geological formations in the area.

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Investing in your accommodation is the best thing to do if you want your holiday experience to be the ultimate one. Fortunately, finding a nice place to stay in Corfu will never be a challenge. Numerous hotels and other accommodation options are available across the island, offering modern design and excellent facilities. Some may be located in the calm neighborhoods of quaint villages, while others are situated right by the sea.
• If you’re looking for a seafront resort, Delfino Blu in Agios Stefanos combines pools and the sea with flowery gardens and a romantic atmosphere. In addition, Acharavi is one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in the area, so staying at a place nearby is definitely a good idea.
• Dreams Resort and Spa in Gouvia offers an array of accommodation units offering unobstructed views of the Ionian Sea. A swimming pool, an area for children and several areas for sports are all part of the fine facilities.
• Many of the island’s hotels may provide guests with relaxing spa treatments and wellness services that will make you relax and enjoy your vacation to the fullest, including the Palace Hotel, with panoramic sea views!
• Corfu Town also features great accommodation options with balconies that open up to views of picturesque neighborhoods. Bella Venezia is a historic building that has been renovated to offer elegant accommodation.

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The food in Corfu is offered in many different categories of shops that can satisfy both the simple traveler and the demanding gourmet traveler. It is of particular interest in every tourist destination that all the culinary aspects of the local cuisine should be available in their qualitative form. The gastronomic experience that the island has to offer to its visitors is unique, as the Corfiot cuisine expresses the influence of the foreign conquerors (especially the Venetians) and the different social groups that passed through Corfu. In local restaurants, the best thing to do is try the traditional dishes of the island, such as pastitsiada, sofrito, bourdeto and tsigareli.

Three restaurants we recommend paying a visit to during your stay are Tomata Corfiot Cuisine in Kavos, Venetian Well in Town and Etrusco in Kato Korakiana.

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When visiting Corfu Town, make sure you stop by some of its most important landmarks: the Old Fortress and the New Fortress.

The Old Fortress was built in the 15th century in place of a much older Byzantine castle. While wandering around the area, you will find many historic buildings, including the Public Library of Corfu, the Chapel of Madonna del Carmine, the Doric Temple of Saint George and the allegedly haunted British Hospital. There are several medieval ruins, as well as a well-preserved clock tower. The Old Fortress of Corfu is considered one of the best-designed fortification infrastructures in Europe.

The New Fortress is also known as the Fortress of Saint Mark or San Marco. It was constructed during the years of Venetian rule and is a very complex structure with an excellent architectural design, further reinforced by the British and the French. One of the most significant monuments on the premises is the winged lions of Saint Mark, the emblem of Venetian rule. From the highest points of the New Fortress, you will have a wonderful view of Corfu’s Old Town.

Discover the sights

Panagia Vlacherna Church at Kanoni and Mouse Island are the trademarks of Corfu for Greek people.
The small islet, also known as Pontikonisi, is full of greenery and hosts a lovely church on it. It can only be visited on a few religious celebrations, and entrance is prohibited at any other time of the year to protect its flora and fauna. It was likely named Mouse Island because of its size and shape, and according to Greek mythology, the islet is said to be the petrified ship of Odysseus, turned into stone by the god Poseidon.

More about Kanoni and Mouse Island

Located in the picturesque village of Gastouri, the Achillion Palace is one of the most impressive attractions on the island of Corfu.
In addition to its luxurious interior, full of antique furniture and paintings, the Palace is surrounded by lush green gardens and decorated with statues and other impressive sculptures. The classical architecture of the palace makes it look like an ancient Greek temple, and the aesthetically pleasing environment is certainly awe-inspiring! You may have already caught a glimpse of it in the James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only.

The best way to explore the Palace and discover other exceptionally beautiful corners of Corfu’s Old Town is by participating in a private tour for groups of up to 15 people. During the tour, you will have the chance to see the most charming neighborhoods in Corfu, as well as Mouse Island, and you will stop by small traditional villages.

Discover Achillion Palace

The impressive neoclassical building of the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George houses a unique collection, the only one of its kind found in Greece.
The Museum of Asian Art is located there, presenting a unique opportunity to admire artifacts that come from many Asian countries and belong to private collections. Among other display items, you will discover Samurai armor and weapons, porcelain ornaments and other fascinating artworks.
A brief visit to the Museum ensures an unexpected glimpse into Asian culture, impossible to find on any other Greek island, and is, undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Corfu!

Discover the Asian Art Museum

Time seems to stop at the old picturesque villages scattered around the countryside of Corfu. The traditional architecture of many settlements on the island offers a glimpse into the past, as it has remained unchanged for centuries. There, you will find both abandoned houses that are only occupied by the ghosts of the past, as well as houses that have been carefully restored and are still being inhabited to this day.

For instance, Palaia Peritheia is one of the oldest settlements on the island, full of stone-built ruins and listed buildings. Another village with narrow alleys and houses that do not belong in the modern world is Lakones. Some of these villages are quite popular and attract many visitors during the summer months, such as Lefkimi, the island’s second largest town and the seafront fishing village Benitses. They may also offer facilities, including restaurants, cafes and accommodation options.

Explore the villages

The Blue Lagoon is a very exotic place you will see in Corfu and the only way to get there is by boat.

A full-day guided cruise is a must if you want to swim in its turquoise waters and see other extraordinary secluded spots such as small beaches and the cave Papanikolis. The cruise will also take you to the mainland village of Syvota, famous for its colorful houses and transparent sea waters. The area is said to resemble the Carribean region and upon visiting, you will surely find out why!

Book the cruise

Its transparent sea waters and diverse marine life make Corfu a destination perfect for scuba divers and snorkeling enthusiasts.
Many diving centers offer well-organized diving sessions and lessons to anyone who wants to experience the underwater miracles of the local sea bottom. All the guidance and equipment you need for a safe and fun diving experience will be provided at the diving center of your choice!

Discover the diving centers

Mon Repos Palace was built in 1826. Even though it is a relatively small palace, it showcases a very beautiful design and it is surrounded by lovely gardens. Over the years, the palace housed various prominent European personalities and was also the birthplace of Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Nowadays, it has been carefully restored and hosts a museum with an interesting collection of antiques and other findings. The gardens around the palace are the perfect place for long walks.

Discover Mon Repos

Spending a day having fun at Aqualand is the best thing to do if planning to visit the island with your family! The large variety of waterslides and games in the enormous park is something you will certainly appreciate, especially if you’re traveling with children. Lots of convenient facilities are available, including places where you can eat, shops and sun loungers in the shade of trees to ensure you are comfortable and never run out of things to do.
Aqualand is located in the center of the island and can be easily accessed by car.

Book a ticket to Aqualand

Discover the exotic light blue waters surrounding the islands of Paxi and Antipaxi by participating in an exciting day cruise!
These tiny Ionian islands are located close to Corfu and are widely known thanks to their impressive Blue Caves. Some of these caves are the natural habitat of monk seals, and if you’re lucky enough, you may come across a few! Not only will you enter the Blue Caves for a closer look at the impressive rock formations, but you will also visit a secluded beach covered with white sand. There will be a stopover at the small harbor of Paxi so that you can stroll around the picturesque village of Lakka or swim at the beach.

Both islets are characterized by transparent blue-green waters and are covered with dense greenery - a truly magnificent, Caribbean-like landscape!

Book the cruise

In Dassia Beach, you will have the opportunity to try out a new watersport - Stand Up Paddling!
SUP is a great way to improve your balancing skills, and it is suitable for everyone, regardless of age and experience. It is a good option for anyone looking for a calm water sport that will allow them to admire the landscape.

Rent a SUP board

The old castle ruins of Angelokastro are located fairly close to Paleokastritsa Βeach. This fairytale-like castle dates back to the 13th century and was built on top of a hill, above a steep cliff and overlooking the sea. It is a place of historical significance that used to have complex fortification systems.
Combining impressive ruins and magnificent views of the azure sea, the castle offers a fantastic setting to any visitor. From up there, you will find yourself pondering over the pirate attacks of the past.

Discover Angelokastro

If you are looking for an alternative and authentic experience in Corfu, the best thing to do is book a cooking class!
You will have the chance to go shopping at local markets and buy fresh products. Then, you will cook famous Greek recipes with a chef and prepare your own dinner. At the end of the course, you will enjoy your homemade Greek meal with the good company of new friends and wine.

Book the cooking class