Lush inside, pristine shoreline, distinctive rock formations, and a romantic capital metropolis. All this and extra could 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 inexpensive nations to journey to and likewise one of many finest nations for delicacies, so it’s no shock that Corfu has some nice worth and wonderful dishes to attempt as properly.
We spent every week in Corfu (together with our 10 yr anniversary) and had many distinctive experiences alongside the best way. This is among the high locations to go to in Greece for good cause!
Right here’s my checklist of the 15 finest points of interest, locations to go to, and issues to do in Corfu.
1. Hire a Boat Independently (some of the distinctive issues to do in Corfu)
Do you know that on most of the islands in Greece, you possibly can rent a ship your self and rip across the shoreline? Even in case you don’t have a ship license?!
When you’re in search of issues to do in Corfu which are distinctive and enjoyable, renting a ship is unquestionably it.
We first heard about this once we have 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 have been there, we knew we had to offer it a attempt elsewhere 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 have 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 positively one of many high issues to do in Corfu for {couples}, or buddies.
Hiring a automotive is a should for getting across the island and seeing the inside, however hiring a ship is a wonderful solution to discover the shoreline. That is positively among the best issues to do in Corfu. Study extra about being your personal captain for the day and renting a ship right here.
- You may e book your personal boat right here
- We paid €80 for the boat within the offseason/shoulder season (can be €120 within the excessive season)
- Boat fuel for a day of driving value us €40.
- Make certain there are life jackets on board and you will have your personal meals and water.
Don’t Neglect Your Journey Insurance coverage For Corfu!
Ensure you 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 stunning. As a consequence of being below Venetian rule from the 14th century to the late 18th century, this gorgeous 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 instances round sundown when the temperature was a bit cooler.
Wander by pastel-colored houses with wrought-iron balconies and picket shutters. Make your manner by means of character-filled, cobbled streets — streets so slender that laundry could be held on a line strung between two adjoining homes.
The slender alleyways give solution to open plazas crammed with 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 some of the romantic locations to go to in Corfu, and consuming wine within the outdated city was a spotlight of our journey to Corfu.
Finest Strolling Excursions in Corfu City
There’s a highly-rated strolling tour you possibly can be a part of to expertise extra of Corfu City. You may be a part of within the morning or within the night. The tour consists of an English-speaking information, visiting the essential websites on the town, meals tastings, a drink, and a full meal as properly. Click on right here to be taught extra and e book 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 outdated city.
☞ SEE ALSO: Climate in Greece – When Is The Finest Time to Go to?
Notes About Visiting Corfu City
- Parking could be onerous to search out in Corfu City. Park simply outdoors 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 value 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 among the finest issues to do in Corfu city for positive.
- Entrance to the Previous Fortress prices €6. Put on sturdy footwear and word 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 accessible on Corfu. We stayed in two stunning properties and might 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 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 instances — there have been too many native eating places that we wished to take a look at!
The welcome drink and complimentary wine & fruit are a pleasant contact, the constructing itself is trendy, and the workers listed here are extremely useful and pleasant. It was the proper place to deal with ourselves for our 10 yr 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 have been staying on the 4th flooring within the Superior Design Suite, which was completely gorgeous. The rooms are spacious, brilliant and the trendy decor is beautiful.
The lodge affords a health club and a spa, in addition to a big outside pool. The one draw back is that it’s not situated instantly 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 totally 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 supply.
Since there are such a lot of issues to do in Corfu, and because the island is fairly large, I recommend splitting your time between the north and the south, in case 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 quite a bit. The 2 motels I listed above labored out properly for us to just do that.
When you’re fascinated with staying in a small house or guesthouse (moderately than a lodge or resort) throughout your journey to Corfu Island, click on right here to match costs and search by means of quite a few choices on Reserving.com.
4. Be 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 couple of merchandise that Greek folks 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 eating regimen, traditions, and historical past.
We joined this highly-rated day journey and discovered all about olive oil. It was an important expertise, and really tasty!
Olive groves present jobs and meals for the folks they usually have for a few years. Studying in regards to the manufacturing of olive oil is among the most essential issues to do in Corfu, and Greece as an entire.
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 among 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 some of the awarded premium olive oils on the market. Not solely does the olive oil style scrumptious, but it surely has unimaginable well being advantages as properly.
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.
Occurring an olive oil tour is among the finest issues to do in Corfu! The ardour these two brothers have for his or her household firm is inspiring.
You may both e book your tour on-line (which incorporates some snacks, olive oil, and water), or do one thing somewhat extra thrilling and be a 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 unimaginable! 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 stated that this Nectar of the Gods “cleans sores and ulcers, softens onerous 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 advised 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 technique of amassing the honey, and have 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 high 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 is known as MKV – Melissokomiki Kerkyras Vasilakis, which is situated 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 personal day journey takes in these monasteries and lots of extra highlights of Corfu.
When driving south from the airport, it could be onerous 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. Today, Vlacherna Monastery is a quiet place with cypress bushes 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 among the finest locations to see in Corfu.
The second must-see monastery is Paleokastritsa.
The situation of this spiritual web site is gorgeous. 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 remains to be working as a monastery as we speak, and you might even see a monk or two move by throughout your go to. It’s essential to decorate appropriately and respectfully when coming into the advanced.
This is among the common locations to see in Corfu, there’ll in all probability be group excursions right here. However whatever the crowds, it’s price 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, make sure that to take a look at the seashores and city of Paleokastritsa. There are 6 gorgeous 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 properly, together with close by Akron Seashore Bar, which has an important setting for a meal or drink.
You’re in Greece, so it’s no shock that enjoyable on a gorgeous seashore is among the high issues to do in Corfu. In truth, the primary seashore of Paleokastritsa itself is understood for being one of many finest seashores in Greece.
8. Sip on Sundown Cocktails
Positioned 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 principally recognized for being a spot to seize a drink with sundown, however in addition they have meals accessible. Cocktails go from round €7 and in case 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.
When you’d moderately get some train, benefit from the wonderful sundown, and then head for a cocktail, try this mountaineering journey with a information. After a leisurely hike by means of stunning villages and surroundings, you’ll benefit from the unimaginable 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, 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 high points of interest in Corfu by far.
There’s a canal right here, which leads below the cliff. It’s stated that in case you swim by means of, you’ll get married quickly. Whether or not or not that’s true, it’s nonetheless some of the common issues to do in Corfu.
You received’t be totally submerged in water and can have the ability 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 case you’re planning to take a ship across the coast, however being on the seashore is okay.
You’ll discover quite a few motels, 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 wonderful 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 e book a enjoyable day tour right here.
11. Bask in a Decadent Meal
When you’re in search of a nice 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 possibly can watch the entire motion unfold when you wait in your meals.
You may 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 “special 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 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 unquestionably among the best day journeys from Corfu.
There are fairly a couple of excursions you possibly can be a part of, however this one to Anitpaxos and Paxos may be very extremely rated and at round $45, it’s a steal. When you’d moderately try the Sivota Islands and the outdated city of Parga, this journey can be very extremely rated and is round $45 as properly.
Lastly, in case 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 totally customizable and is ideal for a household or group of buddies. Snacks, beer, wine, and water are all included as properly. You actually can’t go flawed. Click on right here for extra particulars.
13. Volunteer With Donkeys
When you have extra time on the island, why not spend a while giving again?
The most effective issues to do in Corfu with animals is to volunteer to care for deserted, abused, outdated, 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 gorgeous. 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 part of a Meals Tour
Foodies, this one is for you! Spend the day strolling round stunning Corfu Previous City, whereas studying in regards to the historical past of the island, and sampling among 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 embody 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 instances. The tour features a native breakfast and a sit-down lunch on the finish of the strolling tour. Discover out extra and e book your spot right here.
15. Hire 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 may both rent one for your self privately and see the entire finest locations to go to in Corfu by yourself or, you possibly can be a 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 personal 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 possibly can 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.
Every thing is included on today 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 price visiting. It’s some of the common islands in Greece for its stunning shoreline, cosmopolitan vibe, mountains and enjoyable nightlife. Whether or not you have got an extended weekend, every week, or only a day journey from the cruise ship or close by island, add Corfu to your checklist.
Corfu is understood for its sandy seashores, cosmopolitan really feel, wonderful eating places, gorgeous landscapes, and enjoyable nightlife. And, after all, 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 doable. Ideally, you possibly can spend every week right here!
If you wish to discover off-track locations in Corfu, it’s best to hire a automotive. We like the liberty to maneuver round at our personal tempo, so we selected to hire a automotive. In any other case, in case you plan to stay to a close-by seashore, you may get round on foot. There are buses accessible too, and day excursions you possibly can take that present transportation.
In Conclusion
With so many islands to go to in Greece, it may be onerous to determine which one to decide on. When you’re fascinated with stunning seashores, glorious eating places, spiritual websites, tradition & historical past, and gorgeous lodging, then Corfu Island is for you.
And, since Corfu is so near mainland Europe, getting right here is straightforward.
You may take a fast flight from wherever in Europe, with a brief layover in Athens, or in case you’re flying from North America, you’ll have to 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 serps comparable 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 pictures on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
