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 actually delighted us throughout our trip 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 international locations of Albania and Italy.
Because 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 among the most affordable countries to travel to and in addition one of many best countries for cuisine, so it’s no shock that Corfu has some nice worth and wonderful dishes to attempt as nicely.
We spent every week in Corfu (together with our 10 year anniversary) and had many distinctive experiences alongside the best way. This is among the top places to visit in Greece for good motive!
Right here’s my record of the 15 greatest points of interest, locations to go to, and issues to do in Corfu.
1. Hire a Boat Independently (one of the vital distinctive issues to do in Corfu)
Do you know that on lots of the islands in Greece, you’ll be able to rent a ship your self and rip across the shoreline? Even when you don’t have a ship license?!
In the event you’re searching for issues to do in Corfu which are distinctive and enjoyable, renting a boat is unquestionably it.
We first heard about this after we had been on a tour with Luxurious Island Occasions on Zakynthos Island. This is among the greatest things 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 present it a attempt some other place 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 undoubtedly one of many prime issues to do in Corfu for {couples}, or associates.
Hiring a automotive is a should for getting across the island and seeing the inside, however hiring a ship is a superb method to discover the shoreline. That is undoubtedly among the best issues to do in Corfu. Study extra about being your individual captain for the day and renting a ship here.
- You possibly can guide your individual boat 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.
- Be sure there are life jackets on board and you’ll need your individual meals and water.
Don’t Neglect Your Journey Insurance coverage For Corfu!
Ensure you have travel insurance in your journey to Corfu. It’s the one factor you need to at all times pack. Safety Wing is a superb choice for vacationers, adventurers, and distant employees.
2. Go to Corfu City
This UNESCO-listed city is totally stunning. Because of being beneath 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, slim 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 properties with wrought-iron balconies and picket shutters. Make your manner by way of character-filled, cobbled streets — streets so slim that laundry could be held on a line strung between two adjoining homes.
The slender alleyways give method to open plazas stuffed with tables from busy eating places spilling out onto the road.
I like to recommend visiting each throughout the day, and within the night to see the city in two completely different lights. It’s one of the vital romantic locations to go to in Corfu, and ingesting wine within the outdated city was a spotlight of our journey to Corfu.
Greatest Strolling Excursions in Corfu City
There’s a highly-rated walking tour you’ll be able to 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 essential websites on the town, meals tastings, a drink, and a full meal as nicely. Click here to be taught extra and guide your ticket.
An alternative choice is this walking tour with a information that features a glass of wine on the finish! This journey is among the greatest issues to do in Corfu outdated city.
☞ SEE ALSO: Weather in Greece – When Is The Greatest Time to Go to?
Notes About Visiting Corfu City
- Parking could be arduous to search out in Corfu City. Park simply outdoors of the city itself, and stroll in.
- We extremely advocate consuming & ingesting at Salto Wine Bar. Greek wines are on provide 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 greatest issues to do in Corfu city for certain.
- Entrance to the Previous Fortress prices €6. Put on sturdy footwear and be aware 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 obtainable on Corfu. We stayed in two stunning properties and might advocate them each, for various causes.
Study where to stay 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 actually 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 proper place to deal with ourselves for our 10 year 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 flooring within the Superior Design Suite, which was completely beautiful. The rooms are spacious, brilliant and the trendy decor is beautiful.
The lodge provides a gymnasium 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 just some 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 based mostly on the trendy room itself, the stunning employees, 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 counsel splitting your time between the north and the south, when you can.
That manner, you should utilize 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, chances are you’ll end up driving lots. The 2 resorts I listed above labored out nicely for us to just do that.
In the event you’re concerned about staying in a small condominium or guesthouse (relatively than a lodge or resort) throughout your journey to Corfu Island, click here to match costs and search by way of 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 individuals have been utilizing all through the ages, and olive oil is one in all them. It has at all times been an enormous a part of their weight-reduction plan, traditions, and historical past.
We joined this highly-rated day trip and realized all about olive oil. It was an awesome expertise, and really tasty!
Olive groves present jobs and meals for the individuals and so they 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 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 greatest 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, nevertheless it 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 greatest issues to do in Corfu! The passion these two brothers have for his or her household firm is inspiring.
You possibly can both book your tour online (which incorporates some snacks, olive oil, and water), or do one thing a bit extra thrilling and join a scooter trip 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 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 said that this Nectar of the Gods “cleans sores and ulcers, softens arduous 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, realized in regards to the means of accumulating the honey, and had been proven lots 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 obsessed with beekeeping and is eager to share his information about bees and honey with you. A go to right here is among the greatest 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 named MKV – Melissokomiki Kerkyras Vasilakis, which is located 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 private day trip takes in these monasteries and lots of extra highlights of Corfu.
When driving south from the airport, it might be arduous 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 inbuilt 1685 and truly, this was as soon as a nunnery monastery. Lately, Vlacherna Monastery is a quiet place with cypress bushes surrounding it, and canines and cats roaming round.
Enjoyable truth, the For Your Eyes Only James Bond movie had a scene set right here. The monastery is among the greatest locations to see in Corfu.
The second must-see monastery is Paleokastritsa.
The situation of this non secular web site 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 as we speak, and you might even see a monk or two go by throughout your go to. It’s essential to decorate appropriately and respectfully when getting into the complicated.
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 here to open the GoogleMaps location of Paleokastritsa. Click here for Vlacherna Monastery.
7. Chill Out Beachside at Paleokastritsa
When you’re within the space visiting the monastery, be certain 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 Beach Bar, which has an awesome setting for a meal or drink.
You’re in Greece, so it’s no shock that stress-free on a phenomenal seashore is among the prime issues to do in Corfu. In truth, the principle seashore of Paleokastritsa itself is understood for being one of many best beaches 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 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 when you don’t have your individual wheels, a taxi from Sidari to right here is round €9.
The drinks might not be the most affordable, however you’re paying for the setting. Click here to see the Google Maps location of the restaurant.
In the event you’d relatively get some train, benefit from the wonderful sundown, and then head for a cocktail, check out this hiking trip with a information. After a leisurely hike by way of stunning villages and surroundings, you’ll benefit from the unbelievable sundown from Angel Citadel. Learn more here.
9. Swim on the Canal d’Amour in Sidari
When you’re on the northern finish of the island, be certain 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 individuals 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 beneath the cliff. It’s mentioned that when you swim by way of, 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 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 when you’re planning to take a ship across the coast, however being on the seashore is ok.
You’ll discover quite a few resorts, 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 gorgeous seashores and romantic cities to get some train. Renting a mountain bike to discover both independently, or on a tour is a superb method 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. Take a look at the fellows at The Corfu Mountain Bike Shop to hire a GIANT bike, or guide a enjoyable day tour here.
11. Take pleasure in a Decadent Meal
In the event you’re searching for a nice eating expertise, be certain that to go to Etrusco Restaurant within the city of Dassia — which is listed as one of many world’s 50 best.
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!
Every 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 the entire motion unfold when you wait in your meals.
You possibly can order a la carte, or select from one in all 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” type of place and we loved our meal for our anniversary.
Click here to search out Etrusco Restaurant on Google Maps, and click 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 method 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 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 the event you’d relatively try the Sivota Islands and the outdated city of Parga, this trip can also be very extremely rated and is round $45 as nicely.
Lastly, when you’d wish to have a sailboat to your self and revel in a non-public day on the water, this trip 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 nicely. You actually can’t go flawed. Click here for extra particulars.
13. Volunteer With Donkeys
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 maintain 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 gorgeous Corfu mountains, the setting of this sanctuary for donkeys is gorgeous. Click 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 Previous City, whereas studying in regards to the historical past of the island, and sampling a number of the native delicacies.
On this fun 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 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 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 possibly can both rent one for your self privately and see the entire greatest locations to go to in Corfu by yourself or, you’ll be able to be part of a non-public 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 here. The non-public tour takes you to completely different villages with an skilled information and features a non-alcoholic drink. The tour is about 3 hours lengthy and prices round $55. Study extra 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 fun day trip, you’ll go to the UNESCO metropolis of Butrint, the gorgeous seaside city of Saranda, the Venetian Tower, the Temple of Asclepius, and way more.
Every little thing 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 overlook your passport! Click here for details.
What to Do in Corfu: FAQ’s
Listed here are solutions to some questions that travellers have about visiting Corfu.
Corfu is price 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 could have a protracted 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, wonderful eating places, beautiful landscapes, and enjoyable nightlife. And, after all, the Channel of Love!
Two days is the minimal time you need to spend on Corfu island. It’s fairly an enormous island, so that you’ll need to take a day tour to see as a lot as doable. Ideally, you may spend every week right here!
If you wish to discover off-track locations in Corfu, you need 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, when you plan to stay to a close-by seashore, you may get round on foot. There are buses obtainable too, and day excursions you’ll be able to take that present transportation.
In Conclusion
With so many islands to visit in Greece, it may be arduous to determine which one to decide on. In the event you’re concerned about stunning 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 simple.
You possibly can take a fast flight from wherever in Europe, with a brief layover in Athens, or when you’re flying from North America, you’ll must cease over in Europe earlier than persevering with on to Corfu. There are various ferry routes throughout Greece, seek for boats to Corfu here.
Take a look at Aegean Airlines for flights, or search engines like google reminiscent of Expedia.com, Kayak.com and Google Flights. For ferry routes, take a look at Ferry Hopper.
Take a look at 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.
