Lush inside, pristine shoreline, distinctive rock formations, and a romantic capital metropolis. All this and extra will be discovered on Corfu Island, a vacation spot that actually delighted us throughout our journey to Greece. There are infinite 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.
Attributable to its proximity and historical past with mainland Europe, Corfu Island was truly 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 likely one of 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 nicely.
We spent per week in Corfu (together with our 10 yr anniversary) and had many distinctive experiences alongside the best way. This is likely one of the prime locations to go to in Greece for good motive!
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 (one of the 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?!
If you happen to’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 after we had been on a tour with Luxurious Island Occasions on Zakynthos Island. This is likely one of 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 offer 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 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 prime issues to do in Corfu for {couples}, or pals.
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 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’ll be able to ebook 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 value us €40.
- Be sure there are life jackets on board and you’ll need your personal meals and water.
Don’t Neglect Your Journey Insurance coverage For Corfu!
Ensure you have journey insurance coverage to your journey to Corfu. It’s the one factor you need 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. Attributable to 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 wood shutters. Make your means by way of character-filled, cobbled streets — streets so slender that laundry will be held on a line strung between two adjoining homes.
The slender alleyways give method 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 romantic locations to go to in Corfu, and consuming wine within the previous city was a spotlight of our journey to Corfu.
Greatest 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 essential websites on the town, meals tastings, a drink, and a full meal as nicely. Click on right here to study extra and ebook your ticket.
Another choice is this strolling tour with a information that features a glass of wine on the finish! This journey is likely one of the finest issues to do in Corfu previous city.
☞ SEE ALSO: Climate in Greece – When Is The Greatest Time to Go to?
Notes About Visiting Corfu City
- Parking will be onerous to search out in Corfu City. Park simply exterior of the city itself, and stroll in.
- We extremely suggest consuming & consuming 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 likely one of the finest issues to do in Corfu city for certain.
- Entrance to the Outdated Fortress prices €6. Put on sturdy sneakers and observe 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 out there on Corfu. We stayed in two stunning properties and may suggest 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 seaside, 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 employees listed below 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 suggest 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 out of doors pool. The one draw back is that it’s not situated instantly on the seaside, however only a few steps away. The employees listed below are pleasant and the supervisor, Spyros, will make you are feeling very welcome!
We completely loved our keep at this boutique lodge, and suggest 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 large, I counsel splitting your time between the north and the south, when you can.
That means, 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, you might end up driving rather a lot. The 2 lodges I listed above labored out nicely for us to just do that.
If you happen to’re fascinated about staying in a small condo or guesthouse (somewhat than a lodge or resort) throughout your journey to Corfu Island, click on right here to check 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 couple of merchandise that Greek folks have been utilizing all through the ages, and olive oil is one among them. It has at all times been an enormous a part of their food 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 likely one of 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 house owners of The Governor. A visit right here is likely one of 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 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 likely one of the finest issues to do in Corfu! The ardour these two brothers have for his or her household firm is inspiring.
You’ll be able to both ebook 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 likely 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 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 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 informed 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 amassing the honey, and had been proven lots of the pure merchandise he makes.
This is likely 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 enthusiastic about beekeeping and is eager to share his information about bees and honey with you. A go to right here is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Corfu. Excursions listed below are free, together with samples of honey.
A go to right here is likely one of 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 non-public day journey takes in these monasteries and lots of extra highlights of Corfu.
When driving south from the airport, it might 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 inbuilt 1685 and really, this was as soon as a nunnery monastery. As of late, Vlacherna Monastery is a quiet place with cypress bushes surrounding it, and canines and cats roaming round.
Enjoyable truth, the For Your Eyes Solely James Bond movie had a scene set right here. The monastery is likely one of the finest locations to see in Corfu.
The second must-see monastery is Paleokastritsa.
The placement of this spiritual web site is beautiful. Set on a lush hill above the seaside 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 remains to be working as a monastery right now, and you might even see a monk or two go by throughout your go to. It’s essential to decorate appropriately and respectfully when coming into the advanced.
This is likely one of the standard 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 sure 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 seaside. You’ll discover quite a few tavernas and eating places right here as nicely, 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 an attractive seaside is likely one of the prime issues to do in Corfu. In truth, the primary seaside of Paleokastritsa itself is understood for being one of many 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 observe the solar go down.
It’s largely recognized for being a spot to seize a drink with sundown, however additionally they have meals out there. Cocktails go from round €7 and when 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.
If you happen to’d somewhat get some train, benefit from the wonderful sundown, and then head for a cocktail, take a look at this mountaineering journey with a information. After a leisurely hike by way of stunning villages and surroundings, you’ll benefit from the unbelievable sundown from Angel Fort. Study extra right here.
9. Swim on the Canal d’Amour in Sidari
Whilst you’re on the northern finish of the island, be sure 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 seaside, or leaping off of the cliffs into the clear water. This is likely one of the prime points of interest in Corfu by far.
There’s a canal right here, which leads below the cliff. It’s stated 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 standard issues to do in Corfu.
You gained’t be totally 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 could be a bit tough right here when you’re planning to take a ship across the coast, however being on the seaside is ok.
You’ll discover quite a few lodges, 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 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. Try the fellows at The Corfu Mountain Bike Store to hire a GIANT bike, or ebook a enjoyable day tour right here.
11. Take pleasure in a Decadent Meal
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a nice eating expertise, be sure 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!
Every dish we had got here out completely manicured, with a narrative behind every plate. The out of doors 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 to your meals.
You’ll be able to order a la carte, or select from one among 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 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 finest 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 certainly among the finest day journeys from Corfu.
There are fairly a couple 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. If you happen to’d somewhat take a look at the Sivota Islands and the previous city of Parga, this journey can be very extremely rated and is round $45 as nicely.
Lastly, when you’d prefer to have a sailboat to your self and revel in a non-public day on the water, this journey is a should. The day is totally 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 mistaken. 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?
Top-of-the-line 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 study 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 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 previous city. The highlights and stops embody 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 ebook 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’ll be able to both rent one for your self privately and see the entire finest 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 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. 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’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 far more.
All the things 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 value visiting. It’s one of the standard islands in Greece for its stunning shoreline, cosmopolitan vibe, mountains and enjoyable nightlife. Whether or not you could have an extended weekend, per 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, beautiful landscapes, and enjoyable nightlife. And, in fact, 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 wish to take a day tour to see as a lot as doable. Ideally, you may spend per 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 seaside, you may get round on foot. There are buses out there 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 onerous to determine which one to decide on. If you happen to’re fascinated about stunning seashores, glorious 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 when you’re flying from North America, you’ll have to 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 and yahoo akin 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 helping us with our journey to Greece. As at all times, all ideas and opinions stay our personal. Among the photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
