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 trip 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 international locations of Albania and Italy.
On account of 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.
Finest Issues To Do in Corfu
Greece is without doubt one of 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 strive as effectively.
We spent every week in Corfu (together with our 10 year anniversary) and had many distinctive experiences alongside the way in which. This is without doubt one of the top places to visit in Greece for good purpose!
Right here’s my checklist of the 15 greatest sights, 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 should you don’t have a ship license?!
Should you’re searching for issues to do in Corfu which can be 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 without doubt one of 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 offer it a strive some place 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 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 positively one of many high 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 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 here.
- You’ll be able to e book your personal boat 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 certain that there are life jackets on board and you will want your personal 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 must at all times pack. Safety Wing is a good choice for vacationers, adventurers, and distant staff.
2. Go to Corfu City
This UNESCO-listed city is totally lovely. On account of being underneath 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 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 houses with wrought-iron balconies and picket shutters. Make your method via 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 in the course of 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 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 walking tour you’ll be able to be a part of to expertise extra of Corfu City. You’ll be able to 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 effectively. Click here to study extra and e book your ticket.
Another choice is this walking tour with a information that features a glass of wine on the finish! This journey is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Corfu previous city.
☞ SEE ALSO: Weather in Greece – When Is The Finest 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 & 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 wonderful.
- Wander across the lanes and get misplaced. Go to the sights, however spend time simply meandering round, this is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Corfu city for certain.
- Entrance to the Outdated Fortress prices €6. Put on sturdy sneakers 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 attractive choices out there on Corfu. We stayed in two lovely properties and may advocate them each, for various causes.
Find out about 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 really is an opulent 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 wished 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 right 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 Resort), 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, shiny and the trendy decor is beautiful.
The lodge gives a fitness center and a spa, in addition to a big outside pool. The one draw back is that it’s not situated immediately 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 primarily based on the trendy room itself, the stunning employees, 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 huge, I recommend splitting your time between the north and the south, should you can.
That method, 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, it’s possible you’ll end up driving loads. The 2 inns I listed above labored out effectively for us to do exactly that.
Should you’re keen on staying in a small condo or guesthouse (fairly than a lodge or resort) throughout your journey to Corfu Island, click here to match costs and search via 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 just a few merchandise that Greek individuals 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 loss program, traditions, and historical past.
We joined this highly-rated day trip and discovered all about olive oil. It was an awesome expertise, and really tasty!
Olive groves present jobs and meals for the individuals they usually have for a few years. Studying concerning the manufacturing of olive oil is without doubt one of 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 without doubt one of 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, however it has unbelievable well being advantages as effectively.
This lovely 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 without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Corfu! The passion these two brothers have for his or her household firm is inspiring.
You’ll be able to both book your tour online (which incorporates some snacks, olive oil, and water), or do one thing a little 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 without doubt one of 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 concerning 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 operating 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 Resort.
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, discovered concerning the technique of accumulating the honey, and had been proven most of the pure merchandise he makes.
This is without doubt one of 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 without doubt one of the greatest free issues to do in Corfu. Excursions listed here are free, together with samples of honey.
A go to right here is without doubt one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Corfu. The store known as MKV – Melissokomiki Kerkyras Vasilakis, which is located 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 private day trip takes in these monasteries and plenty of extra highlights of Corfu.
When driving south from the airport, it could be arduous 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 canine and cats roaming round.
Enjoyable truth, the For Your Eyes Only James Bond movie had a scene set right here. The monastery is without doubt one of the greatest 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 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 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 without doubt one of the well-liked locations to see in Corfu, there’ll in all probability be group excursions right here. However whatever the crowds, it’s value 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, 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 right 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 effectively, 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 enjoyable on a ravishing seashore is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Corfu. Actually, 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 last word spot to observe the solar go down.
It’s principally recognized for being a spot to seize a drink with sundown, however in addition they have meals out there. Cocktails go from round €7 and should 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 here to see the Google Maps location of the restaurant.
Should you’d fairly 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 via lovely villages and surroundings, you’ll benefit from the unbelievable sundown from Angel Fort. Learn more 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 individuals laying on the seashore, or leaping off of the cliffs into the clear water. This is without doubt one of the high sights in Corfu by far.
There’s a canal right here, which leads underneath the cliff. It’s mentioned that should you swim via, you’ll get married quickly. Whether or not or not that’s true, it’s nonetheless one of the vital well-liked issues to do in Corfu.
You gained’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 could be a bit tough right here should 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 right 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 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. Take a look at the fellows at The Corfu Mountain Bike Shop to hire a GIANT bike, or e book a enjoyable day tour here.
11. Take pleasure in a Decadent Meal
Should you’re searching for a effective 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 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 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 “special day” form 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 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 just a few excursions you’ll be able to be a part of, however this one to Anitpaxos and Paxos could be very extremely rated and at round $45, it’s a steal. Should you’d fairly take a look at the Sivota Islands and the previous city of Parga, this trip can also be very extremely rated and is round $45 as effectively.
Lastly, should you’d prefer to have a sailboat to your self and luxuriate in a non-public day on the water, this trip 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 effectively. You actually can’t go unsuitable. 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?
Among the finest issues to do in Corfu with animals is to volunteer to care for 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 gorgeous Corfu mountains, the setting of this sanctuary for donkeys is gorgeous. Click here to study 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 lovely Corfu Outdated City, whereas studying concerning the historical past of the island, and sampling among the native delicacies.
On this fun 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 occasions. 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 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 greatest locations to go to in Corfu by yourself or, you’ll be able to be a 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 personal 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 far more.
All the pieces 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 here for details.
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 vital well-liked islands in Greece for its lovely shoreline, cosmopolitan vibe, mountains and enjoyable nightlife. Whether or not you might have 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, beautiful landscapes, and enjoyable nightlife. And, after all, the Channel of Love!
Two days is the minimal time you must 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 can spend every week right here!
If you wish to discover off-track locations in Corfu, you must 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, should you plan to stay to a close-by seashore, 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 visit in Greece, it may be arduous to resolve which one to decide on. Should you’re keen on lovely 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 anyplace in Europe, with a brief layover in Athens, or should 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 here.
Take a look at Aegean Airlines for flights, or serps comparable to 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 helping 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.
