Lush inside, pristine shoreline, distinctive rock formations, and a romantic capital metropolis. All this and extra might be discovered on Corfu Island, a vacation spot that really 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 international locations of Albania and Italy.
Because 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 likely one of the most reasonably priced international locations to journey to and likewise one of many greatest international locations for delicacies, so it’s no shock that Corfu has some nice worth and wonderful dishes to strive as nicely.
We spent per week in Corfu (together with our 10 12 months anniversary) and had many distinctive experiences alongside the way in which. This is likely one of the high locations to go to in Greece for good purpose!
Right here’s my listing 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 crucial distinctive issues to do in Corfu)
Do you know that on most of the islands in Greece, you may rent a ship your self and rip across the shoreline? Even in the event you don’t have a ship license?!
Should you’re in search of issues to do in Corfu which might be distinctive and enjoyable, renting a ship is certainly it.
We first heard about this once we have been on a tour with Luxurious Island Occasions on Zakynthos Island. This is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Zakynthos, and whereas we didn’t have an opportunity to lease one whereas we have been there, we knew we had to present it a strive 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 have been set. The boat was 45 horsepower and will have match six folks, 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 high 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 strategy to discover the shoreline. That is undoubtedly top-of-the-line issues to do in Corfu. Study extra about being your individual captain for the day and renting a ship right here.
- You may e book your individual 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 price us €40.
- Make sure that there are life jackets on board and you will have your individual meals and water.
Don’t Neglect Your Journey Insurance coverage For Corfu!
Be sure to have journey insurance coverage on your journey to Corfu. It’s the one factor you need to all the time pack. Security Wing is a superb possibility for vacationers, adventurers, and distant employees.
2. Go to Corfu City
This UNESCO-listed city is totally stunning. Because 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, 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 houses with wrought-iron balconies and wood shutters. Make your means by way of character-filled, cobbled streets — streets so slim that laundry might be held on a line strung between two adjoining homes.
The slender alleyways give strategy to open plazas stuffed 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 completely different lights. It’s one of the crucial 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 may be part of to expertise extra of Corfu City. You may 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 be taught extra and e book your ticket.
An alternative choice is this strolling tour with a information that features a glass of wine on the finish! This journey is likely one of the greatest 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 might be laborious to search out in Corfu City. Park simply outdoors of the city itself, and stroll in.
- We extremely suggest consuming & consuming at Salto Wine Bar. Greek wines are on supply right here (€20 / bottle, €5.50 / glass). Two appetizers & two mains price 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 greatest issues to do in Corfu city for certain.
- Entrance to the Outdated Fortress prices €6. Put on sturdy sneakers and word 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 obtainable on Corfu. We stayed in two stunning properties and might suggest them each, for various causes.
Find out about 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 contemporary 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 actually 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 12 months 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 suggest it.
With simply 4 flooring, this low-rise resort has an intimate really feel. We have 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 resort gives a gymnasium 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 here are pleasant and the supervisor, Spyros, will make you are feeling very welcome!
We totally loved our keep at this boutique resort, and suggest it primarily based on the trendy room itself, the beautiful 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 massive, I counsel splitting your time between the north and the south, in the event you can.
That means, you should utilize your base within the north to discover close by websites, then change to your resort 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 so much. The 2 accommodations I listed above labored out nicely for us to do exactly that.
Should you’re fascinated about staying in a small residence or guesthouse (somewhat than a resort 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 considered one of them. It has all the time been a giant a part of their food plan, traditions, and historical past.
We joined this highly-rated day journey and realized all about olive oil. It was a terrific expertise, and really tasty!
Olive groves present jobs and meals for the folks they usually have for a few years. Studying concerning 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 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 crucial awarded premium olive oils on the market. Not solely does the olive oil style scrumptious, however it has unimaginable 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.
Occurring an olive oil tour is likely one of the greatest 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 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 phenomenal and the well being advantages are unimaginable! 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 mentioned that this Nectar of the Gods “cleans sores and ulcers, softens laborious ulcers of the lips, heals carbuncles and operating 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 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, realized concerning the means of gathering the honey, and have been proven most of the pure merchandise he makes.
This is likely 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 data about bees and honey with you. A go to right here is likely 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 likely one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Corfu. The store is named 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 will be laborious 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. Nowadays, Vlacherna Monastery is a quiet place with cypress bushes surrounding it, and canines and cats roaming round.
Enjoyable reality, the For Your Eyes Solely James Bond movie had a scene set right here. The monastery is likely one of 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 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 continues to be working as a monastery right this moment, and you might even see a monk or two cross 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 in all probability 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, ensure 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 seaside. You’ll discover quite a few tavernas and eating places right here as nicely, together with close by Akron Seaside Bar, which has a terrific setting for a meal or drink.
You’re in Greece, so it’s no shock that stress-free on a wonderful seaside is likely one of the high issues to do in Corfu. In reality, the primary seaside of Paleokastritsa itself is thought for being one of many greatest 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 last word spot to observe the solar go down.
It’s largely identified for being a spot to seize a drink with sundown, however additionally they have meals obtainable. Cocktails go from round €7 and in the event you don’t have your individual wheels, a taxi from Sidari to right here is round €9.
The drinks might not be the most cost effective, however you’re paying for the setting. Click on right here to see the Google Maps location of the restaurant.
Should you’d somewhat 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 way of stunning villages and surroundings, you’ll benefit from the unimaginable 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, ensure 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 seaside, or leaping off of the cliffs into the clear water. This is likely one of the high points of interest in Corfu by far.
There’s a canal right here, which leads underneath the cliff. It’s mentioned that in the event you swim by way of, you’ll get married quickly. Whether or not or not that’s true, it’s nonetheless one of the crucial standard 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 generally is a bit tough right here in the event you’re planning to take a ship across the coast, however being on the seaside is okay.
You’ll discover quite a few accommodations, 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 superb strategy 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 blokes at The Corfu Mountain Bike Store to lease a GIANT bike, or e book a enjoyable day tour right here.
11. Take pleasure in a Decadent Meal
Should you’re in search of a high quality eating expertise, ensure that to go to Etrusco Restaurant within the city of Dassia — which is listed as one of many world’s 50 greatest.
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 out of doors eating space is surrounded by bushes and fairly pink bougainvillea flowers.
Plus, the kitchen is behind a big window, so you may watch the entire motion unfold when you wait on your meals.
You may 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” sort 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 (top-of-the-line 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 strategy 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 top-of-the-line day journeys from Corfu.
There are fairly a couple of excursions you may be 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 somewhat try the Sivota Islands and the outdated city of Parga, this journey can be very extremely rated and is round $45 as nicely.
Lastly, in the event you’d prefer 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 associates. 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
When 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 handle 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 beautiful. 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 a part of a Meals Tour
Foodies, this one is for you! Spend the day strolling round stunning Corfu Outdated City, whereas studying concerning 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 embrace 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 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 greatest locations to go to in Corfu by yourself or, you may be 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 non-public tour takes you to completely 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 may 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 gorgeous seaside metropolis of Saranda, the Venetian Tower, the Temple of Asclepius, and far more.
Every thing is included on at the present time journey, together with an expert 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 here are solutions to some questions that travellers have about visiting Corfu.
Corfu is value visiting. It’s one of the crucial standard islands in Greece for its stunning shoreline, cosmopolitan vibe, mountains and enjoyable nightlife. Whether or not you have got an extended weekend, per week, or only a day journey from the cruise ship or close by island, add Corfu to your listing.
Corfu is thought 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 a giant island, so that you’ll need to take a day tour to see as a lot as potential. Ideally, you possibly can spend per week right here!
If you wish to discover off-track locations in Corfu, you need to lease a automotive. We like the liberty to maneuver round at our personal tempo, so we selected to lease a automotive. In any other case, in the event you plan to stay to a close-by seaside, you may get round on foot. There are buses obtainable too, and day excursions you may take that present transportation.
In Conclusion
With so many islands to go to in Greece, it may be laborious to resolve which one to decide on. Should you’re fascinated 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 straightforward.
You may take a fast flight from wherever in Europe, with a brief layover in Athens, or in the event you’re flying from North America, you’ll have to cease over in Europe earlier than persevering with on to Corfu. There are numerous ferry routes throughout Greece, seek for boats to Corfu right here.
Take a look at Aegean Airways 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 helping us with our journey to Greece. As all the time, all ideas and opinions stay our personal. Among the photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
