On vacation in Corfu: top 10 things to do

Corfu, also called Kerkyra, is a superb island whose beauty has inspired many artists and writers (Goethe, Lawrence Durell and Alfred Sisley, for example). It is one of many Ionian islands, including Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Ithaca and Paxos. A blend of diverse influences and cultures, Corfu is surprisingly green and mountainous. The island has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its exceptional character. And indeed, although very touristy, it’s no less magnificent.

So here’s our best-of list of things to see and do on your vacation in Corfu.

And for even more tips, we tell you everything in our article:

Practical information to plan your vacation in Corfu.

1- Stroll through Corfu’s old town

The town of Corfu (the island’s capital) is superb. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. We like:

• first of all, stroll and lose yourself in the winding streets, where you’ll find a gentle atmosphere reminiscent of Italy.
• but also admire the Venetian buildings and the many churches whose sober facades contrast with their richly decorated interiors.
• and enjoy a coffee in the small squares or arcades of the Liston.

Not to be missed:

• the Spianada, the large central esplanade with its cricket pitch and arcades reminiscent of Rue de Rivoli (the Liston).
• The ancient citadel or old fortress, perched on its rocky outcrop, offers a magnificent view of the town and the sea.
• The church of St Spyridon, easily recognizable with its red dome and clock, built in honor of the town’s patron saint (no wonder so many Corfu men are called Spyridon!).
• The Palais Saint Michel et Saint Georges, a neoclassical building that was once the home of British governors.

Some agencies offer guided tours of the old town (we didn’t try them out). For example, a guided tour combined with a culinary tasting. There’s also a Hop-on Hop-Off sightseeing bus that takes in all the must-sees.

And if you want to stay in Corfu’s old town, you’ll find several rentals on the website Booking.

2- Relax on beautiful beaches

Corfu’s beaches are sublime. The sea is translucent. The perfect place to try your hand at water sports such as stand-up paddling, scuba diving and snorkeling.

Unfortunately, Corfu’s beaches are very busy in summer, and some of them have been damaged by unsuccessful construction along the coastline. Choose small, wild coves or beaches that are harder to reach (and therefore less crowded).

Our favourite beaches in Corfu (or Kerkyra) :

• Paleokastritsa and its small sandy coves bordered by a transparent sea
• The sandy beach of Agios Georgios, 5 kilometers long
• Mirtidiotissa cove, with its wild character, fine sand and enchanting scenery. It has to be earned: 15-20 minutes’ walk along a narrow path
• Agio Spiridonas beach and its little chapel. From here, you can admire the Albanian coastline directly opposite.
• Agios Gordios beach, also 5 kilometers long. In the sea stands a rock reminiscent of the aiguille d’Etretat (only more modest).
• Barbati beach, with its white pebbles and its sea whose colors reveal a whole range of blues and greens.
• Glyfada, a beach well served by bus from Corfu town. We love the beautiful waves and the landscape of fine sand bordered by green cliffs.
• Pelekas beach, lined with rocks. We’ll go there at the end of the day and enjoy the sunset at Pelekas afterwards.

3- Take Corfu’s best-known photo and climb Ulysses’ Rock

The Vlachernes Monastery: probably the most famous image of Corfu. A white church that seems to float on the water, built on a tiny islet connected to land by a jetty.

After visiting the Vlachernes monastery, take a traditionnal boat to the islet of Pondikonissi, whose name means “little mouse” in Greek (€2.50/person round trip, 2-3 min crossing). This rock is famous for being the one where Ulysses is said to have washed up after escaping from the nymph Calypso. And in Homer’s version, this island is Odysseus’ ship, transformed into a rock by Poseidon, the God of the sea and oceans.

If possible, go early in the morning. Firstly, to enjoy the sun reflected on the church (in the evening, the view is much less beautiful). But also in order to arrive before the parade of tourist buses.

4- Taste Corfu’s gastronomy

It’s impossible to leave Kerkyra without tasting the island’s specialty: Sofrito, fine beef tench in a garlic-based sauce.

Corfu also offers a wide range of Italian cuisine. Our favorites: Il Vesuvio and La Cucina. We should also mention Nolita on the pretty town hall square, or La Famiglia (all these restaurants are located in Corfu town).

Finally, try the island’s star fruit: the kumquat. It can be enjoyed fresh, candied or as a liqueur. It is also used to flavor local ice creams and pastries.

To find out more, read our article Flavours and traditions of Corfu.

5- Visit Empress Sissi’s palace

At the end of the 19th century, Empress Sissi had her summer residence built in Corfu: a palace she named “Achileon” in homage to Achilles, the Trojan War hero she admired.

This grand villa from a bygone era is surrounded by a superb flower-filled garden, with magnificent views over the bay and surrounding countryside. Just as Sissi did, you can also admire the statue of the dying Achilles, by German sculptor Ernest Gustav Herter: it depicts the hero as he has just been fatally struck in the heel by an arrow.

Go early in the morning, as this is one of Corfu’s most touristy spots, and the sheer number of visitors can spoil the fun.

6- Get off the beaten track

Corfu is a very popular island, and mass tourism can be overwhelming at certain times of the year. So don’t hesitate to think outside the box.

Get away from the crowded beaches and discover the green, mountainous north-east of the island. Here you’ll see fields of centuries-old olive trees with thick, gnarled trunks, fig trees and vines. We pass through villages where time seems to stand still. Ideal for discovering “Corfu-authentic”.

We’ve spotted these 2 jeep tours that allow you to discover either Corfu’s northern coastline around Mount Pantokrator, the island’s highest point; or a seaside itinerary in Corfu’s southern hinterland, discovering villages and churches. Enjoy the incredible views of Corfu’s wilderness and small villages away from the tourist hotspots!

Another option for getting off the beaten track: walking. Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted in Corfu. A trail crosses the island from south to north (over 200km), and it’s easy to choose parts of this trail for day hikes. All the information you need: Corfou Trail.

7- Discover Corfu’s best-kept secret

Ancient Peritheia (παλιά περιθεια in Greek) is a well-kept secret. This small village in the northeast of the island, not far from Mount Pantokrator, is rarely (if ever) mentioned in guidebooks. Yet this little-known place deserves to be seen. This is one of Corfu’s oldest villages. Abandoned, it is currently being restored. It is home to 130 stone houses, some of which are in ruins and undergoing restoration.

Once inhabited by 1,200 people, it was one of the island’s wealthiest villages, surrounded by vineyards, oak groves and thousands of sheep. Today, it seems suspended in time. We love the calm atmosphere, cobbled streets, ancient houses and mountainous surroundings. There are two taverns and even a Bed & Breakfast on site.

8 – Marvel at Corfu from above

Visit Pantokrator Monastery, perched 917 meters above sea level, offers a magnificent panoramic view of the whole island of Corfu-Kerkyra. It’s a pity that a TV antenna has been installed in the monastery grounds. But the view is no less magnificent: you can see the whole of Corfu, but also Albania, the sea, the green hills on one side and the more arid hills on the other.

And if you want to see Corfu from even higher up, here’s an idea to make your stay in Corfu a memorable one: let yourself be tempted by a tandem paragliding flight over the beaches of Glyfada or Kontogialos; or take off by parasailing from Dassia beach.

9- Crossing the “channel of love”

In Sidari Bay, the sea has carved out narrow rocky channels, including the “Love Channel“. It is said that those who swim across it will find true love.

And even if you’ve already found what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to cross this “channel of love” yourself. Swimming in this turquoise-blue water is a real pleasure. Unfortunately, the tourist constructions in the vicinity spoil the pleasure a little… The natural setting remains magnificent, however.

10. Blue water sailing to Paxos

Looking for a little getaway? How about a day at sea? Agencies offer day cruises between Corfu and the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos to discover the three jewels of the Ionian Sea. With the added bonus of breathtaking views of the famous blue caves and swimming stops in crystal-clear waters. Find out more about all the offers from our partner Get Your Guide.

Corfu is also a wonderful island to discover from the sea. That’s why we recommend renting a boat to discover the most beautiful beaches. There are boats without a license that will allow you to make small tours for half a day. You can also book and rent a boat online with Click&Boat (tested and approved by us).

Another idea is the water park: explore Aqualand, a vast water park covering 75,000 square meters and featuring 51 slides suitable for all ages. Spend a refreshing day enjoying the water attractions and escaping the intense Corfu heat. When you arrive, get quick access without queuing: Buy tickets for Aqualand.

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We wish you a wonderful vacation in Corfu! To find out more, click here:

• Our practical tips on how to get to Corfu? Where to stay? What to see? in All the practical information you need to plan your vacation in Corfu.
• And to find out where to stay in Corfu, we tell you all about it in a nice selection of rentals on Booking.

LAURE M.