The list of things you can do in Corfu is literally endless. With the plethora of beaches scattered all over the island, the impressive Corfu Town, the quiet authentic villages on the mountain slopes and the historical legacy, it is quite difficult to prioritize the items on this list.
Most of the tourist attractions and interesting spots are concentrated in the central and northwest part of the island. Predictably the capital Corfu Town and the seaside resort of Paleokastritsa attract most visitors, especially first-timers, but they show just a tiny bit of all the faces Corfu has.
1. Discover Corfu Town
The lively capital of Corfu is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List The Venetian presence is noticeable here and a walk in the Old Town would make you feel in Italy rather than in Greece. The Old Town is car-free but a few large parking lots are provided right next to old fortress and the square.
Corfu Old Town
The Old Town is the historical center of Corfu Town. Prepare more time to stroll in the narrow alleys and admire the architecture, it is lively both day and night. Have a coffee at Liston and the Esplanade (the largest square of Greece) and dine at one of the many small restaurants you will find all around.
Old Fortress
The Old Fortress welcomes visitors who come by sea and it is just next to the Esplanade square and Liston. The fortress is well preserved inside and a walk to the top of it is totally worth it because of the panoramic view revealed to the whole Old Town.
Palace of St. Michael and St. George
You will definitely notice the Palace of St. Michael and St. Geroge while in Corfu Town - it is an imposing historical building next to Liston and the Old Fortress. The palace functions as an art gallery and hosts the interesting Museum of Asian Art.
2. Enjoy the view from Bella Vista
The coastline of Paleokastritsa is very scenic but the aerial view towards it is even more captivating. Bella Vista is an area in Lakones village which presents the best bird`s-eye view to Paleokastritsa, Liapades and all the blue beaches around them. Along the road there are restaurants and cafes have open-air balconies so you can enjoy the view in no hurry.
3. Swim at the beaches of Paleokastritsa
There is no other place like Paleokastritsa on the entire island. It distinguishes for the transparent blue water, the gorgeous views and the dramatic coastline with sea rocks and caves. The sparkling blue sea and the beautiful landscape here allure even people who dislike pebbled beaches. Just keep in mind that the sea water around Paleokastritsa and Liapades is usually a bit colder compared to the rest beaches of Corfu and the difference in temperature may surprise you.
La Grotta
La Grotta Bar is a special place where you can sunbath while drinking your cocktail and after that to jump in the sea from the rocks right in front of you. The bar is located close to the entrance of Paleokastritsa but the greenery hides it and you will not see it from the road.
Agios Spyridon
Agios Spyridon is the largest beach of Paleokastritsa, with both free zone and a corner with sunbeds to rent. This beach is extremely popular because of its central location - next to the large parking lot and just beneath the Monastery of Paleokastritsa where everyone goes.
4. Walk to Vlacherna Monastery
Vlacherna Monastery and the small islet of Pontikonissi behind it are one of the most emblematic shots of Corfu. The monastery occupies another tiny islet connected via concrete walkway to the land, and thus everyone can easily reach it. The aerial photos of this place are usually taken from the nearby cafes at Canoni peninsula.
5. Visit the Achilleion Palace
Built in 1890 by the Empress Elizabeth (Sissi) of Austria, today the Achilleion Palace functions as a museum. People drop by here not only for the original architecture of the palace and its famous sculptures, but also for its beautiful garden with sea view.
6. Explore the old mountainous villages
Most old villages of Corfu have entirely preserved their fantastic Corfiot architecture. In some of them, the road which runs through the village is so narrow that there are traffic lights and allow only one-way direction. You will find them in the inner part of island and the following are just a few examples of places you can visit but they are suitable for a walk.
Afionas
Except for the preserve architecture, Afionas is worth the visit because of the panoramic views it offers. One side of the village overlooks the large bay of Agios Georgios - Pagi, and another side of it has a view toward Arillas beach and the inhabited islands of Mathraki, Othonoi and Ereikoussa. The path for the scenic Porto Timoni also starts from Afionas.
Liapades
Liapades village is quite convenient for a walk because it has a large part accessible on foot only. You can take a tour among the narrow alleys and the old houses, and you can see the locals in their everyday life.
Sinarades
Sinarades is just above the beach of Agios Gordios. Leave your vehicle near the small village square and take a walk in the side alleys.
7. Climb up to the top of Angelokastro
Angelokastro is a Byzantine castle near Krini village. It is built on the top of a sea rock which is over 300 meters high, allowing you to see the entire north part of the island and the bays of Paleokastritsa from bird`s eye view.
8. Pass the tunnel of Canal D`Amour
Canal D`Amour is a small beach between two porous rocks, forming a narrow sea canal, and the tunnel in question passes through one of the rocks. It is located in Sidari and the whole coastline around is rich in such interesting rock formations. Canal D`Аmour is quite popular, so avoid it in high season or go early in the morning.
Canal D`Amour
One of the rocks which forms Canal D`amour has a small opening like a tunnel which exits from the other side but you can pass it only by swimming. The legends says that couples in love who swim this tunnel together will stay together forever. And since many people come here because of the legend, it is often crowded for its size.
9. Stop by the aerial throne of Kasier Wilhelm II
Kaiser Throne is on the top of Pelekas village, with a stunning view. The "throne" is an elevated platform from which you can have the best panorama, and the German Kaiser Wilhelm II who usually spent his summers in Corfu used this place as observatory. Kaiser Throne is also a good reason to visit the authentic village of Pelekas.
10. Explore the coastline by boat
The most picturesque places you can explore by boat in Corfu are either in the northwest or in the northeast part. From Paleokastritsa, Liapades and Agios Stefanos you can join a trip or rent a boat to take you to wild but beautiful beaches which cannot be visited by car. Such are Paradise beach (Chomi), Stelari, Limni, Iliodoro. The boat trip would also show you the interesting coastline of the region which abounds in rock formations and sea caves, something you cannot see from the land.
The northeast coast of Corfu has small bays with transparent water for swimming and snorkeling. Boats to rent are available from Agni and Agios Stefanos - east and from the small harbor of Kouloura which is a nice place to visit even just for a meal.
Kouloura
Koloura is a small crescent-shaped harbor near Kalami, Corfu. It is a calm place with a couple of tavernas at the waterfront and boats to rent.
11. Admire the landscape around Cape Drastis
Cape Drastis is characterized by the white rocks in weird shapes and small caves. It can be accessed by boat (when it`s not windy) but most people prefer to see it from above. From the village of Peroulades there is is a short dirt road which leads to the viewpoint.
12. Sleep in an abandoned village
How does it sound to be customers of the only hotel in an abandoned village? This is possible in The Merchant`s House boutique hotel- a renovated 300-years old house operating all year round in the so called ghost village of Perithia. The village has no ghosts but it is indeed abandoned and has no residents. In the summer there are five tavernas which welcome visitors for a lunch or dinner but the hotel is only one for now.
Perithia
Perithia, also called Old or Palea Perithia is the oldest settlement of Corfu which was left by its last residents in 1960. It is listed as a traditional settlement and the interest in it is slowing growing, with the boutique guesthouse and the five tavernas which are open in the summer.
13. Try local specialties
Corfu`s cuisine is intriguing because of the different herbs and spices that totally change the flavor of familiar Greek dishes. Pastitsada is a local specialty made of pasta with slow cooked meat and it is not the same as the common Greek pastitsio. Other dishes called sofrito and stifado may sound like something you can order at most Greek tavernas but in Corfu they are just different. In short, give them a try.
For fish lovers the island offers two more specialties - bourdeto (fish with red sauce) and bianco (fish stew with white sauce).
14. Take a trip to Paxos and Antipaxos
Paxos and Antipaxos are two islands located close to the south coast of Corfu. The full-day boat cruises are organized from Corfu Town and the port of Lefkimmi. The tour includes a visit to the Blue Caves of Paxos, stop for a swim at the unreal blue beaches of Antipaxos and a walk at Gaios or Lakka, the two largest and scenic villages of Paxos.
15. Have a drink with a view
There are many spots with beautiful aerial views all over Corfu and some cafes and restaurants have open-air balconies from which you can enjoy these views peacefully. Such are, for example, Golden View Cafe above Agios Gordios, 7th Heaven Cafe in Peroulades, Golden Fox Restaurant in Lakones, the cafes at Afionas village, etc.