The Travelgo.gr guide to discovering the best that the stately Ionian island has to offer.
An aristocratic, cosmopolitan island rich in imagery, Corfu enchants millions of travelers from around the world with its Venetian aura, gorgeous nature, culture, and gastronomy. Chic yet traditional, touristic yet authentic, it is a destination for everyone and every season.
In Corfu you will find everything you could wish for from your holidays. Beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, vibrant life all year round, good food, and one of the most beautiful old towns in Greece. The island of the Phaeacians has a way of making anyone have a great time: those seeking a cosmopolitan atmosphere, those who want to live the adventure, and those who wish to enjoy calm family holidays.
The charm of Corfus Old Town
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Corfu’s atmospheric Old Town is where nostalgic ambience meets the island’s vibrant energy. A stroll reveals buildings of rare beauty and architectural value, with Venetian, British, and French influences, picturesque squares, churches with elaborate bell towers, and several intriguing museums.
Wander the Spianada, the largest square in the Balkans, savor your coffee or a tsitsibira at the famous Liston that strongly recalls Paris’s Rue de Rivoli, visit the - the only one in Greece - Museum of Asian Art in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, stop at the Church of Saint Spyridon with its soaring bell tower, and unwind with coffee or a drink by the sea in the Faliraki area. Grab a table at one of the old town’s little tavernas and taste traditional specialties like pastitsada, sofrito, and bourdetto.
Campiello, the oldest and most captivating quarter of the old town, sets the perfect scene for romantic strolls through narrow kantounia with washing strung from windows and small squares with Venetian wells. Don’t miss visiting both well-preserved fortresses, the Old and the New, to soak up a superb panoramic view over the town.
The Old Fortress is among the most impressive fortifications of the southeastern Mediterranean. It began under the Byzantines, but its present form is owed to the Venetians with some additions by the English. As soon as you cross the bridge over the artificial moat, the Contra Fossa, and pass through its imposing main gate, you’ll feel you’re traveling back in time. The New Fortress, built by the Venetians in the 16th century, lies behind the old harbor on the town’s northwest side. Enter through the gate with the relief stone lion of Saint Mark and walk the cobbled paths up to the highest level of fortification, the bastions of «Seven Winds».
Stroll to Mon Repos and Pontikonisi
Continuing your walk beyond Corfu’s old town and along Garitsa Bay, you’ll reach Mon Repos. The palace within the estate was built in 1831 by the British Commissioner of the Ionian Islands, Frederic Adam, and after the union of the Ionian Islands with Greece it was granted to King George I, who named it Mon Repos. Today the Mon Repos palace houses the Museum of Paleopolis, where you’ll see archaeological finds from the area of the same name, while its beautiful garden hosts more than 2,000 species of plants, flowers, and centuries-old trees.
A few kilometers further on, in the Kanoni area, stands the Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna, seemingly floating on the sea and linked to the shore by a narrow causeway. Together with Pontikonisi rising in the background, they form one of Corfu’s most photographed sights. From the monastery, excursion boats will take you to Pontikonisi, where you’ll find the Byzantine church of the Pantokrator.
Excursions outside the city
A few kilometers outside Corfu town, in the village of Gastouri, lies the Achilleion, the famed palace of Empress Elisabeth of Austria (known as Sisi), which now operates as a museum. It boasts magnificent gardens with statues inspired by ancient Greek mythology and riveting views.
Renowned for its natural beauty and very cold, crystal-clear waters, Paleokastritsa lies 25 km from the town center, on the island’s northwest. The best thing to do there is undoubtedly to take a dip in the turquoise waters of its enchanting coves. Then, be sure to stroll up to the Monastery of Paleokastritsa perched on the hill for sweeping sea views, and visit the picturesque village of Lakones above Paleokastritsa.
Agios Georgios Pagon is a long beach in the northwest with pristine, refreshing waters. Another lovely village on this side is Afionas with its colorful houses and cobbled lanes. Below the village, about a 20-minute hike away, lies stunning Porto Timoni: two beaches divided by a narrow strip of land. Continuing to Arillas, you’ll find one of the calmest beaches on the northwest coast, with sand and some pebbly patches. In Agios Stefanos Avlioton enjoy a swim on an organized sandy beach, and if you’re in the mood for one more outing, you can visit the Diapontia Islands (Othonoi, Erikousa, and Mathraki) by boats departing from its small harbor.
For the most magical sunset in the area, it’s worth visiting Loggas, in the traditional village of Peroulades, a beach unlike any other, sheltered by tall limestone cliffs. In Sidari you’ll find the famous Canal d`Amour. It’s a tunnel, a passage through the rock, and it’s said that if you go in, your ideal match will be waiting at the other end. Among the most popular destinations in Corfu’s north are Roda and Acharavi, with long, continuous sandy beaches, shallow waters, and many tavernas and beach bars. Next stop, Kassiopi. Once a traditional fishing village, now lively with tourism, yet rich in history and significant archaeological monuments. On a hill above the harbor, you can also see the ruins of one of the strongest castles in the Corfiot countryside.
On the island’s northeast coast are some of Corfu’s most beautiful and popular beaches: Kerasia, Kalami (home to the villa of the famous English writer Lawrence Durrell), the organized Nissaki, and locals’ favorite, Barbati, with sunbeds, umbrellas, and plenty of restaurants and beach bars.
For a break from the sea, visit Old Perithia, one of the best-known villages in northern Corfu, stone-built and atmospheric, with ruined mansions and tavernas serving local specialties. If you enjoy nature walks, it’s worth the trip to the village of Nymfes, where you’ll see waterfalls and the monastic complex of Askitario (one of Corfu’s oldest Christian monuments). On Corfu’s northern side, a very beautiful mountain village with lush vegetation and traditional houses is Sokraki.
In the island’s south, be sure to visit the villages of Chlomos and Agios Mattheos. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss an excursion to the Korission Lagoon, Corfu’s wetland that hosts more than 120 different bird species and is protected as a Natura area. There you’ll also find the exotic - and a favorite of kite surfers - Halikounas beach, with sand dunes that begin at the lake. For your swims in southern Corfu, also note the hermits’ favorite Megas Choros and the vast beach of Marathias near the village of the same name. Even further south, Lefkimmi (the largest town in southern Corfu) awaits, as does Kavos, famous for its nightlife.
Accommodation
In one of Corfu’s most aristocratic areas, Kanoni hill, stay at Divani Corfu Palace, a refined hotel with luxurious amenities. Rooms look out over the pool and the Chalikiopoulos Lagoon or the lush garden. Don’t miss dining at sunset.
- In the city center, the Arcadion hotel offers elegant, luxurious rooms fully equipped with modern comforts. The stunning views of the Old Fortress, the Spianada, and the city’s beautiful alleyways will be unforgettable.
- For a stay just a breath from the beach, choose Paralia Luxury Suites in Agios Stefanos Avlioton. It features luxurious suites with a pool and wonderful sea views, so you can enjoy relaxing holidays with every comfort. Sit for coffee and food at the bar restaurant to savor cool moments by the pool.
Food & drink
Enjoy the finest view over Corfu town from the Rooftop Restaurant of the Arcadion Hotel. Your dinner and drinks will be set against the sunset and all the landmarks stretching to the sea, including the Old and New Fortress.
In the shadow of the New Fortress, in the namesake square of Corfu, you’ll find Porta Otturata restaurant. Standouts from the menu include exceptional cuts of meat and creative dishes perfectly matched with the carefully selected wine labels from their cellar.
On Agia Triada beach in Paleokastritsa, Akron Beach bar restaurant welcomes you from early morning for coffee, swimming, and food based on Mediterranean flavors, and into the evening to enjoy their signature cocktails where the waves break.
At Tabernaki tis Marinas the flavors are homestyle and traditional. Sit at the little tables in the town’s alleyways and try Corfiot and Greek dishes such as tasty pasta, salads, meze, seafood, and the local specialties pastitsada and sofrito.
Down a picturesque alley in Corfu you’ll find Sagrado, a restaurant that honors local traditions. Ask for their own unique meze made with care. Their team, always smiling and welcoming, will guide you to the ideal dishes for your taste.
To try the island’s most traditional dishes with its famed gastronomy, choose Pergola taverna in the city center. Pastitsada, sofrito, and bourdetto pair perfectly with tsipouro or wine, with a view of people strolling through the city’s Jewish quarter.
After your swim, in central Corfu take a seat at the tables of Peperi that spill out onto the pavement. Cold beers accompany hearty flavors rooted in the island’s local gastronomy and traditions.
For souvlaki and grilled meats in Corfu town, Pitonostimies is the ideal choice. You’ll find a variety of salads, starters, platters, and wraps. The menu also features standout burgers and Demise, with their signature sourdough bread.
In one of the city’s most beautiful kantounia you’ll come across Red Hot Chilli Burger, Corfu’s famed burger joint. Locals and visitors enjoy burgers with delicious combinations elevated by local ingredients.
Local products
- The sweet flavors of the historic Papagiorgis patisserie in the city center will delight you. Stealing the show is the handmade ice cream to accompany your strolls, as well as the kumquat sweet, mandoles, mandolata, and desserts served right before your eyes.
- To pick up all the gifts you’ll take home, visit Lazaris Distillery & Artisan Sweets. Buy their own products, such as the famous liqueurs and traditional confections. At the town shop you can grab one of their popular cocktails to go and continue your walk.
In Arillas you’ll find Corfu Brewery, which for two decades has been producing innovative products showcasing the soul of Corfu. You’ll tour the facilities and learn all about the local beer while tasting it too.
In Vraganiotika lies Mavroudis Olive Oil Estate, which continues the olive oil tradition from generation to generation. Get to know their facilities and tour the museum with old machinery, where you’ll learn everything about olive production and processing. Don’t forget to enjoy a tasting of their award-winning olive oils.
In Vistonas you’ll experience something special at the ENŌTIS Olive Groves museum, where the family’s 5th generation continues the olive-oil tradition. In the museum you’ll learn about the history of the olive, the care of the olive grove, and the evolution of production, while also tasting their own olive oils.
