We’ve been to Greece fairly just a few instances, however we needed to go someplace new for our 10 12 months anniversary collectively. We selected Corfu, and it ended up being a terrific place for the celebration!
A stunning lush inside, pristine shoreline, distinctive rock formations, and a romantic capital metropolis…all this and extra will be discovered on Corfu Island. This a vacation spot that actually stunned us throughout our journey to Greece. There are countless issues to do in Corfu, you’ll by no means be bored.
When to Go to Corfu
The perfect time to go to Corfu is from late Might by way of early October, however for those who ask us, mid-Might to June and early September are the candy spot.
In Might, daytime temperatures are sometimes round 22-26°C. In June, temperatures hover round 25-30°C, the ocean is warming up, and you may spend lengthy, lazy days on seashores that also really feel uncrowded.
The evenings are heat, the island is lush and inexperienced, and since the season is just simply ramping up, you get that feeling of getting arrived earlier than the lots!
September is equally incredible, with heat sea temperatures, sunny days, fewer crowds, and a extra relaxed environment after the summer time rush.
We visited Corfu within the shoulder season (Might) which runs from April-Might and October, these will be stunning instances to go to, much less crowded, and cheaper, however climate will be much less dependable.
By mid-October many tavernas and seasonal companies start closing down.
July and August are tremendous scorching, with temps into the mid-thirties, together with larger crowds and better costs, so whereas they’re nice for peak summer time vibes, and seaside days, we’d select Might/June or September each time.
The place to Keep in Corfu
There’s actually no unhealthy space to remain in Corfu – there’s one thing to supply on each a part of the island. We stayed in 2 locations throughout our week-long journey to Corfu: Marbella Lodge (Agios Ioannis) and on the TRYP by Wyndham (Dassia).
Right here’s a breakdown of what different areas of the island have to supply:
- Corfu City: Genuine tradition and a big selection of eating places and points of interest
- Arillas: Pure magnificence and a spirituality scene
- Paleokastritsa: Beautiful views, bays, and hidden seashores (and a monestary!)
- Kavos: Nightlife, seashores and watersports
- Kassiopi: Upmarket lodging with luxurious choices
- Sidari: Nice for households and {couples}
Easy methods to Get Round Corfu
Seeing the entire sights and seashores in Corfu is finest completed by renting a automobile. We rented a automobile for our week-long journey and it was one of the simplest ways to discover! Discover the perfect charges right here.
In case you’d relatively not drive, Corfu’s public bus community connects many fashionable areas with Corfu City and generally is a good budget-friendly choice, however, Corfu City within the historic heart is finest explored on foot.
Corfu is the northernmost (and hottest) of the Ionian Island chain, and it’s truly actually near mainland Greece, and Albania – it’s truly only a fast 40-minute ferry journey between the 2! Take a look at FerryHopper for instances and costs.
Fast Reply: Prime 5 Finest Excursions & Actions in Corfu:
Finest Issues To Do in Corfu
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.
We spent per week in Corfu (together with our 10 12 months anniversary) and had many distinctive experiences alongside the best way. This is likely one of the prime locations to go to in Greece for good motive!
Right here’s my listing of the 15 finest points of interest, 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 lots of the islands in Greece, you may rent a ship your self and rip across the shoreline? Even for those who don’t have a ship license?!
In case you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Corfu which are 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 finest issues to do in Zakynthos, and whereas we didn’t have an opportunity to hire one whereas we have been there, we knew we had to provide it a attempt 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 have been set. The boat was 45 horsepower and will have match six individuals, 4 comfortably.
Whizzing alongside the attractive 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 prime issues to do in Corfu for {couples}, or mates.
Hiring a automobile is a should for getting across the island and seeing the inside, however hiring a ship is a wonderful technique to discover the shoreline. Be taught extra about being your personal captain for the day and renting a ship right here.
- You possibly can e-book your personal boat right here
- We paid €80 for the boat within the offseason/shoulder season (could be extra like €130 within the excessive season)
- Boat gasoline for a day of driving value us €40.
- Be sure that there are life jackets on board and you will want your personal meals and water.
Don’t Overlook Your Journey Insurance coverage For Corfu!
Be sure to have journey insurance coverage on your journey to Corfu. It’s the one factor you must at all times pack. Security Wing is a superb choice for vacationers, adventurers, and distant staff.
2. Go to Corfu City
This UNESCO-listed city is completely stunning. On account of being beneath 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 twice, each instances round sundown when the temperature was a bit cooler and the lighting was unbelievable!
Wander by pastel-colored houses with wrought-iron balconies and wood shutters. Make your means by way of character-filled, cobbled streets… streets so slender that laundry will be held on a line strung between two adjoining homes.
I like to recommend visiting each throughout the day, and within the night to see the city in two totally different lights. It’s one of the vital romantic locations to go to in Corfu – we cherished wandering round after which stopping to have a glass of wine. Our favorite spot was Salto, that they had wonderful meals and wine choice!
There’s a highly-rated strolling tour you may be part of to expertise extra of Corfu City. You possibly can be 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 nicely. Click on right here to be taught extra and e-book your ticket – you may e-book now and pay later, plus there’s cancellation as much as 24 hours earlier than the tour!
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 finest 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 will be laborious to search out in Corfu City. Park simply exterior 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 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 likely one of the finest issues to do in Corfu city for positive.
- Entrance to the Previous Fortress prices €10. Put on sturdy sneakers and word that there’s not a lot shade.
3. Keep in Stunning Lodging
It’s a bit bizarre to have lodging as a spotlight of an island, however there are some beautiful choices out there on Corfu. We stayed in two stunning properties and may suggest them each, for various causes.
Study 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.
Finest Accommodations & Residences in Corfu:
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 really is an expensive 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 instances – there have been too many native eating places that we needed to take a look at!
The welcome drink and complimentary wine & fruit are a pleasant contact, the constructing itself is trendy, and the workers listed below are extremely useful and pleasant. It was the proper 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 Lodge), 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, vivid and the fashionable decor is beautiful.
The resort gives a fitness center and a spa, in addition to a big outside pool. The one draw back is that it’s not positioned straight on the seaside, however just some steps away. The workers listed below are pleasant and the supervisor, Spyros, will make you’re feeling very welcome!
We completely loved our keep at this boutique resort, and suggest it based mostly on the fashionable room itself, the stunning workers, 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 counsel splitting your time between the north and the south, for those who can.
That means, you need to use your base within the north to discover close by websites, then swap to your resort within the south and take a look at that space of the island. In any other case, chances are you’ll end up driving loads. The 2 accommodations I listed above labored out nicely for us to just do that.
In case you’re serious about staying in a small condo or guesthouse (relatively than a resort or resort) throughout your journey to Corfu Island, click on right here to match costs and search by way of 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 one in every of them. It has at all times been a giant a part of their weight loss plan, traditions, and historical past.
The Governor is a fifth era, family-run institution right here on the island. It’s one of the vital awarded premium olive oils on the market.
We joined this highly-rated day journey and realized all about olive oil. 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. The fervour these two brothers have for his or her household firm is inspiring.
The flavour of the olive oil is outstanding and the well being advantages are unbelievable! We actually loved assembly the Dafnis household, studying in regards to the product, and naturally, tasting it.
Olive groves present jobs and meals for the individuals and so they have for a few years. Studying in regards to the manufacturing of olive oil is likely one of the most essential issues to do in Corfu, and Greece as an entire.
5. Be taught 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 Wyndham resort we have been staying at.
Arriving on the workplace of Mr. Honey, we met a soft-spoken, chilled-out man who advised 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 in regards to the strategy of gathering the honey, and have been proven lots of the pure merchandise he makes.
This is likely one of the extra distinctive locations to go to in Corfu, and one of many prime issues to do in Corfu for households. Don’t miss a day with Mr. Honey. Panagiotis – he’s captivated with beekeeping and is eager to share his data about bees and honey with you.
The honey store is named MKV – Melissokomiki Kerkyras Vasilakis, which is positioned right 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 personal day journey takes in these monasteries and plenty of extra highlights of Corfu.
Finest Monastery Excursions in Corfu:
When driving south from the airport, it might be laborious 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. Nowadays, Vlacherna Monastery is a quiet place with cypress bushes surrounding it, and canine and cats roaming round.
Enjoyable truth, the For Your Eyes Solely James Bond movie had a scene set right here. The monastery is likely one of the finest locations to see in Corfu.
The second must-see monastery is Paleokastritsa – we went right here on our first day on the island.
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 now, and you might even see a monk or two cross by throughout your go to. It’s essential to decorate appropriately and respectfully when getting into the complicated.
This is likely one of the fashionable locations to see in Corfu, there’ll most likely be group excursions right here. However whatever the crowds, it’s price 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 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.
Finest Seashore Excursions in Corfu:
That is the proper 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 Seashore Bar, which we cherished – it has a terrific setting for a meal or drink.
You’re in Greece, so it’s no shock that enjoyable on an attractive seaside is likely one of the prime issues to do in Corfu. Actually, the primary seaside of Paleokastritsa itself is understood for being one of many finest seashores in Greece.
8. Sip on Sundown Cocktails
Situated 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 final word spot to observe the solar go down.
Finest Sundown Excursions & Actions in Corfu:
It’s principally recognized for being a spot to seize a drink with sundown, however additionally they have meals out there. Cocktails go from round €7 and for those who don’t have your personal wheels, a taxi from Sidari to right here is round €9.
The drinks is probably not the most cost effective, however you’re paying for the setting. Click on right here to see the Google Maps location of the restaurant.
In case you’d relatively get some train, benefit from the wonderful sundown, and then head for a cocktail, try this climbing journey with a information. After a leisurely hike by way of stunning villages and surroundings, you’ll benefit from the unbelievable sundown from Angel Citadel. Be taught extra right here.
9. Swim on the Canal d’Amour in Sidari
Whilst you’re on the northern finish of the island, ensure to go to the Canal d’Amour, or Love Canal. The rock formations round this space are vibrant, crumbly, and really distinctive.
We chilled out on the seaside, and swam within the clear water for just a few hours. There’s additionally a canal right here, which leads beneath the cliff. It’s mentioned that for those who swim by way of, you’ll get married quickly – therefore the identify “Canal d’Amour”. Whether or not or not that’s true, it’s nonetheless one of the vital fashionable issues to do in Corfu.
Whereas swimming by way of the canal, you gained’t be totally 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 generally is a bit tough right here for those who’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 proper spot to spend the afternoon, or longer.
Finest Excursions & Actions in Sidari, Corfu:
10. Go Mountain Biking Round Corfu
We didn’t have an opportunity to do that, however attempt to peel your self away from the attractive seashores and romantic cities to get some train by bike!
Renting a mountain bike to discover both independently, or on a tour is a wonderful technique 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 hire a GIANT bike. In case you’d relatively have a little bit of help when using, you may hire an Electrical Fats Bike as nicely! Take a look at Corfu Fats Bikes for particulars.
Finest Bicycle Excursions & Actions in Corfu:
11. Take pleasure in a Decadent Meal
For our particular anniversary meal, we went to Michelin Starred chef, Ettore Botrini‘s restaurant. He’s an Italian Corfiat, with three eating places in Greece – Corfu, Rhodes, and Athens.
In case you’re on the lookout for a effective eating expertise, ensure to go to Etrusco Restaurant within the city of Dassia – which is listed as one of many world’s 50 finest.
Belief me, this extremely acclaimed chef is aware of presentation! Each 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 may watch the entire motion unfold when you wait on your meals.
You possibly can order a la carte, or select from one in every 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 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 (probably the greatest day journeys from Corfu)
We rented our personal boat whereas in Corfu, so we didn’t find yourself doing a crusing journey – we needed to save one thing for our subsequent journey!
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 technique 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 probably the greatest day journeys from Corfu.
There are fairly just a few excursions you may be part of, however this one to Anitpaxos and Paxos is very extremely rated and at round $45, it’s a steal. In case you’d relatively try the Sivota Islands and the outdated city of Parga, this journey can be very extremely rated and is round $45 as nicely.
Lastly, for those who’d wish to have a sailboat to your self and luxuriate in a non-public day on the water, this journey is a should. The day is totally customizable and is ideal for a household or group of mates. Snacks, beer, wine, and water are all included as nicely. You actually can’t go incorrect. Click on right here for extra particulars.
13. Volunteer With Donkeys
You probably have extra time on the island, why not spend a while giving again?
The most effective 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 attractive 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 part of a Meals Tour
I’m nonetheless fascinated by our meals in Corfu! Greek meals is certainly one in every of my favourites and also you’ll be spoiled for alternative in Corfu.
Foodies, this one is for you! Spend the day strolling round stunning Corfu Previous City, whereas studying in regards to the historical past of the island, and sampling a few of 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 instances. 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.
Finest Meals Excursions in Corfu:
15. Lease a Scooter
We rented a automobile and a ship whereas in Corfu, however a number of individuals love using scooters – 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 possibly can both rent one for your self privately and see the entire finest locations to go to in Corfu by yourself or, you may be part of a non-public day tour so that you don’t get misplaced!
Finest Scooter Excursions & Leases in Corfu:
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?
We spent 10 days travelling round Albania and had such a good time, it’s undoubtedly price a go to from Corfu!
You possibly can both take the ferry and head over there your self, or be part of a tour. On this enjoyable day journey, you’ll go to the UNESCO metropolis of Butrint, the attractive seaside metropolis of Saranda, the Venetian Tower, the Temple of Asclepius, and far more.
Every part is included on today 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 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 price visiting. It’s one of the vital fashionable islands in Greece for its stunning shoreline, cosmopolitan vibe, mountains and enjoyable nightlife. Whether or not you’ve 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 understood for its sandy seashores, cosmopolitan really feel, wonderful eating places, beautiful landscapes, and enjoyable nightlife. And, in fact, 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 attainable. Ideally, you could possibly spend per 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, for those who plan to stay to a close-by seaside, you may get round on foot. There are buses out there 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 determine which one to decide on. In case you’re serious about stunning seashores, wonderful 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 simple.
You possibly can take a fast flight from wherever in Europe, with a brief layover in Athens, or for those who’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 and yahoo resembling Expedia.com and Google Flights. For ferry routes, take a look at Ferry Hopper. When you’re in Corfu, I like to recommend renting a automobile to get round and discover at your personal tempo. We at all times hire vehicles in Greece and it actually makes the journey that rather more particular. Discover the perfect charges right here. Take pleasure in Corfu!
Take a look at our Journey Movies of Corfu
Thanks to Uncover Greece for aiding us with our journey to Greece. As at all times, all ideas and opinions stay our personal. A number of the photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
