Corfu is a charming Greek island located in the Ionian Sea. If you are looking for another reason to visit Greece, Corfu is the perfect reason to book your flight. Known for its beautiful mountains and stunning beaches, it is a wonderful island with so much to offer. Check out our tips below to learn more.
Overall Logistics
When is the best time of year to visit Corfu?
We recommend visiting Corfu during the shoulder season, which includes late spring (late April and May) and early fall (September and October). The island will be less touristy and the weather will be less hot.
Getting Around Corfu
There is a bus you can take around the island. However, it may be easier to rent a car, depending on where you are going. If you an American renting a car, be sure to get an international driver’s license before you visit.
11 Things to Do in Corfu and 4 Places to Visit
Corfu Town
Corfu Town is a beautiful area with a lot of charm. Even if you plan on staying a few days in other locations on the island, you should spend at least a day or two here.
1. Check out the Old Fortress
The old fortress is an impressive Venetian structure located on the eastern side of the city. Construction began after the original city, which was located in Kanoni peninsula, was destroyed. The Byzantines, who occupied the island at the time, began work on this fort the ensure the island would be better protected. The Venetians continued the project, when they took control of the island in 1386.
Our tip: We recommend climbing to the top of the Old Fortress for stunning views of the city below.
2. Visit the New Fortress
The New fortress was also a massive project, with its construction taking place between 1576 and 1645. Some of this project was destroyed during the second World War. However, it is still a marvelous structure with a rich history that is worth a visit.
3. Explore the Downtown
Full of bustling shops and cobblestone streets, Corfu Town is a beautiful place to take a stroll or to visit various restaurants and ships. One of our favorite shops was MiNiMiS, which is owned by a local jewler who converts recycled glass into beautiful necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. If you like unique pieces, this place is worth a visit.
3. Take a Tour of the Sea on a Pirate Ship
There is a pirate ship, named the “Black Rose” that leaves from the old port. It’s a lot of fun, with coffee and snacks for purchase. Plus they have chests with accessories and hats, so you can dress the part.
Our favorite part of the tour was when we went close to the airport, which is located close to the water. If you are lucky, you can see the planes land.
Pirate ship in Corfu Town
Liapades
Liapades is very close to Paleokastritsa. It is also a perfect location if you are looking to visit a place that is less touristy, but still beautiful. However, both towns have some of the best Corfu beaches, so we recommend checking out both towns if possible.
4. Visit Glyko Beach
This is perhaps my favorite beach in all of Greece. The water is beautiful and the views are absolutely stunning. It’s also not as touristy as the other beaches. We highly recommend going here if you make your way to Liapades.
Glyko Beach
Agios Gordios
Agios Gordios is a resort town that has a lot to offer. Consider the following:
5. Go swimming at the beach
Agios Gordios offer stretches of beautiful beach, which is perfect if you are looking to relax. We recommend spending the day swimming here and soaking in the sun.
6. Check out Black Rocks Seaside Restaurant
Black Rocks Seaside Restaurant is a popular destination due to the views and its proximity to the beach. You can enjoy cocktails or food while enjoying the sunset.
Sidori
7. Visit the Canal d Amour
Canal d’Amour (French for the “Canal of Love”) is situated near the town of Sidori. It is well known for its cliffs along the beach. Over the course of thousands of years, the water developed the beautiful and unusual rock formations we see today.
The famous canal can be accessed via the beach. It feels like a cave and is a magical experience to swim through. Legend has it that if two lovers swim through the cave together, they will be together forever and have eternal happiness.
Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa is very close to Liapades. According to legend. Odysseus (from the Odyssey) met Naussica here for the very first time.
8. Visit the Beach
The beaches here are well-known for the beauty, including the cliffs and stunning blue waters. These are some of the prettiest beaches on the island, so this is definitely worth checking out.
9. Take a Tour of the Sea Caves
There are several sites you can see, including Nausicaa’s Cave and the Blue Eye Cave. Some of these can be explored via a boat tour, though some will require a diving license to explore.
Not Location-Dependent
10. Try all the Food
Greece is well known for their deliivious food, including their Greek yogurt, seafood, and feta. If in a big group, we encourage you to embrace the traditional family-style way of eating so you can sample more of their food. Our favorite dining experiences where in Liapades, where we got to eat a restaurant that was owned by a local family.
Greek yogurt along the beach
11. Take a Sunset Boat Tour
The sunsets in Corfu are magical. We did a sunset boat tour in Liapedes, but these can be booked from various locations across the island.
Final Thoughts
Ready to pack your bags and head to Corfu? We recommend checking out our tips for Greece before going. To help situate the locations discussed above, below is a map. Happy traveling!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get from Athens to Corfu?
It’s easiest for get here from Athens by plane. However, be sure to check out our guide on how to get from Athens to Corfu for all the options.
What other islands are worth exploring?
Greece has so many beautiful islands, that it’s hard to pick just one. Some of our personal favorites (in addition to Corfu) include Paros and Rhodes.
Can you see dolphins in Corfu?
If you are lucky, you may see dolphins along the coastline. Species that live along the shore include the bottlenose dolphin and the short beaked common dolphin
What is the prettiest part of Corfu?
All of Corfu is lovely, so it’s hard to pinpoint the prettiest part. However, we found Liapades, Paleokastritsa, and the Canal d’Amour exceptionally lovely.
How do you get around Corfu without a Car?
The bus service, KTEL, connects most of the main cities to each other. Taking the bus is likely the cheapest way to travel long distances across the island. You can also use taxis to reach your final destinations.
Does Uber exist in Corfu?
Yes, Uber exists in Corfu. However, they have a high minimum fare which can make them expensive to take when traveling short distances.
Can you see flamingoes in Corfu?
If you are lucky and visit the The Korission lagoon, you may see flamingoes. However, visit in in May or October to increase your chances.
Is Corfu an Expensive Island to Visit?
If you are looking to travel cheaply around Europe, Corfu can be a great destination for you. It’s also very easy to reach from many other European cities.
Corfu Town is the most expensive part of the island, with many of the surrounding towns and villages being very affordable in terms of accommodation, sites, and food.
What are the best foods to try in Corfu?
I’m a vegetarian, so I stick to vegetables. But Corfu, like many of the islands, will have excpetional seafood, so we recommend trying that while here.
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