We’ve been to Greece fairly a number of occasions, however we wished to go someplace new for our 10 12 months anniversary collectively. We selected Corfu, and it ended up being an awesome place for the celebration!
A stunning lush inside, pristine shoreline, distinctive rock formations, and a romantic capital metropolis…all this and extra could be discovered on Corfu Island. This a vacation spot that really shocked us throughout our journey to Greece. There are infinite issues to do in Corfu, you’ll by no means be bored.
When to Go to Corfu
One of the best time to go to Corfu is from late Could by way of early October, however in case you ask us, mid-Could to June and early September are the candy spot.
In Could, daytime temperatures are sometimes round 22-26°C. In June, temperatures hover round 25-30°C, the ocean is warming up, and you’ll 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 simply 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 ambiance after the summer season rush.
We visited Corfu within the shoulder season (Could) which runs from April-Could and October, these could be lovely occasions to go to, much less crowded, and cheaper, however climate could be much less dependable.
By mid-October many tavernas and seasonal companies start closing down.
July and August are tremendous sizzling, with temps into the mid-thirties, together with larger crowds and better costs, so whereas they’re nice for peak summer season vibes, and seaside days, we’d select Could/June or September each time.
The place to Keep in Corfu
There’s actually no dangerous 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 Resort (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: Attractive 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}
Methods to Get Round Corfu
Seeing the entire sights and seashores in Corfu is finest executed by renting a automotive. We rented a automotive for our week-long journey and it was one of the simplest ways to discover! Discover the very best charges right here.
If you happen to’d somewhat not drive, Corfu’s public bus community connects many widespread areas with Corfu City and is usually a good budget-friendly possibility, 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! Try FerryHopper for occasions and costs.
Fast Reply: Prime 5 Greatest Excursions & Actions in Corfu:
Greatest 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 way in which. This is without doubt one of the high locations to go to in Greece for good cause!
Right here’s my checklist of the 15 finest points of interest, locations to go to, and issues to do in Corfu.
1. Hire a Boat Independently (one of the 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 in case you don’t have a ship license?!
If you happen to’re in search of issues to do in Corfu which can be distinctive and enjoyable, renting a ship is unquestionably it.
We first heard about this after we have been on a tour with Luxurious Island Occasions on Zakynthos Island. This is without doubt 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 high issues to do in Corfu for {couples}, or mates.
Hiring a automotive is a should for getting across the island and seeing the inside, however hiring a ship is a wonderful strategy to discover the shoreline. Study extra about being your individual captain for the day and renting a ship right here.
- You possibly can e-book your individual boat right here
- We paid €80 for the boat within the offseason/shoulder season (can be extra like €130 within the excessive season)
- Boat gasoline for a day of driving price us €40.
- Be certain that there are life jackets on board and you will have your individual meals and water.
Don’t Neglect Your Journey Insurance coverage For Corfu!
Ensure you have journey insurance coverage in your journey to Corfu. It’s the one factor you must all the time pack. Security Wing is a superb possibility for vacationers, adventurers, and distant staff.
2. Go to Corfu City
This UNESCO-listed city is totally lovely. On account of being below 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 occasions round sundown when the temperature was a bit cooler and the lighting was unimaginable!
Wander by pastel-colored houses with wrought-iron balconies and picket shutters. Make your manner by way of character-filled, cobbled streets… streets so slender that laundry could be held on a line strung between two adjoining homes.
I like to recommend visiting each through the day, and within the night to see the city in two totally different lights. It’s one of the romantic locations to go to in Corfu – we beloved wandering round after which stopping to have a glass of wine. Our favorite spot was Salto, that they had glorious 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 contains an English-speaking information, visiting the essential websites on the town, meals tastings, a drink, and a full meal as properly. 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 without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Corfu previous city.
☞ SEE ALSO: Climate in Greece – When Is The Greatest Time to Go to?
Notes About Visiting Corfu City
- Parking could be exhausting to seek out in Corfu City. Park simply outdoors of the city itself, and stroll in.
- We extremely suggest consuming & consuming at Salto Wine Bar. Greek wines are on provide right here (€20 / bottle, €5.50 / glass). Two appetizers & two mains price us €38. Meals, drinks and repair are glorious.
- Wander across the lanes and get misplaced. Go to the sights, however spend time simply meandering round, this is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Corfu city for positive.
- Entrance to the Previous Fortress prices €10. Put on sturdy footwear and word that there’s not a lot shade.
3. Keep in Lovely Lodging
It’s a bit bizarre to have lodging as a spotlight of an island, however there are some beautiful choices accessible on Corfu. We stayed in two lovely 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 recent meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Greatest 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 opulent 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 occasions – there have been too many native eating places that we wished to take a look at!
The welcome drink and complimentary wine & fruit are a pleasant contact, the constructing itself is fashionable, and the employees listed here 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 Resort), and extremely suggest it.
With simply 4 flooring, this low-rise resort has an intimate really feel. We have been staying on the 4th flooring within the Superior Design Suite, which was completely beautiful. The rooms are spacious, vibrant and the fashionable decor is beautiful.
The resort provides a fitness center and a spa, in addition to a big outside pool. The one draw back is that it’s not positioned immediately on the seaside, however only a few steps away. The employees listed here are pleasant and the supervisor, Spyros, will make you are feeling very welcome!
We totally loved our keep at this boutique resort, and suggest it primarily based on the fashionable room itself, the beautiful employees, the scrumptious meals, and the facilities on provide.
Since there are such a lot of issues to do in Corfu, and for the reason that island is fairly massive, I recommend splitting your time between the north and the south, in case you can.
That manner, you should utilize your base within the north to discover close by websites, then change 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 quite a bit. The 2 resorts I listed above labored out properly for us to do exactly that.
If you happen to’re curious about staying in a small house or guesthouse (somewhat 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 timber on Corfu Island, 95% of that are lianolia selection. There are a number of merchandise that Greek individuals have been utilizing all through the ages, and olive oil is certainly one of them. It has all the time been a giant a part of their weight loss plan, traditions, and historical past.
The Governor is a fifth technology, family-run institution right here on the island. It’s one of the awarded premium olive oils on the market.
We joined this highly-rated day journey and discovered all about olive oil. We spent a lazy afternoon indulging in some olive oil and bits of meals and loved the corporate of the homeowners 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 unimaginable! 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 without doubt one of the most essential issues to do in Corfu, and Greece as a complete.
5. Study 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 exhausting ulcers of the lips, heals carbuncles and operating sores”. Aristotle believed that honey extended life.
We had heard about “Mr. Honey” (whose actual title 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 informed 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, discovered in regards to the means of accumulating the honey, and have been proven lots of the pure merchandise he makes.
This is without doubt one of the extra distinctive locations to go to in Corfu, and one of many high 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 known as 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 non-public day journey takes in these monasteries and lots of extra highlights of Corfu.
Greatest Monastery Excursions in Corfu:
When driving south from the airport, it will be exhausting to overlook the Vlacherna Monastery, which sits out on the water, on an island of its personal. The island is definitely linked to the mainland by a stone bridge that crosses the bay.
The chapel was in-built 1685 and truly, this was as soon as a nunnery monastery. Nowadays, Vlacherna Monastery is a quiet place with cypress timber surrounding it, and canines and cats roaming round.
Enjoyable reality, the For Your Eyes Solely James Bond movie had a scene set right here. The monastery is without doubt 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 spiritual website is beautiful. Set on a lush hill above the seaside with the identical title, 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 remains to be working as a monastery at present, and you might even see a monk or two go by throughout your go to. It’s essential to decorate appropriately and respectfully when coming into the complicated.
This is without doubt one of the widespread locations to see in Corfu, there’ll in all probability 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
When you’re within the space visiting the monastery, be sure 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 timber.
Greatest 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 properly, together with close by Akron Seashore Bar, which we beloved – it has an awesome setting for a meal or drink.
You’re in Greece, so it’s no shock that stress-free on a ravishing seaside is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Corfu. In reality, the principle seaside of Paleokastritsa itself is understood for being one of many finest seashores in Greece.
8. Sip on Sundown Cocktails
Positioned 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 last word spot to look at the solar go down.
Greatest Sundown Excursions & Actions in Corfu:
It’s largely recognized for being a spot to seize a drink with sundown, however in addition they have meals accessible. Cocktails go from round €7 and in case you don’t have your individual wheels, a taxi from Sidari to right here is round €9.
The drinks is probably not the most affordable, however you’re paying for the setting. Click on right here to see the Google Maps location of the restaurant.
If you happen to’d somewhat get some train, benefit from the superb sundown, and then head for a cocktail, try this mountaineering journey with a information. After a leisurely hike by way of lovely villages and surroundings, you’ll benefit from the unimaginable sundown from Angel Fortress. Study extra right here.
9. Swim on the Canal d’Amour in Sidari
When you’re on the northern finish of the island, be sure 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 a number of hours. There’s additionally a canal right here, which leads below the cliff. It’s mentioned that in case you swim by way of, you’ll get married quickly – therefore the title “Canal d’Amour”. Whether or not or not that’s true, it’s nonetheless one of the widespread issues to do in Corfu.
Whereas swimming by way of the canal, you received’t be absolutely submerged in water and can be capable to breathe the entire time, so don’t fear! Plus, the canal isn’t very lengthy.
On a windy day, the waves is usually a bit tough right here in case you’re planning to take a ship across the coast, however being on the seaside is ok.
You’ll discover quite a few resorts, eating places, and tavernas within the city of Sidari, making this the proper spot to spend the afternoon, or longer.
Greatest 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 strategy 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.
Try the blokes at The Corfu Mountain Bike Store to hire a GIANT bike. If you happen to’d somewhat have a little bit of help when driving, you may hire an Electrical Fats Bike as properly! Try Corfu Fats Bikes for particulars.
Greatest Bicycle Excursions & Actions in Corfu:
11. Bask 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.
If you happen to’re in search of a wonderful eating expertise, be sure 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! Every dish we had got here out completely manicured, with a narrative behind every plate. The outside eating space is surrounded by timber and fairly pink bougainvillea flowers.
Plus, the kitchen is behind a big window, so you may watch the entire motion unfold whilst you wait in your meals.
You possibly can order a la carte, or select from certainly one 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” type of place and we loved our meal for our anniversary.
Click on right here to seek out Etrusco Restaurant on Google Maps, and click on right here to make a reservation and see the menus on provide.
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 superb crusing and boat day journeys you are able to do! Cruise over the crystal-clear water in your strategy 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 unquestionably probably the greatest day journeys from Corfu.
There are fairly a number of 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. If you happen to’d somewhat try the Sivota Islands and the previous city of Parga, this journey can also be very extremely rated and is round $45 as properly.
Lastly, in case you’d prefer to have a sailboat to your self and luxuriate in a personal day on the water, this journey is a should. The day is absolutely customizable and is ideal for a household or group of mates. Snacks, beer, wine, and water are all included as properly. You actually can’t go fallacious. Click on right here for extra particulars.
13. Volunteer With Donkeys
When you have extra time on the island, why not spend a while giving again?
Probably the greatest issues to do in Corfu with animals is to volunteer to handle deserted, abused, previous, or injured donkeys. Give them some love, groom them, and even take the donkeys for a stroll.
Surrounded by olive timber and the attractive Corfu mountains, the setting of this sanctuary for donkeys is gorgeous. 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 excited about our meals in Corfu! Greek meals is unquestionably certainly one of my favourites and also you’ll be spoiled for alternative in Corfu.
Foodies, this one is for you! Spend the day strolling round lovely 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 previous city. The highlights and stops embody the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, hidden corners and squares, the previous metropolis partitions, fountains, the Church of St. Spyridon, and extra.
All through the 3-hour journey, you’ll cease to eat a few occasions. 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.
Greatest Meals Excursions in Corfu:
15. Hire a Scooter
We rented a automotive and a ship whereas in Corfu, however plenty of individuals love driving 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 personal day tour so that you don’t get misplaced!
Greatest 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 way more.
The whole lot is included on this present day journey, together with knowledgeable information, bus tickets, boat tickets, entry to museums and UNESCO websites, and a tasty lunch in Saranda. Don’t neglect 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 widespread islands in Greece for its lovely shoreline, cosmopolitan vibe, mountains and enjoyable nightlife. Whether or not you could have a protracted weekend, per week, or only a day journey from the cruise ship or close by island, add Corfu to your checklist.
Corfu is understood for its sandy seashores, cosmopolitan really feel, superb eating places, beautiful landscapes, and enjoyable nightlife. And, after all, 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 doable. Ideally, you might spend per week right here!
If you wish to discover off-track locations in Corfu, you must hire a automotive. We like the liberty to maneuver round at our personal tempo, so we selected to hire a automotive. In any other case, in case you plan to stay to a close-by seaside, you may get round on foot. There are buses accessible too, and day excursions you may take that present transportation.
In Conclusion
With so many islands to go to in Greece, it may be exhausting to resolve which one to decide on. If you happen to’re curious about lovely seashores, glorious eating places, spiritual 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 straightforward.
You possibly can take a fast flight from anyplace in Europe, with a brief layover in Athens, or in case you’re flying from North America, you’ll have to cease over in Europe earlier than persevering with on to Corfu. There are a lot of ferry routes throughout Greece, seek for boats to Corfu right here.
Try Aegean Airways for flights, or search engines like google and yahoo comparable to 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 automotive to get round and discover at your individual tempo. We all the time hire vehicles in Greece and it actually makes the journey that rather more particular. Discover the very best charges right here. Get pleasure from Corfu!
Try our Journey Movies of Corfu
Thanks to Uncover Greece for helping us with our journey to Greece. As all the time, all ideas and opinions stay our personal. Among the pictures on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
