We’ve been to Greece fairly a couple of occasions, however we needed to go someplace new for our 10 12 months anniversary collectively. We selected Corfu, and it ended up being an ideal place for the celebration!
A beautiful 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 actually 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 Might via 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 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 environment after the summer time rush.
We visited Corfu within the shoulder season (Might) which runs from April-Might 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 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 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 sights
- 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}
Easy methods to Get Round Corfu
Seeing all the sights and seashores in Corfu is finest completed 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 perfect charges right here.
If you happen to’d moderately not drive, Corfu’s public bus community connects many well-liked 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 really actually near mainland Greece, and Albania – it’s really only a fast 40-minute ferry journey between the 2! Try FerryHopper for occasions and costs.
Fast Reply: High 5 Greatest Excursions & Actions in Corfu:
Greatest Issues To Do in Corfu
As a consequence of its proximity and historical past with mainland Europe, Corfu Island was really 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 every week in Corfu (together with our 10 12 months anniversary) and had many distinctive experiences alongside the best way. 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 sights, locations to go to, and issues to do in Corfu.
1. Hire a Boat Independently (probably the most distinctive issues to do in Corfu)
Do you know that on most 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?!
If you happen to’re in search of issues to do in Corfu which might be distinctive and enjoyable, renting a ship is unquestionably it.
We first heard about this after we had 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 lease one whereas we had been there, we knew we had to offer it a attempt someplace else in Greece.
For our 10-year anniversary, we did simply that.
We drove to the northeastern facet of Corfu and met up with the rental firm. After a really informal signing of paperwork and a once-over of the boat, we had been set. The boat was 45 horsepower and will have match six folks, 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 buddies.
Hiring a automotive is a should for getting across the island and seeing the inside, however hiring a ship is a superb strategy to discover the shoreline. Be taught extra about being your individual captain for the day and renting a ship right here.
- You’ll be able to e-book your individual boat right here
- We paid €80 for the boat within the offseason/shoulder season (could be extra like €130 within the excessive season)
- Boat fuel for a day of driving value us €40.
- Be sure that there are life jackets on board and you will want your individual meals and water.
Don’t Overlook Your Journey Insurance coverage For Corfu!
Be sure you have journey insurance coverage in your journey to Corfu. It’s the one factor it is best to 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. As a consequence of being underneath Venetian rule from the 14th century to the late 18th century, this gorgeous 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 wish to spend a while exploring.
We visited twice, each occasions round sundown when the temperature was a bit cooler and the lighting was unbelievable!
Wander by pastel-colored properties with wrought-iron balconies and wood shutters. Make your method via 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 in the course of the day, and within the night to see the city in two totally different lights. It’s probably the most 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, they’d glorious meals and wine choice!
There’s a highly-rated strolling tour you may be part of to expertise extra of Corfu City. You’ll be able to be part of within the morning or within the night. The tour consists of an English-speaking information, visiting the vital websites on the town, meals tastings, a drink, and a full meal as effectively. 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 onerous to search 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 value 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 certain.
- Entrance to the Previous Fortress prices €10. Put on sturdy footwear 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 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 contemporary meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Greatest Inns & 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 actually 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 needed to take a look at!
The welcome drink and complimentary wine & fruit are a pleasant contact, the constructing itself is trendy, and the employees 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 Resort), and extremely suggest it.
With simply 4 flooring, this low-rise lodge has an intimate really feel. We had been staying on the 4th flooring within the Superior Design Suite, which was completely gorgeous. The rooms are spacious, vibrant and the trendy decor is beautiful.
The lodge affords a gymnasium and a spa, in addition to a big outside pool. The one draw back is that it’s not situated straight on the seaside, however just some steps away. The employees listed below are pleasant and the supervisor, Spyros, will make you are feeling very welcome!
We completely loved our keep at this boutique lodge, and suggest it primarily based on the trendy 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 large, I recommend splitting your time between the north and the south, for those who can.
That method, you should use your base within the north to discover close by websites, then swap to your lodge within the south and take a look at that space of the island. In any other case, chances are you’ll end up driving rather a lot. The 2 motels I listed above labored out effectively for us to do exactly that.
If you happen to’re all for staying in a small condo or guesthouse (moderately than a lodge or resort) throughout your journey to Corfu Island, click on right here to match costs and search via quite a few choices on Reserving.com.
4. Be a 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 couple of merchandise that Greek folks have been utilizing all through the ages, and olive oil is one in every of them. It has all the time been an enormous a part of their weight-reduction plan, traditions, and historical past.
The Governor is a fifth era, family-run institution right here on the island. It’s probably the most 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 phenomenal and the well being advantages are unbelievable! We actually loved assembly the Dafnis household, studying concerning the product, and naturally, tasting it.
Olive groves present jobs and meals for the folks and so they have for a few years. Studying concerning the manufacturing of olive oil is without doubt one of the most vital 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 onerous 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 lodge we had been staying at.
Arriving on the workplace of Mr. Honey, we met a soft-spoken, chilled-out man who instructed 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 concerning the strategy of accumulating the honey, and had been proven most 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 information about bees and honey with you.
The honey store is named MKV – Melissokomiki Kerkyras Vasilakis, which is situated right here.
6. Go to an Historic 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 onerous 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 in-built 1685 and really, this was as soon as a nunnery monastery. Nowadays, Vlacherna Monastery is a quiet place with cypress timber 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 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 placement of this spiritual website is gorgeous. 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 go by throughout your go to. It’s vital to decorate appropriately and respectfully when getting into the advanced.
This is without doubt one of the well-liked locations to see in Corfu, there’ll most likely be group excursions right here. However whatever the crowds, it’s value 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, make certain to take a look at the seashores and city of Paleokastritsa. There are 6 gorgeous bays right here, that are surrounded by olive and cypress timber.
Greatest Seaside 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 effectively, together with close by Akron Seaside Bar, which we beloved – it has an ideal setting for a meal or drink.
You’re in Greece, so it’s no shock that stress-free on an attractive seaside is without doubt one of the high 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 look at the solar go down.
Greatest Sundown Excursions & Actions in Corfu:
It’s largely identified for being a spot to seize a drink with sundown, however in addition they have meals accessible. Cocktails go from round €7 and for those who don’t have your individual 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.
If you happen to’d moderately get some train, benefit from the superb sundown, and then head for a cocktail, try this mountain climbing journey with a information. After a leisurely hike via lovely villages and surroundings, you’ll benefit from the unbelievable sundown from Angel Fortress. Be taught extra right here.
9. Swim on the Canal d’Amour in Sidari
Whilst you’re on the northern finish of the island, make certain 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 couple of hours. There’s additionally a canal right here, which leads underneath the cliff. It’s mentioned that for those who swim via, you’ll get married quickly – therefore the identify “Canal d’Amour”. Whether or not or not that’s true, it’s nonetheless probably the most well-liked issues to do in Corfu.
Whereas swimming via the canal, you received’t be absolutely 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 is usually a bit tough right here for those who’re planning to take a ship across the coast, however being on the seaside is ok.
You’ll discover quite a few motels, 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 superb 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 fellows at The Corfu Mountain Bike Store to lease a GIANT bike. If you happen to’d moderately have a little bit of help when driving, you may lease an Electrical Fats Bike as effectively! 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 high quality eating expertise, make certain 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 all the motion unfold whilst you wait in your meals.
You’ll be able to 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 “big day” sort 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 provide.
12. Go Crusing (top-of-the-line 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 top-of-the-line day journeys from Corfu.
There are fairly a couple 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 moderately try the Sivota Islands and the previous city of Parga, this journey can also be very extremely rated and is round $45 as effectively.
Lastly, for those who’d prefer 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 absolutely customizable and is ideal for a household or group of buddies. Snacks, beer, wine, and water are all included as effectively. 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?
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Corfu with animals is to volunteer to care for 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 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 a part of a Meals Tour
I’m nonetheless excited about our meals in Corfu! Greek meals is unquestionably one in every of my favourites and also you’ll be spoiled for selection in Corfu.
Foodies, this one is for you! Spend the day strolling round lovely Corfu Previous City, whereas studying concerning 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 a number of folks 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’ll be able to both rent one for your self privately and see all the 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!
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 value a go to from Corfu!
You’ll be able to 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 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 value visiting. It’s probably the most well-liked islands in Greece for its lovely shoreline, cosmopolitan vibe, mountains and enjoyable nightlife. Whether or not you might have an extended weekend, every 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, gorgeous landscapes, and enjoyable nightlife. And, in fact, the Channel of Love!
Two days is the minimal time it is best to spend on Corfu Island. It’s fairly an enormous island, so that you’ll wish to take a day tour to see as a lot as doable. Ideally, you could possibly spend every week right here!
If you wish to discover off-track locations in Corfu, it is best to lease a automotive. We like the liberty to maneuver round at our personal tempo, so we selected to lease a automotive. In any other case, for those who 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 onerous to resolve which one to decide on. If you happen to’re all for lovely seashores, glorious eating places, spiritual websites, tradition & historical past, and gorgeous lodging, then Corfu Island is for you.
And, since Corfu is so near mainland Europe, getting right here is straightforward.
You’ll be able to 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 must 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.
Try Aegean Airways for flights, or engines like google 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 lease vehicles in Greece and it actually makes the journey that rather more particular. Discover the perfect charges right here. Take pleasure in Corfu!
Try our Journey Movies of Corfu
Thanks to Uncover Greece for aiding us with our journey to Greece. As all the time, all ideas and opinions stay our personal. Among the photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.