We’ve been to Greece fairly a couple 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 excellent place for the celebration!
A beautiful lush inside, pristine shoreline, distinctive rock formations, and a romantic capital metropolis…all this and extra might be discovered on Corfu Island. This a vacation spot that actually shocked 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 very best time to go to Corfu is from late Might by way of early October, however in the event you 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 barely simply ramping up, you get that feeling of getting arrived earlier than the plenty!
September is equally implausible, with heat sea temperatures, sunny days, fewer crowds, and a extra relaxed environment after the summer season rush.
We visited Corfu within the shoulder season (Might) which runs from April-Might and October, these might be stunning occasions to go to, much less crowded, and cheaper, however climate might 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 season 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}
The way to Get Round Corfu
Seeing all the sights and seashores in Corfu is greatest completed by renting a automobile. We rented a automobile for our week-long journey and it was one of the best ways to discover! Discover one of the best charges right here.
For those who’d slightly not drive, Corfu’s public bus community connects many common areas with Corfu City and is usually a good budget-friendly choice, however, Corfu City within the historic heart is greatest 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 occasions and costs.
Fast Reply: High 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 best way. This is among the prime locations to go to in Greece for good motive!
Right here’s my listing of the 15 greatest points of interest, 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 lots of the islands in Greece, you possibly can rent a ship your self and rip across the shoreline? Even in the event you don’t have a ship license?!
For those who’re searching for issues to do in Corfu which can be distinctive and enjoyable, renting a ship is certainly it.
We first heard about this after we have been on a tour with Luxurious Island Occasions on Zakynthos Island. This is among the greatest 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 strive some other place 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 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 positively 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 approach to discover the shoreline. Be taught extra about being your personal captain for the day and renting a ship right here.
- You may e book your personal 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.
- Make sure that there are life jackets on board and you will have your personal meals and water.
Don’t Neglect Your Journey Insurance coverage For Corfu!
Ensure you have journey insurance coverage on your journey to Corfu. It’s the one factor you need to 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 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 houses with wrought-iron balconies and wood shutters. Make your method by way of character-filled, cobbled streets… streets so slender that laundry might 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 completely different lights. It’s probably the most 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 possibly can be a part of to expertise extra of Corfu City. You may be a 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 effectively. Click on right here to be taught extra and e book your ticket – you possibly can e book now and pay later, plus there’s cancellation as much as 24 hours earlier than the tour!
Another choice is this strolling tour with a information that features a glass of wine on the finish! This journey is among the greatest issues to do in Corfu outdated city.
☞ SEE ALSO: Climate in Greece – When Is The Greatest Time to Go to?
Notes About Visiting Corfu City
- Parking might be laborious 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 supply right here (€20 / bottle, €5.50 / glass). Two appetizers & two mains price 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 among the greatest issues to do in Corfu city for certain.
- Entrance to the Previous Fortress prices €10. Put on sturdy sneakers and notice 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 attractive choices obtainable 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 recent meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Greatest Resorts & 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 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 trendy, and the workers listed below are extremely useful and pleasant. It was the right 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 lodge 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 trendy decor is beautiful.
The lodge gives a fitness center and a spa, in addition to a big out of doors pool. The one draw back is that it’s not positioned straight on the seaside, however only a few steps away. The workers listed below are pleasant and the supervisor, Spyros, will make you’re feeling very welcome!
We totally loved our keep at this boutique lodge, and suggest it based mostly on the trendy 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 for the reason that island is fairly large, I recommend splitting your time between the north and the south, in the event you can.
That method, you should use your base within the north to discover close by websites, then change to your lodge within the south and take a look at that space of the island. In any other case, you could end up driving lots. The 2 resorts I listed above labored out effectively for us to just do that.
For those who’re concerned about staying in a small residence or guesthouse (slightly than a lodge or resort) throughout your journey to Corfu Island, click on right here to check 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 couple of merchandise that Greek individuals have been utilizing all through the ages, and olive oil is certainly one of them. It has at all times been an enormous a part of their food 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 outstanding 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 individuals and so they have for a few years. Studying concerning the manufacturing of olive oil is among 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 stated 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 lodge 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, realized concerning the means of gathering the honey, and have been proven lots of the pure merchandise he makes.
This is among 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 information about bees and honey with you.
The honey store known as MKV – Melissokomiki Kerkyras Vasilakis, which is positioned 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 personal day journey takes in these monasteries and plenty of extra highlights of Corfu.
Greatest Monastery Excursions in Corfu:
When driving south from the airport, it will be laborious 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. As of late, 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 among the greatest 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 non secular website 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 go by throughout your go to. It’s essential to decorate appropriately and respectfully when coming into the advanced.
This is among the common 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
When you’re within the space visiting the monastery, ensure that 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 right 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 Seashore Bar, which we cherished – it has an excellent setting for a meal or drink.
You’re in Greece, so it’s no shock that stress-free on an exquisite seaside is among the prime issues to do in Corfu. In truth, the principle seaside of Paleokastritsa itself is understood for being one of many greatest 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 obtainable. Cocktails go from round €7 and in the event you don’t have your personal wheels, a taxi from Sidari to right here is round €9.
The drinks will not be the most cost effective, however you’re paying for the setting. Click on right here to see the Google Maps location of the restaurant.
For those who’d slightly 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 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
When you’re on the northern finish of the island, ensure that 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 beneath the cliff. It’s stated that in the event you 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 probably the most common issues to do in Corfu.
Whereas swimming by way of the canal, you received’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 is usually a bit tough right here in the event you’re planning to take a ship across the coast, however being on the seaside is okay.
You’ll discover quite a few resorts, eating places, and tavernas within the city of Sidari, making this the right 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 approach 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 fellows at The Corfu Mountain Bike Store to hire a GIANT bike. For those who’d slightly have a little bit of help when driving, you possibly can hire an Electrical Fats Bike as effectively! Take a look at Corfu Fats Bikes for particulars.
Greatest 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.
For those who’re searching for a nice eating expertise, ensure that to go to Etrusco Restaurant within the city of Dassia – which is listed as one of many world’s 50 greatest.
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 out of doors eating space is surrounded by timber and fairly pink bougainvillea flowers.
Plus, the kitchen is behind a big window, so you possibly can watch all the motion unfold when you wait on your meals.
You may 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 “big day” form 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 supply.
12. Go Crusing (among the finest 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 approach 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 among the finest day journeys from Corfu.
There are fairly a couple of excursions you possibly can be a part of, however this one to Anitpaxos and Paxos is very extremely rated and at round $45, it’s a steal. For those who’d slightly try the Sivota Islands and the outdated city of Parga, this journey can also be very extremely rated and is round $45 as effectively.
Lastly, in the event you’d wish to have a sailboat to your self and luxuriate in a personal 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 effectively. You actually can’t go unsuitable. 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 handle deserted, abused, outdated, 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 part of a Meals Tour
I’m nonetheless fascinated by our meals in Corfu! Greek meals is certainly 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 stunning Corfu Previous City, whereas studying concerning the historical past of the island, and sampling a number 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 embody 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 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 automobile and a ship whereas in Corfu, however numerous 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 may both rent one for your self privately and see all the greatest locations to go to in Corfu by yourself or, you possibly can be a 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 possibly can 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 positively value a go to from Corfu!
You may both take the ferry and head over there your self, or be a 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 thing 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 below are solutions to some questions that travellers have about visiting Corfu.
Corfu is value visiting. It’s probably the most common islands in Greece for its stunning shoreline, cosmopolitan vibe, mountains and enjoyable nightlife. Whether or not you will have a protracted 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, superb eating places, beautiful landscapes, and enjoyable nightlife. And, in fact, the Channel of Love!
Two days is the minimal time you need 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 attainable. Ideally, you could possibly spend per week right here!
If you wish to discover off-track locations in Corfu, you need to 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, in the event you plan to stay to a close-by seaside, you may get round on foot. There are buses obtainable too, and day excursions you possibly can 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. For those who’re concerned 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 straightforward.
You may take a fast flight from anyplace in Europe, with a brief layover in Athens, or in the event you’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 engines like google equivalent 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 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 one of the best charges right here. Get pleasure from 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 photos on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
