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Corfu is a Greek island located off the Mediterranean country’s northwest coast. Surrounded by the glistening Ionian Sea and known for its rugged landscape, Corfu is blessed with natural charm in abundance. With a charming Old Town to explore, luxurious seaside resorts to relax in, and local cuisine to excite even the most seasoned foodies, there’s no wonder millions of tourists head here each year.
If you’re thinking about traveling to Corfu Island, keep reading for our top travel tips on the 18 best things to do in Corfu.
1. Explore the Old Town of Corfu
Corfu Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into the storied past of this charming Greek Island. Take a walking tour with a local guide or explore independently to discover neoclassical architecture and Medieval history at every turn.
You’ll notice influences from all over Europe, including the British-built Spianada Square, a row of French-style cafes on The Liston, and a maze of lanes that feel distinctly Venetian. Don’t miss the Holy Church of Saint Spyridon, which dates back to the 16th century.
2. Hike the Corfu Trail
The iconic Corfu Trail takes hikers from one end of Corfu to the other. It traverses over 136 miles of lush landscape, tranquil lagoons, and friendly villages — give yourself at least a week to enjoy all that this epic walk has to offer.
Other shorter hikes that aren’t in Corfu Island’s travel guides are:
- Cape Drastis Loop – this circular 4.3-mile route is moderately challenging and offers stunning coastal views.
- Erimitis Beaches – an easy 4.9-mile hike that goes point to point and takes around two hours to complete.
- Old Town – combine an easy 3.1-mile circular hike with a trip to Corfu’s fascinating Old Town.
3. See Corfu Old and New
Corfu Town has two impressive, historic fortresses watching over it. Both are worth a visit to see the impact of Greece’s diverse past:
- Old Fortress – built during the Byzantine era, this fortress sits on a rocky islet and is the first thing you’ll see if you arrive on Corfu Island by ferry.
- New Fortress – located on the hill of St. Mark. The buildings inside the fortress were built by the British during their reign.
4. Walk in the Footsteps of James Bond
Achillion Palace (sometimes known as Achilleion Palace) is a 19th-century palace located near Gouvia. The ornate building was once a royal retreat for Empress Elisabeth of Austria and now serves as a museum. Film fans may recognize it as the casino in For Your Eyes Only.
5. Visit the Diapontia Islands
The Diapontia Islands are a trio of islands with crystal clear seas and pristine beaches. The islands are easy to access from Agios Stefanos on the northwest coast of Corfu so if you’re looking to get off the beaten track and completely relax, consider spending a day or two on one of these gems of the Ionian Sea.
- Erikoussa – hire a bicycle and explore the island’s dense vegetation to discover three beautiful beaches.
- Othoni – this is the largest island of the three but it’s still relatively tiny at just 3.7 miles long.
- Mathraki – the smallest of the three islands with just a handful of tavernas and hotels.
6. Take in the Views from Paleokastritsa Monastery
This brightly-colored 13th-century monastery is perched on a clifftop overlooking the sea and is one of the best spots on Corfu for stunning views of the island.
The monastery is still in operation so you can see monks going about their daily routine, and there’s also a small museum filled with interesting religious and cultural artifacts.
7. Go Museum Hopping
For a break from the intense Greek heat or to simply soak up some culture, spend a day museum-hopping around Corfu. Here are three of the best establishments worth visiting for a few interesting hours:
- Asian Art Museum – home to a huge collection of Asian art that was originally collected by a pair of Greek diplomats. Expect to see works from China, Japan, Cambodia, and Thailand.
- Archeological Museum of Corfu – explore 1,600 exhibits from the ancient city of Kerkyra and other parts of Corfu Island. Artifacts from the Prehistoric to Late Antiquity periods can be seen here.
- Capodistrias Museum – learn about Ioannis Capodistrias — the Corfiot count and the first governor of Greece. Exhibits cover everything from his childhood to his assassination in Nafplio.
8. Hop on the Ferry to Albania
If you have a full day to spare, hop on a boat to explore Albania. The ferry runs from spring until autumn and takes just 70 minutes. It drops visitors off in Sarandë — a picturesque resort perched on the Ionian Sea and surrounded by olive groves.
There’s plenty to see and do in Sarandë. Here’s how to spend your day trip:
- Have a beach day – the Albanian Riviera offers sandy beaches and turquoise ocean without as many crowds as the Corfu’s most popular beaches attract.
- Hike up to Lëkurësi Castle – this 16th-century castle is around an hour’s trek from town and is the best spot for panoramic ocean views.
- Eat affordable fresh seafood – restaurants in Sarandë are typically more affordable than in Corfu, so fill up on fresh seafood with stunning harbor views as the backdrop.
9. Swim in the Canal d’amour
The Channel of Love is a tranquil oceanfront bay where visitors can swim and sunbathe.
It’s said that couples who swim together between the sea walls will be forever in love, so don’t miss this spot if you are traveling with your partner. Stick around for Sidari’s incredible sunsets for even more romance.
10. Feast On Corfu’s Traditional Dishes
Greek food is globally adored, and one of the main draws of Corfu is its vibrant culinary scene. Here’s what to eat while spending time on this Greek island:
- Horiatiki – this is the most famous Greek salad and is prepared with Feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, black olives, peppers, and olive oil.
- Stifado – veal cooked with onions in a tomato sauce.
- Savuri – fried fish served in a garlic sauce with rosemary, vinegar, and raisins.
- Briam – potatoes, eggplants, tomatoes, and zucchini baked together in the oven.
11. Relax on the Corfu’s Best Beaches
Corfu’s sandy beaches make the perfect setting for long summer days soaking up Greece’s famously warm weather. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil spot to kick back with a great book or a lively beach with restaurants and bars, you’ll be spoilt for choice here on Corfu Island:
- Glyfada – a trendy beach in an upmarket area. Come here for the long, spacious sandy stretches as well as fine dining, cocktail bars, and boutique shopping.
- Porto Timoni – two secluded beaches are only reachable via a steep path. The effort is worth it to spend a tranquil day in this picturesque bay.
- Kanoni – a rugged option where visitors can choose between hiring sun loungers or grabbing a spot on the rocky hills above.
12. Discover Casa Parlante
Casa Parlante is a fascinating museum in Old Town is a 19th-century mansion of huge historic importance that makes a great addition to an Old Town sightseeing itinerary. Featuring animatronic figures and stunning period interiors, visitors get a glimpse into what high society life was like in the 1800s.
13. Go Island Hopping
Corfu itself is a spectacular island, but did you know that there are dozens of tranquil islands nearby that are waiting to be explored? These spots make a perfect day tour from Corfu:
- Mouse Island – Pontikonisi (the island’s official name) is home to an iconic 11th-century Byzantine Pantokrator chapel.
- Paxos – this island boasts stunning beaches that haven’t been spoiled by mass tourism. Head here to relax and unwind.
- Antipaxos – at just 2.4 miles long, this island doesn’t have shops or real roads. Go here if you want to get off the beaten track.
14. Learn How Greek Olive Oil is Made
Corfu is home to countless olive groves, and taking an olive tour is a fantastic way to discover the rich history and vibrant flavors of Greece’s olive oil production. There are various companies offering tours, but Corfu Olive Tours has two enjoyable options to embark on:
- Classic Olive Tour – learn about the history of Greece’s olive oil production, see oil being made, and enjoy a tasting.
- The Governor Olive Tour – a more luxurious option. Learn about traditional and modern techniques and take part in an in-depth tasting.
15. Swim in Palaiokastritsa’s Peaceful Bays
Palaiokastritsa is well-known for its turquoise waters, rugged coastline, and sandy beaches, and no trip to the island is complete without spending a few hours here.
There are six small bays to discover, plus a main beach close to the harbor. The area is also popular for snorkeling — swim out to the rock formation known as Astakos (lobster in English) to explore Corfu’s underwater world.
16. Climb to Pantokrator Monastery
Pantokrator Monastery is located at the highest point of Corfu at 917 meters above sea level. This is where you’ll find the most incredible panoramic views of the island. Most tourists drive up to the summit but if you want to combine seeing the monastery with a hike, tackle this challenging 4.1-mile circular trail.
17. Go Wine Tasting at Ambelonas Estate
Corfu doesn’t just produce olive oil — it’s also been making wine for centuries. The Ambelonas Estate has been in the same family since the 1600s and is now home to 18,000 square meters of vineyard.
Head to the estate’s museum to learn about how wine is produced on Corfu Island before tasting full-bodied reds and fresh, crisp whites in the on-site restaurant.
18. Take Photos at Vlacherna Monastery
Vlacherna Monastery is such a picturesque site that film producers from Greece and overseas have traveled to Corfu to use it as a film location. Stroll over the pedestrian bridge and spend a while basking in the building’s beauty.
Aviation buffs will also appreciate that it’s possible to watch planes coming in low to land at Corfu’s airport. It’s a dramatic sight, so have your camera ready!
Discover the Greek Way of Life on Corfu Island
Corfu is a lush island paradise that offers lots for tourists to see and do. Whether you like to beach hop, sample local cuisine, or discover historic landmarks, you’ll never forget your time here. What will you do first?
