15 Finest Issues To Do in Corfu, Greece

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Lush inside, pristine shoreline, distinctive rock formations, and a romantic capital metropolis. All this and extra could be discovered on Corfu Island, a vacation spot that really delighted us throughout our journey to Greece. There are countless issues to do in Corfu, you’ll by no means be bored.

The northernmost (and hottest) of the Ionian Island chain, Corfu is definitely very near mainland Greece, and the nations of Albania and Italy.

Because 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. 

Greece is without doubt one of the most inexpensive nations to journey to and in addition one of many greatest nations for delicacies, so it’s no shock that Corfu has some nice worth and wonderful dishes to strive as properly. 

We spent per 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 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 (one of the crucial 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 for those who don’t have a ship license?!

For those who’re searching for issues to do in Corfu which might 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 without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Zakynthos, and whereas we didn’t have an opportunity to lease one whereas we have been there, we knew we had to provide it a strive some other place in Greece.

For our 10 12 months 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 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?!

Hiring a automotive is a should for getting across the island and seeing the inside, however hiring a ship is a wonderful solution to discover the shoreline. That is positively the most effective issues to do in Corfu. Be taught extra about being your individual captain for the day and renting a ship right here.

• You possibly can guide your individual boat right here 
• We paid €80 for the boat within the offseason/shoulder season (could be €120 within the excessive season)
• Boat fuel for a day of driving value us €40.
• Make certain there are life jackets on board and you will want your individual meals and water.

Don’t Overlook Your Journey Insurance coverage For Corfu!

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Be sure to have journey insurance coverage to your journey to Corfu. It’s the one factor it’s best to all the time pack. Security Wing is a good choice for vacationers, adventurers, and distant staff.

2. Go to Corfu City

This UNESCO-listed city is totally stunning. Because of being beneath 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 need to spend a while exploring.

We visited on two events, each occasions round sundown when the temperature was a bit cooler.

Wander by pastel-colored houses with wrought-iron balconies and wood shutters. Make your approach by means of character-filled, cobbled streets — streets so slender that laundry could be held on a line strung between two adjoining homes.

The slender alleyways give solution to open plazas stuffed with tables from busy eating places spilling out onto the road.

I like to recommend visiting each through the day, and within the night to see the city in two completely different lights. It’s one of the crucial romantic locations to go to in Corfu, and ingesting wine within the previous city was a spotlight of our journey to Corfu. 

Finest Strolling Excursions in Corfu City

There’s a extremely 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 guide your ticket.

Another 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 greatest issues to do in Corfu previous city.

☞ SEE ALSO: Climate in Greece – When Is The Finest Time to Go to?

Notes About Visiting Corfu City

• Parking could be laborious to search out in Corfu City. Park simply outdoors of the city itself, and stroll in.
• We extremely advocate consuming & ingesting 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 wonderful.
• Wander across the lanes and get misplaced. Go to the sights, however spend time simply meandering round, this is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Corfu city for positive.
• Entrance to the Previous Fortress prices €6. Put on sturdy sneakers and notice that there’s not a lot shade.

3. Sleep 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 might advocate 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.

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 needed to take a look at!

The welcome drink and complimentary wine & fruit are a pleasant contact, the constructing itself is fashionable, and the workers 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 Lodge), and extremely advocate 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 gorgeous. The rooms are spacious, shiny and the fashionable decor is beautiful.

The lodge provides a gymnasium and a spa, in addition to a big outside pool. The one draw back is that it’s not situated immediately on the seaside, however just some steps away. The workers listed below are pleasant and the supervisor, Spyros, will make you’re feeling very welcome!

We completely loved our keep at this boutique lodge, and advocate it primarily based on the fashionable room itself, the beautiful workers, the scrumptious meals, and the facilities on provide.

Since there are such a lot of issues to do in Corfu, and because the island is fairly massive, I counsel splitting your time between the north and the south, for those who can.

That approach, you should utilize 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, it’s possible you’ll end up driving lots. The 2 resorts I listed above labored out properly for us to do exactly that.

For those who’re fascinated about staying in a small residence or guesthouse (quite than a lodge or resort) throughout your journey to Corfu Island, click on right here to match costs and search by means 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 folks have been utilizing all through the ages, and olive oil is considered one of them. It has all the time been an enormous a part of their eating regimen, traditions, and historical past.

Olive groves present jobs and meals for the folks they usually 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 an entire.

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. A visit right here is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Corfu when it rains. 

The Governor is a fifth era, family-run institution on the island of Corfu. It’s one of the crucial awarded premium olive oils on the market. Not solely does the olive oil style scrumptious, but it surely has unbelievable well being advantages as properly.

This stunning video was proven to us on the Governor’s Mill, and though it was filmed on the island of Crete, the traditions and values positioned on the olive tree are the identical in Corfu and the remainder of Greece.

 

Happening an olive oil tour is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Corfu! The eagerness these two brothers have for his or her household firm is inspiring.

You possibly can both guide your tour on-line (which incorporates some snacks, the olive oil, and water), or do one thing somewhat extra thrilling and be part of a scooter journey of the island, which features a cease right here at The Governor, plus wineries, viewpoints, and lunch. That is journey is without doubt one of the extra adventurous issues to do in Corfu. Discover out extra right here.

The flavour of the olive oil is outstanding and the well being advantages are unbelievable! We actually loved assembly the Dafnis household, studying in regards to the product, and naturally, tasting it. 

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 working sores”. Aristotle believed that honey extended life.

We had heard about “Mr. Honey” (whose actual identify is Panagiotis Vasilakis) from Spyros, the supervisor at Corfu Palma Lodge.

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 in regards to the strategy of gathering 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 prime issues to do in Corfu for households. Don’t miss a day with Mr. Honey.

Panagiotis is enthusiastic about beekeeping and is eager to share his data about bees and honey with you. Excursions listed below are free, together with samples of honey.

A go to right here is without doubt one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Corfu. The store is known as MKV – Melissokomiki Kerkyras Vasilakis, which is situated 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.

When driving south from the airport, it could be laborious 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 inbuilt 1685 and truly, this was as soon as a nunnery monastery. Today, 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 greatest locations to see in Corfu.

The second must-see monastery is Paleokastritsa.

The situation of this spiritual web site 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 remains to be working as a monastery in the present day, and you may even see a monk or two move by throughout your go to. It’s essential to decorate appropriately and respectfully when getting into the complicated.

This is without doubt one of the well-liked locations to see in Corfu, there’ll most likely be group excursions right here. However no matter 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, be sure 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.

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 Seaside Bar, which has a fantastic setting for a meal or drink.

You’re in Greece, so it’s no shock that enjoyable on a wonderful seaside is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Corfu. The truth is, the primary seaside of Paleokastritsa itself is thought for being one of many greatest 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 observe the solar go down.

It’s principally recognized for being a spot to seize a drink with sundown, however in addition they have meals obtainable. 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.

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.

You’ll discover folks laying on the seaside, or leaping off of the cliffs into the clear water. This is without doubt one of the prime points of interest in Corfu by far.

There’s a canal right here, which leads beneath the cliff. It’s stated that for those who swim by means of, you’ll get married quickly. Whether or not or not that’s true, it’s nonetheless one of the crucial well-liked issues to do in Corfu.

You received’t be absolutely submerged in water and can have the ability to breathe the entire time, so don’t fear! Plus, the canal isn’t very lengthy.

On a windy day, the waves could be 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 resorts, eating places, and tavernas within the city of Sidari, making this the proper spot to spend the afternoon, or longer.

10. Go Mountain Biking Round Corfu

Attempt to peel your self away from the attractive seashores and romantic cities to get some train. Renting a mountain bike to discover both independently, or on a tour is a wonderful solution 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 lease a GIANT bike, or guide a enjoyable day tour right here.

11. Take pleasure in a Decadent Meal

For those who’re searching for a fantastic eating expertise, be sure to go to Etrusco Restaurant within the city of Dassia — which is listed as one of many world’s 50 greatest. 

Michelin Starred chef, Ettore Botrini is an Italian Corfiat, with three eating places in Greece — Corfu, Rhodes, and Athens. 

This extremely acclaimed chef is aware of presentation!

Each 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 when you wait to your meals.

You possibly can order a la carte, or select from considered 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” form of place and we loved our meal for our anniversary.

Click on right here to search out Etrusco Restaurant on GoogleMaps, and click on right here to make a reservation and see the menus on provide.

12. Go Crusing (the most effective day journeys from Corfu)

With Corfu’s location, it’s no shock that there are some wonderful crusing and boat day journeys you are able to do! Cruise over the crystal-clear water in your solution 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 the most effective day journeys from Corfu. 

There are fairly a couple of excursions you may be part of, however this one to Anitpaxos and Paxos may be very extremely rated and at round $45, it’s a steal. For those who’d quite take a look at the Sivota Islands and the previous city of Parga, this journey can be very extremely rated and is round $45 as properly.

Lastly, for those who’d wish to have a sailboat to your self and revel 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 pals. Snacks, beer, wine, and water are all included as properly. You actually can’t go improper. 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?

Among the best issues to do in Corfu with animals is to volunteer to maintain 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 part of a Meals Tour

Foodies, this one is for you! Spend the day strolling round stunning Corfu Previous City, whereas studying in regards to the historical past of the island, and sampling among 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 embrace 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 guide your spot right here.

15. Hire a Scooter

Renting a ship is a should in Corfu to see the shoreline, however for exploring the island itself, I like to recommend renting a scooter. 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 greatest 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!

The impartial Vespa rental is round $35 and you’ve got the scooter for a full day. Be taught extra right here. The non-public tour takes you to completely different villages with an knowledgeable information and features a non-alcoholic drink. The tour is about 3 hours lengthy and prices round $55. Be taught extra right here.

Bonus!

One other nice exercise in Corfu is horseback driving. On this expertise, you’ll be with Spyridon who’s the founding father of Pegasus horse trekking membership.

Get pleasure from 90 minutes of horse driving by means of a preserved pure setting, together with olive groves, pure springs, grapevines, and a conventional church that dates again to the 1800s! Be taught extra right here. 

Now You Know What To Do in Corfu

With so many islands obtainable to go to in Greece, it may be laborious to resolve which one to decide on. For those who’re fascinated about stunning seashores, wonderful 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 possibly can take a fast flight from anyplace in Europe, with a brief layover in Athens, or for those who’re flying from North America, you’ll have to cease over in Europe earlier than persevering with on to Corfu.

Try Aegean Airways for flights, or search engines like google akin to Expedia.com, Kayak.com and Google Flights.

For those who’re close by, you would additionally take a ship to Corfu Island! Jump over by boat from Albania or Italy. 

Try our Journey Movies from Corfu

 

Have you ever travelled to this Greek island? What have been a few of your favorite issues to do in Corfu? Did we miss any of the highlights within the article? Share with us within the feedback!

Thanks to Uncover Greece for helping us with our journey to Greece. As all the time, all ideas and opinions stay our personal. A number of the pictures on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.

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