Selecting the best Greek island generally is a daunting job, in spite of everything, there are millions of them (although fewer than 250 are inhabited). However Corfu has been a vacationer favourite for many years. So that you’ve narrowed down which Greek island you’ll and at the moment are in search of the perfect issues to do in Corfu. We’ve obtained you coated with the perfect Corfu sights, locations to eat, and the place to remain.
First, it’s necessary to notice that the northernmost of the Ionian islands differs considerably from most of the most well-known Greek islands: It’s a lot greener, and it has a powerful Italian affect.
The mountains within the northern a part of Corfu might be of explicit curiosity to climbing followers. And after having fun with all of the fantastic landscapes, spending some hours at one of many many gorgeous seashores is a welcome option to loosen up. Lastly, for those who’re in search of issues to do in Corfu City, the capital has loads of sightseeing choices.
So don’t fear, you gained’t get bored in Corfu, irrespective of your pursuits. Should you’re nonetheless uncertain of what to do in Corfu, learn on for some ideas.
When is the perfect time to go to Corfu?
Opposite to different Greek islands, Corfu doesn’t shut down within the winter, so you’ll be able to actually go to at any time of the yr. The island has a sizeable inhabitants of scholars, which means life by no means really stands nonetheless. When to go to Corfu actually is dependent upon what precisely you need to do on the island.
That doesn’t imply that seaside lovers ought to e book a visit in the summertime. July and August, the most popular months of the yr, are dearer than different months, and the temperature generally is a bit a lot for those who’re not used to the local weather. Might and June or September is perhaps higher choices as they’re cooler and see fewer vacationers.
Should you’re in search of a cultural expertise you could need to take into account touring to Corfu round Greek Orthodox Easter. The celebrations in Corfu City differ from wherever else in Greece and are effectively value a visit. Have you ever ever seen individuals throw clay pots from balconies to rejoice Easter? You’ll in Corfu!
How one can get round Corfu
Corfu isn’t a tiny island, and since it’s stretched fairly lengthy it could take some time to get from the north to the south. Whereas there’s a public bus system on the island it’s extra appropriate for seeing the primary sights, villages, and seashores. If you wish to scratch beneath the floor renting a automotive in Greece is a extra handy option to get round.
The roads in Corfu are in respectable situation, and renting a automotive is ideal for those who’re planning to spend so much of time exploring the completely different seashores. You may simply convey all of your necessities and can even be capable of attain extra distant seashores. Simply understand that parking generally is a problem in some locations.
Scooters and ATVs are fashionable choices on the island, however though they are typically cheaper they don’t seem to be as comfy as automobiles, don’t will let you convey loads of stuff, and, most of all, can’t present air con or shelter towards the tough Mediterranean solar.
Examine Costs For Rental Vehicles on Corfu
greatest issues to do in Corfu, Greece
Corfu was one of many filming places for the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Solely so you’ll be able to make sure that there are gorgeous views and attention-grabbing locations to go to. Listed here are a few of greatest Corfu sights to take pleasure in
Wander by the Outdated City
The Outdated City of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage website so it must be included on any checklist of issues to do in Corfu. Versus a few of the smaller Greek islands, Corfu’s capital is kind of energetic and value a go to at any time of the yr. Merely strolling by the slim alleys and admiring the gorgeous façades is a superb expertise.
In a approach, strolling by Corfu’s Outdated City is like being in two nations without delay: Greece and Italy. Corfu was beneath Venetian rule for a number of centuries, so the structure within the outdated city with its colourful buildings seems surprisingly completely different from the remainder of Greece and extra like what you’ll discover in an Italian metropolis.
Should you stroll round for a when you might bump into a free live performance. Corfu is understood in Greece for its many marching bands and common musicality, so it comes as no shock that reside concert events on the streets of the Outdated City happen often.
Should you’re in for some less-known historical past, make your option to Corfu’s outdated Jewish quarter. Sadly, in the course of the Second World Warfare, lots of Corfu’s Jews had been deported. As such, the group right now is kind of small, however you’ll be able to nonetheless go to the small synagogue.
Take pleasure in native meals
Greece is known for its delicacies, however there’s something particular in regards to the meals you will discover in Corfu. Specifically, there may be one explicit ingredient that you could be not be conversant in but: the kumquat fruit.
Kumquat is a citrus fruit one can find in native liqueurs and sweets. Its taste takes a bit getting used to, however you must attempt it nonetheless.
Whereas kumquat comes from China, in Greece the fruit is especially cultivated on Corfu. Corfu produces 140 tonnes of kumquat yearly! So benefit from the vitamin A and C if you are visiting.
Other than that, there are many eating places and taverns on the islands that you could select from, together with superior vegan choices in Corfu.
For the perfect sweets on the island, head to Rosy’s Bakery within the Outdated City. There are tons of choices, together with kumquat sweets. Simply bear in mind that you simply pay by weight.
Go to the Achilleion
The Achilleion is a palace not removed from the capital Corfu, within the village Gastouri. It was constructed for Austrian Empress Elisabeth, often known as Sisi. The Achilleion was in-built 1890, a yr after Sisi’s son died. Its identify is derived from the legendary hero Achilles of whom there are additionally statues within the backyard.
The palace was a summer time residence, and the attractive backyard actually makes it an ideal go to in the course of the hotter season with its fabulous views of Corfu. Needless to say there are extra vacationers in the summertime, so it tends to get pretty busy. Contained in the palace, you’ll be able to admire a number of artworks similar to work and sculptures that relate to Greek mythology.
The Achilleion isn’t removed from Corfu City, however parking will be troublesome to search out throughout peak instances. An everyday ticket is €10.
Discover the bays of Paleokastritsa
You clearly can’t go to a Greek island and never go to the seaside. Corfu has a ton of choices for those who’re seeking to spend a while stress-free on the seaside. Among the most gorgeous seashores you will discover in Corfu are situated round Palaiokastritsa.
This space within the northwest of Corfu presents essentially the most splendid views as a result of cliffs and marvelous greenery. When you completely should come right here no less than as soon as the seashores listed below are extraordinarily busy in the summertime so you could favor to hunt out just a few of the much less fashionable ones as effectively.
If you wish to transcend what most vacationers do within the space be certain that to incorporate a go to to the Monastery of Palaiokastritsa from the place you’ll be able to see the great thing about the entire space.
From Corfu City, you’ll be able to attain Palaiokastritsa by automotive in about half an hour. The general public bus A9 takes about an hour from Corfu City to Palaiokastritsa. A one-way ticket prices €2.30.
Loosen up at Issos seaside
A much less well-known seaside on Corfu is Issos, which is situated within the southwestern a part of the island. The seaside is way much less busy than Palaiokastritsa though it’s organized with sunbeds and umbrellas. Be sure to keep round for the sundown which transforms the dunes behind the seaside right into a desert-like panorama.
Stroll alongside Spianada sq. and the Liston
Who would have thought that the largest sq. in all of Greece is situated on the island of Corfu? Spianada Sq. is probably the one place in Greece the place Greeks play cricket, a pastime launched beneath British rule.
The Liston is the promenade proper subsequent to the sq. and showcases elegant arcades the place you’ll be able to cease for a espresso. It is a great spot for individuals watching.
Spend time in Hlomos village
Corfu isn’t simply its capital and the numerous seashores. There are a number of lovely villages on the island which are value visiting. For unbelievable sundown views, head to Hlomos village within the southern a part of the island. The highway to the village is kind of steep, however you may be rewarded with wonderful views.
As a result of location of Hlomos you’ll be able to see each of Corfu’s coasts. The village shouldn’t be extremely popular with vacationers but so that you may find yourself being the one guests making this a really calm place to hang around.
Discover a few of the greatest views on Kaiser’s Throne
One other less-visited place on Corfu is Kaiser’s Throne, situated within the village of Pelekas. The gorgeous vistas you get from right here make it one other improbable place to see a dawn or sundown. As a former observatory for the German Emperor, it’s additionally an incredible place for stargazing.
From Corfu City, it solely takes about 20 minutes by automotive to achieve the perspective. You may both drive up or hike if you want.
Go to Kassiopi village and seaside
The picturesque former fishing village of Kassiopi has developed into extra of a resort and could be very fashionable with English vacationers. The stays of a Byzantine fortress provide a pleasant view of the village. Regardless of Kassiopi’s recognition, it’s one of many extra quiet vacationer resorts on the island.
The seaside at Kassiopi is pebbled which isn’t everybody’s favourite. However those that admire not getting sand throughout their stuff will certainly take pleasure in it particularly as a result of crystal clear water. Kassiopi doesn’t get as windy as a few of the seashores within the west of Corfu, making it an incredible selection for those who’re touring with youngsters.
Reaching Kassiopi is best by automotive and takes about 50 minutes from Corfu City. However for those who depend on public transport the inexperienced bus A4 takes lower than 1.5 hours. A one-way ticket prices €3.60.
Climb the outdated Venetian fortress
The Venetians haven’t solely left a mark on the structure of Corfu’s Outdated City but additionally fortified components of the island to defend it. The outdated fortress was initially constructed by the Byzantines, however the Venetians rebuilt it. The ticket worth is €6 and likewise means that you can enter the Museum of Asian Artwork, the Byzantine Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and Mon Repos.
Enjoyable truth: In For Your Eyes Solely, you’ll be able to see the outdated Venetian fortress as the placement the place James Bond defeats one in every of his enemies. Immediately, as you stroll across the fortress, maintain your ears open for music rehearsals. The Ionian College’s music division is situated within the outdated fortress so you’ll be able to hearken to some lovely melodies.
Go to the Museum of Asian Artwork
Although it might appear a bit misplaced on a Greek island, there may be an attention-grabbing Museum of Asian Artwork. It initially specialised in Chinese language and Japanese artwork, however the first personal assortment of things was enlarged over time and now contains objects from Southeast Asia and Central Asia as effectively.
The Finest Locations to Eat on Corfu Island
- Avli Restaurant Corfu: A Greek Conventional Restaurant within the coronary heart of Corfu City. Barely upscale so reserve for particular events!
- Thymari Restaurant: Trendy Greek Mediterranean delicacies on the steps of Sofokleous Dousmani.
- Romeos Cafe Taverna: Household run taverna excellent for lunch and dinner!
The place to Keep on Corfu Island
Concerning the Writer
Nina Ahmedow is a journey content material creator who has traveled to greater than 20 nations on three continents. Born and raised in Germany however at the moment residing in Greece, she loves exploring the world by vegan meals. She is the voice behind Lemons and Baggage, a journey weblog devoted to vegan and accountable journey. You can observe her on Instagram.