Best Things To Do in Corfu

Corfu is a fusion of Greek, Venetian and British traditions offering an unparalleled cultural heritage. The island is famous for its hidden coves, ruins that evidence the medieval past and dreamlike landscapes. Greek mythology predominates here and there are adventures to be had, such as searching for ghosts or becoming a pirate.

In every street you will have an encounter with its unparalleled gastronomy that delights with typical dishes, such as pastitsio tis nonnas, a curious version of lasagna. Consider that it is a rather hot city, where you will want to live in the sea, ride a quad bike or fly in a paragliding tricycle. In general, there are plenty of plans and I would like to tell you everything you can't miss.

Corfu is an impressive city, but it is undeniable that it has a rather strong climate. That's why many tourists prefer to book a guided bus tour. This way, you can ensure an air-conditioned trip and visit the island, the old town and the nearby beaches or coastal villages.

Marvel at the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea and the caves hidden among its beaches. Also, take advantage of the fact that some bus tours offer a system of free stops or stops guided by an expert. Here are some of the places you might get to visit.

Old Royal Palace

An unmissable stop is the palace where the Greek royal family spent a lot of time, as it was their summer residence. It is the Old Royal Palace or Mon Repos, where an impressive building surrounded by gardens and an extensive natural landscape awaits you.

The monarchy was dissolved in 1973, so nowadays the palace can be visited freely and you can visit the Museum of Paleopolis. You can see archaeological sites and travel back in time through three thematic areas that study the history of Corfu and the palace.

Palace of Saints Michael and George

As you pass through Spianada Square, don't hesitate to stop and visit the Palace of Saints Michael and George. This historic building witnessed the British period of the city, hence its rather striking neoclassical architecture. Inside you can visit the Throne Room and the state dining room.

Currently here is the Corfu Museum of Asian Art which has about 11,000 pieces that have been donated and encompass different cultures. From ceramics from China to sculptures from Tibet, its collection is a visual spectacle.

New Fort and Old Fort

The New Fort and Old Fort are known as Corfu's Venetian fortresses, and both surround the old town. The older fortress sits on the banks of the Ionian and allows you to travel back to the Ottoman era, although there are also Byzantine features and even places where Jews were imprisoned before being deported from the island.

As you move towards the New Fortress you can see that it is surrounded by cobblestone houses, which are a bit more modern. In addition, among its alleys you can find stairs that allow you to go up and down among its labyrinths and hidden squares.

Chapel of Our Lady of Mankadrinas

A place that goes almost unnoticed is the Chapel of Our Lady of Mankadrinas. It is always painted in cheerful colors and has a modest facade, but quite close to the beach.

Corfu is an ideal destination to make the most of a day at the beach and catch a spectacular summer tan. Here you can get wild and remote beaches, as well as hidden coves and cliffs ideal for relaxing and exploring the marine life. You also have the tourist beaches equipped with amenities where a vibrant atmosphere awaits you, and the wide range of extreme sports on offer.

You will have the Ionian Sea at your feet and you can sink your feet into the golden sand. If you are looking for authentic and charming beaches I have a feeling you will like Paleokastritsa, a quiet bay with crystal clear waters, ideal for sports such as diving or kayaking. However, consider that its magnificent caves are only accessible by boat or ship.

Another option is to visit Glyfada, a family-friendly bay with shallow waters that delights with the constant sound of gentle waves. I would take the opportunity to go water skiing, paddle surfing and parasailing. I would also stay a while on the sun loungers to recharge my batteries and, later, savor dishes from the sea at the beach bars.

If you would like to merge both experiences and optimize your itinerary you could book a trip to Paleokastritsa and Glyfada beaches. This way, you won't have to worry about logistics and transfers.

If you are going to visit Corfu you have to reserve time for the Vlacherna Monastery. It is a free monument that combines history and spirituality. Although it is small, it is impossible to ignore it because it is over the bay and has a stone path that connects to the Ionian Sea.

It also shelters a church that was the prayer space of the Greek Orthodox monks and evidences the traditional Greek architecture. If I were you, I would take the opportunity to book a guided tour of Corfu that will allow you to better understand its history and take advantage of other nearby sites.

From this monastery you can appreciate the landscape and see the Island of the Mice. According to Greek mythology, Poseidon turned Odysseus' most beloved ship into this island, as revenge for having blinded his son Polyphemus. Of course, there are those who say that the explanation is simpler and that it is only in the shape of a mouse.

If you are an adventurer I can assure you that you are going to get your place in Corfu. Here it is very popular to do extreme activities, such as driving through the air on a paramotor tricycle. You'll feel the adrenaline crackling and the salty sea breeze while enjoying the panoramic views of the coastline and nearby islands.

You may even come across Greek villages, vineyards and olive groves. Generally, the take-off is on the outskirts, where there is appropriate terrain for the engine to start without obstacles. Moreover, the ascent is smooth and progressive, guaranteeing a heady mix of adrenaline and freedom. You will only have to let yourself be carried away by the thrill, since a professional will be in charge of the exciting but controlled turns, as well as a perfect landing.

That is why when hiring a paramotor trike flight in Corfu it is important to do it with professionals, so that you can guarantee a safe and unforgettable experience.

You can also conquer the city from the heights by booking a tandem paragliding flight in Corfu. It is a slightly more traditional and quiet activity, with a similar itinerary and ideal for adrenaline seekers.

The variety of cycling routes in Corfu makes it an ideal destination for cycling. You will be far away from the traffic and the bustle of the big cities, surrounded by nature and crystal clear coves. Take the opportunity to glide through its cobblestone streets and stop at natural viewpoints

If you have enough time you can afford to ride to charming villages like Kassiopi, where you can cycle along the medieval harbor and see a 13th century Venetian castle. You could also ride to Pelekas at sunset, or explore the seaside pubs that characterize Benitses.

In general, bike rides are ideal for cycling around the old town. Many people recommend the quiet streets of Ano Korakiana village, a mix of steep alleys, shortcuts, centuries-old trees and old houses. It is popular for the friendliness of the locals and the possibility to start a treasure hunt until you reach its famous 16th century orthodox church.

Booking a bike tour in Corfu allows you to enjoy a defined itinerary as well as the company of a professional. If selected, it is possible to choose several routes of different levels of difficulty.

Something I definitely wouldn't miss is Greek gastronomy, where the fresh and diverse flavors of the Mediterranean diet await you. You will have the pleasure of eating well and in quantities during your vacation, taking advantage of its health benefits.

A good idea is to book a gastronomic tour of Corfu and go walking around the island and tasting different snacks. The street food proposals are waiting for you, ideal to recharge your batteries, as well as restaurants in front of the sea and typical restaurants in the old town.

Typical dishes of the region

This culinary journey allows you to delight in olive oil, feta cheese and fresh fish. But above all with its variety of combinations and desserts that melt in your mouth. If I have to talk about Greek food, to my mind automatically come:

• Pastitsio tis nonnas: given the Italian influence in this city, it is to be expected that they have their own version of lasagna. Greeks usually eat it during Sunday lunch and it is almost a tradition to take a nap afterwards to wash down the meal.
• Pastitsada: this meat and spices stew is usually served with pasta.
• Bougatsa: a phyllo dough filled with pastry cream, sweet cream cheese and meat. The last ingredient is unexpected, but if I were you I would give it a try, maybe it can surprise you.
• Greek yogurt: your trip to Greece is the perfect excuse to try authentic yogurt made from goat's or cow's milk. It is different because it eliminates the whey and can be used for sweet or savory dishes.
• Diples: these are small pastries that are fried and decorated with honey syrup, nuts and cinnamon.
• Greek ice cream: although the capital of ice cream is in Italy, the truth is that Greece is not far behind. In Corfu you can take advantage of the hot weather to eat all the ice cream you want. From cold balls of Greek yogurt to strange flavors such as grated phyllo dough ice cream or olive oil. There is also the famous Masticha Ice Cream made with masticha resin, a tree that only grows in the Mediterranean.

Pirate stories are part of the Mediterranean culture. Due to its strategic location, it is said that Corfu was one of the stops used by Illyrian pirates and Ottoman corsairs, such as the famous Jeireddin Barbarossa.

For a few hours you could step into the shoes of Captain Barbarossa and become a fierce pirate by booking a pirate boat ride. You will board a boat with the necessary decorations to immerse yourself in history. You will be able to better understand the maritime adventures and explore the enclaves inhabited by Venetians.

If you are looking for something quieter, I suggest exploring the nearby coves and bays by booking a private yacht tour of Corfu. It's an experience you can share with friends, family or a partner.

Aboard a private yacht, you can expect unusual wonders such as Lazareto Island, which was a quarantine center during the plague and cholera. On these experiences you may be offered the possibility of snorkeling, something that elevates the ride to another level.

If you are a fan of adventure rides and want to challenge Corfu's land trails, you have several options to choose from. You can book a quad bike ride to reach remote areas, which are difficult to access on foot or by car.

Not only will you feel adrenaline coursing through your veins, you will also be left speechless when you reach places like the Paramonas beaches, where the sun is shining and the sea is beating frantically. You may also get a close look at the Pink Palace, a hotel complex that lies between Corfu and Agios Gordios. The island will be all yours, because this off-road motorcycle also provides easy access to such wonders as the Agii Dek Monastery.

Another option is to book a jeep adventure tour of Corfu and get all the adrenaline out of your body. In a 4x4 it is easier to turn between the trails surrounded by greenery and explore the vineyards, Greek villages and mountains.

Corfu is famous for its legends and heritage of Greek mythology. In fact, it is believed that the name of the city shrouds a lot of secrets. Everything indicates that Poseidon kidnapped the nymph Coryx, daughter of Asopos, so he named the island after her. However, for some strange reason it became popularized under the Latin word Corfu which means "city of peaks".

If you dare to book a Corfu ghost tour you can go fishing for the mysteries of the night. You'll discover that some never wanted to leave the city, like the Empress Sissi, who apparently wanders during the nights around the Achilleion Palace.

If you are lucky, you may see the ghost of a soldier or hear strange noises in the haunted properties. Also, hidden within the walls is the mummy of Corfu's patron saint, St. Spyridion, which is exhibited three times a year.

Of course, you can take the opportunity and get to know other places near Corfu. This will save you time and money, as you won't have to travel to other cities to enjoy the beauty of the Ionian coast. Let me tell you a little about the must-see places.

Excursion to Paxos, Blue Caves and Gáios by boat

You could book an excursion to Paxos, Blue Caves and Gáios by boat from Corfu. Imagine a paradise where you can see turquoise waters and vegetation everywhere. You will discover caves and beaches whose coordinates can only be accessed by those who know the area very well. In addition, you will be delighted with fishing villages and hamlets.

You could say that the star of this excursion are the Blue Caves, famous for the play of colors and shadows inside them.

Paxos, Blue Caves and Lakka excursion by boat

Alternatively, I suggest you consider booking an excursion to Paxos, Blue Caves and Lakka by boat from Corfu. The white cliffs of Erimitis Bay and the famous Lakka Island, where houses with yellow roofs and cobblestones predominate, await you.

Excursion to Saranda and Butrinto by boat

If you want to continue enjoying the island life, nothing better than booking an excursion to Saranda and Butrinto by boat from Corfu. This time you will leave the borders of Greece to reach the Albanian Riviera and see the coast of Saranda, whose water is breathtaking.

You will also see the ruins of Butrinto, where Greek, Venetian and Roman influences can be seen.