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Corfu is just not a typical Greek Island—no whitewashed villages are tumbling down arid hillsides like in common locations like Santorini.
As a substitute, it’s one of many greenest Greek islands and, in components, resembles Tuscany with its rolling hills, olive groves, and cypress timber. A part of the Ionian Islands group, it’s the closest main island to Italy and was dominated by the Venetians for over 400 years.
The shoreline has the crystal clear turquoise water you anticipate from Greece, although, and the seashores vary from golden sandy bays to picturesque pebble coves.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Corfu—chill out on the seashores, discover the shoreline by boat or on foot, snorkel with an array of vibrant fish, eat al fresco at a taverna, and wander the historic lanes of the gorgeous capital, Corfu City (Kerkyra).
We spent six weeks on the island in June/July and nonetheless solely managed to go to the northern half (which has essentially the most dramatic surroundings).
On this journey information, we share our recommendations on what to do in Corfu in addition to the place to remain and eat plus a map of all these Corfu points of interest.
Contents
Finest Issues to Do in Corfu Greece
Exploring Corfu is greatest achieved by renting a automobile as bus service is proscribed. The roads are very winding and potholed, although, so getting anyplace takes longer than you’d anticipate. And the summer time warmth makes slow-paced sightseeing (with frequent swims) a necessity.
1) Hike to Porto Timoni Twin Seashore
Visiting Porto Timoni is unquestionably top-of-the-line issues to do on Corfu. This lovely double seaside on a peninsula within the northwest of the island is undeveloped and might solely be reached by a 30-minute hike from Afionas village or brief boat journey from Agios Georgios Pagon.
The hike is nicely price doing so you possibly can admire the 2 bays from above. The path is steep and rocky so first rate footwear are important.
Porto Timoni is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in Corfu and it will get very crowded by noon. Visiting early within the morning is one of the simplest ways to expertise it at its most magical.
See my detailed information to Porto Timoni seaside for all my suggestions.
2) Calm down on Agios Georgios Pagon Seashore
Our favorite sandy seaside on Corfu is Agios Georgios Pagon—we visited many occasions.
This lengthy crescent of golden sand has dramatic rocky headlands at both finish. Resulting from its measurement, it by no means feels too crowded, even in excessive season.
There’s a mixture of quiet seaside bars with sunbed leases and empty sections the place you possibly can unfold out your towel (however deliver an umbrella as there’s no shade).
Agios Georgios is the perfect place to rearrange a water taxi or pedalo to Porto Timoni.
Because the bay is protected, it’s additionally an excellent place for kayaking or standup paddleboarding (from €15 for one hour). The wind can decide up within the afternoons, so mornings are greatest for water sports activities.
The water is often a transparent blue and there are a number of fish round if you wish to snorkel—Porto Timoni is significantly better for snorkelling, although.
Our favorite seaside bar is San George Meals Bar. In excessive season it prices €8 to hire two sunbeds and an umbrella, and you’ll order meals and drinks proper to your sunbed. We love the Greek Panini—a Greek salad stuffed in a pitta with a number of good chips on the facet.
It’s also possible to eat on the tables subsequent to the seaside or on their roof terrace. The mini market subsequent door is surprisingly nicely stocked with seaside gear, fruit and greens, contemporary bread, and native merchandise.
Word that there’s one other Agios Georgios seaside within the south of the island, which is why this one typically has Pagon added to its identify.
I believe Agios Georgios is the perfect of the North West Corfu seashores, however Arillas can be price visiting (principally for some glorious tavernas). The sandy seaside at Arillas is slim, however the water is shallow so is an effective choice for teenagers.
Agios Stefanos is one other lengthy sandy seaside within the space, however we didn’t assume it was as lovely as Agios Georgios, and the ocean is extra uncovered and wavier.
I’d skip Sidari solely—it’s bundle vacation central and the seaside is rammed with sunbeds.
3) Hire a Boat to Discover the Shoreline
One of many must-do Corfu actions is to get out on a ship. You can take a tour like this family-run boat journey across the North East coast, which additionally features a BBQ lunch, however I extremely suggest renting your individual boat if you happen to can.
There’s nothing like the liberty to zip alongside the shoreline stopping at whichever seaside takes your fancy, together with many who aren’t accessible by highway or foot.
It’s an effective way to discover when it’s too sizzling to hike to undeveloped seashores—the ocean breezes hold you cool and boats include canopies for shade.
You don’t want a ship licence to hire a motorboat as much as 30HP. The boats are straightforward to function and also you’ll be given a lesson earlier than you head out.
We employed boats in Paleokastritsa (on the west coast) and within the northeast. When you have restricted time (or finances), we loved Paleokastritsa essentially the most.
We rented from Ampelaki Boats (Corfu Hire a Boat on Google Maps) and had been actually pleased with the expertise. Costs begin from €80 a day plus gas (ours value €15), however we went for a barely greater 30HP boat for €95 euros, which was good with loads of area to sunbathe on the entrance.
It’s straightforward to e book on-line—it’s greatest to take action a few week upfront because the cheaper boats promote out.
They supply a map and a cooler with ice, so deliver a picnic and loads of water. I additionally suggest bringing snorkelling gear as there are some good spots.
Word that there’s a restricted space you’re allowed to go to—Porto Timoni is the furthest north and Kolyvri Island is the furthest south.
You additionally should anchor 20 metres offshore, so that you’ll must swim to succeed in the seashores. If you wish to spend plenty of time on the seaside, deliver a water-resistant bag to your gear. We had been high quality making temporary stops on the seashores after which stress-free on our boat.
In summer time, there will likely be loads of different boats out, however we did handle to search out two coves to ourselves.
Right here’s the place we visited, ranging from the south:
- Kolyvri Island – Somewhat rocky island that we sailed round.
- Stelari Seashore – A beautiful lengthy seaside with some sunbeds to hire. The water was extremely clear, however we may see a lot of jellyfish so we didn’t go in.
- Paradise Seashore (aka Chomi) – One other slim seaside backed by dramatic cliffs. We had been warned to not go onto the seaside due to falling rocks.
- Iliodoros Seashore – Simply around the headland is that this tiny however picturesque cove.
- Kolias Seashore (aka Marmara) – Subsequent door this little bay was principally within the shade within the morning so we had it to ourselves. We anchored right here and swam to a lone sunny rock on the seaside. The snorkelling was good with massive faculties of fish.
- Limni Seashore – This seemed fairly however a little bit too busy to cease at.
- Klimatia Seashore – A tiny, quieter cove on the opposite facet of the headland from Limni (you possibly can stroll there). We stopped right here for extra good snorkelling.
- Rovinia Seashore – This is without doubt one of the hottest seashores to stroll to, so it was actually busy.
- Liapades Seashore – A serious seaside within the space with sunbeds and boat rent.
We then headed out of the bay previous the port and Ampelaki Seashore (the place we began) and off within the different route.
- Mikro Kastelli Seashore – Our final seaside of the day was the perfect. See beneath.
We may have continued on to Agios Georgios and Porto Timoni, however we’d spent loads of time there. We had been out from 10am – 3pm however may have stayed out till 6pm.
You’ll be able to see the place we visited by boat on the east coast beneath.
Wherever you resolve to discover, renting a ship is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Corfu.
4) Swim at Mikro Kastelli Seashore
Kastelli and Mikro Kastelli are two attractive pebble seashores beneath dramatic sheer cliffs with the clearest aqua water. They’ll solely be accessed by sea so hire a ship in Paleokastritsa or Agios Georgios Pagon to get there.
After we arrived by boat we had been the one ones at Mikro Kastelli at first. It was dreamy floating within the swimming pool clear water and swimming to the empty seaside.
Watch out of falling rocks, although—we had no points, however the seaside is slim.
Snorkelling wasn’t fairly nearly as good as the opposite Paleokastritsa spots, however there was nonetheless lots to see.
5) Discover the Cliffside Seashores of Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa is a Corfu should see. This village within the northwest of the island consists of a collection of small bays in a shocking location beneath dramatic mountains.
The seashores are lovely with crystal clear water, however as they’re small and this can be a common vacation spot, they get very crowded.
Agios Spiridon is the principle seaside with a mixture of sand and pebbles, sunbeds and umbrellas to hire, and loads of eating places close by. Boat excursions depart right here.
You’ll be able to stroll up the hill to the Paleokastritsa Monastery, Moni Theotokou, which dates again to the thirteenth century. There are nice views from the highest. Entrance is free.
A extra secluded seaside a couple of minutes’ stroll away is Ampelaki Seashore, the place we rented our boat. Different seashores in Paleokastritsa accessible by automobile embody Agia Triada and Liapades. La Grotta is a well-liked seaside bar constructed into the rocks.
To succeed in much less developed bays, it’s greatest to hire your individual boat (see the seashores we visited above) or take a water taxi from Agios Spiridon. Or you possibly can hike to Rovinia Seashore, however go early to keep away from the crowds.
A ship experience is one of the simplest ways to understand Paleokastritsa’s gorgeous surroundings.
6) Seashore Hop on the North East Coast by Boat or on Foot
North East Corfu can be nicely price visiting. The mountainous shoreline options many small pebble coves with crystal water and views throughout to Albania.
It is a extra upmarket and costly a part of Corfu with many fancy villas on the hillsides.
Locations to go to in North East Corfu embody the energetic harbour city of Kassiopi, with its Byzantine fort, and Avlaki Seashore, the longest seaside within the space, so there’s extra space than most.
There are a number of picturesque villages with small pebble seashores and tavernas proper on the water, together with San Stefano, Kalami (well-known for the White Home the place Lawrence Durrell lived), and Agni.
It is a good space for climbing as there are marked trails alongside the coast and you’ll cease at unspoilt seashores alongside the best way. The Agios Stefanos to Avlaki coastal path is 6.5km (4 miles) and takes 1.5 hours every means (plus permit time for stops).
I actually needed to do the hike, however the 35ºC warmth was an excessive amount of for us, so we explored the coast by boat as a substitute.
We rented from San Stefano boats and paid €130 for a day (plus €20 gas). It was considerably dearer than in Paleokastritsa and our boat was smaller. They offered a map and cooler.
We had been allowed to take the boat from Kassiopi to Nissaki. To keep away from the afternoon winds, we began by heading north to Kassiopi (about quarter-hour away direct) and drove south from there.
Our favorite part was the unspoilt Erimitis coast between Avlaki and San Stefano, the place the seashores are undeveloped with out sunbeds or tavernas.
Specifically, we beloved our cease at an unnamed bay across the headland from Avlaki. We didn’t threat sitting on the seaside beneath the crumbling cliffs, however we swam within the superb turquoise water and right into a cool little cave.
Persevering with on are extra attractive pebble seashores, together with Vrachli, Vouvalomantria, Arias, and Akoli, the place we stopped for an additional swim within the splendidly translucent sea.
From San Stefano south to Nissaki, the coast is extra developed, and the small seashores are stuffed with sunbeds, making it more durable to discover a quiet cove to cease at.
It’s hillier, although, so the surroundings is gorgeous and the waterside tavernas have jetties the place you possibly can cease for lunch (we had a picnic, although)—Agni is a very sensible choice.
We did handle to discover a rocky space to anchor previous Agni—there was no actual seaside, however the snorkelling was glorious.
After returning our boat and driving again in direction of the west coast, we stopped at Ice Dream in Perithia, which I like to recommend for glorious home made ice cream (the chocolate may be very decadent).
If we’d had the vitality, we’d have preferred to drive up the mountain to Outdated Perithia, Corfu’s oldest village, the place you’ll find medieval stone homes, church buildings, and a few glorious tavernas.
7) Stroll the Clifftop Path between Arillas and Agios Stefanos
From Arillas Seashore on the northwest coast, you are able to do a stupendous and pretty straightforward hike on a clifftop path.
From the jetty within the centre of Arillas seaside, head proper (retaining the ocean in your left) and stroll in direction of the top of the seaside the place you’ll see a mud path up the hill. The views from the cliff path are implausible as you look again in direction of Arillas.
After about quarter-hour, you’ll attain Akrotiri Cafe, the proper spot for a drink or meal with loads of exterior seating to admire the panoramic sea views. We loved the vegetarian moussaka and Greek ciabatta. The sundown views would even be implausible right here.
After lunch we continued on the peninsula clifftop path having fun with views of Arillas and Gravia Island and Agios Stefanos on the opposite facet.
You’ll be able to proceed on to a chapel and Agios Stefanos seaside—perhaps 20-Half-hour extra—however within the warmth of the day we turned again to Arillas.
8) Get pleasure from a Meal with a Panoramic Sea View
You’ll be able to’t beat a scrumptious Greek meal with a sea view. Our favorite elevated spots are Akrotiri Cafe in Arillas (see above for particulars of the gorgeous hike to get there) and Evdemon in Afionas (the place the hike to Porto Timoni begins).
Evdemon is a destination-worthy restaurant. Its clifftop terrace has superb sea views and is the proper spot to observe the sundown. We made the error of eating a number of hours earlier than sundown in summer time and struggled within the warmth as there’s no shade when the solar is low.
Regardless of the warmth, we beloved the views and the superb meals. This isn’t a typical taverna menu—the small number of seasonal dishes modifications each day and consists of good vegetarian choices. Costs are greater than common however price it for the standard.
We loved the scrumptious Evdemon salad, stuffed aubergine, and a beautiful contemporary pasta with pesto.
Evdemon is open for dinner from 6pm and reserving is very beneficial.
9) Admire the View at Cape Drastis
Cape Drastis within the far north of the island is understood for top-of-the-line views in Corfu, the place chiselled white cliffs jut into the turquoise Ionian Sea.
Whereas this is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in Corfu, we discovered it a little bit underwhelming as there isn’t a apparent viewpoint.
We parked on the space marked “Small automobile park of Cape Drastis” on Google Maps. The highway does proceed down from right here, however it’s unpaved and bumpy, so we selected to stroll down. After about 10 minutes, there have been a number of spots the place you possibly can see the well-known cliffs, however the view was a little bit obscured.
You’ll be able to proceed all the way down to the small seaside the place boat excursions can be found, however we turned again as a result of warmth of the night (even at 8pm!).
Maybe we missed the perfect viewpoint. Both means, Cape Drastis is price a fast cease as you possibly can mix it with close by Loggas Seashore.
10) Watch the Sundown at Loggas Seashore
A five-minute drive from Cape Drastis within the village of Peroulades is Loggas Seashore (aka Sundown Seashore). That is essentially the most well-known place in Corfu to observe the sundown.
Within the night, guests flock to seventh Heaven bar, the place you possibly can take pleasure in a drink because the solar disappears into the ocean. There’s even a glass platform on the cliff’s edge for an uninterrupted view (and Instagram spot).
It’s a energetic place so we walked all the way down to the seaside beneath, the place it’s quieter. It’s a brief however steep stroll down together with some rickety wood steps—we sat on the prime of the steps to observe the solar setting.
The seaside is gorgeous, backed by sheer white cliffs, however it’s very slim and solely accessible at low tide on a relaxed day. Even then, to get to the principle part we might have needed to stroll by means of water. I did remorse not bringing a swimsuit as the ocean was so calm after we visited.
11) Snorkel within the Crystal Clear Sea
Corfu has some good snorkelling so it’s price shopping for a masks and snorkel to your time on the island.
A number of the fish I noticed included rainbow wrasse, ornate wrasse, cow bream, 5 noticed wrasse, frequent two-banded sea bream, parrotfish, wide-eyed flounder, and a crab. I additionally swam by means of big faculties of tiny silver fish (Mediterranean sand smelt, I imagine).
My favorite snorkelling spot is Porto Timoni—each seashores have loads of fish, however on my go to, the visibility was higher on the seaside on the left (after climbing down) because it’s extra protected. You’ll see essentially the most alongside the rocks.
Hiring a ship to go to small coves close to Paleokastritsa and within the northeast is one other nice solution to discover snorkelling alternatives (see above).
12) Get Misplaced in Corfu Outdated City
Visiting the island’s capital, Corfu City (Kerkyra in Greek), is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Corfu.
The Outdated City may be very picturesque with slim lanes and idyllic squares that jogged my memory of Italy. Unsurprisingly, as a result of the Venetians dominated right here for 400 years and constructed each the Outdated and New Forts (each are price visiting).
Its lengthy historical past relationship again to the eighth century BC, with a mixture of Venetian, French, British, and Greek influences, earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
The compact space is right for wandering. With many vacationers in summer time, it has a energetic however relaxed environment and it’s straightforward to show down a facet avenue to flee the crowds.
I like to recommend beginning on the Liston, an arcade of eating places with outside seating reverse the big Spianada Sq.. It’s also possible to see the Palace of St Michael and St George right here, which homes the Asian Artwork Museum.
Then head down one of many fundamental streets, Nikiforou Theotoki, the place you’ll discover loads of outlets. Be sure you cease at Papagiorgis for Italian-level gelato (the pistachio and caramel had been superb).
Should you hold going, you’ll attain the New Fortress in about quarter-hour. It was closed on our go to, however it’s price seeing from exterior.
Afterwards, delve again into the maze of streets and discover at random.
If that you must cool off, head to the Faliraki space for a swim off the rocks. It’s nothing just like the seashores you’ll discover elsewhere on the island, however there are a few bars for a drink with views of the Outdated Fortress (we went to En Plo).
To discover Corfu City with a information, try this Corfu City strolling tour which incorporates native meals tastings.
13) Go to Vlacherna Monastery
Vlacherna Monastery is a well-liked attraction in Corfu City. It’s on the sting of city close to the airport so is best visited by automobile (there’s a big free automobile park).
The lovable little white monastery is positioned on an island with a walkway to succeed in it. There’s not a lot to see inside.
There’s one other walkway into the ocean the place you possibly can stand beneath the flight path of planes flying scarily low into the airport.
You’ll be able to take a ship journey (€2.50) to close by Mouse Island, however it’s tiny so there’s not a lot to see.
Flisvos Restaurant appears like a great place for a drink or meal with views of the monastery. Or head up the hill to Cafe Kanoni for an elevated view of the planes flying in.
Vlacherna Monastery is a reasonably spot that’s price a fast go to. It might be most scenic at sundown (particularly mixed with a drink).
14) Stroll to the Outdated Fortress Viewpoint
The Fifteenth-century Outdated Fortress is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Corfu City. The dramatic Venetian fort dominates the view within the metropolis, sitting on a rocky peninsula jutting into the ocean. You received’t have the ability to miss it, however it’s price heading up for a better look.
It’s a big complicated with lots to discover, however a spotlight is the view of Corfu City and the Ionian Sea from the cross on the prime. We went within the night, however the mild can be higher within the morning with the solar behind you.
We’d initially hoped to see the sundown right here, however they shut gate entry to the highest at 8pm. We entered at 7.30pm, simply after they stopped charging (often it’s €6), and needed to rush to get to the summit in time.
15) Eat a Scrumptious Taverna Meal
A spotlight of any Greece journey is the meals. These are our favorite eating places in North West Corfu:
- Brouklis Taverna, Arillas – Our prime decide. Dimitris is the great host of this conventional restaurant that has been in his household for many years. Charming outside seating beneath vines and scrumptious, reasonably priced, home-cooked meals—ask for the each day specials. Our favourites had been the vegetarian moussaka and the mezze platter (will be made vegetarian), which incorporates the very good courgette balls and tzatziki. Ebook upfront or arrive by 7pm.
- Akrotiri Cafe, Arillas – Good meals and beautiful sea views—see #7 above.
- Kostas on the Seashore, Arillas – On the seafront (good for sundown), this traditional taverna has many vegetarian choices and enormous parts.
- Evdemon, Afionas – Beautiful sea views and never your typical taverna menu—see #8.
- The Grill, Afionas – Informal spot with vegan choices. I beloved the falafel plate with grilled greens, falafel, fries, hummus, and pita.
- Ilias Taverna, Avliotes – Off the overwhelmed observe in a small village however solely a five-minute drive from Loggas Seashore. Countryside views from the terrace. The appetisers are the most suitable choice for vegetarians so we shared a variety of them with their tasty pitta bread.
In Corfu City we suggest these eating places:
- Aubergine – A vegetarian restaurant with outside seating beneath timber on the Liston. Numerous meat-free Greek classics like stuffed peppers and moussaka.
- Pane e Souvlaki – An off-the-cuff place with seating in a beautiful plaza within the coronary heart of the Outdated City. Souvlaki (meat on a skewer) is common, however additionally they have vegetarian choices. The grilled vegetable skewers and falafel wrap had been good, however the starters had been the spotlight for us, particularly the tzatziki and grilled feta with spicy tomatoes.
The place to Keep in Corfu
Lodges in Corfu City
For the perfect seashores I like to recommend staying exterior the town, however it’s nicely price spending your first or final evening in beautiful Corfu City. In case you are solely on the island for a number of days, it could make an excellent base to discover.
On our final evening we stayed at Locandiera, a boutique B&B down a quiet lane within the good location within the Outdated City (near the Liston).
The hosts are very pleasant and gave us baklava on arrival and good details about exploring the town. Breakfast is included however we left too early to strive it (they did provide to go away us one thing).
Rooms are easy however comfy. The one draw back is that sound travels simply so you possibly can hear different visitors strolling round.
Examine costs for Locandiera right here or seek for different accommodations in Corfu City.
Lodging in North West Corfu
North West Corfu is a good choice if you wish to be near lengthy sandy seashores (the North East can be lovely however has smaller rockier seashores).
Our Airbnb
We spent six weeks on the Airbnb Nation Home on High of the Hill. The distant location is an untouristy village received’t be for everybody—it’s a 15-minute drive to Agios Georgios and Arillas seashores and the roads are tough.
However we beloved the tranquillity, lovely backyard, mountain views, and the cats who visited. It’s very homely and well-equipped.
Whereas there are technically three bedrooms, two of those are on an open plan mezzanine, so it’s greatest for a pair or household with youngsters who don’t want plenty of privateness.
Seashore Stays
If you wish to be nearer to the seaside, Agios Georgios Pagon is our favorite (it’s additionally near Porto Timoni) and there are many reasonably priced flats and guesthouse rooms accessible.
Seek for lodging in Agios Georgios Pagon right here.
Corfu Greece Map
This Corfu sightseeing map has all of the locations talked about on this submit.
SIM Card For Greece
We often purchase a SIM card and knowledge plan domestically in every nation we go to to keep away from excessive roaming charges.
For visiting Corfu, although, we used an Airalo eSim for the primary time and had been actually impressed.
Costs are very reasonably priced (3GB of knowledge for 30 days for US $9), and as there’s no bodily SIM card, you possibly can hold your private home nation SIM in your telephone to make use of as wanted.
We signed up earlier than we left and it was activated as quickly as we arrived in Greece so we had web entry right away.
It labored so nicely we obtained one for our subsequent journey to Italy too.
The one draw back is that it solely works for knowledge so that you received’t get a neighborhood telephone quantity, however most individuals don’t want that (we used WhatsApp to speak with our Airbnb host).
Utilizing an eSIM was really easy and handy that I extremely suggest it. Take a look at the Airalo eSIM choices right here.
Is Corfu Value Visiting?
Corfu grew on us. At first we had been upset that the villages weren’t as fairly and charming as anticipated—exterior attractive Corfu Outdated City, the buildings are extra trendy.
However Corfu has rather a lot to supply together with a inexperienced mountainous inside, golden sandy seashores, dramatic cliffs, good climbing and snorkelling, and reasonably priced boat rental to discover a cove to your self.
In summer time it was busy however not overly crowded, costs had been very affordable, and we ate nicely as vegetarians.
Corfu won’t have the traditional Greek Island surroundings, however it’s nicely price visiting.
Don’t miss our information to Porto Timoni Seashore in Corfu.
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