We’ve been to Greece fairly a couple of instances, however we wished to go someplace new for our 10 12 months anniversary collectively. We selected Corfu, and it ended up being a terrific place for the celebration!
A stunning lush inside, pristine shoreline, distinctive rock formations, and a romantic capital metropolis…all this and extra will be discovered on Corfu Island. This a vacation spot that actually stunned us throughout our journey to Greece. There are countless issues to do in Corfu, you’ll by no means be bored.
When to Go to Corfu
The very best time to go to Corfu is from late Might by way of early October, however when you ask us, mid-Might to June and early September are the candy spot.
In Might, daytime temperatures are sometimes round 22-26°C. In June, temperatures hover round 25-30°C, the ocean is warming up, and you may spend lengthy, lazy days on seashores that also really feel uncrowded.
The evenings are heat, the island is lush and inexperienced, and since the season is simply simply ramping up, you get that feeling of getting arrived earlier than the lots!
September is equally implausible, with heat sea temperatures, sunny days, fewer crowds, and a extra relaxed environment after the summer season rush.
We visited Corfu within the shoulder season (Might) which runs from April-Might and October, these will be stunning instances to go to, much less crowded, and cheaper, however climate will be much less dependable.
By mid-October many tavernas and seasonal companies start closing down.
July and August are tremendous sizzling, with temps into the mid-thirties, together with larger crowds and better costs, so whereas they’re nice for peak summer season vibes, and seashore days, we’d select Might/June or September each time.
The place to Keep in Corfu
There’s actually no dangerous space to remain in Corfu – there’s one thing to supply on each a part of the island. We stayed in 2 locations throughout our week-long journey to Corfu: Marbella Lodge (Agios Ioannis) and on the TRYP by Wyndham (Dassia).
Right here’s a breakdown of what different areas of the island have to supply:
- Corfu City: Genuine tradition and a wide array of eating places and points of interest
- Arillas: Pure magnificence and a spirituality scene
- Paleokastritsa: Attractive views, bays, and hidden seashores (and a monestary!)
- Kavos: Nightlife, seashores and watersports
- Kassiopi: Upmarket lodging with luxurious choices
- Sidari: Nice for households and {couples}
Easy methods to Get Round Corfu
Seeing the entire sights and seashores in Corfu is finest accomplished by renting a automotive. We rented a automotive for our week-long journey and it was the easiest way to discover! Discover the very best charges right here.
For those who’d reasonably not drive, Corfu’s public bus community connects many common areas with Corfu City and is usually a good budget-friendly possibility, however, Corfu City within the historic middle is finest explored on foot.
Corfu is the northernmost (and hottest) of the Ionian Island chain, and it’s really actually near mainland Greece, and Albania – it’s really only a fast 40-minute ferry experience between the 2! Try FerryHopper for instances and costs.
Fast Reply: High 5 Greatest Excursions & Actions in Corfu:
Greatest Issues To Do in Corfu
Because of its proximity and historical past with mainland Europe, Corfu Island was really 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.
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 record of the 15 finest points of interest, locations to go to, and issues to do in Corfu.
1. Lease a Boat Independently (probably the most distinctive issues to do in Corfu)
Do you know that on lots of the islands in Greece, you’ll be able to rent a ship your self and rip across the shoreline? Even when you don’t have a ship license?!
For those who’re on the lookout for issues to do in Corfu which are distinctive and enjoyable, renting a ship is unquestionably it.
We first heard about this once we had been on a tour with Luxurious Island Occasions on Zakynthos Island. This is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Zakynthos, and whereas we didn’t have an opportunity to hire one whereas we had been there, we knew we had to present it a attempt elsewhere in Greece.
For our 10-year 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 had 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?! That is undoubtedly one of many prime issues to do in Corfu for {couples}, or buddies.
Hiring a automotive is a should for getting across the island and seeing the inside, however hiring a ship is a superb method to discover the shoreline. Be taught extra about being your personal captain for the day and renting a ship right here.
- You may e-book your personal boat right here
- We paid €80 for the boat within the offseason/shoulder season (could be extra like €130 within the excessive season)
- Boat gasoline for a day of driving value us €40.
- Ensure that there are life jackets on board and you will want your personal meals and water.
Don’t Neglect Your Journey Insurance coverage For Corfu!
Be sure you have journey insurance coverage in your journey to Corfu. It’s the one factor you need to at all times pack. Security Wing is a good possibility for vacationers, adventurers, and distant staff.
2. Go to Corfu City
This UNESCO-listed city is totally stunning. Because of being underneath 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, slim little lanes, and quite a few eating places, Corfu City is a spot you’ll wish to spend a while exploring.
We visited twice, each instances round sundown when the temperature was a bit cooler and the lighting was unimaginable!
Wander by pastel-colored properties with wrought-iron balconies and picket shutters. Make your approach by way of character-filled, cobbled streets… streets so slim that laundry will be held on a line strung between two adjoining homes.
I like to recommend visiting each through the day, and within the night to see the city in two completely different lights. It’s probably the most romantic locations to go to in Corfu – we beloved wandering round after which stopping to have a glass of wine. Our favorite spot was Salto, that they had glorious meals and wine choice!
There’s a highly-rated strolling tour you’ll be able to be part of to expertise extra of Corfu City. You may be part of within the morning or within the night. The tour contains an English-speaking information, visiting the necessary websites on the town, meals tastings, a drink, and a full meal as effectively. Click on right here to be taught extra and e-book your ticket – you’ll be able to e-book now and pay later, plus there’s cancellation as much as 24 hours earlier than the tour!
An alternative 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 finest issues to do in Corfu outdated city.
☞ SEE ALSO: Climate in Greece – When Is The Greatest Time to Go to?
Notes About Visiting Corfu City
- Parking will be exhausting to search out in Corfu City. Park simply exterior of the city itself, and stroll in.
- We extremely advocate consuming & ingesting at Salto Wine Bar. Greek wines are on supply right here (€20 / bottle, €5.50 / glass). Two appetizers & two mains value us €38. Meals, drinks and repair are glorious.
- Wander across the lanes and get misplaced. Go to the sights, however spend time simply meandering round, this is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Corfu city for positive.
- Entrance to the Previous Fortress prices €10. Put on sturdy footwear and be aware that there’s not a lot shade.
3. Keep in Stunning Lodging
It’s a bit bizarre to have lodging as a spotlight of an island, however there are some beautiful 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.
Greatest Motels & Residences in Corfu:
Set simply steps from the Agios Ioannis Peristeron seashore, close to the south finish of Corfu, this is a perfect location for exploring this half of the island.
MarBella Corfu really is an expensive 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 instances – there have been too many native eating places that we wished to take a look at!
The welcome drink and complimentary wine & fruit are a pleasant contact, the constructing itself is fashionable, and the employees listed below are extremely useful and pleasant. It was the right 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 resort has an intimate really feel. We had been staying on the 4th ground within the Superior Design Suite, which was completely gorgeous. The rooms are spacious, vibrant and the fashionable decor is beautiful.
The resort gives a gymnasium and a spa, in addition to a big out of doors pool. The one draw back is that it’s not positioned instantly on the seashore, however only a few steps away. The employees listed below are pleasant and the supervisor, Spyros, will make you are feeling very welcome!
We completely loved our keep at this boutique resort, and advocate it based mostly on the fashionable room itself, the beautiful employees, the scrumptious meals, and the facilities on supply.
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, when you can.
That approach, you need to use your base within the north to discover close by websites, then swap to your resort within the south and take a look at that space of the island. In any other case, you could end up driving lots. The 2 motels I listed above labored out effectively for us to just do that.
For those who’re fascinated by staying in a small residence or guesthouse (reasonably than a resort or resort) throughout your journey to Corfu Island, click on right here to match costs and search by way of quite a few choices on Reserving.com.
4. Be a part of an Olive Oil Tasting & Tour
There are over 4 million olive bushes 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 one among them. It has at all times been a giant a part of their weight loss plan, traditions, and historical past.
The Governor is a fifth era, family-run institution right here on the island. It’s probably the most awarded premium olive oils on the market.
We joined this highly-rated day journey and realized all about olive oil. 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. The eagerness these two brothers have for his or her household firm is inspiring.
The flavour of the olive oil is phenomenal and the well being advantages are unimaginable! We actually loved assembly the Dafnis household, studying concerning the product, and naturally, tasting it.
Olive groves present jobs and meals for the folks they usually have for a few years. Studying concerning the manufacturing of olive oil is without doubt one of the most necessary issues to do in Corfu, and Greece as an entire.
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 exhausting 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 Wyndham resort we had been staying at.
Arriving on the workplace of Mr. Honey, we met a soft-spoken, chilled-out man who informed 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 concerning the strategy of amassing the honey, and had 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 – he’s obsessed with beekeeping and is eager to share his data about bees and honey with you.
The honey store is named MKV – Melissokomiki Kerkyras Vasilakis, which is positioned right here.
6. Go to an Historic 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. This personal day journey takes in these monasteries and lots of extra highlights of Corfu.
Greatest Monastery Excursions in Corfu:
When driving south from the airport, it might be exhausting 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 really, this was as soon as a nunnery monastery. As of late, Vlacherna Monastery is a quiet place with cypress bushes 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 finest locations to see in Corfu.
The second must-see monastery is Paleokastritsa – we went right here on our first day on the island.
The placement of this non secular web site is gorgeous. Set on a lush hill above the seashore 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 at this time, and you may even see a monk or two go by throughout your go to. It’s necessary to decorate appropriately and respectfully when getting into the advanced.
This is without doubt one of the common locations to see in Corfu, there’ll most likely be group excursions right here. However whatever the crowds, it’s price 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 certain 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 bushes.
Greatest Seaside Excursions in Corfu:
That is the right spot for spending the afternoon swimming, or simply lazing on the seashore. You’ll discover quite a few tavernas and eating places right here as effectively, together with close by Akron Seaside Bar, which we beloved – it has a terrific setting for a meal or drink.
You’re in Greece, so it’s no shock that enjoyable on an exquisite seashore is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Corfu. The truth is, the principle seashore of Paleokastritsa itself is thought for being one of many finest 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 look at the solar go down.
Greatest Sundown Excursions & Actions in Corfu:
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 when you don’t have your personal wheels, a taxi from Sidari to right here is round €9.
The drinks will not be the most affordable, however you’re paying for the setting. Click on right here to see the Google Maps location of the restaurant.
For those who’d reasonably get some train, benefit from the superb sundown, and then head for a cocktail, try this mountain climbing journey with a information. After a leisurely hike by way of stunning villages and surroundings, you’ll benefit from the unimaginable sundown from Angel Citadel. Be taught extra right here.
9. Swim on the Canal d’Amour in Sidari
When you’re on the northern finish of the island, be certain to go to the Canal d’Amour, or Love Canal. The rock formations round this space are vibrant, crumbly, and really distinctive.
We chilled out on the seashore, and swam within the clear water for a couple of hours. There’s additionally a canal right here, which leads underneath the cliff. It’s stated that when you swim by way of, you’ll get married quickly – therefore the identify “Canal d’Amour”. Whether or not or not that’s true, it’s nonetheless probably the most common issues to do in Corfu.
Whereas swimming by way of the canal, you gained’t be totally submerged in water and can be capable of breathe the entire time, so don’t fear! Plus, the canal isn’t very lengthy.
On a windy day, the waves is usually a bit tough right here when you’re planning to take a ship across the coast, however being on the seashore is ok.
You’ll discover quite a few motels, eating places, and tavernas within the city of Sidari, making this the right spot to spend the afternoon, or longer.
Greatest Excursions & Actions in Sidari, Corfu:
10. Go Mountain Biking Round Corfu
We didn’t have an opportunity to do that, however attempt to peel your self away from the attractive seashores and romantic cities to get some train by bike!
Renting a mountain bike to discover both independently, or on a tour is a superb method 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 fellows at The Corfu Mountain Bike Store to hire a GIANT bike. For those who’d reasonably have a little bit of help when using, you’ll be able to hire an Electrical Fats Bike as effectively! Try Corfu Fats Bikes for particulars.
Greatest Bicycle Excursions & Actions in Corfu:
11. Bask in a Decadent Meal
For our particular anniversary meal, we went to Michelin Starred chef, Ettore Botrini‘s restaurant. He’s an Italian Corfiat, with three eating places in Greece – Corfu, Rhodes, and Athens.
For those who’re on the lookout for a advantageous eating expertise, be certain to go to Etrusco Restaurant within the city of Dassia – which is listed as one of many world’s 50 finest.
Belief me, this extremely acclaimed chef is aware of presentation! Each dish we had got here out completely manicured, with a narrative behind every plate. The out of doors eating space is surrounded by bushes and fairly pink bougainvillea flowers.
Plus, the kitchen is behind a big window, so you’ll be able to watch the entire motion unfold when you wait in your meals.
You may order a la carte, or select from one among 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 “big day” type of place and we loved our meal for our anniversary.
Click on right here to search out Etrusco Restaurant on Google Maps, and click on right here to make a reservation and see the menus on supply.
12. Go Crusing (top-of-the-line day journeys from Corfu)
We rented our personal boat whereas in Corfu, so we didn’t find yourself doing a crusing journey – we needed to save one thing for our subsequent journey!
With Corfu’s location, it’s no shock that there are some superb crusing and boat day journeys you are able to do! Cruise over the crystal-clear water in your method 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 unquestionably top-of-the-line day journeys from Corfu.
There are fairly a couple of excursions you’ll be able to be part of, however this one to Anitpaxos and Paxos is very extremely rated and at round $45, it’s a steal. For those who’d reasonably try the Sivota Islands and the outdated city of Parga, this journey can also be very extremely rated and is round $45 as effectively.
Lastly, when you’d prefer to have a sailboat to your self and luxuriate in a personal day on the water, this journey is a should. The day is totally customizable and is ideal for a household or group of buddies. Snacks, beer, wine, and water are all included as effectively. You actually can’t go incorrect. Click on right here for extra particulars.
13. Volunteer With Donkeys
In case you have extra time on the island, why not spend a while giving again?
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Corfu with animals is to volunteer to care for deserted, abused, outdated, or injured donkeys. Give them some love, groom them, and even take the donkeys for a stroll.
Surrounded by olive bushes 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 a part of a Meals Tour
I’m nonetheless fascinated about our meals in Corfu! Greek meals is unquestionably one among my favourites and also you’ll be spoiled for alternative in Corfu.
Foodies, this one is for you! Spend the day strolling round stunning Corfu Previous City, whereas studying concerning 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 outdated city. The highlights and stops embrace the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, hidden corners and squares, the outdated metropolis partitions, fountains, the Church of St. Spyridon, and extra.
All through the 3-hour journey, you’ll cease to eat a few instances. The tour features a native breakfast and a sit-down lunch on the finish of the strolling tour. Discover out extra and e-book your spot right here.
Greatest Meals Excursions in Corfu:
15. Lease a Scooter
We rented a automotive and a ship whereas in Corfu, however a number of folks love using scooters – 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 may both rent one for your self privately and see the entire finest locations to go to in Corfu by yourself or, you’ll be able to be part of a personal day tour so that you don’t get misplaced!
Greatest Scooter Excursions & Leases in Corfu:
16. Bonus! Go to Albania
One other nice exercise throughout your keep in Corfu is to take a day journey to a close-by nation. Do you know you’ll be able to take a ship from the island of Corfu to the nation of Albania?
We spent 10 days travelling round Albania and had such a good time, it’s undoubtedly price a go to from Corfu!
You may both take the ferry and head over there your self, or be part of a tour. On this enjoyable day journey, you’ll go to the UNESCO metropolis of Butrint, the attractive seaside metropolis of Saranda, the Venetian Tower, the Temple of Asclepius, and far more.
All the things is included on at the present time journey, together with knowledgeable information, bus tickets, boat tickets, entry to museums and UNESCO websites, and a tasty lunch in Saranda. Don’t overlook your passport! Click on right here for particulars.
What to Do in Corfu: FAQ’s
Listed here are solutions to some questions that travellers have about visiting Corfu.
Corfu is price visiting. It’s probably the most common islands in Greece for its stunning shoreline, cosmopolitan vibe, mountains and enjoyable nightlife. Whether or not you’ve gotten an extended weekend, per week, or only a day journey from the cruise ship or close by island, add Corfu to your record.
Corfu is thought for its sandy seashores, cosmopolitan really feel, superb eating places, gorgeous landscapes, and enjoyable nightlife. And, in fact, the Channel of Love!
Two days is the minimal time you need to spend on Corfu Island. It’s fairly a giant island, so that you’ll wish to take a day tour to see as a lot as doable. Ideally, you could possibly spend per week right here!
If you wish to discover off-track locations in Corfu, you need to hire a automotive. We like the liberty to maneuver round at our personal tempo, so we selected to hire a automotive. In any other case, when you plan to stay to a close-by seashore, you will get round on foot. There are buses obtainable too, and day excursions you’ll be able to take that present transportation.
In Conclusion
With so many islands to go to in Greece, it may be exhausting to resolve which one to decide on. For those who’re fascinated by stunning seashores, glorious eating places, non secular 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 simple.
You may take a fast flight from anyplace in Europe, with a brief layover in Athens, or when you’re flying from North America, you’ll must cease over in Europe earlier than persevering with on to Corfu. There are a lot of ferry routes throughout Greece, seek for boats to Corfu right here.
Try Aegean Airways for flights, or search engines like google akin to Expedia.com and Google Flights. For ferry routes, take a look at Ferry Hopper. When you’re in Corfu, I like to recommend renting a automotive to get round and discover at your personal tempo. We at all times hire automobiles in Greece and it actually makes the journey that rather more particular. Discover the very best charges right here. Get pleasure from Corfu!
Try our Journey Movies of Corfu
Thanks to Uncover Greece for helping us with our journey to Greece. As at all times, all ideas and opinions stay our personal. A number of the photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
