[ad_1]
Lush inside, pristine shoreline, distinctive rock formations, and a romantic capital metropolis. All this and extra might 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 international locations of Albania and Italy.
Resulting from 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.
Greatest Issues To Do in Corfu
Greece is likely one of the most inexpensive international locations to journey to and likewise one of many finest international locations for delicacies, so it’s no shock that Corfu has some nice worth and wonderful dishes to strive as nicely.
We spent per week in Corfu (together with our 10 yr anniversary) and had many distinctive experiences alongside the best way. This is likely one of the high locations to go to in Greece for good cause!
Right here’s my checklist of the 15 finest 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 most 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?!
In the event you’re in search of issues to do in Corfu which are 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 likely one of the finest issues to do in Zakynthos, and whereas we didn’t have an opportunity to hire one whereas we have been there, we knew we had to offer it a strive some other place 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 have been set. The boat was 45 horsepower and will have match six folks, 4 comfortably.
Whizzing alongside the gorgeous 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 positively one of many high issues to do in Corfu for {couples}, or associates.
Hiring a automotive is a should for getting across the island and seeing the inside, however hiring a ship is a wonderful method to discover the shoreline. That is positively the most effective issues to do in Corfu. Study extra about being your individual captain for the day and renting a ship right here.
- You’ll be able to e-book your individual boat right here
- We paid €80 for the boat within the offseason/shoulder season (can be €120 within the excessive season)
- Boat fuel for a day of driving price us €40.
- Ensure there are life jackets on board and you have to your individual meals and water.
Don’t Neglect Your Journey Insurance coverage For Corfu!
Be sure you have journey insurance coverage on your journey to Corfu. It’s the one factor you must 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 lovely. Resulting from being below Venetian rule from the 14th century to the late 18th century, this beautiful 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 instances round sundown when the temperature was a bit cooler.
Wander by pastel-colored houses with wrought-iron balconies and picket shutters. Make your method via character-filled, cobbled streets — streets so slender that laundry might be held on a line strung between two adjoining homes.
The slender alleyways give method to open plazas full of tables from busy eating places spilling out onto the road.
I like to recommend visiting each throughout 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 consuming wine within the previous city was a spotlight of our journey to Corfu.
Greatest Strolling Excursions in Corfu City
There’s a highly-rated strolling tour you may be a part of to expertise extra of Corfu City. You’ll be able to be a part of within the morning or within the night. The tour consists of an English-speaking information, visiting the essential websites on the town, meals tastings, a drink, and a full meal as nicely. Click on right here to be taught extra and e-book your ticket.
Another choice is this strolling tour with a information that features a glass of wine on the finish! This journey is likely one of the finest issues to do in Corfu previous city.
☞ SEE ALSO: Climate in Greece – When Is The Greatest Time to Go to?
Notes About Visiting Corfu City
- Parking might be exhausting to search out in Corfu City. Park simply outdoors of the city itself, and stroll in.
- We extremely advocate consuming & consuming at Salto Wine Bar. Greek wines are on supply right here (€20 / bottle, €5.50 / glass). Two appetizers & two mains price 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 likely one of the finest issues to do in Corfu city for certain.
- Entrance to the Outdated Fortress prices €6. Put on sturdy sneakers and be aware that there’s not a lot shade.
3. Sleep in Lovely Lodging
It’s a bit bizarre to have lodging as a spotlight of an island, however there are some attractive choices accessible on Corfu. We stayed in two lovely properties and might advocate them each, for various causes.
Find out about 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 recent meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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 actually 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 needed 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 here are extremely useful and pleasant. It was the right place to deal with ourselves for our 10 yr anniversary.
On the northern finish of the island, we stayed for 2 nights at TRYP by Wyndham Corfu Dassia (previously Corfu Palma Boutique Resort), 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 beautiful. The rooms are spacious, vibrant and the fashionable decor is beautiful.
The lodge provides a fitness center and a spa, in addition to a big out of doors pool. The one draw back is that it’s not positioned straight on the seashore, however only a few steps away. The employees listed here are pleasant and the supervisor, Spyros, will make you’re feeling very welcome!
We totally loved our keep at this boutique lodge, 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 huge, I recommend splitting your time between the north and the south, for those who can.
That method, you need to use your base within the north to discover close by websites, then change to your lodge within the south and take a look at that space of the island. In any other case, you could end up driving rather a lot. The 2 inns I listed above labored out nicely for us to do exactly that.
In the event you’re all in favour of staying in a small condominium or guesthouse (fairly than a lodge or resort) throughout your journey to Corfu Island, click on right here to check costs and search via quite a few choices on Reserving.com.
4. Be a 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 just a few merchandise that Greek folks have been utilizing all through the ages, and olive oil is certainly one of them. It has at all times been a giant a part of their weight loss plan, traditions, and historical past.
We joined this highly-rated day journey and discovered all about olive oil. It was an important expertise, and really tasty!
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 likely one of the most essential issues to do in Corfu, and Greece as a complete.
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 likely one of the finest 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, however it has unbelievable well being advantages as nicely.
This lovely 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.
Occurring an olive oil tour is likely one of the finest issues to do in Corfu! The ardour these two brothers have for his or her household firm is inspiring.
You’ll be able to both e-book your tour on-line (which incorporates some snacks, olive oil, and water), or do one thing a little bit extra thrilling and be a 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 likely one of the extra adventurous issues to do in Corfu. Discover out extra right here.
The flavour of the olive oil is phenomenal 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. Study 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 mentioned 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 title is Panagiotis Vasilakis) from Spyros, the supervisor at Corfu Palma Resort.
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, discovered in regards to the technique of amassing the honey, and have been proven most of the pure merchandise he makes.
This is likely one of the extra distinctive locations to go to in Corfu, and one of many high issues to do in Corfu for households. Don’t miss a day with Mr. Honey.
Panagiotis is keen about beekeeping and is eager to share his data about bees and honey with you. A go to right here is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Corfu. Excursions listed here are free, together with samples of honey.
A go to right here is likely one of the extra distinctive issues to do in Corfu. The 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 plenty of extra highlights of Corfu.
When driving south from the airport, it will be exhausting to overlook the Vlacherna Monastery, which sits out on the water, on an island of its personal. The island is definitely linked 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 timber surrounding it, and canine and cats roaming round.
Enjoyable reality, the For Your Eyes Solely James Bond movie had a scene set right here. The monastery is likely one of the finest locations to see in Corfu.
The second must-see monastery is Paleokastritsa.
The placement of this non secular website is beautiful. Set on a lush hill above the seashore with the identical title, 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 as we speak, and you may even see a monk or two go by throughout your go to. It’s essential to decorate appropriately and respectfully when coming into the advanced.
This is likely one of the in style locations to see in Corfu, there’ll in all probability be group excursions right here. However whatever the 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, ensure to take a look at the seashores and city of Paleokastritsa. There are 6 beautiful bays right here, that are surrounded by olive and cypress timber.
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 nicely, together with close by Akron Seaside Bar, which has an important setting for a meal or drink.
You’re in Greece, so it’s no shock that enjoyable on a good looking seashore is likely one of the high issues to do in Corfu. In reality, the primary 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 observe the solar go down.
It’s largely recognized for being a spot to seize a drink with sundown, however additionally they have meals accessible. 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 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.
In the event you’d fairly get some train, benefit from the wonderful sundown, and then head for a cocktail, take a look at this mountaineering journey with a information. After a leisurely hike via lovely villages and surroundings, you’ll benefit from the unbelievable sundown from Angel Fort. Study extra right here.
9. Swim on the Canal d’Amour in Sidari
When you’re on the northern finish of the island, ensure 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 seashore, or leaping off of the cliffs into the clear water. This is likely one of the high points of interest in Corfu by far.
There’s a canal right here, which leads below the cliff. It’s mentioned that for those who swim via, you’ll get married quickly. Whether or not or not that’s true, it’s nonetheless one of the crucial in style issues to do in Corfu.
You received’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 could be a bit tough right here for those who’re planning to take a ship across the coast, however being on the seashore is okay.
You’ll discover quite a few inns, eating places, and tavernas within the city of Sidari, making this the right spot to spend the afternoon, or longer.
10. Go Mountain Biking Round Corfu
Attempt to peel your self away from the gorgeous seashores and romantic cities to get some train. Renting a mountain bike to discover both independently, or on a tour is a wonderful 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. Take a look at the blokes at The Corfu Mountain Bike Store to hire a GIANT bike, or e-book a enjoyable day tour right here.
11. Bask in a Decadent Meal
In the event you’re in search of a nice eating expertise, ensure to go to Etrusco Restaurant within the city of Dassia — which is listed as one of many world’s 50 finest.
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 out of doors 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 on your meals.
You’ll be able to order a la carte, or select from certainly 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 “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 (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 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 certainly the most effective day journeys from Corfu.
There are fairly just a few excursions you may be a part of, however this one to Anitpaxos and Paxos could be very extremely rated and at round $45, it’s a steal. In the event you’d fairly take a look at the Sivota Islands and the previous city of Parga, this journey can also be very extremely rated and is round $45 as nicely.
Lastly, for those who’d wish 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 associates. Snacks, beer, wine, and water are all included as nicely. You actually can’t go fallacious. 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?
Probably the greatest issues to do in Corfu with animals is to volunteer to deal with 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 gorgeous 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
Foodies, this one is for you! Spend the day strolling round lovely Corfu Outdated 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 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.
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’ll be able to both rent one for your self privately and see the entire finest locations to go to in Corfu by yourself or, you may be a part of a personal 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. Study extra right here. The personal 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. Study extra right here.
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 may take a ship from the island of Corfu to the nation of Albania?
On this enjoyable day journey, you’ll go to the UNESCO metropolis of Butrint, the gorgeous seaside metropolis of Saranda, the Venetian Tower, the Temple of Asclepius, and far more.
Every little thing is included on today 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 below are solutions to some questions that travellers have about visiting Corfu.
Corfu is value visiting. It’s one of the crucial in style islands in Greece for its lovely shoreline, cosmopolitan vibe, mountains and enjoyable nightlife. Whether or not you could have an extended weekend, per week, or only a day journey from the cruise ship or close by island, add Corfu to your checklist.
Corfu is thought for its sandy seashores, cosmopolitan really feel, wonderful eating places, beautiful landscapes, and enjoyable nightlife. And, in fact, the Channel of Love!
Two days is the minimal time you must spend on Corfu island. It’s fairly a giant island, so that you’ll need to take a day tour to see as a lot as doable. Ideally, you might spend per week right here!
If you wish to discover off-track locations in Corfu, you must 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, for those who plan to stay to a close-by seashore, you may get round on foot. There are buses accessible too, and day excursions you may 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. In the event you’re all in favour of lovely seashores, wonderful eating places, non secular websites, tradition & historical past, and beautiful lodging, then Corfu Island is for you.
And, since Corfu is so near mainland Europe, getting right here is simple.
You’ll be able to take a fast flight from wherever in Europe, with a brief layover in Athens, or for those who’re flying from North America, you’ll must cease over in Europe earlier than persevering with on to Corfu. There are various ferry routes throughout Greece, seek for boats to Corfu right here.
Take a look at Aegean Airways for flights, or search engines like google comparable to Expedia.com, Kayak.com and Google Flights. For ferry routes, take a look at Ferry Hopper.
Take a look at our Journey Movies from Corfu
Thanks to Uncover Greece for aiding us with our journey to Greece. As at all times, all ideas and opinions stay our personal. Among the photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.
Like This Article? Pin it!
[ad_2]
