Corfu , Attractions, beaches and activities.

Corfu is one of the southernmost islands of our country in the Ionian Sea and one of the most popular, both for Greeks and for foreign visitors. The municipality of Corfu also includes the smaller islands of Othonoi, Erikoussa and Mathraki, which are located at very close distances. It is also one of the most densely populated islands in the Mediterranean with 193 inhabitants per square kilometre.

Historical facts about the island

The first inhabitants of the island originated from Eretria in Evia, followed by Corinthians. The island was under Roman rule, and during the Byzantine period it was plundered by Vandals and Ostrogoths, followed by Normans who had conquered Italy and Sicily at that time. From 1386, Corfu began to develop and prosper socially after coming under Venetian rule. In 1431, Turks tried to conquer it but failed; however, they returned in 1571 and destroyed the island except for Corfu town within its walls. For two years (1797-1799), Corfu passed to the French, while in the following years it was under Russian occupation. In 1807, the French returned and left their strong mark on the island. From 1815, the British army occupied the island until 1864 when Corfu was integrated into Greece along with the other Ionian Islands.

The island's centre is the cosmopolitan Corfu town, located in the central part of the island on the east coast, characterised by a strong Venetian element with influences from English, French, and Italian architecture.

Corfu Airport 'Ioannis Kapodistrias' is located 1.5 kilometres from Corfu town and transfer to and from the airport is by taxi and private buses.

Direct flights to Corfu are available from Athens Airport 'Eleftherios Venizelos', from 'Macedonia' Airport in Thessaloniki, from Preveza, and from the island of Zakynthos. The duration of flights from Athens and Thessaloniki is one hour, while from Zakynthos and Preveza it is only half an hour.

Ferry & flight tickets to Corfu

Corfu has connections with the port of Igoumenitsa, the port of Patras, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Paxos.

At Travelo you can find cheap flights as well as ferry tickets to Corfu, at the best prices!

If you are travelling from Athens, you can check Athens to Corfu flights through our website, at the lowest price online!

From Igoumenitsa to Corfu

Many daily routes run from the port of Igoumenitsa to Corfu, starting from 06:00 in the morning every half an hour, while towards the evening the routes gradually decrease with the last one departing at 22:00 and arriving in Corfu at 23:40. The journey duration with large ferries is 1 hour and 45 minutes, while the cost is 10 euros per person and 40 euros for a car.

For more information call the Igoumenitsa port authority at 22665099400 or visit their website https://olig.gr

From Thessaloniki to Corfu by KTEL (bus)

There are 2 daily routes from KTEL Macedonia to Corfu at 09:30 and 14:00. The bus drops you off at the end of the journey at the KTEL terminal in Corfu. The journey duration is 6 hours and the return fare is 70 euros for a standard ticket. This price does not include the ferry ticket, but KTEL makes the booking for you. You can book your tickets by calling 2310595409.

From Athens to Corfu by KTEL (bus)

There are 3 daily routes from Athens to the island of Corfu. The first departs at 07:00 and passes through Agrinio, the second at 11:00 via Egnatia, and the last at 21:00 via Patras. The routes take approximately 6 hours, depending on traffic, plus 1.5 hours for the ferry journey. The return cost is 96.80 euros. You can book your tickets by calling 2105129443 or visiting https://greenbuses.gr/el/.

From Patras to Corfu

From Patras, all ferries depart for Italy (Ancona and Venice) and stop at the port of Corfu. Ferry tickets can be booked online here. The journey duration is 7.5 hours and you can choose between a deck ticket, which is the most economical, or a cabin, where prices increase.

The most important sights of Corfu

Old Fortress of Corfu – Fortezza

The Old Fortress of Corfu is built on rocks at the eastern edge of the city. It is separated from Corfu town by a moat which was created for the protection of the city and is called Contra–fossa. Its location is ideal because it offers easy access to the sea and the best control of the area's coastline. The moat, both the sea and land-based parts, made any invasion of the fortress impossible.

To reach the peninsula from the city, you only need to cross an iron bridge 60 metres long. You can visit all areas of the fortress except for the interior and the two bastions. Inside the fortress, many services of the Corfu Prefecture are housed, such as the Public Library and University Schools; various events are also held there.

The opening hours of the Old Fortress of Corfu are 08:00-20:00 and there is no entrance fee.

New Fortress

The New Fortress or Venetian Fortress used to be connected to the Old Fortress by walls, which no longer exist.

Fearing a Turkish invasion, the Venetians wanted to ensure the city's protection, which is why they built the New Fortress in the 16th century, including galleries and bunkers. At its entrance, above the gate, you will see the Lion of Saint Mark, a symbol of Venice, another element left by the Venetians in their passage.

It is built on the hill of Saint Mark and offers amazing views of Corfu town.

The ticket office is at the entrance of the fortress and its opening hours are limited. To ensure you manage to see it, we recommend you go in the morning.

Church of Saint Spyridon

The Church of Saint Spyridon, patron saint of Corfu, which houses his relics, is located very close to the Old Town. It is one of the most important post-Byzantine monuments of Corfu, attracting many worshippers every year.

The relics of the Saint are kept on the right side of the Sanctuary in a luxurious silver reliquary.

The church's bell tower is very impressive and visible from every point in Corfu town. Scenes from the life of Saint Spyridon and from the Gospels are depicted on the church's ceiling.

Liston

The Liston in Corfu was constructed on the initiative of the French emperors at the beginning of the 19th century. In the following years, the British gradually added arcades and floors to the building, which now houses residences and offices.

The Liston is a meeting point for both locals and tourists and is the most cosmopolitan spot on the island. It is an ideal destination to enjoy your morning or afternoon coffee, especially if you visit the island outside the peak summer season.

Spianada

Spianada is the central square in Corfu town and is the largest square not only in Greece but also in the Balkans.

It is located opposite the Old Fortress and includes the Liston. A stroll from Spianada to Liston is the best thing you can do in the centre of Corfu; during this walk, you will encounter street vendors, street musicians, and of course, enjoy the wonderful view and greenery.

This is also the location where the custom of throwing pots from balconies on Holy Saturday takes place to ward off evil.

Mon Repos – Archaeological Museum of Palaeopolis

The Archaeological Museum of Palaeopolis in Corfu is located in Mon Repos park. Mon Repos is a neoclassical palace covering an area of 285 stremmata (approx. 28.5 hectares). Its construction began in 1828 and was completed in 1831, handed over to Frederick Adam, Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands, and his wife Nina Palaviano, as a summer residence. Over the years, Mon Repos has hosted many important figures such as Empress Elisabeth of Austria, while previously the School of Fine Arts had been relocated there.

From 1864, the mansion was granted to the Greek throne under King George I, who gave it the name Mon Repos, meaning 'my rest'.

From 1967, the mansion belonged to the Municipality of Corfu, while in 1995 it was granted to the Ministry of Culture, leading to the creation of the Museum of Culture, which has been operating since 2000. You can enjoy a walk in the palace garden and visit the museum.

The entrance ticket to the museum costs 4 euros for a full-price ticket and 2 euros for a reduced-price ticket. It operates from 08:00 to 15:00, except Mondays. To get to Mon Repos and the museum, you can take line 2 of Corfu KTEL, which runs every half an hour.

• If you wish, you can purchase the combined ticket, which is valid for 3 days and gives you access to the Archaeological Museum of Corfu, the Archaeological Museum of Palaeopolis, the Byzantine Museum of Antivouniotissa, the Museum of Asian Art, and the Old Fortress of Corfu mentioned above.
• The cost of the combined ticket is 14 euros for a full-price ticket and 7 euros for a reduced-price ticket.
• Please be informed that the Archaeological Museum of Corfu, located in the city centre, is closed to the public for maintenance work. The reopening date has not yet been announced.

Kanoni

Kanoni is one of the most frequented attractions in Corfu. It is a peninsula located south of Corfu town.

It is very close to the airport and is an ideal location if you enjoy watching aeroplanes. The peninsula got its name from the cannon that has been there from 1798 until today. The French placed it at the southern tip of the peninsula to enhance the island's protection.

From Kanoni, admire the magnificent view towards Pontikonisi and the small island with the Monastery of Vlacherna.

In the area, you will find everything from cafes, restaurants, clubs, as well as the island's casino at the Casino Corfu hotel.

The most beautiful beaches on the island of Corfu

Glyfada Beach

Glyfada is one of Corfu's most popular beaches. It is located on the western side of the island, 16 kilometres from the city centre. It is very easily accessible by your own vehicle and by the Corfu KTEL bus service. It boasts fine sand and clear blue waters. It is fully organised with beach bars and activities both on and off the water.

Canal d’ Amour

The Canal d'Amour is one of the places in the city you absolutely must visit during your holidays. It is a unique beach located in the Sidari area. It features a series of rocks that have taken wonderful shapes from the water, with small coves, caves, and canals, and the waters are crystal clear. Legend has it that couples who swim from one end to the other will remain in love forever.

Kerasia Beach

It is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It features white pebbles and the waters change colours in shades of blue and green. It is located on the northeastern side of Corfu, near Agios Stefanos, 35 km from Corfu town. It is an organised beach and also has a few tavernas.

Paleokastritsa

It is one of the most famous areas in Corfu and boasts 6 wonderful beaches amidst lush greenery. The waters are crystal clear but cold. It is a fully organised beach and usually crowded. It is located below the Monastery of Paleokastritsa, which you can visit after your swim.

Benitses

Another very famous area in Corfu, attracting tourists from all over the world. It is located south of the capital and features a sandy beach and emerald waters.

Where to stay in Corfu

Corfu is an island that offers countless accommodation options. If you don't want to stay in Corfu town, we recommend staying in Kanoni, which is a beautiful area. Other areas include Perama and Gouvia. Wherever you choose to stay in Corfu, its beauty will captivate you, but if you want to avoid crowds, you might want to avoid Benitses, which is always full of tourists and is the busiest area of Corfu.

Find your ideal accommodation on the island of Corfu here on Booking.com

Corfu's nightlife

Corfu is one of the islands in the country with very vibrant nightlife. To start your evening, you can take a stroll along the Liston and then head to the coastal road in the island's centre, which is full of restaurants, bars, and clubs. Afterwards, you can visit other areas famous for their nightlife, such as Benitses, Glyfada, and Paleokastritsa.

Unique Corfiot Gastronomy

During your holidays in picturesque Corfu, you will have the opportunity to taste traditional Corfiot products and unique, unrivalled flavours.

The dishes you must try are Pastitsada, Corfu's emblematic dish, and Sofrito. Pastitsada is none other than their stew with various spices. The meat traditionally used is rooster, but it is also made with beef; thick pasta is added at the end to complete the dish. Sofrito consists of floured veal slices that are fried and then simmered with vinegar, garlic, and parsley, served with fried potatoes or rice. Bourdeto is another characteristic dish of Corfu. It is a thick fish soup made with scorpionfish or any other rockfish. Also try Bianco and Savoury, methods of cooking fish, and the appetisers Ntouboulo (smoked pork) and Tsigareli.

For sweets, traditionally they make Mandolato, and sweets you will only find there are Tzaletia with raisins and corn, Fogatsa which is like tsoureki (sweet bread), and Tzinola made with jujube, a small red fruit, raisins, and sesame. For drinks, get kumquat liqueur and try Tsitsibira.

Activities in Corfu

To enjoy the island in all its glory, the best thing you can do is take part in a cruise that will take you around the island.

Day trip to Paxos – Antipaxos

Many companies organise daily excursions around the island, stopping at well-known beaches in Paxos and Antipaxos. Excursions depart from Corfu port, where you can purchase your tickets, around 08:30 to 09:00. Usually, the first stop is on the island of Paxos where you can take a stroll, the next stop is the blue caves, followed by the magical beaches of Antipaxos, where you can stay for a while and enjoy a swim until your departure time for Corfu.