The 12 best things to do in Corfu

The second-largest Ionian island has seen Byzantines, Venetians, French, and British come and go over the last 1000 years, and all these civilisations have left their mark!

Corfu, a beautiful island in our country, offers unique moments and unforgettable experiences, thanks to its amazing landscapes and pristine beaches.

You can start a stroll from the Old Town, which is a World Heritage Site and is guarded by two strong Venetian fortresses that withstood even the Ottoman Empire!

Corfu's beaches are some of the most attractive in the Ionian Sea – don't miss the chance to explore them!

If, on the other hand, you have an adventurous spirit, you can rent a car and organise a road trip around Corfu, exploring its secluded mountains, sweeping sandy beaches, and the dozens of monasteries you'll encounter!

So, what are you waiting for to discover the island's treasures? Book cheap flights from Athens to Corfu or visit the island by ferry from Igoumenitsa, and let's explore the 12 best things to do in Corfu!

Corfu Old Town

Corfu Old Town is a hub full of streets and alleyways that buzz with life throughout the day.

It stands majestically between the two fortresses and the Venetian and neoclassical houses that date back hundreds of years!

Allow plenty of time to explore every corner of the Old Town, and don't forget to visit the Archaeological Museum and the peculiar Casa Parlante mansion, which dates from the 19^th century.

Spianada Square and Liston

Spianada is Corfu's central square, located between the Old Town and the Old Fortress – it's a large green square that is a remnant of the 17^th-century Venetian fortifications.

Liston is a meeting point for locals and tourists, and here you'll find dozens of dining establishments to enjoy yourselves and spend your evenings, and more!

Church of Saint Spyridon

The Church of Saint Spyridon dates back to 1580, and its Renaissance bell tower is the tallest in the Ionian Sea.

The church houses the relics of Saint Spyridon, which were brought here from Constantinople in the 15^th century.

Achilleion

In 1888, Elisabeth of Bavaria, Empress of Austria, built her summer residence in this area, approximately 10 kilometres from the centre of Corfu Town.

This neoclassical palace was designed by Italian architect Raffaele Caritto with the hero Achilles as its central theme.

The eminent German sculptor Ernst Herter created the statues inspired by Greek mythology.

At Achilleion, you can wander through the building's gardens, admiring the fountains, statues, and the palm trees in the garden.

The interior of Achilleion is a unique museum filled with memorabilia related to Elisabeth of Bavaria and the next resident of the estate, Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Mount Pantokrator

Mount Pantokrator is the highest peak in Corfu, with an altitude of 906 metres, and is accessible by car.

At the summit, you'll find a cafe and a monastery dating back to the late 17^th century.

From here, you'll enjoy unique views of all of Corfu and the Ionian Sea!

Paleokastritsa Monastery

At the end of the headland, on the northwest coast of Paleokastritsa, stands the eponymous monastery, dating from the 13^th century and located in the area of the long-disappeared Medieval castle.

The Monastery has a small brotherhood of eight monks who offer tours of the buildings and the Monastery's lush gardens.

Almost every surface of the Monastery is covered with bougainvillea and geraniums, and if you wish to enter the interior, you should be dressed appropriately, with women covering their shoulders and legs.

Finally, next to the Monastery, you'll find the monks' fields where they cultivate olives and produce their own oil, which they sell on site!

Paleokastritsa Beach

Since you've made it this far and visited the Monastery, you absolutely must take a dip in Paleokastritsa beach.

The water is calm and crystal clear, while the beach is ideal for families with small children as it features soft golden sand without pebbles.

Angelokastro

Perched on a narrow rocky promontory over 300 metres above the sea, this castle was built in the 13^th century as an extensive maritime outpost to watch over the island and all of mainland Greece.

Beyond the walls, not much of the fortress remains, apart from the small church of Archangel Michael, which has frescoes dating from the 1700s.

Vlacherna Monastery

Vlacherna Monastery is situated on a small island, at the end of a narrow pier on the southern tip of the Kanoni Peninsula in Corfu.

The chapel dates from 1685, and here you'll find monuments even from the 18^th century!

You can combine a visit to the Monastery with a boat tour to Pontikonisi, which is right next door!

Pontikonisi

As we mentioned earlier, Pontikonisi is very close to Vlacherna Monastery. For a very small fee (2.5 – 3€), you can take a boat and visit this small islet, which dates from the 12^th century!

According to legend, Pontikonisi is Odysseus' ship, turned to stone by Poseidon.

Here you'll find a well-organised cafe and a shop where you can buy souvenirs for your loved ones.

Kassiopi

Kassiopi is a traditional fishing village that has developed into a thriving tourist area.

Kassiopi is located at the base of a small peninsula where you'll find small pebble coves and a charming fishing harbour.

In the centre of the peninsula is Kassiopi Castle, which has Byzantine origins and dates from the 6^th century.

See the best hotels in Corfu, with the highest discounts!

It was one of the three strongholds that defended Corfu from invaders and the Venetians in the 14^th century.

Canal D’Amour

At Canal D’Amour, you'll encounter unique scenery, especially with the sculpted rock formations!

The sea here has eroded the rocks, creating a tunnel just before the entrance to the cove.

Choose this particular beach on a day when the sea is calm so you can swim through the tunnel.

Local legend says that any couple who swims together here will soon get married!

So, if you don't have such intentions, avoid swimming through the tunnel with your partner!

These were the 15 best things you absolutely must do in Corfu. The island will charm you, and you'll fall in love with it at first sight!

See the best hotels in Corfu, with the highest discounts!

Book now affordable flight tickets on Travelo.gr and travel from Athens to Corfu with daily flights. If you're travelling from mainland Greece, you can easily and quickly reach Igoumenitsa via the Egnatia Odos and then board a ferry to Corfu.

There are several daily routes to and from the island of Corfu – search for ferry tickets here for Corfu at the best price online!

Have you visited Corfu? Which is your favourite attraction among these?