Also known as “Kerkyra” or “The Grand Lady of the Ionian”, Corfu is a beautiful island in the Ionian Sea that offers history, culture, and natural scenery. It truly has it all, with quaint villages, ancient UNESCO Heritage sites, and foodie destinations.
What to Do on Corfu
Corfu is one of Greece’s most diverse islands, both from an architectural, cultural, and gastronomic perspective, because of the Venetian influence. It is the only area of Greece that was not taken over by the Ottomans during the Ottoman Empire. Here are just a few of the sights to take advantage of while on the island of Corfu.
Corfu Old Town
Corfu’s historic old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a maze of narrow streets, brightly painted buildings and impressive squares. It is a joy to wander around the old town and see numerous landmarks, like the Old Fortress, the Liston promenade, and the Spianada Square. Within the Old Fortress, there are a number of notable sights, and you can easily spend the afternoon walking around. The Saint George Church is one of the most photographed sights within the Old Fortress.
Achilleion Palace
This neoclassical building was built for Empress Elisabeth at the end of the 19th century. The palace is known for its exceptional gardens and notable views of the island. You can tour the inside, be inspired by the ornamentation and marvel at the stories of past residents of the palace.
Corfu Museum of Asian Art
The Corfu Museum of Asian Art should not be missed on your visit to Corfu because it has a wealth of artefacts from Asia, including China, Japan, and India. You can find the museum in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, which are found in the heart of the Old Town.
Pontikonisi Island
Pontikonisi is also known as Mouse Island and is one of the most visually beautiful spots in Corfu. The myth says that the island was once a ship which was turned into a rock by Poseidon. The most noteworthy landmark on the Pontikonisi island is the Church of Pantokrator, which dates from the 13th century. A quick five-minute boat trip from the shore of Corfu will take you to this unforgettable location.
Paleokastritsa
Just 23 kilometres from Corfu Town, this calm seaside town is known for its quiet beaches and turquoise waters that are ideal for swimming and spotting fish just under the surface. Of note in this area are nearby caves and the 13-century Theotokos Monastery, which has views overlooking the town. The perfect way to end the day is at a Greek taverna on the waterfront, where you can enjoy local seafood.
Angelokastro
As one of the most significant Byzantine castles on the island of Corfu, Angelokastro is found above Paleokastritsa. The 13th-century fortress has defended the island against many enemies, never falling even after many attacks and fights. Today, the castle is mostly in ruins, but the views from the top are not to be missed. An interesting feature at the top is an 18th-century hermitage and a tiny church to the Archangel Michael.
Beaches in Corfu
There are many picturesque beaches to visit in Corfu, including the Agios Georgios Pagon, Ermones, and Paleokastritsa beaches. Myrtiotissa is the most remote beach on the West Coast. The east coast beaches include Barbati, Kouloura, and Dassia.
The best beaches in the south of Corfu are Arkoudilas and Halikounas, with the second being known for kite surfing. In the northwest of the island of Corfu, you will find Sidari, which is known for its Canal d’Amour and its sandstorm formations. Perhaps most uniquely, you will find flamingos and migrating birds at the Alikes salt pans.
Porto Timoni Beach
Porto Timoni Beach is also a favorite among both tourists and locals. It is actually two beaches in one, with the south beach being slightly warmer than the north beach. The beauty of Porto Timoni is that depending on how busy each side of peninsula is, you can choose a more secluded location.
Food in Corfu
As rich as the historical significance of Corfu is its food, which takes many influences from British rule and from the 400 years of Venetian control. Thus, the food in Corfu is deliciously different from the rest of Greece.
Pastitsada
This famous dish of the island of Corfu has its roots in Venetian times and consists of rooster, which is cooked in tomato sauce and is served with a thick pasta. This is definitely a rich and comforting food, served with grated cheese on top. One similar variation is Veal Pastitsada, where instead of rooster, the dish is made with veal. Traditionally, the dish is made with a secret mix of spices called spetsieriko, which can only be found in a few shops in Corfu Town.
Sofrito
This dish is made with veal or beef that is marinated in garlic, vinegar, and a special spice mix. It is then fried and served with rice or potatoes. This dish also supposedly came from the Venetians and is very savoury.
Bourdeto
If you love fish more than meat, this famous dish is another iconic pick in Corfu. It involves fish that is cooked in a spicy red sauce with onions, olive oil, lemon juice, and red pepper. You can use different kinds of fish for the recipe, but scorpion fish is one of the most popular choices. Some like to add tomato sauce, and the name of the dish comes from the Italian word “Bourdeto” which means “broth”.
Kumquat Liqueur
Corfu is known for its kumquats, which are small citrus fruits that are used to make a sweet liqueur. The kumquats get soaked in alcohol with both sugar and spices, and the result is a sweet and tart drink which is great for sipping after a taverna meal by the water in one of Corfu’s port towns.
Ginger Beer
This is one of Corfu’s best-kept secrets. As one of the island’s most popular soft drinks, it was introduced in the 19th century and became one of the local favorites quickly. The drink is a mix of ginger, water, and sugar. However, it does not have any alcohol, despite its name. Ginger beer is an ideal addition to a Corfu beach day in the summer. Locals might also call it “Tsitsibira.”
Getting Around Corfu
There are several ways to get around the island of Corfu, no matter your budget and preferences. The most popular way is with a car rental. You can rent a car on the island, but be sure to rent ahead of time in the summer, because rates will be lower if you secure them in advance. Expect manual transmission. For more information on renting a car in Greece, see our full article here.
If you do not have your own car, buses are a great way to get around, and they cost only a few euros. Note, however, that buses are less available in the off-season. Alternatively, there are scooter and ATV rentals available, which start at about 20 Euros per day.
