14 Must-Visit Places in Corfu Island, Greece: A Traveler’s Paradise!

Corfu island is one of the highly visited and picturesque islands in the Ionian Sea, on the west coast of Greece.

This Greek island beckons visitors by showing terrific landscapes and splendid seascapes.

Like all other Greek islands, Corfu is also rich in culture and history.

Corfu is the second-largest of all Ionian islands. It comprises a big 611 q. km. The first rank in terms of size is held by Kefalonia Island.

It is sitting just below Albania. Please note that some maps say the name “Kerkyra”, the Greek name for Corfu.

How to reach Corfu island?

It is the most easily accessible Greek island, despite its long distance from Athens (510 km).

Corfu is internationally connected with Paris, London, Bari, and Munich.

I have just mentioned a few European cities as examples. Many more European countries are having direct air connections with Corfu.

Some adventurous and romantic travelers choose sailing from Albania, Igoumenitsa near Athens, and Italy. Ionian, and the Mediterranean Sea voyage is one of the most splendid sea crossings in the world.

From Saranda, the port city in Albania to Corfu, the ferry only takes about an hour.

Did you like what you saw in the video?

Similarly, ferries take a little more than an hour from Igoumenitsa to Corfu. Igoumenitsa is the chief port city on Greece’s northwest coast. It acts as a gateway to Albania and Italy too.

Italy’s Brindisi city is located 235 km from Greece’s Igoumenitsa.  The voyage takes more than 8 hours.

Brief history:

Corfu, sitting between Albania, and Italy was ruled by a few foreign reigns that included British, and Venetian rulers.

It was liberated from the English in 1864.

14 Must-Visit Places in Corfu Island, Greece: A Traveler’s Paradise!

Most visited attractions in Corfu.

1. Old Fortress

Isn’t the fortress impressive? In addition, its location was very thoughtfully chosen. The strategic position of the defensive fortress on a promontory was brilliantly conceived by the Venetian rulers.

Let us know who has occupied the fort apart from the Venetians.

• French
• Septinsular (Russian and Ottoman)
• British

You must go around the fort in a boat to admire its structure. I wonder why such defensive buildings are not built in the modern world.

The channel of sea, between the fort and the city of Corfu, was used to thwart attacks from the enemies. It’s a perfect, natural moat.

Now, do you understand the supremacy of the solid, defensive fortress?

2. Church of St. George

The church is built within the premises of the fort. The pillars of the church convey whose architecture it is. It is Greek written all over it-right?

3. Spianada Circle

It’s a public square that is similar to the Italian ‘piazza’.

The picture indicates, the old building now serves as a curbside restaurant.

Within the large square, you can see fantastic monuments such as the

• Maitland Monument
• Union of Ionian Islands Monument

The historic Venetians were adept at building fountains that lasted centuries

• Venetian period fountain.

Spianada Square is one of the important attractions in Corfu.

A few more buildings of the classic Venetian era that you should see on Corfu Island:

• Town Hall
• Museum of Asian Art
• Michael Palace
• George Palace
• Paleokastritsa Monastery

Like all the monasteries in Greece, this also sits on an elevated plateau, from where you get a breathtaking view of the Ionian Sea.

It is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Corfu.

• Byzantine Museum

The museum’s displays are extraordinary. It is certainly a must-visit attraction in Corfu.

• Church of Antivouniotissa (the Byzantine Museum is housed in the church)

The church was dedicated to worship the Holy Mother of God, Antivouniotissa.

• Municipal Art Gallery

Art galleries are predominant tourist landmarks in France, Greece, and Italy.

4. Achilleion Palace

Here is something interesting to raise your eyebrows. The impressive palace was built for the Empress of Austria. Her name was Elisabeth (notice the odd spelling). Incidentally, she was the queen of Hungary.

Sadly, she was assassinated in 1898. She used to come to Greece and spent some time in the palace during summer.

The palace’s location is also odd. Instead of the heart of Corfu city, it is built about 10 km away, on the outskirts.

The palace was built with a large balcony that faces the Corfu city and the Ionian Sea, beyond. It is a vantage point to see the sunrise.

5. Church of St. Spyridon

The video captured both the church’s interior and locational beauty. The street leading to the church is a typical scene on any Greek island, narrow and houses lining both sides.

6. Pontikonisi Island

What a spectacular sight!

It is also known as Mouse Island that every tourist to Corfu Island will certainly pay a visit.

As you can see, the island is tiny, comprising just 2.5 acres! I think the island is a misnomer. It should be called an ‘islet’ only.

The island is 10 km south of Corfu. You can reach the place on a boat,

Oh, it looks like a barge to me. One can lie down at the island’s edge and sleep overnight. Can you get such another place to sleep in the world?

7. Day trip visit to Albania.

In less than 2 hours, you can visit another country from Corfu Island, Greece. The ferry needs to cover a distance of only 26 km!

You will be crossing the narrow Strait of Corfu to reach the shores of Albania.

Saranda, a port city in Albania is your day trip destination from Corfu. There is an ancient Greek city on the other side of the Ionian Sea and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The site’s name is Butrint and there are the ruins of it, which was once an acropolis of Greece.

Please know that the word ‘acropolis’ is not a name given to a specific landmark, but it points to a fortified place, usually a city.

8. Beaches

It is literally countless. On all four sides of the island, the lovely beaches beckon you. If you still insist on knowing how many beaches are there, a Greek official site says it is 70.

Every tourist to Corfu island spends at least three days on the island and visits two to three beaches daily, and still rue his decision to have booked the return flight in just 3 days.

Here are the names of a few beaches:

• Paleokastritsa Beach

It’s a beach with the backdrop of jagged cliffs. A typical Greek coastal scene with white sand.

Windsurfing is very popular here. It is a very good reason to pull hundreds of water sports enthusiasts.

• Sidari Beach
• Kassiopi Beach

You can stay near this beach because there are a lot of taverns. A tavern is what a ‘restobar’ is to the Americans.

• Glyfada Beach
• Ermones Beach

Some beaches are very close to the city roads, In such instances, the beach area is small.

• Agios Gordios Beach

You need to travel bit to go a village called Agios Gordios. It lies abutting the west coast of Corfu. Somehow, the beach is so serene and picturesque that tourists go there in large numbers.

The serenity probably originates from the Ionian Sea that is rather calm here. It is almost a lagoon and hence, suitable for carrying your kayak or canoe, and go out into the sea, even alone.

The small paddle boats are let out for hire. In addition, pedal boats are also available. Pedalos need to person to sit side by side and do the pedaling.

While these boating trips are for beginners, veterans take to water skiing, an adventure that cannot be explained but only to feel.

Snorkeling is also possible for trepid beach goers.

Paragliding is an adrenaline pumping water sport.

Other fun rides in the water include banana boat rides, and floating on inflatables.

So many water-based activities are possible in Agios Gordios Beach.

In fact, a couple of kilometers away, there is an amusement park-rather, a water theme park. It offers nearly 40 slides, and rides!

9. Visit a few more fishermen’s villages.

If you join local organized tours in Corfu, you will be first taken to the Agios Gordios village.

After letting you enjoy the beach sports for two hours, you will then visit Paleokastritsa and Pelekas villages located near the sea.

One or two vineyards will be on your agenda. Look forward to some wine-tasting experience.

10. Island Hopping

Corfu is a wonderful place to go island hopping. Here are some of the islands that the organized ferry tours take you to.

• Diapontia Islands (12 island chain that are located only 10 km away. Only 3 islands are inhabited)
• Paxi
• Paxos
• Antipaxos
• Zakynthos
• Ithaka
• Lefkada
• Meganisi
• Vidos-this is an islet that is invariably deserted. You can still step onto its shore, and explore the calm, floating land. Maybe you can spot an Albatross pair!

You can even dream of stepping onto the island of Santorini, Greece’s top visited island. However, you have to cross the sea for 13 hours!

11. Kassiopi Castle

An important castle for the Greeks as it was from where the Greeks fought with the Venetians long ago. Kassiopi Castle is located on the northeast coast of Corfu, facing the Corfu Channel.

This narrow sea channel is the dividing factor between Albania as well as Greece from the island of Corfu.

12. Takeda Shrine

I could not place the presence of Japan anywhere in Greece but still, this Shinto religion temple exists on the island.

It is an all-wood temple and one of the big attractions in Corfu. I think the attraction is mainly out of curiosity about a Shinto temple on a Greek island where the Orthodox Christian religion prevails.

I am more surprised to know that the Takeda Temple was built only during 1919!

I am sure there must be a history behind this Japanese temple on Corfu Island.

13. Angelokastro

What a scenic as well as strategic location of a fortress built for defensive purposes!

The cliff, the steep path, and the summit look ominous and inaccessible.

However, people take some strain to reach up to the top and get a jaw-dropping scene of the Ionian Sea, below.

14. Hiking and other adventure sports.

The island’s mountains invite hikers and bikers with numerous trails. I am sure the activity is filled with several sea-view spots.

The sea is surfers’ friendly. Sailing is a rich man’s water sports.  Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular adventures.

What to buy in Corfu Island?

You can buy pure, and organic olive oil, and olive fruits, directly from the Olive Farm.

I am certain, you will love the fresh taste of locally brewed wine that you can purchase a couple of bottles.

Jams are easy buys on any island because, they are made at homes using, home grown seasonal fruits.

Organized Tours in Corfu

I read that in order to thoroughly enjoy Corfu Island, you need to take one or two cruise tours, and at least one land tour of the island.

For your reference, I give below some of the tours on Corfu that you can book in advance.

• Corfu Private Yacht Cruise Tour
• Sunset viewing boat tour
• Paramotor flight

This is also known as paragliding that is powered.  You are as usual harnessed as a paraglider.

In addition, you carry a motor right on your back! Isn’t it unheard of? The engine is fitted with a propeller!

Man! You become a flight instead of flying in a flight!

You might ask, ‘where is the accelerator’? It is clutched by your hand. After all, both of your hands are free since you are firmly harnessed by the nylon ropes to the parachute.

Is it a safe adventure sport?

Yes, of course. It is considered very safe, and also easy.

• Tanden paragliding

People like me who are terrified to fly alone in an open flight, have a chance to see the Ionian Islands from above by paragliding in tandem.

An experienced paraglider sits with you. He navigates the glider and you just relax and enjoy flying in an open flight.

This is another organized adventure tour on Corfu Island.

• Barbeque on the boat

There is nothing like enjoying a ride in the sea and eating grilled meat swallowed by beer.

• Bus tour

This form of excursion is the most popular way to see around a tourist destination.

• ATV tour

There is an All Terrain Vehicle tour. You join a fleet of tourists, and off you all go on a marked path. Either in between or at the end of the refreshing ride on an ATV, you are treated to a Greek lunch.

When is the best time to visit Corfu Island?

June to September is great for those who love to spend time on the beach and in the water.

What to eat in Corfu Island?

What to taste in Corfu. What are local delicacies on the island of Corfu that saw several foreign rulers? The proximity of Albania (a Balkan country) should have some influence on Corfu kitchens. As a matter of fact, even Greece is also considered a Balkan country,

• Pastitsada

This is widely sold all over the island. It is a stew, made with beef meat or pork meat.

A stew normally contains vinegar. This dish is no exception. However, the notable exclamatory ingredient is the white wine.

Have you ever tasted a stew that contained white wine?

Pastitsada also has olive oil, one of the major ingredients in Greek food. Onion and cinnamon are added as flavouring agents.

A bowl of Pastidsada is kept before your order of pasta arrives at the dining table.

The name has a Venetian origin. It is mostly served only on Corfu.

• Bourdeto

Can you guess about this dish? It is a fish cooked with a paste of red chili. The unknown fact is the kind of fish used.

In Corfu’s restaurants, generally, ‘scorpionfish’ is used.

I read this fish, as its name suggests, is a venomous one.

The dish is a hot and sweet one that tastes a bit tangier because of the addition of lemon juice.

• Gialetia

It is the Greek version of an Indian sweet made with suji, ghee, and jaggery. Instead of using suji, the Greek chefs use corn flour.

For extra flavour, orange juice is also added during the cooking stage. Another flavor you can detect is vanilla.

I think the circular pancake is soaked in honey for some sometime.

Ah, that should be truly lip-smacking!

• Npumboulo

This is a cured meat that goes into an elaborate process of marination, and frying. It is a spicy dish served for lunch or dinner.

The base meat is a pork veil.  The marinating paste also contains wine. Definitely, Corfu is an engaging, and captivating Greek Island. The island has a rich history, diverse culture, fantastic seascapes, and a range of water, and aerial sports.