Best places to visit in CORFU

Planning a trip to Corfu and wondering what are the best places to visit in Corfu?

Corfu is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, just off the West coast of Greece. Boasting a mild Mediterranean climate, the island attracts sun-seekers from all around the world. Besides the great weather, Corfu is known for its splendid views due to the majestic cliffs and breathtaking greenery — millions of olive trees, lush hillsides and cliffs covered in lush vegetation. In fact, the island is known as the greenest Greek island.

Corfu won’t leave you disappointed as it’s full of surprises. Idyllic towns rich with history and culture, beautiful beaches, monasteries, castles and mountains. Sounds interesting? 

Check out our list of some of the best things to do in Corfu for some travel inspiration!

7 best places to visit in Corfu

Corfu Town (Kerkyra)

corfu town

Corfu Town is one of the most beautiful cities in Greece.

It is the capital of Corfu, as well as the capital of the Ionian Islands. Being the largest and most populated town of the Ionian islands, Corfu Town is a major tourist attraction. The city boasts a marvellous Old Town which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Town of Corfu has its roots in the 8th century BC and was influenced by many cultures including Venetian.

With its narrow streets, old buildings and restaurants, Corfu’s atmospheric Old Town is one of the best places to visit in Corfu.

Visit the fortifications of Corfu Town. The Old Venetian Fortress boasts incredible views of the town and bay. The New Venetian Fortress also offers beautiful views of the area.

Explore The Bazaar of Corfu Old Town and marvel at the Church of St. Spyridon. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Corfu to learn more about Corfu’s long past.

The Vlacherna Monastery

The Vlacherna Monastery

Located on a tiny islet, the Vlacherna Monastery is one of the prettiest places in Corfu. 

The close proximity to the main town of Corfu makes it a popular tourist destination. As the monastery is located so close to the island’s airport, the monastery is also a great place for plane spotting as it offers views of airport traffic overhead.

From the Vlacherna Monastery, you can see Pontikonisi — the “Mouse Island” with its tiny Byzantine chapel of Pantokrator. You can get a boat to the “Mouse Island” from the little harbour near the monastery.

Cape Drastis & Loggas beach

Cape Drastis & Loggas beach

Cape Drastis is a small peninsula at the northwest tip of Corfu island.

It is known for its gorgeous beaches, picturesque cliffs and rock formations. The dramatic cliffs of Cape Drastis are among the best places to visit in Corfu.

Loggas is a very scenic beach with great views, situated near Cape Drastis. Backed by imposing white cliffs, the beach is known as a beautiful sunset spot.

If you are visiting this area, definitely do not miss Kanali tou Erota (Canal d’amour) which is located nearby. It is a small, romantic beach situated in between rock formations. The local legend says that if a couple swims the length of the canal, they will stay in love forever. The legend also has it that if a single person swims to the end of the canal, they will find the love of their life.

Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa corfu

Palaiokastritsa is a village in northwestern Corfu.

Set among the verdant green hills, Palaiokastritsa is considered as one of the most picturesque villages on the island. The village is well known for its monastery and beaches.

Paleokastritsa has several beaches. The best ones are: Agios Spiridon, Agios Petros, Ampelaki, Agia Triada, Platakia and Lagrotta.

Do not miss the scenic hilltop Monastery Paleokastritsa and the Blue Eye Cave — must-see places in the Paleokastritsa area. Paleokastritsa viewpoint offers sweeping views of the town and surrounding bays.

Angelokastro

Angelokastro

Angelokastro is a Byzantine castle at the top of a steep hill.

The castle stands 305 m on a steep cliff above the sea and offers dramatic views of the island, mountains and ocean. The complex comprises several historical buildings: a citadel, temple, tower, chapel and fortifications.

Angelokastro is one of the most important Byzantine castles in Greece.

Porto Timoni

Porto Timoni corfu

Porto Timoni is a stony beach in a secluded, double bay with clear waters for snorkelling. 

The beach can be accessed by a steep, rocky path or taxi boat. The viewpoint at the top of the hill offers spectacular views of the double bay and turquoise sea. 

Due to the uniqueness of the area, Porto Timoni is one of the best places to visit in Corfu.

Mount Pantokrator

Mount Pantokrator

Mount Pantokrator is a mountain located in north-eastern Corfu. 

At 906 metres, Pantokrator is the highest mountain in Corfu. The summit offers sweeping views of the whole island. On clear days, you can see Albania which lies a short distance from the island. If it’s a particularly clear day, you may also see Italy in the distance.

To get to the summit of Mount Pantokrator, you can either drive or hike to the top. If you choose to hike, one of the best places to start from is Corfu’s oldest village — Old Perithia.

Best places to visit in CORFU

Corfu travel tips

  1. Corfu is an island in Greece (a member country of the EU). You don’t need a visa to travel to Corfu if you come from the EU or one of the Schengen visa waiver countries.
  2. As Corfu is a popular holiday destination, it may get very crowded, especially during the high season. Visit Corfu during the shoulder season when the island experiences fewer crowds.
  3. The shoulder season in Corfu is — April to May and September to November. High season — in summer.
  4. If you travel during the high season, book your flight and accommodation well in advance.
  5. Olives are an important part of Corfu’s economy. It is believed that there are around 4 million olive trees on the island, some of them hundreds of years old. Corfu is known for its extra virgin olive oil of exceptional quality, so the olive tour is one of the best things to do in Corfu.
  6. Travelling around Corfu by local bus is the best budget option. 
  7. You can rent a car in Corfu, but just remember, that roads are narrow and winding. Rent a small car — it will be easier for you to park and drive in these conditions.
  8. Greek cuisine is amazing. The food is mouth-watering and super filling, so for the best dining experience – go where the locals go. The greatest meals travellers have had while travelling in Greece were from local tavernas.