Sightseeing in Corfu
The classic Greek island beauty that is Corfu has long drawn mariners, conquerors and artists to its shores.
This diverse destination in the Ionian Sea captures the hearts of travellers from around the world. You can relax on sandy beaches, swim in gin-clear seas, stroll through a fascinating Old Town, admire historical sites, visit museums, hike across forested hills, walk around traditional villages and indulge in hearty local dishes. The Venetians, French and English all ruled over the island and their legacy can be seen in the island’s architecture, cultural attractions and gastronomy.
Families adore the island for the warm hospitality shown by locals, couples for its romantic capital and solo travellers for its breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and activities on offer.
Lush hills, sandy beaches and blue-green seas
Blessed with hillsides thick with pine, cypress and eucalypt forests that tumble down to blue-green seas, Corfu is a nature and beach lover’s dream.
Beaches on the west coast include unspoilt Agios Georgios Pagon, out-of-the-way Ermones, striking Paleokastritsa, Glyfada and remote Myrtiotissa. In the east, choose from laidback Barbati, tiny Kouloura and Dassia, whose translucent waters and striking mountain views rank it among the island’s finest. In the south is wild Arkoudilas and bohemian kite-surfer magnet Halikounas. Sidari, in the northwest, is known for the Canal d’Amour and its impressive sandstone formations.
Flamingos and other migratory birds pass through the Alikes salt pans and Korission lagoon.
Movie-star pretty villages
On the verdant northeastern coast, seaside villages worth visiting include upscale Agios Stefanos, insider secret Kaminaki and minuscule Kalami, where British author Gerald Durrell once resided and penned books inspired by his time there.
In the north, the neighbouring traditional villages of Palia Perithea and Loutses offer spectacular views of fertile valleys and the sea.
Afionas, a traditional village on the west coast, is the perfect spot to stop for a coffee.
Action and adventure holidays on Corfu
One of the best ways to explore the western and eastern coasts of Corfu is by motorboat. Rent a boat in Dassia in the east or Paleokastritsa in the west and spend the day motoring along the coastline and discovery small tranquil coves ideal for a refreshing dip.
Action aficionados can water ski in Gouvia Bay or try paragliding in Dassia. Divers head to Paleokastritsa, where Achilleon Diving Center offers diving in a sheltered bay brimming with sea life. Apollo Dive Centre in Nissaki runs PADI courses for first-time divers.
Horse riding is available in Gouvia and Avlaki. among other locations.
Take a day trip on a sailboat to swim and snorkel in secluded bays, or a tour of the nearby twin isles of Paxi and Antipaxi, whose aquamarine waters need to be seen to be believed.
Corfu has an excellent network of hiking trails, including the Corfu Trail, the Erimitis path and the route to Pantokrator Mountain.
An old town with Venetian grace
The moment you step into Corfu’s atmospheric Old Town, a Unesco World Heritage site, you will feel as if you have been transported to another era. Kings, countesses and noblemen and women once walked these cobblestone streets.
The Venetians and British left their mark in the form of stately neoclassical mansions that have been well-preserved.
Lose yourself in the narrow alleyways of the Campiello neighbourhood, which is reminiscent of Naples’ sleepy back streets.