Situated in the heart of the Ionian sea, close to the Albanian coast, and not far from mainland Greece, the well-liked Corfu is popular with Greeks and a favorite vacation destination for many Europeans.

Often counted among the best islands to visit in Greece, Corfu provides endless attractions, things to do, and places to discover.

The island is a friendly solo travel destination as well.

It features a picturesque old town that is listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage Monuments, countless amazing beaches paired with a long hot weather season. In addition, there are mountains, cliffs, and valleys catering to outdoor experiences plus the mouthwatering Greek food with Italian twists.

If you’re planning to travel to Corfu for your next Greek escape, then bookmark this guide to the best things to do in Corfu (+ where to stay) so you enjoy a great time during your vacation on the island.

 

Travel to Corfu – Complete Guide

General Information Corfu

The island of Corfu is 230 square miles in total and it’s about 40 miles long.

The highest peak on the island is Mount Pantocrator (2,972 feet).

Is located on the Ionian Sea, it has a coastline of more than 130 miles, and is about 50 minutes by ferry from the Greek port of Igoumenitsa.

Corfu is also fairly close to the southern portion of Albania, just off the coast of Saranda.

The island is locally known by its Greek name, Kerkyra, while the term Corfu has Italian origins.

The northern part of the island has a mountainous landscape that clearly contrasts with the flat southern coast.

Corfu is close to the Greek island of Kefalonia.

And Corfu is a great place to visit for those interested in European history.

From Medieval times and well into the seventeenth century, the island was among the most important opponents of the Ottoman Empire, a threatening conquering nation in the Mediterranean.

Famous for its impressive defensive systems, Corfu is one the most fortified places on the continent, featuring castles and fortifications that the Venetian Republic used to defend to avoid the Ottoman Empire from conquering Italy and the Adriatic Coast.

The island was also under British Rule and in the 1700s ceded to the French. As a consequence, Corfu breathes a multicultural atmosphere, with clear cultural influences left by different civilizations. Corfu became part of Greece in 1864.

 

How to Get to Corfu

If you’ve landed in the capital of Greece, the best way to get to Corfu is by plane as there are no ferries from Athens.

It is also possible to travel to Corfu by car or bus, first reaching the coastal town of Igoumenitsa or the port of Patras, and then boarding a ferry.

Although this last alternative can cut costs, it can also add too many hours of traveling time to your itinerary. In fact, the ferry trip Patras to Corfu can take more than seven hours.

The international Airport of Corfu receives regular and charter flights from the most important European cities, and it is located under five minutes from the capital of the island.

If you’re reaching Corfu from outside the European Union, you can board a plane in Athens to land in Corfu only 55 minutes after.

Another popular alternative to getting to Corfu is to travel by boat from the coast of Italy, there are ferries that depart from Venice, and Bari, two important Italian ports in the Adriatic.

 

Corfu for Solo Travelers

Corfu is a fantastic and very safe destination for solo travelers.

Not as glamorous as Santorini nor as cosmopolitan as Mykonos, the island of Corfu perfectly balances the amount of beach time, moderate night entertainment, and relaxing opportunities you might be looking for.

Counted among the biggest Greek Islands, Corfu is a bit more than just a beach destination.

In Corfu, it is possible to visit a plethora of museums, discover local products in factories that are open to the public, or go shopping in small but gorgeous artisan shops.

There are several day trips and excursions available almost all year round, making it easy for solo travelers to find entertaining things to do any time of the day.

The island is easy to explore either by rental car, public transport, or organized tours while the local population is very hospitable and friendly, often going out of their way to make visitors feel at home and provide invaluable help in case of need.

 

Where to Stay in Corfu

It’s a good idea to define your priorities before looking for the right place to stay in Corfu.

Consider the time of the year you visit Greece as well as what things you would like to enjoy once at the destination when determining which is the best area for your Corfu vacation.

You can choose to stay in the Old Town if you are keen on walking and discovering museums and historical sites, and if you prefer to walk instead of spending tons of time on the road.

If you like to be in close contact with nature, there are a few magnificent mountain villages where you can spend your time.

They not only provide stunning views of both the island and the coast but you will also be surrounded by the lush and unusually green landscape of Corfu.

Instead, if you’re a beach fan and cannot be too far from the sea, then choose one of the many coastal towns that will allow you to reach the best shores of Corfu within walking distance.

 

Old Town of Corfu

The place is perfect for active travelers that want to experience the gastronomic scene of the island with its many restaurants and bars as well as discover the fortresses and main museums, go shopping, and remain quite close to the airport.

The area of the old town is home to hundreds of vacation rental apartments that are very convenient, one of them is the Cosy Old Port Apt in Old Town, it is located near the Municipal Gallery and Saint Spyridon Church.

The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a kitchen with a microwave, a fridge, an oven, and a coffee machine.

And in case you need it, there is a paid shuttle airport service and a car rental service as well.

Book a room at Cosy Old Port Apt in the heart of Corfu!

 

Ypsos Town

Located on the eastern coast of the island, this is a well-developed seaside village with enough attractions, restaurants, and resorts for travelers not to get bored.

The village is no more than 15 kilometers from Corfu Old Town so you will be close enough to the city center for more dining options and nightlife fun.

The place attracts young travelers with its many shops, clubs, pubs, and bars as well as international restaurants. To make it even more attractive, there is a gorgeous, shallow beach where several water sports are also available.

Located within a very short distance from the beach, Apollo Studios features small units with a fully equipped kitchenette, a terrace or balcony as well as an outdoor pool with a garden.

Reserve a room at Apollo Studios now!

Kassiopi Village

A perfect seaside resort with interesting landmarks to visit, Kassiopi is about 35 km from the Old Town of Corfu and it offers the perfect balance between great beaches, attractions, and gastronomic venues, as well as amazing views of Mount Pantocrator and the Albanian coast.

If you’re looking for a comfy and affordable place to stay in the area, I suggest you look at Kalimera Apartments.

The place is just a 2-minute walk from the beach. It features self-catering units only minutes from the center of the harbor. There is also a gorgeous pool at the property with sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as a pool bar.

Reserve now at Kalimera Apartments!

Sidari

Among the best sights on the island are located close to the world-famous Canal d’Amour and the pristine beaches that surround the area. But not everything is about the sights over here.

You will also find a fun atmosphere with several bars, clubs, and restaurants, some of them right by the sea.

In the beaches around this village, it is also possible to practice water sports. Sidari Beach Hotel is a convenient hotel just a 10-minute walk from the beach.

It overlooks the stunning vistas of the famous Canal d’Amour which you can admire from the comfort of your private balcony.

The property features elegant rooms decorated in white and beige tones, offering comfy beds and a mini bar.

And if you’re not in the mood to go out, you can take advantage of the hotel’s Mediterranean restaurant, as well as a bar that organizes exclusive entertainment shows.

Book your room at Sidari Beach Hotel now!

Paleokastritsa

Probably the most relaxing and gorgeous seaside village in Corfu, Paleokastritsa is a fantastic and tranquil resort featuring five amazing beaches with stunning sea caves to explore.

The place is perfect for water sports including paddle boats and kayaking.

The area also features good restaurants, an interesting aquarium, and a few souvenir shops worth stopping by.

There are many day trips you can take from Paleokastritsa as well, making it a great base to check out the best of Corfu.

If you’d like to stay in a beachfront property, then I recommend you look into Thomas Beach Studios.

The guest house offers rooms with a terrace or balcony, while the hotel restaurant prepares a delicious daily breakfast and traditional Corfiot meals.

The hotel is located about 14 kilometers from Corfu Town.

Check rates and make a reservation at Thomas Beach Studios now!

 

Best Places to See and Things to Do in Corfu

The perfect destination for travelers of any age, Corfu features great beaches, incredible landscapes, and interesting attractions.

If you’re planning to explore the island by car, you will be surprised by how easy it is to move around and decide on your own itinerary.

Let’s now explore some of the top things to do in Corfu during your getaway to Greece.

Old Town of Corfu

The capital of the island is home to an important old town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can easily spend time wandering the pedestrian cobblestone alleys, visiting unique churches, and certainly also exploring the old Venetian fortress right by the sea or admiring the ancient and elegant Venetian buildings.

Instead, if you would like to also meet and exchange experiences with other travelers, why not check out an organized walking tour of the city?

Start by walking along on the Esplanade, flanked by the incredibly beautiful fortresses dating from the sixteenth century.

In the area, you can check the Liston, a magnificent arcade that was constructed during the French period of Corfu, mirroring the world-famous Rue de Rivoli located in Paris.

Move on to visit the Church of Saint Spyridon, patron saint of the island, featuring a one-of-a-kind bright red, double-domed, Renaissance bell tower.

The religious building dates back to 1580 and hosts the relics of the saint.

When in the church, do check out the incredible stucco works on the ceiling as well as the incredibly rich wooden icons.

 

Mount Pantocrator

If you’re up for an original day trip, then pay a visit to the northern portion of the island to admire the landscape from Corfu’s highest peak.

The peak, which can be accessed by road, stands at a bit more than 900 meters, and once at the top, you can enjoy a cup of Greek coffee at the bar situated at the summit or even visit the seventeenth-century monastery in the area.

If you don’t really feel like driving the impressive mountain road, facing jaw-dropping cliffs or hairpin turns, then an organized tour will take off the stress from you so that you can enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving up the mountain.

Achilleion Palace

One of the most sumptuous places you can visit in Corfu is the Achilleion, a palace located about 10 kilometers out of town.

It dates from 1888, this is when the Empress of Austria, Elisabeth of Bavaria ordered the construction of the lavish summer residence built in Neoclassical Style.

On the premises, you can see classical statues inspired by the Greek hero Achilles and other mythological characters, surrounded by well-curated gardens with palm trees, refreshing water fountains, and marble columns.

 

Canal d’Amour

Another landmark not to miss on the island is located in Sidari. Known by its French name, Canal d’Amour, this channel features a long creek with odd rock walls and formations.

Not far from the entrance to the creek, there is a tunnel through which you can easily swim on days with no wind.

The channel receives its name (Love Channel in English) due to the legend that says that couples swimming through the channel are bound to get married.

Despite the myth, your marital status doesn’t really matter, you will likewise enjoy the experience of swimming through the channel alone, with friends, or with family.

Paleokastritsa

Another unmissable thing to do in Corfu is to spend at least a whole day in the seaside village of Paleokastritsa, devoting time both to the incredible beaches of the area as well as the imposing Monastery of Paleokastritsa with unique views of the crystalline waters of the Ionian.

Nestled among rocky cliffs and sea caves but also surrounded by a rich green landscape, Paleokastritsa is a collection of five terrific bays of unique beauty.

The area is perfect for swimming or simply exploring the coastline with a rental boat or a kayak.

 

Ypsos Beach

If the rocky formations of Paleokastritsa or the imposing walls in Canal d’Amour are not your cup of tea, then you’re certainly up for the next adventure: a day at the paradisiac Ypsos Beach.

Also known as Issos or Yssos, Ypsos is a magnificent open beach located in the southern part of the island.

The blue flag beach is located on a bay, bordered by dunes of golden sand while the sea is shallow and pristine. 

The beach features a naturist-friendly area, as well as the right conditions and tons of facilities to try your skills at water sports such as kite surfing or snorkeling.

Angelokastro

Another gorgeous site for those interested in the history of the island, the fortress of Angelokastro (meaning the castle of the angel), is a fantastic place to visit, which also gives you the opportunity to admire the magnificent views of the turquoise Ionian Sea.

The thirteenth-century fortress is situated on a rocky promontory, about 300 meters above the sea.

The best part of the visit includes the drive up to the fortification as well as the imposing defensive walls that surround what once was the capital of the island, back in the fourteenth century.

Kassiopi

If Greek fishing villages catch your attention, then a trip to Kassiopi is in order! This seaside settlement features both traditional traits as well as a cosmopolitan and at the same time fairly quiet vibe.

Kassiopi is right in the heart of a peninsula surrounded by pristine waters and small coves that you can also visit.

In the center of the village, the Castle of Kassiopi was one of the oldest fortifications around the island that played a key role in the defense of Corfu against the pirate attacks and sieges that went on for centuries.

Paxos Island and the Blue Caves

Having enough free time in Corfu also means jumping on a boat to explore the fantastic heavenly beaches on some of the many small islands that surround Corfu.

Paxos is one of those islands that you don’t want to miss.

Located off the coast of Corfu, the small island of Paxos is surrounded by magnificent rocky caves that boast spectacular shades of blue on their walls caused by the reflection of the crystal clear sea.

You can choose a tour that lets you jump off the boat and swim or go snorkeling and that, later on, takes you to discover the small villages scattered around the island, such as Gaios or Lakka.

Book a boat tour to Paxos from Corfu now!

Here you can taste some delicious seafood, splurge on some shopping, or simply enjoy a delicious portion of gelato by the sea.

Final Thoughts on Travel to Corfu

As you can tell, Corfu offers a lot besides beaches, making it one of the best Greek islands for a vacation for both relaxing and exploring. When you take a trip to Corfu you have many options for beaches as well as interesting historic sights with attractive architecture.

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