9 Best Things to Do in Corfu, Greece | Beaches & Sights

When it comes to unforgettable Greek island getaways, Corfu is a destination that offers sun-soaked beaches, ancient history, delicious food, a UNESCO World Heritage Site town, and vibrant local culture. Whether you’re looking to relax by the beach or dive into the island’s rich heritage, there are many things to do in Corfu that cater to every type of traveler. 

Locally known as Kerkyra, Corfu is one of the Ionian islands in the Ionian Sea west of mainland Greece. With six other principal and many smaller islands, this group of islands forms the border with Albania and is the closest to Italy. 

It’s not the typical Greek islands you see on social media. Instead, Corfu is the greenest island in the country, with olive groves, rolling hills, and cypress trees. It is elegant and unique among the country’s other islands, with a royal fusion of splendid architectural influences. 

For over 400 years, the island was under Venetian rule, and then it was passed to the governments of France, Britain, and Greece. This influence has played a significant role in the architecture of Corfu, featuring colorful Venetian-style houses, making you feel like you are somewhere else rather than Greece. Its charming architectural blend also resulted in Corfu’s Old Town being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The coastline here is everything you’d hope for from a Greek island—crystal-clear turquoise waters, golden sandy beaches, and charming pebble coves. 

With many things to do in Corfu, from wandering through the charming streets of Corfu Old Town to exploring the coastline by boat or on foot and discovering hidden coves, this Ionian gem will keep your Corfu itinerary packed for days and weeks. 

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This is a guest post by my nice Mariam, who spent summer vacation on Corfu Island.

Best things to do in Corfu 

Walk through the Corfu town

UNESCO-listed Corfu Old Town, often called Corfu Town or Kerkyra (its Greek name), is the island’s capital, featuring a maze of narrow streets where you can quickly lose yourself while exploring. However, the city itself lacks some tourist attractions, but wandering through its streets is the main thing to do here. 

Built by the Venetians, Corfu Town has a touch of Venetian charm with its warm yellow and orange buildings and cobblestone streets. 

Head to the heart of town for all the action, where you’ll find bustling shops, lively cafes, and restaurants filled with locals and tourists. If you’re looking for souvenirs, stroll closer to the seaside to discover plenty of shops selling Corfu and Greek-themed trinkets.

Visit Corfu’s fortresses

One of the things to do in Corfu Old Town is to visit its two fortresses, Old and New. Unfortunately, I couldn’t see both, but I recommend you have enough time for them. 

The Old Fortress of Corfu is one of the best places to visit in Corfu, within a few minutes’ walking distance of the city center. This Venetian fort covers the peninsula, which initially contained the old town of Corfu that had appeared during the Byzantine era. 

Sitting atop the hill, the fort offers mesmerizing views of Garitsa Bay and the city. Moreover, a charming Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Church was built in the 19th century during British rule. The church was damaged in World War II and was renovated to its current state after it was rebuilt. 

• Opening hours: daily from 8 am to 8 pm (April 1st to October 31st); the rest of the months, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm daily. 
• Entrance fee: adults – 6 EUR

Perched atop St. Mark’s Hill, the New Venetian Fortress offers some of the best panoramic views of Corfu Old Town and the harbor. Construction began in 1572, but it took several decades to complete this massive structure, which remains one of Greece’s most well-preserved fortresses today.

The New Fort is a short walk from the center, just like the Old Fortress. Once there, take a moment to appreciate the intricate details, such as Venetian lions guarding the gates.

• Opening hours: Wed-Mon from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm; Closed on Tuesdays
• Entrance fee: FREE

Walk along the Liston 

Liston Square is an excellent spot to wander and see the Venetian, British, and French architectural-style buildings. This cute pedestrian area in Corfu Town is perfect for a stroll along its beautiful arcades lining the street filled with cozy cafés and restaurants. 

From the square, narrow streets lead to many souvenirs. Corfu is famous for its Kumquat liqueur and its olive wood souvenirs; you’ll find many shops selling them. When I entered one of the shops, I was even offered a chance to taste the liqueur.

Spend time in its museums

When thinking of what to do in Corfu, don’t overlook its interesting and quirky museums, such as the Serbian Museum, Corfu Museum of Asian Art, Museum of Banknotes, and Byzantine Museum.

Serbian museum: dedicated to Serbian soldiers who fought during World War I and their contributions to the island. You’ll find various photographs, documents, and artifacts that tell the story of their journey and sacrifice. 

Corfu Museum of Asian Art: located within the beautiful Palace of St. Michael and St. George, this museum boasts an impressive collection of Asian artifacts, including Chinese ceramics, Japanese prints, and Indian textiles, making it one of the best spots for your Corfu itinerary. 

Museum of Banknotes: showcasing an extensive collection of banknotes worldwide. With over 3,000 banknotes on display, you’ll learn about the evolution of money and the fascinating stories behind different currencies.

Byzantine Museum: housed in a beautiful neoclassical building, features an impressive collection of Byzantine icons and religious artifacts reflecting the island’s rich Orthodox heritage. 

Admire the Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna

Lodged on a charming little island, this romantic, picturesque, and beautiful 17th-century Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna is one of the best places in Corfu. 

The monastery is also quite close to the Corfu airport, and with a couple of bars nearby, you can watch the planes land. It’s also an excellent spot for the sunset.

You can reach the monastery by leisurely walking towards it (around 45 minutes) from Corfu Town or by bus Number 2A (taking around 30 minutes). 

Enjoy beautiful sunsets

When wondering about Corfu activities for the evening, watching a sunset on this charming Greek Island should be on anyone’s list. 

While there are plenty of spots and viewpoints, for those who want to stay in Corfu town for the sunset, I recommend the coastal Arseniou street, which has unique and beautiful views, especially when the sun goes down.

For sweeping views of the Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna and the tiny island of Pontikonisi, head to Kanoni viewpoint. And if you’ve rented a car, the charming village of Paleokastritsa is another excellent choice for the sunset. 

Go on a boat trip to Paxos and Antipaxos

If you have enough time, one of the best things to do in Corfu is to take a boat trip to Paxos and Antipaxos Islands. The packaged day trip offers a visit to amazing caves and pure, crystal-clear blue waters. 

When sailing from and to Corfu, you see the city’s Venetian architecture from another angle, which makes this boat trip a different experience and something I enjoyed the most. It also has a hotel pick-up option – very convenient for those without a car as getting to the departure port in the morning is relatively challenging.  

The guide also gives you brief information about the islands you visit, and then, you have time to explore caves and spend around an hour swimming and enjoying the breathtaking views. 

The tour also includes visiting the small town of Gaios on Paxos island, where you have 2-2:30 hours of free time to spend however you want. I wandered the streets, bought some cute souvenirs, and ate lunch. 

The boat has a bar to order food and drinks (I ordered Fresh Slushy). Cards are accepted and the prices are reasonable, which I didn’t expect to be on the boat tour.  

Spend a few days relaxing on the beaches of Sidari

When considering where to go in Corfu for a beach vacation, consider the town of Sidari, located on the island’s northern part.

Kanali tou Erota is one of the famous beaches, but often overcrowded. I couldn’t find a spot on my visit, so I found a small and relatively peaceful D’Amour beach four minutes away. It also has many different bars and restaurants if you want to grab a drink with the view afterward. 

Near the D’Amour beach, there’s clay on the cliffs of the Canal D’Amour, which is considered beneficial for the skin and something locals typically do when bathing in the sea. 

Alternatively, Oceanis Hotel resort lets non-guests within its premises for a payment of 20 EUR for the entire day. The atmosphere is very nice, the views of the sea are stunning, and the price for the entrance includes the use of sunbeds and pools. The restaurant and a bar in the resort have reasonable prices. My Aperol, for instance, was 13 EUR.  

In the evening, go to Epar.Od. Doukades – Skripero street, full of bars, eateries, and souvenir shops. You’ll soon notice that Karaoke bars are trendy here. The Savannah Nightclub Sidari is a go-to place for late-night entertainment and dances, open only on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 12 am to 6 am.

If you can’t get in or your visit is on the day it’s closed, the One For The Road bar in front of the club offers delicious cocktails and live country music. The atmosphere is very nice, lively, and energetic.  

For accommodation, I booked Kapases Studios & Apartments for its convenient location. The apartment was a 7-minute from Apotripi and 15 minutes from Sidari beaches. 

Don’t skip a day trip to Kassiopi 

Kassiopi, located on the northeast coast of Corfu Island, is a small historic fishing village that today has luxury villas in its surrounding landscapes. The town has a Byzantine fortress, further strengthened by Venetians, and even survived sieges from the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century. 

I spent a day here mainly enjoying my time on Paralia Mpataria Beach, the most beautiful beach I’ve visited for my entire Corfu trip. The water was so clear that you could easily see the underwater world. From various shores of the town, including this beach, you can even see the coast and mountains of Albania.

Kassiopi Marina has beautiful views of the surroundings and serves delicious cold coffee with traditional liquor and tasty salmon sandwiches you can stop by for lunch or light dinner. 

If you are into jewelry, Pearl Jewellery Boutique II has many traditional items that make great souvenirs for yourself or loved ones. Besides that, Kassipi had the most beautiful souvenirs among the cities I’ve visited in Corfu. 

Where to eat in Corfu

Food in Corfu is delicious everywhere you go. With Italy just across the sea, it’s no surprise that Italian dishes often appear on the menus. However, being in Greece, it’s a shame not to try traditional Greek food with authentic flavors of the island. 

The prices in the restaurants are very reasonable, even in touristy places and resorts. Expect around 15-20 EUR per person, including a beverage. Portions are also quite big and easy to share if traveling with a friend, family, or a loved one. Pair your lunch or dinner with Corfu’s famous Ginger beer and kumquat liquor. 

Here are a few places to save for your Corfu trip. Avli in Corfu Town offers traditional Corfiot dishes and modern Greek cuisine. Try their Greek Meze of pork fillet with kumquat. 

The Venetian Well in Corfu Town is an elegant restaurant located in an old Venetian square. They serve Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a creative twist. 

Salto Wine Bar & Bistro in Corfu Town offers a modern take on traditional Greek cuisine, with a focus on local ingredients and a superb selection of Greek wines. 

Katerina’s Taverna in Sidari serves delicious Moussaka, traditional Greek snacks, spaghetti with seafood, and Psari Plaki (Greek fish meal).

Greek Taverna Konaki in Sidari is another excellent choice for grilled swordfish, Greek salad, Souvlaki, and Giouvesti octopus. All of these dishes were very well prepared and tasty. Octopus with tomato sauce, rice, and cheese was one of my favorite dishes from this trip. 

Corfu travel tips

Corfu, like many Greek islands, is very much a seasonal destination. Therefore, knowing a few things is good to help you plan for an unforgettable Corfu visit. This section provides all the essential Corfu travel tips, including how to get to Corfu, the best time to visit, where to stay, and what to pack. Click on each title to reveal the text.

One important tip is that many local websites for public transport timelines (such as KTEL Kerkyras bus) are inaccessible outside Greece. Therefore, I suggest having a VPN (I use Surfshark) to use local websites whenever needed. 

How many days to spend in Corfu

Determining how many days to spend in Corfu solemnly depends on what you want to do here – have an entire beach holiday, a mix of relaxation and cultural sights, or a fully immersive journey through the island’s history and culture. 

While a weekend can give you a taste of the island’s charm, to fully absorb yourself in its beauty and experience the best things to do in Corfu, I recommend at least 3 to 5 days.

This allows time to relax on its stunning beaches, explore Corfu Old Town’s rich history, do Corfu sightseeing of its iconic landmarks such as Achillion Palace, indulge in local cuisine, and even take a day trip to nearby islands. 

I spent 7 days in Corfu in total – two days in Corfu town and then moved to Sidari, a town in the northern part of Corfu island. 

What to pack for Corfu

Consider light and comfortable clothes when planning a summer vacation in Corfu, Greece. The island’s Mediterranean climate means you’ll want breathable floral and colorful dresses, swimwear for those stunning beaches, and comfy shoes/sandals (Check out Teva walking shoes or sandals) for wandering the charming streets and walking on some of the rocky shores. 

Remember a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun, especially during summer. If you plan on visiting historical sites or monasteries, it’s a good idea to pack a light scarf or cover-up for a more modest dress. 

A few other things to pack for Corfu beyond the obvious ones are: 

• Snorkel Gear: with crystal-clear water, the coast of Corfu Island is a perfect place for snorkeling and seeing the underwater world. 
• Travel Beach Towel: I travel with this quick-drying towel that also serves as a scarf or cover-up when needed.
• Phone bag: for taking photos with your phone while enjoying water activities, swimming, and boat tours.
• Adapter: if you are traveling from a non-European country.
• Power Bank: for having your electronics on charge for the entire day.

How to get to Corfu

Flight: Depending on where you live, getting to Corfu shouldn’t be a problem. Corfu’s international airport, Ioannis Kapodistrias, serves many airlines such as Ryanair, Aegean Airlines, EasyJet,  Sky Express, etc.

There are direct flights from Germany, Italy, the UK, Poland, France, and Spain, to name a few. Use Skyscanner to find the best-suited flight to Corfu.

If you can’t find a direct flight, you can quickly get a from Athens, the capital of Greece, with a few flights during the day. I flew from Tbilisi, Georgia with Aegean Airlines and had a short connection in Athens. From Athens, it took an hour to land in Corfu. 

Ferry: From mainland Greece, you can get to Corfu either from Igoumenitsa or Patras. From Igoumenitsa, ferries depart daily and take 1:30hrs to reach Corfu. From Patras, the ferry runs twice a week, taking 7:30hrs. 

If you are in nearby countries, you can also find ferries from a few Italian cities, including Bari, Ancota, Venetia, and Mprintezi, Albania’s Sarandë town, and other Ionian Islands to Corfu Town port. 

Best time to visit Corfu

Corfu can be a year-round destination, depending on your interests and what you want out of your vacation. Therefore, timing is the key to experiencing the island at its best. 

Late spring and early summer, particularly May to June, see warm weather but not too hot, making it perfect for exploring Corfu’s beaches. It’s also the ideal season for hiking in the lush landscapes or wandering through Corfu Old Town. The crowds are smaller compared to peak summer, giving you more space to enjoy the island.

For those who prefer a more vibrant atmosphere, the best time to visit Corfu is in July or August. However, this peak tourist season has big crowds, higher temperatures, and busy beaches. At this time, the island is livelier and things to do on Corfu expand to include water sports and boat trips.

I spent the last week of August in Corfu, and while Corfu Town felt slightly crowded elsewhere on the island, including the beaches, it was fine. However, if you really don’t like crowded places, consider going in the shoulder or off-season. 

Alternatively, September or October is another best time to visit Corfu as the weather remains warm and the streets quieter. 

If you plan to visit during the off-season (November-March), it’s good to know that many businesses, including restaurants and attractions, close their doors. Public transportation is also scarce depending on where you want to go.

Corfu’s tropical-like climate brings more rain than other Greek islands, especially in the fall and winter months. While summers are typically hot and dry, you might encounter some wet days in the spring and autumn. 

Where to stay in Corfu

My friend and I rented out this Airbnb near the airport, which had a great location and was easy to get around from here. I even walked to the apartment once I landed, taking me around 15 minutes to get there. 

However, if you prefer alternative accommodation options, here are a few hotels in Corfu Island to consider booking. 

The Pink Palace: Located near Agios Gordios Beach, this fun, budget-friendly hotel on Corfu Island is ideal for backpackers and solo travelers. It offers both private rooms and dormitories. 

Bella Venezia: This charming hotel is located in a restored neoclassical mansion in Corfu Town. The elegant rooms are cozy yet sophisticated, and its central location makes exploring the city’s historic sites easy. 

Art Hotel Debono: Located in Gouvia, this 4-star hotel offers modern, spacious rooms surrounded by lush gardens and olive trees. The hotel has a large swimming pool and is close to Gouvia Beach, making it ideal for a peaceful getaway while still being a short drive from Corfu Town. 

Akrotiri Beach Hotel: Perched on a clifftop with panoramic views of Paleokastritsa Bay, each hotel room has a private balcony.  You can enjoy your time at its infinity pool or easily access two beautiful beaches, making it a perfect base for exploring the coast.

Corfu Palace Hotel: Located in Corfu Town, this 5-star hotel boasts stunning views of Garitsa Bay. The stylish rooms come with classic décor and marble bathrooms. The on-site spa, fine dining options, and proximity to the Old Town make it perfect for both cultural exploration and relaxation. 

How to get around Corfu

Corfu is a pretty large island, so renting a car is the most convenient way to get around. While buses are available, they can be slow and might not directly go to the places in Corfu you want to visit. 

However, the island is still well connected with city blue and intercity green buses that take visitors to the most touristic villages, beaches, Corfu ports, and an airport. During the peak season, extra routes are added to these lines. Check out the Corfu city bus website for more information.