Guide To Corfu Island, Greece – Emerald Eye Of The Ionian Sea

Here is all the Corfu, Greece travel advice that you need. We’ve got a list of things to do on Corfu Island, top Corfu sites, and tips for where to stay on Corfu Island, Greece.

The history of Corfu is very long. Several foreign invaders have controlled it. Often mentioned in Greek mythology, Corfu later became a part of the Roman Empire and Byzantium.

Like Sicily, Genoa, and Venice, Lombards, Saracens, and Normans invaded it. In modern history, Corfu fell under British rule until it finally united with Greece in the 19th century.

What To Do & See On Corfu Island

Corfu Old Town, nestled between two forests, is an excellent starting point for exploring the island.

The long green square of Esplanade, the elegant arcade of Liston, St. Spiridon’s Church, and narrow Venetian-looking streets bustling with life and energy are a real treat for traveling explorers.

Explore Corfu Town

Corfu Town is UNESCO-listed because it’s full of stunning architecture and winding streets to explore. You’ll find countless examples of Venetian buildings all over Corfu, but most are located in the capital, including cobbled, narrow lanes to get a little lost in and two castles.

You’ll also find many cafes and restaurants if you need a refreshment stop. Be sure to check out the sunset and enjoy an evening meal at one of the many authentic tavernas.

If you want to learn more about the history of what you’re seeing, you’ll also find many walking tours on offer.

Enjoy Beachtime At Paleokastritsa

The small town of Paleokastritsa is famous for its monastery (more on that shortly). Still, it also has fantastic beaches to check out, which are rarely busy and surrounded by fragrant cypresses and olive trees.

If you want to chill out and avoid the crowds, this is a great spot, and you’ll find many small restaurants for refreshments, too.

Explore On Your Own Steam

If guided tours aren’t your thing and you get itchy feet if you stay in one place too long, Corfu makes exploring easy. You can either rent a car, a scooter, or even a boat.

If you choose to hire a car or a scooter, you’ll need the relevant driving license documentation, and if you hire a boat, you can hire a crew to sail the thing if you’re not au fait yourself! Can you imagine driving around the stunning coastline on a scooter? Amazing!

Visit Albania For The Day

Corfu is very close to Albania, which means you can visit for the day on the ferry and make it back in the early evening! Remember to take your passport and check any visa requirements for your country of origin beforehand. Still, a trip to Butrint, a UNESCO-listed city, or the coastal town of Saranda could be just the ticket!

Check Out Sidari’s Canal d’Amour

If you are in Sidari or close to it, you must visit the Canal d’Amour. Steeped in legend, it is said that if you choose to swim in this canal, you will soon meet the love of your life and get married!

If that doesn’t sound ideal to you, you can forget the legend and swim in crystal-clear water while checking out the fantastic, rugged landscapes around you.

Visit A Monastery

Corfu is home to several ancient monasteries that are open for visitors. The most popular ones are Paleokastritsa Monastery and Vlacherna Monastery. You can take a trip which allows you to visit both in one day.

Vlacherna Monastery, in particular, is extremely scenic which is connected to the mainland by a bridge. It was initially built in 1685 and was a nunnery at first. Nowadays, you can visit for the history, architecture, and natural surroundings.

Paleokastritsa Monastery is set on a high high with a fantastic view. It’s still a working monastery, so remember to dress modestly and always be respectful.

Olive Oil Tours

Corfu is an island packed with olive oil trees, and that should tell you a lot about how much olive oil it produces and how important it is to local daily life. You can take a day trip that teaches you all about how olive oil is made, and you can learn about the trees and the local area in the process. Of course, you also get to taste it and have the chance to purchase some products for yourself.

Honey Tours

If olive oil isn’t your thing, or you’ve already done that and are ready to learn more, how about the bees? Honey is an essential staple in Greek life as it’s known to be a healing product and genuinely delicious!

You can take several tours, which will help you learn more about the importance of bees for our ecosystem and how honey is made and extracted. From there, you can see different products made with honey and even purchase some to take home.

Mountain Biking

A little exercise is never bad, so why not hire a mountain bike and cycle around the island? You can do this either on your own or as part of a tour, depending on how likely you are to get lost!

There are many cycling routes available, including beginner and advanced levels. Of course, mountain biking will allow you to see the interior part of the island, which most people often overlook in favor of the beach.

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Corfu Island Beaches

Beaches on the west and east of Corfu are somewhat different. Some tourists prefer the pebbled beaches on the west. On the contrary, the sandy beaches of the east are much calmer and safer for swimming. However, the island is relatively narrow, so it is easy to go from one side to the other and experience both.

• Beaches on the west: Some of the best beaches on the west coast are Paleokastritsa Beach, Issos Beach, and Agios Georgios Pagon
• Beaches in the north: In the north they are Sidari and Kalami Beach
• Beaches in the north: The east coast can boast of Ipsos and Barbati Beach.
• Beaches in the south:  Agios Gordios Beach and Dassia Beach are splendid beaches on the side side of Corfu Island
• Glyfada Beach is only 16 km away from the town of Corfu

Corfu beaches are nestled amidst lush vegetation. Some are surrounded by vineyards, some by olive and cypress trees. In any case, they can all boast of brilliant turquoise water.

How To Get To Corfu Island

• Flying: The fastest way to get to Corfu Island is by air. There are direct flights to the Corfu International Airport “Ioannis Kapodistrias” from most major cities in Europe and from the Greek cities of Athens, Thessaloniki, and Preveza
• Fery: If you don’t feel like flying, you can take a ferry that departs from Igoumenitsa daily or sail from the Italian ports of Venice, Bari, and Ancona
• Holiday packages: During the summer, island hopping packages can also be an exciting way to visit Corfu
• Bus or Car: Corfu’s excellent bus service will help you explore the island at reasonable prices. If you like more flexibility, you can rent a car

Where To Stay On Corfu Island

Corfu offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts and villas to budget hotels for tourists who need modest but clean and comfortable accommodations. Here are just three places you can start your Corfu accommodation search:

Luxury Accommodation – MarBella Corfu

Among the Top 10 Resorts in Greece, MarBella Corfu in Agios Ioannis Peristeron can undoubtedly boast world-class service. It is a superb accommodation with three pools, a spa center, a bar, and plenty of Mediterranean and Greek cuisine restaurants.

You can enjoy magnificent views of the Ionian Sea and the lavish gardens from your suite or room. Massage, body treatments, a sauna, a hammam, and a fitness room will pamper you. The pebbled beach will spoil you on the free sun beds with umbrellas and towels.

 

Mid-Range Accommodation – Divan Corfu Palace

Divani Corfu Palace in Kanoni Peninsula is excellent for tourists who want comfortable accommodation at reasonable prices. This 4-star hotel, just three km from the center of Corfu town, is nested among lush vegetation. It features a swimming pool and hot tub. Rooms with modern furniture offer you lagoon or garden views.

You can enjoy sunset views while having a snack in the Laguna Pool Restaurant, while the main restaurant will treat you to a Greek or international lunch or dinner.

 

Budget Accommodation – Oasis Hotel

Budget accommodation is easy to find in Corfu. An excellent example is Oasis Hotel, where visitors get much at affordable prices. The furnished rooms, Greek international cuisine, lush greenery around it, and a private beach area with crystal clear water – what more can we ask for?

 

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Corfu Island and enjoy all of the things to do in Corfu while you are there.