Corfu Travel Guide – Discover Greece’s Emerald Island of Culture and Beauty

Welcome to Corfu, a dazzling island where lush landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural history converge. This enchanting Greek destination is part of the Ionian Islands and is known for its Venetian charm, cosmopolitan flair, and some of the most scenic coastlines in the Mediterranean.
 

As your travel guide, I’m thrilled to show you why Corfu (Kerkyra) is the perfect escape—whether you’re after sunshine, history, gastronomy, or a touch of luxury.

📚 Table of Contents

Why Visit Corfu

A Brief History of Corfu

Top Attractions on Corfu

Best Beaches on Corfu

Traditional Villages and Nature

Corfu’s Culinary Scene

Where to Stay

Getting to and Around Corfu

Best Time to Visit

Day Trips and Excursions

Insider Travel Tips

Final Thoughts

✨ 1. Why Visit Corfu?

🏖️ Home to some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches

🏰 Features a UNESCO-listed Old Town with Venetian, French, and British influences

🍷 Offers exceptional cuisine and wine

🌿 Lush, green landscapes with olive groves and cypress forests

🛥️ Great for sailing, hiking, or simply relaxing in a beachfront taverna

Corfu blends Greek island charm with a unique, multicultural identity—making it a truly unforgettable destination.

🏛️ 2. A Brief History of Corfu

Corfu’s strategic location attracted a stream of rulers—from ancient Greeks to the British.

Key Historical Highlights:

Ancient Era: A colony of Corinth in 734 BC, known for its naval power.

Venetian Rule (1386–1797): Fortified the island and left behind beautiful architecture.

French & British Periods: Introduced gardens, mansions, and education systems.

Modern Greece: United with the Greek state in 1864.

This diverse history shaped Corfu into a melting pot of cultures, still visible in its buildings, customs, and cuisine.

🧭 3. Top Attractions on Corfu

🏰 Corfu Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Stroll through narrow alleyways known as kandounia, admire pastel-colored buildings, and enjoy lively squares like Spianada, the largest in Greece.

🏰 Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio)

A Venetian masterpiece offering 360-degree views of the sea and Old Town.

🏰 New Fortress (Neo Frourio)

Impressive fortifications with art spaces and panoramic city views.

🏛️ Liston Promenade

Built by the French, this Parisian-style arcade is perfect for a coffee at a café under the arches.

🏛️ Saint Spyridon Church

Corfu’s spiritual heart, housing the relics of its patron saint, revered throughout the island.

🏯 Achilleion Palace

A neoclassical palace built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi). Admire Greek myth-inspired statues and gardens overlooking the Ionian.

🏞️ Kanoni & Mouse Island (Pontikonisi)

One of Corfu’s most iconic photo spots—especially at sunset.

🏖️ 4. Best Beaches on Corfu

Corfu offers an incredible variety of beaches, from long sandy stretches to hidden coves.

🏝️ Paleokastritsa

Famous for its turquoise waters, rocky coves, and surrounding green hills. Offers boat tours to sea caves.

🏝️ Glyfada Beach

A popular beach with golden sand and plenty of amenities—great for families.

🏝️ Agios Gordios

A picturesque beach backed by cliffs and olive groves. Laid-back and perfect for sunset.

🏝️ Porto Timoni

A twin beach paradise near Afionas. Reachable via hike or boat, it’s a must for adventure lovers.

🏝️ Issos Beach

Located in the south with golden dunes and shallow waters—ideal for windsurfing.

🏝️ Kassiopi

Combines traditional fishing village charm with pebble beaches and crystal-clear waters.

🏘️ 5. Traditional Villages and Nature

Escape the coast to discover Corfu’s rural heart.

🌿 Old Perithia

The island’s oldest village, nestled in the mountains and full of stone houses and tavernas.

🌿 Lakones

Offering panoramic views over Paleokastritsa. A great spot for photos and local cuisine.

🌿 Pelekas

Known for Kaiser's Throne, a lookout with one of the best sunset views on the island.

🌿 Mount Pantokrator

At 906 meters, Corfu’s highest peak offers breathtaking hiking trails and a 14th-century monastery at the summit.

Corfu is one of Greece’s greenest islands, thanks to its olive and cypress-covered hills.

🍽️ 6. Corfu’s Culinary Scene

Corfiot cuisine blends Greek, Venetian, and Balkan flavors, often using local olive oil, fresh seafood, and island-grown herbs.

Must-Try Dishes:

🍝 Pastitsada: Beef or rooster in spicy tomato sauce with pasta

🐟 Bourdeto: Spicy fish stew with red pepper and lemon

🥘 Sofrito: Veal cooked in white wine, garlic, and parsley

🧀 Nouboulo: Local cured pork, similar to prosciutto

🥗 Corfiot-style tsigareli: Greens sautéed with chili and herbs

Top Restaurants:

Avli in Corfu Town – Fine dining in a charming courtyard

To Kanoni – Great view and classic dishes

Rex – Old Town staple with Corfiot specialties

The Venetian Well – Upscale romantic dining experience

Don’t forget to try kumquat liqueur, a Corfu specialty.

🏨 7. Where to Stay

Luxury:

Domes Miramare – Adults-only resort with beachfront elegance

Angsana Corfu – Modern luxury with spa, infinity pools, and Ionian views

Corfu Imperial Grecotel – Opulent rooms on a private peninsula

Mid-range:

Mayor Mon Repos Palace – Boutique, adults-only near Corfu Town

Bella Venezia Hotel – Central location and historical charm

Akrotiri Beach Hotel – Sea views and excellent value in Paleokastritsa

Budget:

Sunset Hotel – Friendly and close to the airport

Local hostels & Airbnbs – Affordable and often scenic

✈️ 8. Getting to and Around Corfu

How to Get There:

By Air: Corfu International Airport (CFU) receives flights from Athens and major European cities.

By Ferry: From Igoumenitsa on mainland Greece or Italy (Bari, Brindisi) in summer.

Getting Around:

Buses: KTEL buses run between major towns and beaches.

Rental Cars/Scooters: Best for exploring villages and remote areas.

Taxis & Transfers: Available but pricier.

Boats: Water taxis and day cruises are great for beach hopping.

🌤️ 9. Best Time to Visit

May and September are ideal for sightseeing and swimming without the heat or crowds.

🚤 10. Day Trips and Excursions

🛥️ Paxos and Antipaxos Islands

Take a boat tour to these exotic turquoise paradises just south of Corfu.

⛪ Monastery of Vlacherna

A photogenic islet monastery next to Mouse Island, accessed by a narrow causeway.

🏞️ Corfu Trail

Hike sections of this 200-kilometer trail through untouched landscapes, villages, and olive groves.

🏝️ Beach Hopping by Boat

Rent a boat and explore hidden coves and remote beaches around the island.

📝 11. Insider Travel Tips

🎫 Visit the Achilleion Palace early to avoid crowds.

🚶 Explore Corfu Town on foot—cars are restricted in many areas.

🍋 Try locally made kumquat products—liqueur, sweets, and jams.

🧴 Always carry sunscreen—Corfu sun can be strong, even in spring.

📸 Best photo ops: Kaiser’s Throne, Pontikonisi, Old Fortress at sunset

🧿 Be respectful of religious sites—cover shoulders when entering churches.

🏁 12. Final Thoughts

Corfu is a rare blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and Ionian warmth. Whether you’re here to lounge by the sea, dive into Greek traditions, or explore picturesque villages, Corfu has something to inspire every kind of traveler.

It’s more than just a summer destination—it’s a timeless island experience where history, hospitality, and scenery unite.