Vacation in Corfu is the most talked-about travel destination these days. Almost everybody will agree that the island’s spas, ranging from those on private islands to waterfalls and a massage center overlooking the shipwrecked boats, offer the best rejuvenating experience.

When you are vacationing in Corfu, there are many things to see and do that can help make the trip enjoyable. If you don’t know anything about Corfu history, here is a useful article that you should read. There are also a lot of things to see and do during each season and in different parts of the island.

Corfu, commonly referred to as Kerkira, is the jewel in the crown of Greece’s Ionian Islands. This post includes useful information on why you should visit Corfu Island, affordable hotels and vacation deals.

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CORFU TRAVEL GUIDE

Last Updated: August 4, 2022

NOTICE: The information here is updated as best we can in light of COVID-19. Please check attractions, activities, etc before you go as things can change quickly.

Corfu has been one of Greece’s most popular islands since the 1970s. Located in the Ionian island group in western Greece, Corfu has beautiful white sand beaches, easy connections to Italy and Albania, stunning mountains, and wild, crazy nightlife.

While it gets crowded during the summer (especially with young backpackers), there are still many quiet places to stay and see on the island as most of the action sticks to just a few hotspots.

Vacation In Corfu

I love the atmosphere here. It is a lot more relaxed than other islands in the Mediterranean, and there’s a great intersection of cultures here.

This travel guide to Corfu can help you plan your trip so you save money and have the best experience possible — no matter why or when you go!

Table of Contents

1. Things to See and Do
2. Typical Costs
3. Suggested Budget
4. Money-Saving Tips
5. Where to Stay
6. How to Get Around
7. When to Go
8. How to Stay Safe
9. Best Places to Book Your Trip
10. Gear and Packing List
11. Related Blogs on Corfu

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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Corfu

1. Explore Kassiopi

Kassiopi is a small fishing village on the northern side of Corfu that’s much quieter than the popular Corfu Town (the main town on the island). From here, you can walk among the ruins of the Byzantine Kassiopi castle, lounge on the beach, or relax in the town square. You can also take a boat trip along the surrounding coastline to go diving, snorkeling, swimming, or just have lunch on a more remote beach. At night, grab dinner and drinks at one of the traditional restaurants along the picturesque waterfront.

2. See the Church of Saint Spyridon

This 16th-century Greek Orthodox church in the middle of Corfu’s Old Town is full of frescoes and elaborate artwork. You can’t miss it as the bell tower is the highest in the Ionian Islands. The church holds the remains of the island’s patron saint, Spyridon, a shepherd from the 4th century who is said to protect the island from all ills, including the Ottomans and even the plague. The silver casket containing his remains is paraded through town during special events.

3. Hit the beaches

Great beaches abound all over the island, with each area offering something different. The western side of Corfu is home to a long stretch of sandy beaches, the eastern side has calmer waters, and the northern beaches are mainly pebble beaches. Sidari has the sandiest beaches, while the deep, calm waters around Paleokastritsa are ideal for water skiing, boating, and parasailing. Agios Georgios South is good for diving.

4. Spend time in Paleokastritsa

Located just 23 kilometers (14 miles) from Corfu Town, this relaxing seaside town has calm beaches and clear turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can visit nearby caves and hike up to the 13th-century Theotokos Monastery for views overlooking the town and the Mediterranean. End your day relaxing at the Greek tavernas serving fresh seafood on the waterfront.

5. Explore Achilleion

The Empress Elisabeth of Austria built this palace in 1890 as a place to seek summer refuge after the tragic death of her only son. It was designed in the style of an ancient palace of Phaeacia, a region in Greek mythology, and there are paintings and sculptures of Greek gods and goddesses throughout. The mythical hero Achilles is the central theme, and a sculpture of the Dying Achilles is the centerpiece of the gardens. The palace is located in Gastouri, a town only 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Corfu Town. Admission is 5 EUR.

Other Things to See and Do in Corfu

1. Hang out in Corfu Town

The origins of Corfu Town stretch all the way back to the 8th century BCE, when the town was an important commercial center for the Phoenicians. It used to be called Paleopolis, and you can see some of its original ruins opposite the Mon Repos Palace. Corfu was under Venetian rule between the 14th and 18th centuries, so there is a lot of Venetian architecture around town as well, such as pastel-colored buildings, iron fencing, cobblestone streets, and wooden shutters. It’s a nice place to stroll around and bask in the layers of history.

2. Check out Nymfes village

According to legend, Nymphs (nature deities from Greek folklore) used to bathe in 200-meter-high waterfalls near this village. Just north of town, you can visit the waterfalls and see the remains of nearby Askitario, a small, ancient monastery. A monk named Artemios Paissios lived here alone in the 5th century. He once had a premonition that his parents were coming to fetch him, so he dug a grave to lie down in it – at which point a boulder rolled on top of him. When his parents tried to dig him out, the boulder apparently ignited into flames. The village is 33 kilometers (20 miles) north of Corfu Town and takes just under an hour to get to by car.

3. Visit Aqualand

Aqualand is a fun, family-friendly waterpark with 15 different water-themed rides and attractions, including slides, pools, and rivers. It’s a little cheesy, but it gives you something different to do after you’ve spent a few days on the beach or browsing ruins (it’s especially fun if you’re with kids). Full-day access is 33 EUR (30 EUR if you book online), while two-day access is 55 EUR (50 EUR if you book online).

4. Hike the Corfu Trail

The Corfu Trail is an epic 150-kilometer (93-mile) trek starting from the south of the island and ending on the northern tip. It’s a fairly easy hike, with lots of signage as you weave your way through hills, mountains, lakes, lagoons, monasteries, and tiny towns. It’s a really unique way to experience Corfu away from the resorts, and there’s no shortage of accommodations along the way (or you can camp out). It’s broken up into 10 stages so most people do it over 10 days.

5. Go sailing

Thanks to the calm water and consistently warm weather, Corfu is an ideal place for sailing. Various companies offer charter trips, and many of them offer lunch packages and open bars. Some hostels run day-long party boats too. Day sails start from about 30 EUR per person.

6. Visit the Banknote Museum

Founded by the Ionian Bank, this coin museum in Corfu Town has exhibits showcasing coins, stamps, bank documents, post-Greek liberation banknotes, books, and foreign banknotes from the past two centuries. The highlight of the museum is a 100-billion-drachma note from 1944, the largest denomination note ever issued. Admission is free.

7. Take an olive oil tasting tour

Corfu covers a mere 585 square kilometers, yet it is home to over four million olive trees. Olive oil has always been a big part of Greek tradition and culture, and a tasting tour is a perfect way to learn about the production of this essential staple. Corfu Olive Tours offers an informative behind-the-scenes tour of olive tree groves and old mills where you can learn everything there is to know about olive oil. Plus, you get to try some samples too. A 1-hour tour is 15 EUR while the full 3-hour tour is 40 EUR.

8. Explore the Corfu Archaeological Museum

This museum is home to ancient artifacts from all over the island, including statues, funeral offerings, pottery, and golden jewelry. The most famous exhibit is the monumental pediment from the temple of Artemis, which depicts Gorgon, a monster of the underworld from Greek mythology. It’s the oldest stone pediment in Greece, dating to 590 BCE. Another highlight includes the stone lion of Menecrates and a limestone pediment from a temple to Dionysis. Admission is 6 EUR.

9. Visit Vlacherna Monastery

This picturesque, white-washed monastery on the eastern side of Corfu is set out on the water on its very own tiny island. You can only access it via a pedestrian bridge, which adds to its charm. As of 1980, it is no longer a monastery and functions today as a church for celebratory events, a tourist attraction, and even a filming location — most notably for the James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only. Being a former monastery, the interior is fairly simply decorated and the main draws here are the beautiful views of the building itself and the surrounding bay. Admission is free. You can also take a 5-minute (2.5 EUR) boat ride from the monastery to the nearby Mouse Island, a tiny, relaxed island with a 13th-century church and a cafe.

10. Admire the views from Angelokastro Castle

One of the most important Byzantine castles, Angelokastro is located high on steep cliffs along the water near Paleokastritsa. This 13th-century fortress successfully defended the island against its many invaders over the centuries, never falling despite many attacks and sieges. Today, the castle has deteriorated with the passage of time, and it’s mainly in ruins. However, the views from the top are absolutely spectacular. There are also other interesting features at the top, including an 18th-century hermitage, anthropomorphic graves carved out of the rock, and a tiny church dedicated to the Archangel Michael. Castle admission is 3 EUR.