10 Best things to do in Corfu
10 Best things to do in Corfu island
1. Visit old Corfu Town
While you’re on Corfu, you cannot miss out on visiting the heart of the island, the old Corfu Town. As
Corfu Old Town is a listed UNESCO monument, its streets are pedestrian-only, paved with cobblestone,
perfect for the visitor to stroll around and discover all the small and big sites it has to offer. This part of
the town has old Venetian architecture, as most of the buildings were built during the 400 years of
Venetian rule on the island, and are still standing today. Corfu town is surrounded by two stunning
Venetian Fortresses, which are a must-see, and hold great historic and archaeological value. While you’re
there, you should walk around the Esplanade (Spianada), which is the largest square in the Balkans, stop
at a cafe at the Liston, take a walk through the historic alleys (kantounia), visit the town’s patron St.
Spyridon church, visit the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, walk to the Spilia Gate. As discovering
the old town can take hours of strolling and stopping at every interesting spot, you can choose one of the
various restaurants to lunch at anytime, or sit at a cafe to take a break and watch people pass by and enjoy
the town’s lively beauty.
2. Olive oil tasting & tour
If there’s one thing that Corfiots do best, it’s the farming of the olive trees and the production of olive oil.
On an island with over 4,5 million olive trees, the only logical option is to harvest the best fruit
Mediterranean climate has to offer
The Governor’s Olive Mill is a family-run business of the Dafnis family, located in Agios Matthaios,
approximately at a 20km distance south of Corfu town. The business is renowned for producing some of
the best quality extra virgin oil and they have received international awards for it. The company and their
products are named after the First Governor of Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias, who was born in Corfu. The
olive oil is produced by the ancient olive tree variety of Lianolia, of which you can find million trees on
the island, some estimated to be over 500 years old.
At the Governor’s Olive Mill you are met with the chance to have a tour by the Dafnis family. The tour
starts with a guided walk, exploring the untouched olive groves and learning about the history of Lianolia.
After that you will visit the 15th century olive mill, in which you will hear about the ancient art and the
newest science of olive making, you will learn about the health benefits of the olive, you will get to see
the latest technology of olive oil making and learn how it works and you will also learn how to taste and
recognize high quality olive oil like the professionals do. Of course you can taste the selection of extra
virgin olive oils, olives, vinegars and salts which you can later purchase at their store.
3. Aqualand
Whether you’re on holidays with family, friends or with a partner, anyone can use a bit of water fun in the
summers. The best place for that in Corfu is Aqualand, a big water theme park in Agios Ioannis, at a
convenient 15 minute driving distance from Corfu Town. Aqualand is equipped with 51 slides and pools
and various other games, ready to offer thrilling moments to kids and adults alike. You can visit Aqualand
every day between 10:00 and 17:00, swim in the pools, slide around the water games, lunch at their
restaurant if you need a break, use their spa services, or visit their shop while you’re at it. There’s various
ticket options available which can be booked either online or at their office on the spot. Aqualand is
perfect for a getaway fun day to cool off of the heat and blow off some steam.
4.Sailing day
While on Corfu, the best way to enjoy the Ionian Sea is, of course, to sail it! Begin your sailing trip by
renting your private yacht in Gouvia Marina, one of the largest marinas in Greece, that offers various boat
options to satisfy anyone’s needs. Get ready to enjoy the Ionian’s beautiful seascapes, deep blue waters,
sunny weather and calm breeze. While you’re sailing, you can stop for a swim, snorkel and visit some of
the hidden gems of beaches only accessible by boat. You can sail around the coasts Corfu, Albania,Sivota, Gaios, Parga with ease. Let your skipper guide you through this dreamy day to remember, lay
back and enjoy yourself.
5. Swim at Canal D Amour & watch the sunset at Loggas
Two gems found at the northwestern part of Corfu island, Canal D’ Amour and Loggas beach, gather
numerous tourists every year for their famous natural beauty.
In the popular center of Sidari, Canal D’ Amour is one of the most visited sites. It’s a small gift of nature,
a channel created by the seawater’s corrosion on the sandstone, perfectly complemented by the turquoise
waters. The beach is small and the waters are warm in the channel, and folklore says that the couples who
will swim there together will stay in love forever.
Next to Sidari, in Peroulades, you can find Loggas beach. It’s said to offer one of the most beautiful
sunsets on the island, as it’s located completely north, facing the Ionian Sea with a distant view of the
Diapontian Islands. The beach is found underneath huge vertical cliffs made of green clay, it’s small and
sandy, a part of it is organized with sunbeds. As dusk approaches, the cliff is the perfect spot for sunset
watching while having a drink to end the day in the most scenic way possible.
6. Achilleion Palace
The Achilleion Palace is located approximately 10km south of Corfu Town, right above the traditional
village of Gastouri. It’s an imperial villa, built in the 19th century by the Empress Elisabeth of Austria,
also known as Sisi, who used it as a refuge and a summer house. Achilleion is named after one of the
most notable heroes of the Iliad, Achilles. There's a magnificent statue of him sculpted by the German
sculptor Ernst Herter, “Dying Achilles”, and it’s the centerpiece of the luscious Achilleion Gardens. The
palace is built to represent classical architecture, and as Sisi loved ancient Greek mythology, she filled it
with statues and art pieces of ancient philosophers, heroes, and mythical gods. After the murder of the
Empress, the palace was bought by the Kaiser of Germany, William II, who made additions to the
building, such as the popular Kaiser’s Bridge, which leads from Achilleion all the way down to
Perama/Benitses bay, and he used it to escape for some swimming time. The Achilleion is a popular
museum today, visited frequently by tourists and locals.
7. Chalikounas beach
Chalikounas beach is one of the most picturesque sandy beaches of Corfu, located at the southwest coast,
at a 31km driving distance away from the center of Corfu. Chalikounas is a large strip of sand between
Lake Korission and the open waters of the Ionian Sea, and it stretches for several kilometers, with clear
green and blue waters mirroring the sand and forestry landscape. It’s perfect for swimming, organized
watersports, relaxing at the beach bar with refreshing cocktails, or choosing a remote spot along the
enormous coast for some quiet time. As it’s also easily accessible by car, it’s one of the most visited spots
on Corfu island, loved by locals and tourists alike.
8. Rent a boat independently to explore the coastline
The calm waters and hot summers of the Ionian make the perfect conditions for you to rent a boat and
watch the island from the sea. If you’re on Corfu and you’re looking for a unique experience tailored to
your family or group of friend’s needs, renting a boat independently to explore the coastline on your own
is probably your best option. You can rent a boat from various spots on the island, such as Nissaki and
Paleokastritsa, and visit any beach you like, visit the Diapontia islands that are surrounding Corfu, see the
natural caves on the west side, reach the remote hidden beaches, make your own stops according to your
preferred schedule and explore the island freely. There’s no need for a license to rent a boat, so get your
swimming and snorkeling equipment ready and start your trip around the island’s majestic shores.
9. Paleokastritsa- Monastery- Lakones
When visiting Corfu, you can’t miss out on the beautiful Paleokastritsa. Paleokastritsa in Greek means
“old little castle”, referring to the nearby Angelokastro, one of Corfu’s byzantine fortresses. Paleokastritsa
is probably the most popular touristic destination in Corfu, with incomparable natural beauty, its various
little bays, the green hilly landscape and famous turquoise waters. Paleokastritsa is rumored to be the
place where shipwrecked Odysseus met Nausica, the princess of the Phaeacians, who helped him on his
last stop before finally returning to Ithaca. There’s many things to do in Paleokastritsa – swim and snorkel
in its beautiful waters, eat at the various restaurants, try some of the watersports options, rent a boat to
take you to the surrounding caves and beaches, and of course, visit the popular monastery at the top of its
hill. The monastery dates back to the 13th century, it’s dedicated to Virgin Mary and it’s home to 8 monks.
Stroll around the monastrey premises and learn about its history. The panoramic view the monastery has
to offer is a sight worth seeing.
Near Paleokastritsa, we highly recommend you visit Lakones, one of the oldest traditional villages of
Corfu. Lakones’ Bella Vista, or as the locals call it, “the balcony of the gods”, is one of the most
breathtaking views in Corfu, overlooking the scenic Paleokastritsa hills and bays. You can enjoy the sight
best by relaxing at one of the hilltop restaurants and tasting traditional food and refreshments.
10. Danilia village
Danilia Village is located at central Corfu, at a 10km distance from the Corfu airport and Corfu Town.
Danilia Village has no permanent residents, as it’s a replica of a 1930’s traditional Corfiot village, used as
a museum, filming set, wedding and private events set. The village was rebuilt in the 1970’s after an
earthquake by the Boua family as an open-air museum, approaching the atmosphere of the old city of
Corfu, in a colourful traditional village style. In Danilia Village you can find two squares, a church, a
folklore museum, a traditional cafe, an open-air and an indoor taverna and other replicas of old shops and
buildings, filled with antique items. Danilia Village is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy some time in
a scenic environment away from modern reality, relax and experience learning Corfu’s history in a set that
fits the period.
The village is now part of the Grecotel chain, and it’s open for visitation with free entry. It has been used
as a filming set for “For Your Eyes Only”, “The Durrells” and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3”.
How to get there? Feel free to contact us
