The 12 things to do in Corfu • Wanderlix

Visit Corfu, the emerald island: our 12 must-sees from a thousand and one facets destination.

Visiting Corfu is going to the crossroads of the largest European empires. Franks, Venetians, Turks, British, each one left his fingerprint and shaped this little piece of land in the Ionian Sea with his hands. Known as the emerald island, this Mediterranean gem has landscapes as mixed as its History!

Here, the green mountains dressed in olive fields immersed themselves on magical beaches with turquoise water. This is Corfu: a paradise in the Mediterranean where the opposites do more than attract, they cohabit to better seduce us...

1. Make a boat ride

How not to start our top things to do to visit Corfu without a ? It is indeed the most beautiful, but also the most interesting way to discover the mythical Greek island.

To rent a boat in Corfu, the price may vary depending on the type of boat, the duration of the rental and the season. In the summer, prices are between 70 € and 2 450 € per day, depending on whether you rent a semi-rigid or a motor boat with a power of 1,600 horses.

By renting your boat, you will discover the sumptuous landscapes of the region, which you will not find anywhere else. Your journey, rythmated by the many coves around the island, will allow you to discover the flourishing and authentic vegetation of the Greek islands. Place to wonder!

2. Visit the monastery Paleokastrítsa

The monastery of Paleokastrítsa bears lе nоm de Viergе Mаrie (" Рanagiа") in grес. Located on a hill on the edge of the Mеr in Paleοkastritsа, it was created the first fоis in the 13th century, but the current buildings were built in the 18th century.

When you climb the steps of the stone staircase, you will access a beautiful chapel and an open courtyard where there is a well. The tradition is that by throwing a piece, you will return to Corfu. Don’t forget to visit the museum entirely free of charge where Byzantine figures, religious parchments and Orthodox objects are displayed. Unfortunately, the place of residence of monks is not open to the public.

3. Admire the view of Corfu from Angelokastro

Angelokastro or castle of angels , bears his name well since he is the strong in the highest seafront of Corfu! Perched to more than 300 metres , this fortress is said to be one of the most imposing of all Greece.

It offers an unstoppable view of the west coast of the island, especially on the idyllic bay of Paleokastrítsa. Within it you will find several buildings, including two churches touching by their simplicity. You have understood this, the Angelokastro is a must-see place to visit Corfu and its breathtaking landscapes.

4. Explore Old Perithia

Protected by UNESCO’s world heritage, the village of Perithia has been living a second life for several years. Renovated gradually in respect of the architecture of the sixteenth century, it is the oldest example of traditional Corfiote village.

In addition to its historical interest, Perithia is an ideal gateway for visiting Corfu in a greener way. Enjoy it to discover the surrounding nature thanks to a hike to the or visit Corfu in depth to the Grotte de Loutses .

5. Spread in the city of Corfu

Inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city of Corfu is like its island: plural! Under the gaze of the dome of Agios Spyridon, the Italian buildings with shimmering colours are a symbol of British residences with sober styles.

Yet, everything is intercalated and dialogue with harmony around the heart of the city: Place Spianáda . This one is inspired by one of the most famous street in Paris: Rivoli! We have warned you, visiting Corfu is meeting Europe at every corner of the street. Especially since the city offers a wide variety of cultural activities thanks to its many museums.

6. Visit Achilleion, the residence of Sissi the Empress

Visiting Corfu is also going to meet one of the greatest figures in the European aristocracy, as the Achilleion testifies. It is the empress of Austria in person who will drive the construction of this magnificent palace in 1889.

In her bosom, we can imagine the engulfment of the owner of the place for mythology. From paintings to woodwork patterns, Greek myths were illustrated throughout the house, including to the garden. Proof of this is with a magnificent statue representing a breathless Achilles. His gaze, carried away, reminds us that it is here that one of the most beautiful views Corfu has to offer us!

7. Crossing the Canal d’Amour

Let’s be honest, the Canal d’Amour ( pronounced in French please ) is a place where tourists walk each year. And yet, this natural curiosity carved by the sea has an undeniable charm that it would be unfair to remove it.

Maybe this is due to the local legend that lends him magical virtues... It would be enough to cross this channel to swim to know the great love or to consolidate the ties of his couple. Just for that, we're ready to visit Corfu! And then, a small stop with a few brasses can never hurt!

8. Climb Mount Pantokrator

With its sea and its beaches with infinite numbers, one might believe that visiting Corfu is only horizontal. What a fool! Corfu, it is also a mountain entanglement whose Mount Pantokrator is the culminating point ( 906 metres ).

At the top, the 360 ° view allows us to touch the north coast of the island and the lands of continental Greece and Albania. Some will be derogated by the presence of telecommunications antennas, while others will sit on the small monastery of the place.

9. Swimming at Lake Korission

It is in the southwest of Corfu that you will have to go to enjoy this little corner of paradise away from the beaten paths. Saved by mass tourism, we love not only the tranquility that emanates from this place, but also the richness of its fauna.

There are over 126 different species of birds! Separated from the sea by a simple strip of sand, you will find on this same natural border a magnificent beach: Halikounas . If you want to visit Corfu away from the summer crowd, this is the spot you need!

10. Explore Kanoni Island

Perhaps you will have an impression of already seen in front of this landscape as it is present on all postcards and tourist brochures of Corfu. It is even said that it is the most photographed site on the island!

It is to say how famous it is during a visit to Corfu and tourist... Because Kanoni is often invaded by the flashes during the high season, which can discourage the most motivated travellers.

Do not pass next to this beautiful summary of the Corfiote beauty: the sea is lined with several shades of blue and plays to dazzle us with the rays of the sun and the bright whiteness of the Monastery of the Vlachernes . Not far, we see the islet of Pontikonissi , which is no other than the boat of Ulysses changed to stone by Poséidon. We believe it or not, but let's go!

11. Discover the Blue Lagoon

Little cove lost in the middle of nowhere, the Blue Lagoon is part of these magical places only accessible in . It is this difficulty of access that allows this site to keep all its beauty and authenticity despite its growing reputation.

Here, nothing can disturb you during your bathing in these turquoise waters... Excepted the nymphs , that one can easily imagine living in the place with the gods of the Olympus. Dream!

12. Preaching on them more beautiful beaches

At Wanderlix, we get wet and offer the best beaches of Corfu to find out the best of your dreams!

Family, direction Glyfada . Beautiful, it has all the amenities that will delight both small and large. Another advantage is that the shoreline is shallow. Ideal for bambins.

Stupid? It’s at Kavos that you will have to return. Bars, electro music and fine sands will be part. Finally, the followers of tranquility will prefer according to the season Halikounas or Agios Georgios .

Because we cannot identify all the beaches of Corfu, here are some that should please you:

How to get to Corfu?

Unlike some paradise, Corfu is a relatively easy access. The island has a very well-served airport. If most of the time you need to make a stopover Athens , it is quite possible to find direct flights from certain provincial cities, including low-cost flights.

To facilitate your search, please consult our partner’s website Ulysses which allows you to compare several flights available from any departure airport. The most patient can go to Corfu by boat from continental Greece and Italy .

Another alternative, a part of the journey can be by bus from Athens to Igoumenitsa before joining the emerald island by ferry. You can book your ferry crossing online via the site Direct Ferries .

How to move to Corfu?

The bus service in the island serves the island very well. The disadvantage is that buses are often very busy in the summer and that the schedules are not always respected. The average price of a bus ticket in Corfu runs around 1.10€ for adults and 0.80€ for students.

If you want to discover the most hidden corners of the island we highly recommend you rent a vehicle . Nothing better to visit Corfu at your pace without adapting to public transport times.

Where to stay in Corfu?

With its multitude of sites to visit and its countless beaches, it is normal not to know where to stay when you want to visit Corfu. Obviously, everything will depend on the scholarship of each and the color you want to give to your holidays; blue for the beach edge, green for the mountains... You are the artist!

To help you in your choice, you can use this Compare hotels which offer excellent addresses.

If you want to spend a stay in the heart of local communities, we recommend you book a Airbnb .