If you haven’t already been or heard about it, Corfu is one of the most beautiful lush green Greek islands, located in the northern part of the Ionian Sea across Italy.
Corfu is considered the queen of the Ionian islands, and not unfairly, as it is beautiful with a unique Old Town that the locals take great pride in!
Apart from the year-round ferry connection through the port of Igoumenitsa, Corfu has an airport with flights all year round to and from Athens and Thessaloniki and numerous charter flights from various European cities during the summer season.
If you are traveling by boat, approaching the port of Corfu is a lifetime experience since you will see the Old Fortress, the jewel of Corfu, lying across the shore as part of the Old Town. This is your first and very impressive of the island's beauty and uniqueness.
Corfu is a big island; you can only get the whole experience if you have a car! Luckily, several car and motorbike rental companies suit every taste and budget. Personally, I wouldn’t suggest renting a motorbike, as the road network is not very well preserved, so a car would be a safer solution.
Let's first see the northern part of the island! Leaving the port, we head towards the city's suburbs, such as Kontokali and Gouvia, which, due to the many rentals and hotels, are full of tourists in the summer. You can find several beaches there, and the location is convenient as you are ten minutes from the city, Paleokastritsa, Dassia, and Ipsos, which are about the same distance.
Dassia and Ipsos are very popular tourist areas with shallow waters, restaurants, and intense nightlife. Heading north, we will approach Barbati, which has many accommodation options and a wonderful pebbly sea, with many beach bars and restaurants. Going further, we pass by various small villages and lovely swimming bays, such as Nissaki, Agni, Kalami, the beautiful Kerasia beach, and Avlaki. Finally, we reach the largest town of northeastern Corfu, Kassiopi. Kassiopi is about 50 minutes from the port of Corfu. There is a very picturesque harbor and many small bays where you can swim while drinking your evening coffee.
The beaches of Kalamaki are perfect for children as they are very shallow, as is the beach of Agios Spyridonas. Apart from the main beach, there is a smaller one that few people know, located after the small bridge.
Right before Agios Spyridonas beach, there is an old village, Palaia Perithia, an architectural gem of the island. The village has been abandoned since 1960. However, the old mansions and houses, all built according to Venetian architecture, have been preserved over time.
Since 1980, the old Perithia has been declared a Historical Preservable Monument. After strolling through the village, you can taste Corfiot delicacies at one of the restaurants.
To reach the northernmost part of the island, which consists of many small villages, the most renowned being Acharavi and Sidari.
Acharavi is very crowded in the summer, with many choices for drinks, food, clubs, etc. Its beach extends to 3 km, one of the longest in Corfu. Ten minutes from Acharavi is Sidari, which is also a very touristic area, with a shallow beach and the impeccable Canal D'amour, the Greek Channel of Love, which is an area with rocks created by the formations of the sea and on one of these rocks, there is a sea path. According to a legend, couples who go through it together without separating hands will stay together forever.
Before you leave the northern part of Corfu, don’t forget to visit the unique beach of Agios Georgios Pagon. It is a large bay with crystal clear waters, sometimes frozen, but well worth a visit! You can also rent a boat from here to visit Paleokastritsa.
Paleokastritsa is one of the most popular destinations in Corfu. It is about 20 minutes from the city center and is usually full of tourists in the summer. Apart from the main beach, there are little bays around where you can be more private and enjoy the -cold- but amazing waters. The unique thing about this place is that because the ground is virgin, most beaches have rocks, and some are difficult to access.
If you visit Paleokastritsa, rent a boat to tour all these lovely, remarkable bays, such as Rovinia, Limni, Paradise Beach, Liapades Beach, and many more. Don't forget to visit, either by sea or on foot, the fantastic all-day beach bar built inside a rock, La Grotta! Here, you can swim in the morning and enjoy your drink until late at night, watching the incredible view.
Let’s now move to the southern part of Corfu. Leaving the city heading south, there is the well-known Achillion Palace. It was the palace of Princess Sissy, who was in love with the ancient Greek God Achilles, hence its name.
Leaving Achillion, we take the main road to reach Lefkimmi. This narrow road has many turns, so you must pay attention, especially in the summer when it is jam-packed! The first seaside village we meet is Benitses, which many tourists choose because it is relatively close to the city! Here, you can find many restaurants and bars and the Sea Shell Museum of Corfu, which is quite interesting. Heading to the south, we meet Moraitika and Messonghi villages, where you can find great hotels for all tastes.
Chalikounas and Issos are two massive sandy beaches with beach bars and many places for those who want tranquility. In the area, there is also Lake Korission, the only lake on the island, which has been declared a Landscape of Outstanding Natural Beauty and belongs to the Natura 2000 network.
Marathias Beach is ideal for surf lovers when it’s windy. From there, we drive to Lefkimmi, a small town with many shops, bars, and services! From here, it is possible to take the ferry to Igoumenitsa and Paxos.
Undoubtedly, Corfu's most beautiful and iconic part is the old town! Walking through the kantounia (small alleys), you feel you are in another era! The Venetians occupied Corfu for many years, and that's why they heavily influenced the island's culture; you will notice an “Italian” vibe around.
Next to the main port is the Old Port, or Spilia, as the locals call it.
From there, you can explore the New Fortress of Corfu and walk towards Liston Square.
A must-visit is the Saint Spyridon Church, the patron saint of Corfu.
It is located in the alleys of the old town, and from there, the visitor reaches the famous pedestrian street, Liston, the local meeting point, where you will find many cafes and restaurants. Walking across Liston, you will end up at the Museum of Asian Art, and behind, there is a magnificent public garden worth a walk, overlooking the sea and the old Fortress.
Do not forget to visit Garitsa, which has many restaurants and a magnificent view of the fortress, especially at night!
About 5 minutes from the city by car lies Kanoni, with a beautiful view of Pontikonissi Island and the Vlacherna Monastery. Here, you can enjoy your coffee or drink while enjoying the fantastic view, not only of the monastery and the bay but also of the airport since the airway is extremely close. Watching airplanes take off and land in the background is quite mesmerizing!
Corfu is an amazing, cosmopolitan island that can satisfy every taste. Enjoy the always happy locals' singing accents and relax in a must-go travel destination!
And, to help you a bit more, here is a ToDo List for your trip to Corfu! Enjoy!