The Queen of the Ionian Sea and the largest island in this complex located between Greece and Italy that reflects the very essence of both countries, has always something unique to offer to its visitors.
A town of unparalleled beauty, pristine beaches and green lush environment, where traditional mansions and luxury villas are hidden, Corfu has it all.
Let’s see the best things to do in Corfu and its hidden gems you should definitely not miss.
What to do in Corfu Town
Imposing palaces, impressive fortresses and cobblestone alleys create a scenery of romance and impeccable beauty in Corfu Old Town, which has been declared as World Heritage Site of UNESCO.
Having a walk in the Old Town is one of the best things to do in Corfu and an experience you will never forget. Boutique shops, fine restaurants and traditional cafes are perfectly blended with the Venetian architecture that reflects the long history of the island’s capital.
Unmissable attractions in Corfu Town are:
- Liston: The famous Liston is an impressive early 19th century arched colonnade, where you can walk, relax, drink your coffee and feel the atmosphere of the town.
- Spianada Square: It is one of the biggest squares in Europe and the place where the cultural heart of the island beats to the tunes of the brass bands, also known as philharmonics.
- Old Fortress: One of the most impressive fortifications in Europe, it was built by the Venetians in the 15th century and is located on a rocky peninsula in the eastern side.
- Church of Saint George: Near the Old Fortress, is situated the church of Saint George, which was built by the Venetians according to the Doric style, and it is the only church in Greece with this kind of architecture.
- Kapodistrias Mansion: This is the mansion, where the first governor of modern Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias, was born in 1776, operating today as university.
- Archaeological Museum: The Archaeological Museum in Corfu Town was built to house treasures from the temple of Artemis, but visitors can also admire other findings from excavations on the island, the ancient town of Cassiopeia and items of private collections.
- Ionian Parliament: In a neoclassical construction in Corfu Old Town, is located the Ionian Parliament. The historical importance of this building is great since there in 1863 the parliament voted for the unification of Corfu with the Greek state. After the unification, the Parliament had no reason to exist and turned into an Anglican church until the World War II, when the bombs caused severe damages to the building. After the war and its restoration, the building operates until today as a cultural spot, hosting events, exhibitions and lectures.
- Achilleion Palace: Achilleion Palace was built in 1890 exclusively for Elizabeth (Sissy), the Empress of Austria as the summer retreat of the Empress.
- Mon Repos Palace: Mon Repos used to be the summer residence of the former royal family of Greece. Nowadays, Mon Repos is a significant tourist attraction of the island, which hosts a museum with many Ionian treasures.
Other Corfu tourist attractions
In addition to the Old Town, there are many more other places to visit in Corfu that will steal your heart with their beauty and interest.
If you are wondering where to go in Corfu, we recommend you the following:
- Pontikonisi: Pontikonisi, (the Greek word of Mouse Island), is a tiny island located at the coast of Corfu near the Old Town. It’s called Mouse Island because it looks like a mouse when viewed from a distance. The island is very small, having only some trees and a monastery called Vlacherna. It is a famous sightseeing spot in Corfu, attracting tourists who go there by boat to admire its natural beauty and the picturesque monastery.
- Aqualand Water Park: Aqualand is considered to be the most amusing water park in Europe and the third largest in the world. Here, you will find many waterslides, sun beds, umbrellas, swimming pools, restaurants, cafes and mini markets to spend an unforgettable day with your kids.
- Old Perithia: The village of Old Perithia is a unique village on Corfu, as it seems to remain unchanged over the course of centuries. It is a perfect example of how Corfu’s first villages looked like and a representative sample of the Venetian architecture with houses made of stones. A walk in the paved streets of this village is a must!
- Kassiopi: It is a beautiful harbor village with a large marina, welcoming yachts and sailing boats. Around the area there are also many organized beaches. Kassiopi has also a medieval fortress, from where you have stunning sea view.
- Korission Lake: It is a serene natural location, which is situated on the southwestern coast of the island and is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare bird species.
What to do in Corfu from a cruise ship
If you’re visiting Corfu on a cruise ship, you will have limited time to explore the island. So, if you have only a few hours or 1-2 days, the best places in Corfu to see and top things to do are all the main attractions in Corfu Town, which can be seen in less than one day.
Another great activity is to take a boat trip. Many cruise lines offer organized shore excursions that allow you to see the highlights of Corfu in a short amount of time. These excursions include visits to popular attractions, such as Achilleion Palace, Paleokastritsa Monastery and Pontikonisi.
If you want to relax, you can sunbath and swim in a beautiful, organized beach close to the port, such as Glyfada, Kontokali and Ipsos.
What to do in Corfu by boat
Exploring Corfu by boat offers a unique perspective of the island’s coastline and nearby attractions. Whether you choose a private or public boat tour, there are many interesting excursions you can do:
- Swim in inaccessible beaches: By boat, you can reach inaccessible by car beaches and hidden coves, where you can admire the untouched scenery and explore the coastal caves away from the crowds.
- Visit Paxoi and Antipaxoi: You can take a day trip to the neighboring islands of Paxoi and Antipaxoi to swim in crystal-clear waters and virgin beaches with soft white sand.
- Explore Diapontia Islands: Diapontia Islands, such as Erikoussa, Mathraki, and Othonoi, are located northwest of Corfu and offer great experience of discovering the unspoiled beauty of the Ionian Sea.
- Sunset cruise: You can enjoy the sunset view, as the sun goes down painting the sea with golden and pink hues from a boat, which offers you at the same time a full dining experience.
For a more personalized experience, you can rent a private boat or yacht with a skipper. By renting a luxury villa from Kinglike Concierge, you can enjoy a full experience of everything Corfu has to offer. All villas are accompanied by personalized services and we can arrange for you private boat tours to discover Corfu at your own pace and in full privacy.
Unlock Corfu’s hidden treasures and delve into its rich cultural tapestry. Wondering how to reach Corfu from Mykonos? Explore our guide on How to get from Mykonos to Corfu and plan your stay duration with How Many Days in Corfu? Find your perfect villa rental with How to rent a villa in Corfu, and discover the island’s renowned sites and beaches in What is Corfu known for. Enhance your visit with insights on Where to stay in Corfu for a complete island experience.
