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Dear guest, in order to help you get the most of your vacation in Corfu, we have created a travel guide for you to find out everything about your holidays! Discover the best things to do, places to visit, beaches, top restaurants and bars to enjoy and more…
Achilleas
Canal d Amour Sidari,Corfu
La tavola valda
Welcome to the land of the
Phaeacians
one of the most beautiful Greek islands, with its unique identity, historical presence from ancient to modern times, amazing nature and beautiful landscapes.
Here you can relax on the golden beaches, swim in the crystal-clear waters, hike in the green hills or just walk in the picturesque alleys enjoying the local delicacies. Venetians, French and English dominated the island, leaving their own heritage in architecture, cultural attractions and, of course, gastronomy.
What to see
Corfu Old Town A historic city with Venetian grace
You can enjoy a walk in the Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which will take you to a fairytale world. You will hear the footsteps of kings, nobles and knights who once walked the cobbled streets. Corfu Old Town is a junction full of streets and alleys that pulsates with life throughout the day.
Your cultural experience in Corfu Town is full of excellent collections and unique exhibits. It is worth taking time to get to know the museums of Corfu, which pique the interest with their quality and variety. The Museum of Asian Art, with a collection of everything from Japanese theatrical masks to Tibetan statuettes and Korean screens, is a good opportunity to visit the magnificent Palace of Saints Michael and George – the second largest in Greece, after the Parliament of Athens – which also houses the Municipal Gallery.
Wander the narrow streets of the Campiello district, where you will find the church of Panagia Antivouniotissa of the 15th century, which houses the Byzantine Museum with religious works from the 15th-20th century. The house-museum of Dionysios Solomos, the Museum of the Corfu Philharmonic Company, the Archaeological Museum of Corfu, the Banknote Museum, the Serbian Museum and the Capodistrias Museum are some of the other institutions that friends of history and culture should visit. The Casa Parlante Museum of Living History also offers a special experience, where moving human figures of robotic technology, the faithful decoration of a 19th century urban mansion, images and smells give you an authentic taste of the daily life of the nobles of the time.
The Old Town is guarded by two strong Venetian fortresses that endured even during the Ottoman Empire!
The Old Fortress of Corfu
Be sure to spend a few hours exploring the Old Fortress of Corfu, otherwise known as Fortetsa. The peninsula that hosts it is separated from Spianada by an artificial moat, Kontra Fossa – and crossing it you enter another era. Here was the medieval city of Corfu, sheltered behind the Byzantine walls, while later the Venetians significantly strengthened the fortifications and defenses of the fortress so that the area was transformed as you will see today – with some interventions later by the English. The Doric style church of Agios Georgios, the English barracks, the Venetian prison, Mandraki (the old port of the medieval city), the Soranza Gate and the atmospheric tunnels give another dimension to the past of Corfu.
The New Fortress Of Corfu
With the city significantly expanded, the Venetians began the construction of the New Fortress, or Fortesa Nuova, in 1576. Spianada Square owes its presence to the construction of the fortress, as many of the 2,000 houses and churches that were demolished for its construction were located there – and this is because the open space of Spianada strengthened, according to the Venetians, the defense of the city. On the hill of St. Mark, overlooking the Old Port, the fortress welcomes visitors with the emblem of Venice, the Lion of St. Mark. You will wander in the underground galleries here, climb the Bastion of the Seven Winds and admire the abundant view of the Old Town, visit the Museum of Ceramic Art – and if you are lucky, you will attend remarkable exhibitions and concerts hosted in the English barracks.
Liston
Just a few meters away from the North part of Spianda square, Liston is there waiting for us to walk by, drink a coffee, admire it’s architectural line which in a majestic way combines harmonically 3 different cultures. The Venetian, the French and the British.
The Church Of St Spyridon
One of the most important Byzantine monuments of Corfu and the most important pilgrimages of Christians is the church and the relic of Saint Spyridon. The construction of the temple was completed in 1589, while the Renaissance bell tower is the highest in the Ionian Sea. The Church houses the relics of Saint Spyridon that were transported here from Constantinople during the 15th century.
Holy Monastery of Vlacherna- Pontikonisi
You will surely have noticed it if you landed at the airport “Ioannis Kapodistrias”. The beautiful Pontikonisi is a trademark of Corfu, decorating countless photos and postcards. Start your walk from Kanoni, on the peninsula south of Corfu town. At the top of the hill of the Ascension you will enjoy the view of the island, which emerges in front of the Halikiopoulou Lagoon. The view first stops at the Holy Monastery of Vlacherna, built on the island of Vlacherna in the 17th century, and continues to the legendary Pontikonisi, which in a hug of trees hosts the Byzantine temple of Pantokrator – visitable only on August 6, when it celebrates. Υou can combine your walk with a passage from the bridge that connects the area with Perama, at the entrance of the lagoon. According to the legend, Pontikonisi is the ship of Odysseus that was turned to stone by Poseidon.
Achillion
Ten kilometers outside the city of Corfu, in Gastouri, you will find Achillion, the elegant summer palace built in 1890 by the Queen of Austria-Hungary Elizabeth, or Sisi. This neoclassical palace was designed by the Italian architect Raffaele Caritto with the hero Achilles as its central theme. Take a tour of the gardens to enjoy the view and admire the large statue of Achilles – the most impressive of a large collection of classic statues and works of art you will discover inside the villa. The famous German sculptor Ernst Herter has created the statues that are inspired by Greek mythology. The beauty of Corfu and the palace was a great consolation for the “sad princess” after the loss of her son. The place also managed to charm Kaiser Wilhelm II, who bought it and visited it often. The interior of Achillion is a unique museum full of souvenirs related to Elizabeth as well as the next occupant of the residence, Kaiser. Their admiration for Greek culture is pervasive in the area – and it also inspires visitors to walk into its majestic halls.
From Paleopolis To Mon Repo
The dive in the past of Corfu does not stop in Byzantium and the Middle Ages. Head to Paleopolis, where you will get a taste of the ancient city of Corfu, which was founded in the 8th century BC. from the Dorian Corinthians. The city flourished here during the Hellenistic period, with one of its ports being located on the site of the current airport. It was abandoned in the 5th AD. century due to the invasions by the Visigoths, with the population being transferred to the area of the Old Fortress. Today you can still see part of the Tower of Neratziha (ancient city wall) above the airport, the ancient market, the conservatory, the Roman baths, the Doric Temple of Kardaki and a small part of the temple of Artemis Gorgos, which dates from the 6th BC century. Combine your walk with a visit to the palace of Mon Repo, which also hosts the Museum of Paleopolis. The neoclassical mansion, which began to be built in 1828, was the summer residence of the English Commissioner Frederic Adam, and impresses both with its interior and its gardens, which offer wonderful sea views.
Monastery Of Palaiokastritsa
At the end of the cape, on the northwest coast of Paleokastritsa, stands the homonymous monastery that dates back to the 13th century and is located in the area of the Medieval castle that has long since disappeared. The Monastery has a small fraternity of eight monks who offer tours of the buildings and lush gardens of the Monastery. Almost every surface of the Monastery is covered with bougainvillea and geraniums while if you want to enter the interior, you must have a decent appearance while the women must cover the shoulders and legs. Finally, next to the Monastery you will find the areas of the monks where they cultivate olives and produce their own oil which they sell there on the spot!
In Ethniki Paleokastritsa, near Doukades, you will find the shelter Corfu Donkey Rescue Taking care of the unwanted and abandoned donkeys on the island. All the best for children!
Angelokastro: The Castle Next to Paleokastritsa
In a narrow rocky ledge over 300 meters above the sea, this castle was built in the 13th century, as an extensive lookout over the sea to observe the island and all of mainland Greece. Apart from the walls, not much of the fortress survives, except for the small church of the Archangel Michael which has frescoes from the 1700s.
The Sunset From Pelekas
Claiming the laurels of the “best sunset in the whole Ionian”! In Pelekas is the famous “Kaiser’s throne”, the rock from which Emperor William II shone – and on which you will sit to enjoy the sunset.
Traditional Villages
Dozens of ruined mansions make up a Venetian village – the oldest on the island – emerging from the depths of time. A few kilometers from Kassiopi, in North Corfu, Old Perithia is one of the most charming ornaments of the imposing Pantocrator with its abandoned stone houses, arched gates, churches and the characteristic red bell tower that will engrave you in time. Of course, you must visit one of the taverns in the main square for authentic Corfiot dishes. The tavern “Palia Perithia” has been operating here since 1863!
The green northeast coast invites you to visit its unique seaside villages. Do not miss the opportunity to discover the cosmopolitan Agios Stefanos, the picturesque Kaminaki and Kalami, the village that inspired the British writer Gerald Durrell during his stay. Do not forget to enjoy your coffee in the picturesque Afionas located on the west coast. Villages of great interest are hidden above the cosmopolitan resort of Paleokastritsa. These villages have been described as a “traditional settlement”, as they have a similar background. One of the most picturesque and beautiful villages of them all is Doukades. Probably the most impressive residence of the Corfiot countryside is in Doukades. It is the old Theotoki family mansion, that of Georgios Theotokis, who was the country’s prime minister from 1899-1909. On the slope of an extremely steep, verdant mountain, high above the enchanting bays of Paleokastritsa is the quaint, very picturesque, little village of Lakones. Old stone houses, of the 18th and 19th Century edge its narrow streets and lanes. The “Bella Vista” location is on the northern side of Lakones, on a plateau on the fringe of the village. With cafes and restaurants, where one can enjoy a coffee or meal, it has a unique view of the sensational landscape. It is a photographer’s paradise.
Easter In Corfu
If you are in Corfu for Easter, you will enjoy the noisy custom of the “botides”, with the locals throwing clay jugs with water from the balconies, the cannonades from the Old Fortress, the philharmonic orchestras that fill the air with melodies, the Epitaph “torsches” (large candles) and the “manuals” (Venetian lanterns), the “representation of the earthquake”, the custom of Mastela, the sparklers that pop over the Ionian, the feast with good wine, “tsilihourda” (cook) and “columbines” (Easter buns). Easter in Corfu is celebrated majestically, culminating in the last three days. On Holy Saturday, make sure you wake up early – and do not leave without taking a piece of the broken botides with you, as it will bring you luck all year round!
Where to Swim
The sea, the sun and the wind sculpt the island creating an impressive coastline.
The beaches of Corfu are some of the most attractive in the Ionian Sea – do not miss the opportunity to explore them! Beaches with golden sand or white pebbles, rocks – sculptures, trees that extend their shadow to the water. With a distinct geomorphology and strong contrasts, it has wetlands of rare beauty and unique ecosystems that gather lovers of alternative tourism.
The east coast with the protection of the mainland coast offers quiet waters for swimming and rich seabed for exploration. The north east side is famous for its clear waters and steep depths. The south east side has shallow waters, shady beaches, taverns on the sea.
On the west coast you can discover unique beaches such as the famous sandy beach of Agios Georgios Pagon, Ermones, the impressive Paleokastritsa, Glyfada and Myrtiotissa, Pelekas and Kontogyalos.
To the south of the island dominates the sandy beach of Arkoudilas and the golden paradise of adventure, Halikounas, Issos and Marathias.
The main beach of Paleokastritsa offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere, but start exploring the surrounding bays and capes to discover hidden corners with unique charm. Do not miss a swim in the paradise Chomes (Paradise Beach), which are visited by the boats of the area, while other spectacular adventures include the inaccessible path to Lakones, the picturesque village of Liapades, and the peaceful beach of Rovinia a little further south.
In the shallow sandy beach of Agios Stefanos Avlioton you will enjoy calm moments in a wonderful landscape and if you stay until late in the afternoon, you will admire the sunset on the sea. Do not forget to visit from there the Diapontia Islands, Othonoi, Ereikousa and Mathraki.
Whether you are captivated by the myth of couples who are always in love if they swim from one end of the canal to the other, the fact remains that Canal d’Amour, in the popular resort of Sidari, remains an incredibly romantic place. The wind and the waves sculpted the grooved rocks over time, forming coves with turquoise waters, sunbathing corners and caves for exploration. Choose this beach on a day when the sea will be calm so that you can swim through the tunnel. The most adventurous continue further west to the Cape Drastis, where you will find equally impressive rock sculptures and real peace in nature. One of the best ways to explore the west and east coasts of Corfu is by speedboat. Rent a boat and enjoy your sea exploration, discovering small peaceful coves ideal for a cool dip.
Here is a useful map with Corfu beaches by type. You can find the above map and many more here!
What to Taste
People of Corfu are very proud of their gastronomic culture. The Venetian conquerors (while the rest of the country was almost entirely enslaved to the Ottomans) left strong traces in the local cuisine. However, you will also find British influences, combined with local flavors.
You will taste the rich gastronomic heritage in dishes such as sofrito (beef with wine), pastitsada (beef cooked in a pot with pasta and spices), bianco (fish with white sauce and lemon) and burdeto (fish with red sauce).
Enjoy the Grill at
If you are a food lover, in Corfu you will enjoy special gastronomic creations.
Barbacoa at Dassia,
Harry’s Taverna at Kontokali,
Apovrado at Kommeno,
Stavros Traditional Grill House or
Nurnberg at Ropa Valley,
Ladokolla Traditional Grill House at Temploni,
Taverna Giannitsis at Viros Village,
Paprika at Alepou,
Bekios,
Ya souvlaki Stou Artemi or
Pane e Souvlaki in Corfu town,
for delicious handmade burgers Red Hot Chili Burger.
For traditional Greek at
Taverna To Steki at Doukades Village,
Moby Dick at Ipsos Beach
The Old Perithia or
Ognistra at Perithia Village,
Akamatra,
Abakas Mezedopoleio,
Mouragia,
Avli,
San Paramythi in Corfu town.
For Sea Food
Thomas’s Place at Kalami,
Toula’s Seaside at Agni Beach,
Gialos on the road to Boukari,
Fishalida or
Dora Fish Taverna at Corfu town,
Ta Psarakia Tis Garitsas at Garitsa Bay.
Υou can also enjoy fresh seafood in the fish taverns located along the coast in the fishing village of Petriti.
For Fine Dining
La Tavola Calda,
Salto Wine Bar-Bistro,
Pomo d’Oro,
The Venetian Well in Corfu town,
Etrusco at Kato Korakiana (Best Restaurant in Greece for 2020!)
For Pizza and Pasta
Boschetto,
Limoncello,
Il Vesuvio at Corfu town,
O Sole Mio at Gouvia.
For Mexicans Flavors
La Tabernita Mexicana,
3Monkeys at Gouvia,
3Monkeys Old Town.
For Chinese Taste
Peking House at Ipsos,
Sayam at Gouvia.
Liston is the meeting place of locals and tourists where you will find many restaurants and bars to enjoy your day!
Start your morning walk in Corfu Town with delicious pancakes at Favela 17, have a coffee at Café Bristol, swim and chill next to the old town walls, with stunning views of the old fort at Imabari Seaside Lounge Bar & Resto.
In the Old Town, enjoy the sweetest creations with the traditional sweets and the endless variety of Papagiorgis ice creams.
If you are a wine lover, do not forget to visit Ambelonas winery, to taste excellent quality varieties accompanied by exceptional food, but also to tour the olive groves and the wine museum.
A tailor-made walking or food tour would give you the opportunity to enjoy the multiculturally influenced cuisine of Corfu!
Organized gastronomic tours usually focus on the old town, but if you want, you can explore your options on your own and combine the trip to Corfiot cuisine with visits to wineries, mills or other production units outside the city.
Don’t forget To Taste
Ginger-beer
Ginger-beer has been established as an integral part of Corfu gastronomic culture. Its existence is due to the British and mainly to a brewery founded in 1842 to supply British soldiers. The locals evolved its taste and everything else now belongs to history. If you still prefer regular beer, do not worry … In 2006 a brewery was opened on the island that produces red, dark and blonde beers that are even more and more exported. You can if you want to visit it for a unique tasting experience.
Kumquat
Another British thing that was enthusiastically adopted by the locals. The bittersweet citrus was brought to Corfu by the botanist Sidney Merlin in the 19th century and has been cultivated on the island ever since, mainly for the production of liqueur or dessert. Today kumquat is a Product with a Designation of Origin (PDO) and you can see its processing up close in a factory. You will find products based on kumquat in local stores, while in many cases they will offer it as a treat in restaurants and taverns after the meal.
Mandoles
Are you in Corfu and exploring the island did you run out of energy? There is no better snack than mandoles, as the delicious caramelized almonds are called in the Italian word for “almond”. Equally tasty and nutritious, a soft bar of almond paste that also contains honey..
Corfiot
ouzo-meze
Corfiot cold cuts and cheeses are an ideal meze. Order your ouzo and ask the locals to tell you what to accompany it with. We recommend: “noumboulo” (pork fillet marinated in wine), “salado” (pork salami with garlic, sea salt, pepper and local herbs), hard and spicy gruyere and “sikomaida” (pulp of figs with ripe grapes, all grapes). All these are delicious not only to try but also to buy for the house returning from your trip.
Olive Oil
The cultivation of olives began in the years of Venetian rule. It is said that the island supplied olive oil to the Vatican. For those who are interested in getting to know the history and tradition of the island in the production of olive oil, we suggest a visit to a traditional or modern olive mill or even the Olive Museum. If you want to buy oil or olives, you will find many options in the shops of the city.
Local Market
Take a taste of the daily life of the people of Corfu and see what goes into the “housewife’s basket”, in the Central Market, near the New Fortress. Here you will find fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, honey, sweets with kumquat and other local delicacies.
Sweets with butter & milk
Corfu butter has a fine taste and creamy texture, thanks to the altitude of the pastures where the cows are raised on the island. If you are in the mood for a dessert with your coffee, visit Alexis dairy in the city center and order a milk pudding with local butter and milk… it is simply divine!
Where to enjoy your drinks
There is a wide range of bars for every taste and every hour of the day, to celebrate your holiday!
Liston is the meeting place of locals and tourists and here you will find many restaurants to have fun and spend your evening and more!
Let the afternoon breeze cool you while you enjoy your favorite cocktail in one of the cosmopolitan beach bars, such as Nagual Beach Bar or Bodega at Kontogialos Beach, Akron at Palaiokastritsa or Imabari in the city, Malibu at Dasia, Piedra Del Mar or Bahia Mare at Barbati beach, Ammos at Arilas, Wave Beach Bar at Marathias beach.
Have an evening drink at La Grotta, in a little cove near Paleokastritsa overlooking the illuminated bay down below.
Capture the spectacular sunset under nice ambient music at 7th Heaven Café at Loggas Beach.
Kourdisto Portokali– it’s only rock and roll , Café Bristol, Naok Azur-lively bar with great views, Swan Cocktail bar– for a drink with a magnificent view by the sea, are just a few bars in the old town.
For Nature Lovers
Blessed by nature, with its slopes flooded with pines, cypresses and eucalyptus, flowing towards the clear blue waters, Corfu is the dream of every nature lover.
In the South, apart from picturesque villages in the olive groves and exotic beaches, you can visit unique ecosystems, such as Korission Lake. It is the largest lake on the island and the most important wetland. It is located near the village of Argyrades, at a distance of about 35 km from Corfu. The landscape is fascinating, as only a narrow strip of land separates the lake from the Ionian Sea, creating two stunning sandy beaches, Halikounas and Issos. The area is protected by the Natura treaty, covers an area of about 6,000 acres and in addition to Lake Korissia includes the coastal areas, a unique one Kedrodasos, as well as a large number of sand dunes, whose height exceeds 15 meters. There flamingos and other migratory birds make their own passage creating an exotic landscape.
Pantokratoras is the highest peak of Corfu, giving visitors the opportunity to gaze at the Ionian Sea, the Albanian mountains and the beautiful Corfu villages. The Monastery of Pantokrator is located at an altitude of 917m. From Strinyla village you will find an excellent path that leads to the top of the mountain, offering a fascinating view. The same path is a normal road for Mountain bike, while it is also considered an extremely beautiful off-road route if you want to take your jeep to new adventures.
For action and adventure
If you are craving an all-action holiday adventure, Corfu has many options to tempt you!
With horses suitable for both beginners and experienced riders and a host of old trails and rural roads, equestrian schools offer unlimited possibilities to sports enthusiasts. Arena Horse riding with the famous swimming ride, Carolina’s Holiday Horses at Doukades, Trail riders at Ano Korakiana, and Silvaland at Kombitsi are only a few of them.
On the organized beaches of the island there are schools, where instructors will introduce you to the water sports: skiing, jet skiing, parachuting, windsurfing, kite surfing, as well as pedal boats and canoes, are at your disposal to chart your own sea course! The beaches, the hills and the capes are a small paradise for the lovers of the seabed, which is why there are organized diving centers all over the island. Diving enthusiasts have their own water paradise in Paleokastritsa. Achilleon diving center offers a unique exploration of the place’s marine life. Apollo diving center at Nissaki is always available to provide any scuba diving course or beginners session you might be interested in. Also, SeaWorld Corfu PADI 5* IDC Dive Resort is located in Dassia, Scubanauts Corfu Diving Center is located in Gouvia Kontokali bay Hotel, Dive Inn Corfu in Agios Georgios Argyradon.
Aqualand
For children (or for those who still feel this way) one of the biggest Water Parks in the world, Aqualand offers a great combination of fun, relaxation and adrenaline.
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