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A GUIDE TO NORTHERN CORFU

British travellers have been visiting Corfu  for more than 200 years. Those in the know head to the north, where stylish villas look down on idyllic bays and days are spent puttering by boat between tavernas.

About the same size as Mallorca, Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian Islands, which appear like a chain off the west coast of mainland Greece. The second largest it may be but it’s certainly the best known, and it’s back in vogue again thanks to the popularity of the TV series, The Durrells .

The majority of our luxury villas in Corfu are located in the rural northeast of the island where you'll find a land of pretty, pebbly coves, pristine beaches and clear water, where limited road access encourages travelling by boat. The sea is warm, and the walking – especially in spring when the island is carpeted in colourful wildflowers – is among the best in the Greek islands.

Corfu Town Panoramic View

Any visit to Corfu should at some point include a foray into elegant Corfu Town. With its pretty cobbled streets, world-class museums, delectable restaurants and fascinating mix of Venetian, French and British architecture, it’s certainly worth a detour from your villa for a day.

The grand seaside esplanade, Europe’s second-largest square, is the town’s social hub and a wonderful spot to find a café for people watching. Two impressive fortresses bookend the town, the Old and the New, and both have stunning views. Also worth a visit is the Mon Repos estate to the south of town, the former summer retreat of the Greek royal family and the birthplace of the Duke of Edinburgh.

Further south still, about a half-hour walk from Mon Repos, is one of Corfu’s most picture-perfect sights, the whitewashed monastery of Vlacherna, which sits on its own promontory as if cast into the bay. Equally Instagrammable is Mouse Island right behind it, which has its own place of worship neatly hidden among the trees. Boats run regularly between the two and if you’re lucky you’ll spot dolphins as you skim across the bay.

Agni Beach, Corfu

Due north of Corfu Town, across the bay, the 16-kilometre curl of coast on the northeast of the island between the villages of Nissaki and Kassiopi is aptly referred to as Millionaire’s Row. This is where the Rothschilds like to unwind, and with its beautiful villas, pastel villages and idyllic bays it’s easy to see why.

The first fashionable enclave north of Nissaki is Agni, a traditional fishing village with a small beach and a handful of good tavernas specialising in seafood, including the excellent Toula’s and the waterfront Nikolas Traditional Taverna . Villas Epirus and Kerasia are close by.

View of Bay in Kalami, Corfu

Continue north and you’ll soon reach Kalami, where both Lawrence and Gerald Durrell lived for many years prior to World War Two. For many people the Durrells are Corfu. In the five short years the family lived on the island, they made friends with the locals, found literary inspiration and lived a splendid life, surrounded by nature and Greek hospitality. Gerald Durrell’s much-loved memoir My Family and Other Animals was based on their time here, while Lawrence Durrell’s Prospero’s Cell is a lyrical evocation of the island.

The White House in Kalami is where Lawrence and his wife Nancy lived in the 1930s and is the only one of the Durrell houses that’s open to the public. Its small museum is full of Durrell memorabilia and there are guided walks that leave from the house and follow the same trails that inspired Gerald Durrell to become a conservationist. Under a mile away, is Kouloura Beach House , a delightful five-bedroom villa rental, right on the seafront,and just a few minutes stroll to a harbour and excellent taverna.

Pool area with purple flowers, terracotta pot, sun loungers and sea view at Eremitis on Corfu, Greece

North again, gorgeous little Avlaki lies beyond a wooded headland. Here, there's a sizeable beach with a sailing centre and several excellent restaurants, including Cavo Barbaro , which gets rave reviews for its traditional Greek cuisine.

Several of our most popular Corfu villas are within walking distance of Avlaki Beach, including the simple but spacious three-bedroom Villa Eremitis ; the luxurious Villa Icarius , which has its own private jetty for exploring by boat; and the smart and contemporary Villa Eleni , a six-bedroom house from which it’s possible to stroll not just to Avlaki but also to Kassiopi.

Paradise Beach Kassiopi, Corfu

Marking the end of Millionaire’s Row, Kassiopi has myriad shops, tavernas and bars. Though lively, it’s still far more genteel than the boisterous resorts of the south, and you’ll still find local fisherman laying out the morning’s catch in the harbour as well as peaceful beaches close by.

Villas near here are always popular with teenagers, as it gives them a bit of nightlife without you having to veer away from the beauty of the northeast. It’s a practical choice too. Kassiopi is a great place to charter boats (by far the best way to explore this part of the coastline), there’s a trustworthy dive centre, and all manner of activities can easily be arranged here, from waterskiing and paragliding to mountain biking and riding. We have a wealth of villas in Kassiopi - all with private pools and glorious sea views. Four-bedroom  Villa Laura , for example, is within easy walking distance of the village centre, as is five-bedroom  Villa Anthi , which also benefits from its own direct beach access and a private jetty with boat mooring - both are directly on the seafront, with beautiful Ionian Sea views 

OLD PERITHIA

Ancient Perithia, Corfu

For many people, the most beautiful part of Corfu is inland, where rolling olive groves and grand old manor houses are reminiscent of Tuscany, and you’ll still find old women in traditional black dresses and knee-length pop socks.

Less than 30 minutes from Avlaki or Kassiopi and you’ll be up in the mountains in the shadow of Mt Pantokrator, Corfu’s highest point. It’s worth the winding drive to see Old Perithia village, built in the 14th century while the island was under Byzantine rule. For years the village prospered but by the 20th century its residents had begun to leave, drawn to the coast by the wealth brought in by tourism. Today the village has heritage status and its 130 houses, many built in Venetian style, lie abandoned in varying states of dereliction. The air is fresh, the views are spectacular and there’s a handful of tavernas serving excellent mountain fare.

COASTAL WALKS IN CORFU

Corfu Island Hellenic Temple

It’s no surprise that Gerald Durrell discovered his love for the natural world while wandering the tracks and trails of Corfu. To this day, the island is a mecca for walkers of all ages, many of whom arrive in spring (April to June) when a profusion of wildflowers carpets the whole island. 

Durrell, of course, didn’t have the benefit of the Corfu Trail, a way-marked path that traverses the whole island from north to south, connecting ancient villages and Byzantine monuments with glorious beaches often far from the tourist trail. Don't miss the stretch that takes in Porto Timoni, in the north-west, where the coast is particularly rugged and punctuated with tiny coves.

Louisa Lewis, Villa Specialist at Red Savannah

LOUISA LEWIS

Greece travel specialist.

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Best places to visit in North Corfu

Photo of author

Jayne Gorman

February 1, 2023

We never used to holiday in the same place more than once, but we’ve been to north Corfu three times in the last few years because it’s absolutely charming.

We’ve grown rather fond of the north east of Corfu and have stayed twice in the Kalami Bay area. Our northern Corfu holidays consist of waterfront seafood and tzatziki dinners, toes in the shingles and a rust-coloured sunset lighting up the mountains of Albania. It’s hopping on a water taxi to a remote bay where a single traditional taverna has been welcoming guests for decades. It’s glistening green ocean backed by pine and olive tree-covered mountains.

Are you starting to see why we like it?

places to visit north east corfu

Corfu holidays are also super convenient. Multiple airlines offer direct flights from the UK and we’ve found both package deals and villa rentals on this island far more affordable than other parts of Greece.

This post contains some affiliate links.

Where to stay in northern Corfu

Best places in Greece for families - Kalami, Corfu

On two of our previous visits to Corfu we based ourselves in Kalami , a small bay on the north east coast of Corfu that has a handful of traditional tavernas and more trendy eateries like Callao Corfu and The White House Restaurant .

If you’ve ever watched the TV show The Durrell’s you may recognise Kalami Bay, as The White House Restaurant is found in the former residence of Laurence Durrell.

We love this area because it’s laidback and not super trendy but there is an array of waterfront eateries that make every meal special. Amenities including 2 small supermarkets and a tour office are found directly behind the beach. And you can catch water taxis from the wobbly piers to explore the local area, so you don’t need to hire a car if you don’t want to drive through the mountains.

Affordable Luxury at San Antonio Resort, Kalami, Corfu

You can fly and flop to the adults-only San Antonio Resort like we did on our first trip, or you can stay in one of the traditional villas dotted throughout the hills like we did on our second visit. (More details below.)

There’s accommodation for every type of budget and they all share the most incredible views, which is what I love most about Kalami. The views. My goodness, I can never get enough of those sunsets.

places to visit north east corfu

The best thing to do in North Corfu is to explore all the gorgeous secluded bays and swimming spots dotted along the north coast of the island.

There are a couple of main options for getting around. You can join a boat trip from Kassiopi, hire your own boat from San Stefano, hop in a water taxi from larger tourist resorts like Paleokastritsa, or hire a car, which is what we did.

Some of the most beautiful places to visit in North Corfu are:

Bataria Beach in Kassiopi

places to visit north east corfu

Perched on a peninsular on the north-west tip of Corfu, the water on Bataria Beach is crystal clear and was the perfect temperature for swimming even at the end of September.

There are sunloungers for rent and parking nearby so it’s a convenient spot if you’re driving around the island.

Bring water shoes though – those pebbles are a killer when you are getting in and out of the ocean!

places to visit north east corfu

For lunch head to Kassopi, where you’ll find a number of restaurants looking out over the picturesque harbour. Then, burn off the calories with a walk around the ruins of the Byzantine castle afterwards .

places to visit north east corfu

Kassopi is also the best place for shopping in north Corfu . It’s not a huge resort town but there are a few lovely boutiques selling jewellery, beachwear and souvenirs.

Liapades & Rovinia Beach

Best places in Greece for families - Liapades Beach, Corfu

Liapades Beach , found on Corfu’s north-west coast, south of the resort of Paleokastritsa , is like nowhere else I’ve ever been in Greece. It’s a relatively small, organised beach that I imagine can get crowded during peak season, but, my goodness, this setting has to be seen to believed.

Tall, tree-lined limestone cliffs surround the emerald green water. It felt somewhat Italian or Balkan due to the landscape, but the gyros and mythos meal deal (a bargain at 3.90 Euro) the beachfront restaurants offer leave you in no doubt of your location.

places to visit north east corfu

Parking can be difficult around here. We managed to get parked up the hill near the village but it is a steep walk back to the car at the end of the day. If you’re staying in or visiting Paleokastritsa, you might find it easier to visit Liapades via a water taxi.

We hopped in a water taxi from Liapades to visit neighbouring Rovinia Beach . It’s a super quick and scenic journey to Rovinia, which has nothing there apart from a canteen boat serving frappe and snacks, if you’re lucky.

Many people choose to hike from Liapades to Rovinia as it offers the best views of Liapades Beach, but having checked out the path we decided not to do it with a toddler.

places to visit north east corfu

If you have more time, a boat trip along the coast to beaches south of Liapades is one of the most popular things to do in North Corfu. Chomi Beach is backed by huge limestone cliffs and is absolutely stunning.

Porto Timoni

North of Paleokastritsa are the twin beaches of Porto Timoni that are best enjoyed from the Porto Timoni Viewpoint .

We are yet to make it here as I’ve either been pregnant or with a toddler on our trips to Corfu and it’s a steep 20-minute hike down from the scenic hilltop village of Afionas to get there.

It’s on the list for our next visit though. Just look at it!

Cape Drastis

Cape Drastis Corfu Greece

Situated on the north-western tip of Corfu is the jaw-dropping Cape Drastis viewpoint . I honestly had no idea Corfu looked like this – did you?

We drove to the Cape Drastis viewpoint during our stay at Ikos Odisia and found the drive relatively easy and straightforward. There is free parking at the viewpoint but the car park is tiny so most people parked on the side of the road as you approached it.

It’s just a few minutes walk from where you park to see this view. There is a path that continues down the cliff towards the beach but we did not attempt it with a little one! We drove to nearby Canal D’Amour for a swim instead.

If you don’t want to drive this would be a wonderful place to explore by boat. You can pick up a private boat rental in Sidari to explore Cape Drastis, Canal D’Amour and Mermaid Island.

Canal D’Amour

Canal D'Amour near Sidari, Corfu

Corfu’s Canal D’Amour (meaning Channel of Love) is one of the most distinctive beaches on the island.

Situated on the north west coast of Corfu, near the resort town of Sidari , the Canal D’Amour has really unusual lunar-like rock formations that have formed a perfect turquoise channel leading to a small sandy beach.

It’s a very popular spot and the beach is not big enough for you to spend long on, but after our drive to the Cape Drastis viewpoint it was the perfect place to cool off with a quick dip.

places to visit north east corfu

We found it easy to park at the Canal D’Amour Central Parking . Parking is priced at a flat rate of 5 euro per day. You’ll need cash.

Overall we much prefer to stay on the north east coast of Corfu which has more charming traditional tavernas and villas, but I would recommend driving or sailing to the north west tip in order to see the unique coastline. The sunsets on this side of the island are excellent too.

Old Perithia

places to visit north east corfu

For something a bit different head to the once-abandoned historic mountain village of Old Perithia .

Old Perithia is known as Corfu’s oldest village . It was settled back in the 14 th century but became abandoned around the 1960s when tourism on the coast became more popular.

After a boutique hotel opened in the ‘ghost town’ in 2010 it’s enjoyed somewhat of a tourism resurgence. Today, you’ll find 5 little tavernas and a couple of souvenir shops dotted in-between the ancient churches and abandoned stone buildings.

It’s a popular spot for mountain hiking but also just an interesting place to come for a traditional Corfiat lunch, which is what we did.

places to visit north east corfu

Although technically in the middle of the island, you can’t come to Corfu and not explore Corfu Town, even if it’s just for a few hours before flying home from the nearby airport.

Corfu Town is found half way down the east coast of the island, in a strategic position at the mouth of the Adriatic Sea, which means it has been under the control of almost everyone from the Romans, to Normans, Venetians, French and British. They each left their mark on the Old Town’s fascinating architecture, which is an eclectic mix of pastel-coloured Venetian houses, ancient stone fortresses, British palaces and Greek Orthodox churches.

Join a walking tour to learn more about this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or simply get lost in the laneways with a gyros in hand, soaking up the atmosphere.

If you need to cool off, head to chic beach club and restaurant Iambari Corfu for cocktails and a swim.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Imabari Corfu (@imabaricorfu)

Best day trips from North Corfu

In terms of day trips from Corfu, you are spoilt for choice with a number of excursions that include boat trips to neighbouring Greek islands such as Paxos and Antipaxos, Parga on the Greek mainland, or even a visit to Albania .

We had our heart set on this popular day trip to Paxos, Antipaxos and the Blue Caves but unfortunately Corfu experienced some really bad weather in late September last year and the boat trips were cancelled. 

Again, one for the list for our next visit.

Best places to eat in North Corfu

Best places in Greece for families - Kalami, Corfu

Our favourite thing to do in Corfu is to choose a different beachfront taverna to dine at every evening. From Kalami you can take a taxi boat to the traditional seafront tavernas in Agni, where you’ll find not only enjoy gorgeous food and sunset views, but getting whooshed back home in the dark after dinner adds a little thrill to the evening!

Our favourite places to eat in north Corfu are:

Callao Corfu – I absolutely love the chic, chilled vibes at this all-day beachfront bar and restaurant in Kalami . With a modern Mediterranean menu, the food here is seriously good and goes down perfectly with the exceptional sunset views. Don’t miss their Corfu Spritz , made with kumquat liqueur and ginger beer. It’s simply delicious.

places to visit north east corfu

The White House – One of the most sophisticated restaurants in this part of Corfu also has an enviable waterfront position and oodles of history too. The former Durrell residence is now an upmarket eatery where you can drop by on a boat for breakfast, lunch or dinner or simply stop by for a coffee and a swim. It’s an absolute must-visit in this part of Corfu and the lovely thing is families are welcome too.

The White House Restaurant Corfu

Dimitri’s Restaurant – High on the hills above Kalami is Dimitri’s Restaurant. Here you can enjoy their signature DIY gyros with stunning views out to Albania. We love that they offer a free transfer from your accommodation up to the restaurant with charismatic Georgios.

North Corfu travel guide Dimitri's restaurant

Taverna Agni – Our favourite place to dine on Agni Bay is Taverna Agni. (We’ve also dined at the popular Nikolas Taverna in Agni and were disappointed with the food and service.) Their seafood and bbq grill are excellent and the taxi boat back home in the dark after dinner is always a fun way to end the evening!

Kalami Beach Taverna – For a more traditional Greek dining experience on the waterfront in Kalami, we recommend the Kalami Beach Taverna.

Kalami Taverna

Cavo Barbaro – Situated on secluded Avlaki Beach is hidden gem Cavo Barbaro, which is a friendly, family-run restaurant with lots of repeat customers. We loved the desserts and the views at this restaurant, and also the intriguing drive to get there. Our route to Cavo Barbaro from our villa took us through the Erimitis Peninsular – one of the last remaining undeveloped corners of Corfu – and past a hugely stately-looking estate I have since learned belongs to the Rothchilds.

Eucalyptus Seaside Taverna – Tucked away in the corner of San Stefano Harbour is the traditional olive press of the Petropoulos family, which has been operating as a taverna since 1983. With a focus on seafood and local ingredients, Eucalyptus was a fab recommendation from our hosts.

Note : I would recommend making restaurant reservations online in advance if you can – even it’s just on the day. If you plan to take the taxi boat to Agni or free transfer to Dimitri’s you’ll need to request these in advance too.

Where we’ve stayed in North Corfu

Artist's House by Villa Rastoni

On our first visit to Corfu we stayed at the adults-only San Antonio Resort right on Kalami Bay. You can find a full review here .

For our more recent visit we stayed in the family-friendly Artist’s House at Villa Rastoni.

places to visit north east corfu

Perched on a mountainside in-between Kassiopi and Kalami, this 2-bedroom villa has incredible views from the huge outdoor terrace and stunning infinity pool. The villa is surprisingly generous and decorated simply in traditional Greek style. The main bathroom has a bathtub so you can bathe little ones and the second bedroom has 2 single beds and an en suite so can accommodate older children.

Admittedly the drive to the villa is rather hairy (think: narrow windy road with sheer drops!), so you want to be a confident driver to book this property. You can book local taxis to get around but this adds up quickly so we only did it on a couple of evenings.

places to visit north east corfu

In summer 2023 we did something we don’t normally do in Greece and booked a luxury all-inclusive resort – the brand-new  Ikos Odisia  which opened in Corfu in June 2023.

Ikos Odisia has a striking modern design that has been thoughtfully merged with the surrounding mountains and cypress trees on a jewel-like peninsular in Dassia. It is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever stayed and, because everything is taken care of, it was the most relaxing too.

Read our detailed  Ikos Odisia review .

Best places to stay in Corfu

Highly-rated family-friendly resorts in Corfu to consider for your holiday are:

Ikos Odisia or Ikos Dassia – best luxury all-inclusive hotels

MarBella Corfu – luxury, clifftop hotel with incredible views

Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection – chic, minimalist hotel in Glyfada

And for couples visiting Corfu:

Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa – luxury hotel with stunning infinity pool

Cook’s Club Corfu – Trendy, adult’s-only hotel in Gouvia

Read next :

Ikos Odisia Review – our stay at the brand new Ikos Resort in Corfu

Where to go in Greece – 5 family-friendly alternatives to Mykonos and Santorini

Mykonos with a baby

Review of San Antonio Resort, Corfu

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places to visit north east corfu

I’m Jayne, a travel blogger, content creator and mum to a 4-year-old son. I’ve been blogging since 2010, travelled to 65 countries and share travel guides and tips to help you plan stylish, stress-free trips.

Where To Go In Greece – 5 Family-Friendly Alternatives to Santorini & Mykonos

Best things to do in marrakech: an affordable luxury 3-day itinerary, 4 thoughts on “best places to visit in north corfu”.

Thank you for all the great information! We are going to Corfu in September and I will be definitely using your guide for where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. Thanx!!!

You’re welcome! Have a wonderful time x

Great recommendations – I’m going to Corfu next week! Staying up the hills near Kalami Bay. Is there a local taxi company you recommend for this area?

How exciting. I don’t have the company’s name unfortunately as our villa owner just gave us a number and we booked via whatsapp. Hopefully you can get details from where you are staying? Best. Jayne

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places to visit north east corfu

North East Corfu – Exploring The Hidden Coast

North East Corfu is one of the best places to stay when visiting this beautiful island. Corfu is steeped in history, with lots to do and plenty to see you can’t really go far wrong wherever you stay. It was October and we were attempting to escape the changing British seasons, the nights were getting darker and the cold was setting in, so what’s the solution……go on holiday. We wanted somewhere that was going to be relaxing but still with plenty to see and North East Corfu didn’t disappoint.

North East Corfu is an untrampled gem, with green olive trees littering the hillsides and hidden coves offering drinks from their shoreline tavernas. You may associate Corfu with a livelier sort of holiday which is certainly is however staying in North East Corfu has opened my eyes to what a relaxing quiet retreat it can be. Stretching from Nissaki all the way round to Kassiopi, the image is clear relaxation is the key, you will find villas and holiday houses mainly with some more upmarket hotels like the Nissaki Beach Hotel which is adults only.

We stayed in the Nissaki Beach hotel which is affiliated with Thomson (TUI) and an adult only hotel, click the TUI link above to see all the latest deals and holidays available. The location of Nissaki is convenient due to everything being up the coast from it. Nissaki is probably one of the larger areas of North East Corfu being home to a small supermarket and a few of Tavernas. There are also companies advertising scuba diving, boat rental and cruises if this is something your interested in. There’s a great coastal path leading from Nissaki up towards Kassiopi, you can stop and visit each of the little bays along the way.

north east corfu nissaki

The next bay along from Nissaki is Agni this is where we hired a speedboat and explored the coast from the sea, if this sounds like something you would like to do have a read of our “ How to hire a speedboat in Corfu ” post. Agni is a small bay and has two Tavernas and a couple of villas set into the hillsides. One tip that I suggest is to visit the small chapel built into the cliffs between Nissaki and Agni, if you follow the path from Nissaki beach hotel towards Agni, take a hidden path down towards the sea and you should stumble upon the church of St Arsenious, this is a beautiful spot to take some photographs.

north east corfu agni

Just up the coast from Nissaki and neighbouring Agni is Kalami a hot spot on the Corfu site seeing list due to the Durrells family home being located here. The Durrells were an eccentric family that moved to Corfu from the United Kingdom in 1935. Gerald Durrells modern classic “ My Family and Other Animals ” has been adapted into a TV drama series making Kalami a must-see destination for British tourists. Despite the attraction for British tourists to visit the area Kalami has remained very low key with private and rent-able villas being the only accommodation available.

north east corfu kalami

The bays along North East Corfu are usually in most places close together and certainly in walking distance. The next bay up from Kalami is Kouloura which is a well sheltered bay great for snorkelling although they all are great for snorkelling. This area is a bit more exclusive so villas are likely to be private although accommodation is being built all the time. There’s a great Taverna in Kouloura and being a small fishing harbour, you will see plenty of locals mooring their boats on the jetty.

north east corfu

Just a little further up the coast is Kerasia, a much smaller bay with beautiful picturesque scenery. This area is another one with few accommodation spots, however villas can be rented and are usually booked up quick as the quaint charm of this area is very appealing for those wishing to escape reality. A small Taverna sits at the waters edge but if you’re looking for grocery’s you may have to take a short walk to neighbouring Kalami. One interesting attraction of this bay is that neighbouring the bay is the Rothschild Estate, not only famous for being their family home but also the accommodation of choice for the royals.

north east corfu

Continue up the coast you come to an area slightly larger than the other bays but equally as tranquil. Agios Stephanos North East Corfu is not to be confused with Agios Stephanos in the North West, you can see how it would be easy, given the exact same names. Agios Stephanos North East Corfu is a more up market bay and offers luxury villas and some great Tavernas for eating out. You will often find yachts anchored down in this bay due to its upmarket feel however its still a beautiful area to visit even if you don’t have your own yacht. We anchored down in this bay while the sun settled to its highest point, we could certainly have fallen asleep at this point, being such a tranquil bay like something out of Robinson Crusoe.

Areas to stay become further apart from this point until you come to a place called Avlaki which closely neighbours Kassiopi, Avlaki is slightly busier with a long beach to sunbathe on and plenty of great walks in the trees that surround it. There are some beachfront villas here and a couple of great Tavernas, in addition a sailing club offers lessons and activities out on the water, as it’s the north it’s a bit windier so perfect for sailing.

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Dean Lissaman

My name is Dean and I love to travel, especially when it comes to family. It's my goal to inspire others through writing about those places I've been. Everything I write about is taken from first-hand experience and knowledge. Being a keen dog owner I also share my knowledge over at PathwayPooch.com, where I offer advice on getting out and about with your dog.

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North East Corfu

The northeastern side of Corfu Island has a combination of scenic and picturesque locations that are a must-visit. Many seaside villages and beaches are waiting for you to explore. Apart from the coastal areas, this side is also interesting for its mountainous areas famous to all trekkers.

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Who Should Visit

If you are a man of adventure, love hiking and mountaineering, and enjoy the rocky beaches, then the northeast side of Corfu is right for you.

When to Visit

If you are planning to stay on the northeast side of Corfu, then make sure you visit it when the temperature is warm, preferably in May till September.

Kassiopi village offers sight to the beautiful architectural masterpiece, i.e., the Kassiopi Castle. If you love to explore the history, then the castle is worth visiting. The Kassiopi also offers access to great rocky beaches that are suitable for swimming.

Mount Pantokrator is the highest mountain that you can see on the Island. Rent a car and drive to the top. On the way, you will pass picturesque villages with taverns where you can taste homemade dishes. When you reach the top, you should visit the monastery. There is also a café with refreshing drinks. The view from there is breathtaking as you see almost whole Corfu Island and the Albanian coast.

Ready for hiking? Visit Old Peritheia village. The Old Perithia Village continues to be the famous tourist attraction as it highlights and exhibits the historical background of the Island itself. The village offers beautiful views of the sea. It is believed that the place was once inhabited by at least 1200 people who eventually left the place in search of a better standard of living. Even now the village is famous for its hospitality as tourists can either relax in the tavernas, or they can enjoy the local home-cooked food.

Finally, make a stop at the seaside village of Kalami. There you will find the famous White House. The White House in Kalami is best known as the former residence of British author Lawrence Durrell. Lawrence lived here in the 1930s with his wife, Nancy. Learn More at thewhitehouse.gr

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Stories About North East Corfu

Hiking corfu: a scenic exploration, a boat in the ionian sea, old peritheia- a journey to the past, the island from the sea – north corfu, north corfu – where natural beauty meets culture, more areas to explore…, paxos island, diapontia islands, exploring the hidden gems of south corfu, central corfu, corfu areas guides, privacy overview.

places to visit north east corfu

15 Stunning Things to Do in Corfu, Greece

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Corfu is not a typical Greek Island—no whitewashed villages are tumbling down arid hillsides like in popular destinations like Santorini.

Instead, it’s one of the greenest Greek islands and, in parts, resembles Tuscany with its rolling hills, olive groves, and cypress trees. Part of the Ionian Islands group, it’s the closest major island to Italy and was ruled by the Venetians for over 400 years.

The coastline has the crystal clear turquoise water you expect from Greece, though, and the beaches range from golden sandy bays to picturesque pebble coves.

There are so many things to do in Corfu—relax on the beaches, explore the coastline by boat or on foot, snorkel with an array of colourful fish, eat al fresco at a taverna, and wander the historic lanes of the beautiful capital, Corfu Town (Kerkyra).

We spent six weeks on the island in June/July and still only managed to visit the northern half (which has the most dramatic scenery).

In this travel guide, we share our tips on what to do in Corfu as well as where to stay and eat plus a map of all these Corfu attractions.

Best Things to Do in Corfu Greece

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Exploring Corfu is best done by renting a car as bus service is limited. The roads are very winding and potholed, though, so getting anywhere takes longer than you’d expect. And the summer heat makes slow-paced sightseeing (with frequent swims) a necessity.

1) Hike to Porto Timoni Twin Beach

Porto Timoni viewpoint on Corfu

Visiting Porto Timoni is definitely one of the best things to do on Corfu. This beautiful double beach on a peninsula in the northwest of the island is undeveloped and can only be reached by a 30-minute hike from Afionas village or short boat trip from Agios Georgios Pagon.

The hike is well worth doing so you can admire the two bays from above. The trail is steep and rocky so decent shoes are essential.

Porto Timoni is one of the most popular places to visit in Corfu and it gets very crowded by midday. Visiting early in the morning is the best way to experience it at its most magical.

See my detailed guide to Porto Timoni beach for all my tips.

2) Relax on Agios Georgios Pagon Beach

Agios Georgios Pagon, Corfu, Greece

Our favourite sandy beach on Corfu is Agios Georgios Pagon—we visited many times.

This long crescent of golden sand has dramatic rocky headlands at either end. Due to its size, it never feels too crowded, even in high season.

There’s a mix of quiet beach bars with sunbed rentals and empty sections where you can spread out your towel (but bring an umbrella as there’s no shade).

Agios Georgios is the best place to arrange a water taxi or pedalo to Porto Timoni.

As the bay is protected, it’s also a good place for kayaking or standup paddleboarding (from €15 for one hour). The wind can pick up in the afternoons, so mornings are best for water sports.

The water is usually a clear blue and there are a few fish around if you want to snorkel—Porto Timoni is much better for snorkelling, though.

Our favourite beach bar is San George Food Bar . In high season it costs €8 to rent two sunbeds and an umbrella, and you can order food and drinks right to your sunbed. We love the Greek Panini—a Greek salad stuffed in a pitta with a few perfect chips on the side.

Sunbeds, San George Food Bar, Corfu

You can also eat at the tables next to the beach or on their roof terrace. The mini market next door is surprisingly well stocked with beach gear, fruit and vegetables, fresh bread, and local products.

Note that there is another Agios Georgios beach in the south of the island, which is why this one often has Pagon added to its name.

I think Agios Georgios is the best of the North West Corfu beaches, but Arillas is also worth visiting (mostly for some excellent tavernas). The sandy beach at Arillas is narrow, but the water is shallow so is a good option for kids.

Agios Stefanos is another long sandy beach in the area, but we didn’t think it was as beautiful as Agios Georgios, and the sea is more exposed and wavier.

I would skip Sidari entirely—it’s package holiday central and the beach is rammed with sunbeds.

3) Rent a Boat to Explore the Coastline

Simon on our Paleokastritsa Boat rental, Corfu

One of the must-do Corfu activities is to get out on a boat. You could take a tour like this family-run boat trip around the North East coast , which also includes a BBQ lunch, but I highly recommend renting your own boat if you can.

There’s nothing like the freedom to zip along the coastline stopping at whichever beach takes your fancy, including many that aren’t accessible by road or foot.

It’s a great way to explore when it’s too hot to hike to undeveloped beaches—the sea breezes keep you cool and boats come with canopies for shade.

You don’t need a boat licence to rent a motorboat up to 30HP. The boats are easy to operate and you’ll be given a lesson before you head out.

We hired boats in Paleokastritsa (on the west coast) and in the northeast. If you have limited time (or budget), we enjoyed Paleokastritsa the most.

We rented from Ampelaki Boats (Corfu Rent a Boat on Google Maps) and were really happy with the experience. Prices start from €80 a day plus fuel (ours cost €15), but we went for a slightly bigger 30HP boat for €95 euros, which was perfect with plenty of space to sunbathe at the front.

It’s easy to book online—it’s best to do so about a week in advance as the cheaper boats sell out.

They provide a map and a cooler with ice, so bring a picnic and plenty of water. I also recommend bringing snorkelling gear as there are some good spots.

Note that there is a limited area you are allowed to go to—Porto Timoni is the furthest north and Kolyvri Island is the furthest south.

You also have to anchor 20 metres offshore, so you’ll need to swim to reach the beaches. If you want to spend a lot of time on the beach, bring a waterproof bag for your gear. We were fine making brief stops on the beaches and then relaxing on our boat.

In summer, there will be plenty of other boats out, but we did manage to find two coves to ourselves.

Stelari Beach by boat, Corfu

Here’s where we visited, starting from the south:

  • Kolyvri Island – A little rocky island that we sailed around.
  • Stelari Beach – A gorgeous long beach with some sunbeds to rent. The water was incredibly clear, but we could see lots of jellyfish so we didn’t go in.
  • Paradise Beach (aka Chomi) – Another narrow beach backed by dramatic cliffs. We were warned not to go onto the beach because of falling rocks.
  • Iliodoros Beach – Just round the headland is this tiny but picturesque cove.
  • Kolias Beach (aka Marmara) – Next door this little bay was mostly in the shade in the morning so we had it to ourselves. We anchored here and swam to a lone sunny rock on the beach. The snorkelling was good with big schools of fish.
  • Limni Beach – This looked pretty but a little too busy to stop at.
  • Klimatia Beach – A tiny, quieter cove on the other side of the headland from Limni (you can walk there). We stopped here for more good snorkelling.
  • Rovinia Beach – This is one of the most popular beaches to walk to, so it was really busy.
  • Liapades Beach – A major beach in the area with sunbeds and boat hire.

We then headed out of the bay past the port and Ampelaki Beach (where we started) and off in the other direction.

  • Mikro Kastelli Beach – Our last beach of the day was the best. See below.

We could have continued on to Agios Georgios and Porto Timoni, but we’d spent plenty of time there. We were out from 10am – 3pm but could have stayed out until 6pm.

You can see where we visited by boat on the east coast below.

Wherever you decide to explore, renting a boat is one of the most fun things to do in Corfu.

4) Swim at Mikro Kastelli Beach

Mikro Kastelli, Corfu, Greece

Kastelli and Mikro Kastelli are two gorgeous pebble beaches beneath dramatic sheer cliffs with the clearest aqua water. They can only be accessed by sea so rent a boat in Paleokastritsa or Agios Georgios Pagon to get there.

When we arrived by boat we were the only ones at Mikro Kastelli at first. It was dreamy floating in the swimming pool clear water and swimming to the empty beach.

Be careful of falling rocks, though—we had no issues, but the beach is narrow.

Snorkelling wasn’t quite as good as the other Paleokastritsa spots, but there was still plenty to see.

5) Explore the Cliffside Beaches of Paleokastritsa

Agios Spiridon beach, Corfu

Paleokastritsa is a Corfu must see. This village in the northwest of the island consists of a series of small bays in a stunning location beneath dramatic mountains.

The beaches are beautiful with crystal clear water, but as they are small and this is a popular destination, they get very crowded.

Agios Spiridon is the main beach with a mix of sand and pebbles, sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, and plenty of restaurants nearby. Boat tours depart here.

You can walk up the hill to the Paleokastritsa Monastery , Moni Theotokou, which dates back to the 13th century. There are great views from the top. Entrance is free.

A more secluded beach a few minutes’ walk away is Ampelaki Beach, where we rented our boat. Other beaches in Paleokastritsa accessible by car include Agia Triada and Liapades. La Grotta is a popular beach bar built into the rocks.

To reach less developed bays, it’s best to rent your own boat (see the beaches we visited above) or take a water taxi from Agios Spiridon. Or you can hike to Rovinia Beach, but go early to avoid the crowds.

A boat ride is the best way to appreciate Paleokastritsa’s stunning scenery.

6) Beach Hop on the North East Coast by Boat or on Foot

Northeast Boat Rental, Corfu, Greece

North East Corfu is also well worth visiting. The mountainous coastline features many small pebble coves with crystal water and views across to Albania.

This is a more upmarket and expensive part of Corfu with many fancy villas on the hillsides.

Places to visit in North East Corfu include the lively harbour town of Kassiopi, with its Byzantine castle, and Avlaki Beach, the longest beach in the area, so there’s more space than most.

There are several picturesque villages with small pebble beaches and tavernas right on the water, including San Stefano, Kalami (famous for the White House where Lawrence Durrell lived), and Agni.

Kalami, Corfu, Greece

This is a good area for hiking as there are marked trails along the coast and you can stop at unspoilt beaches along the way. The Agios Stefanos to Avlaki coastal path is 6.5km (4 miles) and takes 1.5 hours each way (plus allow time for stops).

I really wanted to do the hike, but the 35ºC heat was too much for us, so we explored the coast by boat instead.

We rented from San Stefano boats and paid €130 for a day (plus €20 fuel). It was significantly more expensive than in Paleokastritsa and our boat was smaller. They provided a map and cooler.

We were allowed to take the boat from Kassiopi to Nissaki. To avoid the afternoon winds, we started by heading north to Kassiopi (about 15 minutes away direct) and drove south from there.

Our favourite section was the unspoilt Erimitis coast between Avlaki and San Stefano, where the beaches are undeveloped without sunbeds or tavernas.

In particular, we loved our stop at an unnamed bay around the headland from Avlaki. We didn’t risk sitting on the beach beneath the crumbling cliffs, but we swam in the glorious turquoise water and into a cool little cave.

Continuing on are more gorgeous pebble beaches, including Vrachli, Vouvalomantria, Arias, and Akoli, where we stopped for another swim in the wonderfully translucent sea.

Akoli Beach, Corfu, Greece

From San Stefano south to Nissaki, the coast is more developed, and the small beaches are full of sunbeds, making it harder to find a quiet cove to stop at.

It’s hillier, though, so the scenery is beautiful and the waterside tavernas have jetties where you can stop for lunch (we had a picnic, though)—Agni is a particularly good choice.

We did manage to find a rocky area to anchor past Agni—there was no real beach, but the snorkelling was excellent.

After returning our boat and driving back towards the west coast, we stopped at Ice Dream in Perithia, which I recommend for excellent homemade ice cream (the chocolate is very decadent).

If we’d had the energy, we’d have liked to drive up the mountain to Old Perithia, Corfu’s oldest village, where you can find medieval stone houses, churches, and some excellent tavernas.

7) Walk the Clifftop Path between Arillas and Agios Stefanos

Arillas-Agios Stefanos path, Corfu

From Arillas Beach on the northwest coast, you can do a beautiful and fairly easy hike on a clifftop path.

From the jetty in the centre of Arillas beach, head right (keeping the sea on your left) and walk towards the end of the beach where you’ll see a dirt path up the hill. The views from the cliff path are fantastic as you look back towards Arillas.

After about 15 minutes, you’ll reach Akrotiri Cafe, the perfect spot for a drink or meal with plenty of outside seating to admire the panoramic sea views. We enjoyed the vegetarian moussaka and Greek ciabatta. The sunset views would also be fantastic here.

After lunch we continued on the peninsula clifftop path enjoying views of Arillas and Gravia Island and Agios Stefanos on the other side.

You can continue on to a chapel and Agios Stefanos beach—maybe 20-30 minutes more—but in the heat of the day we turned back to Arillas.

8) Enjoy a Meal with a Panoramic Sea View

 Akrotiri Cafe, Corfu, Greece

You can’t beat a delicious Greek meal with a sea view. Our favourite elevated spots are Akrotiri Cafe in Arillas (see above for details of the beautiful hike to get there) and Evdemon in Afionas (where the hike to Porto Timoni starts).

Evdemon is a destination-worthy restaurant. Its clifftop terrace has amazing sea views and is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. We made the mistake of dining a few hours before sunset in summer and struggled in the heat as there’s no shade when the sun is low.

places to visit north east corfu

Despite the heat, we loved the views and the excellent food. This isn’t a typical taverna menu—the small selection of seasonal dishes changes daily and includes good vegetarian options. Prices are higher than average but worth it for the quality.

We enjoyed the delicious Evdemon salad, stuffed aubergine, and a lovely fresh pasta with pesto.

Evdemon is open for dinner from 6pm and booking is highly recommended.

9) Admire the View at Cape Drastis

Cape Drastis, Corfu, Greece

Cape Drastis in the far north of the island is known for one of the best views in Corfu, where chiselled white cliffs jut into the turquoise Ionian Sea.

While this is one of the most popular places to visit in Corfu, we found it a little underwhelming as there is no obvious viewpoint.

We parked at the area marked “Small car park of Cape Drastis” on Google Maps. The road does continue down from here, but it’s unpaved and bumpy, so we chose to walk down. After about 10 minutes, there were a few spots where you can see the famous cliffs, but the view was a little obscured.

You can continue down to the small beach where boat tours are available, but we turned back due to the heat of the evening (even at 8pm!).

Perhaps we missed the best viewpoint. Either way, Cape Drastis is worth a quick stop as you can combine it with nearby Loggas Beach.

10) Watch the Sunset at Loggas Beach

places to visit north east corfu

A five-minute drive from Cape Drastis in the village of Peroulades is Loggas Beach (aka Sunset Beach). This is the most famous place in Corfu to watch the sunset.

In the evening, visitors flock to 7th Heaven bar, where you can enjoy a drink as the sun disappears into the sea. There’s even a glass platform on the cliff’s edge for an uninterrupted view (and Instagram spot).

It’s a lively place so we walked down to the beach below, where it’s quieter. It’s a short but steep walk down including some rickety wooden steps—we sat at the top of the steps to watch the sun setting.

The beach is beautiful, backed by sheer white cliffs, but it’s very narrow and only accessible at low tide on a calm day. Even then, to get to the main section we would have had to walk through water. I did regret not bringing a swimsuit as the sea was so calm when we visited.

11) Snorkel in the Crystal Clear Sea

Porto Timoni beach, Corfu

Corfu has some good snorkelling so it’s worth buying a mask and snorkel for your time on the island.

Some of the fish I saw included rainbow wrasse, ornate wrasse, cow bream, five spotted wrasse, common two-banded sea bream, parrotfish, wide-eyed flounder, and a crab. I also swam through huge schools of tiny silver fish (Mediterranean sand smelt, I believe).

My favourite snorkelling spot is Porto Timoni—both beaches have plenty of fish, but on my visit, the visibility was better on the beach on the left (after hiking down) as it’s more protected. You’ll see the most along the rocks.

Hiring a boat to visit small coves near Paleokastritsa and in the northeast is another great way to find snorkelling opportunities (see above).

12) Get Lost in Corfu Old Town

Liston Square, Corfu Town, Greece

Visiting the island’s capital, Corfu Town (Kerkyra in Greek), is one of the top things to do in Corfu.

The Old Town is very picturesque with narrow lanes and idyllic squares that reminded me of Italy. Unsurprisingly, because the Venetians ruled here for 400 years and built both the Old and New Forts (both are worth visiting).

Its long history dating back to the 8th century BC, with a mix of Venetian, French, British, and Greek influences, earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The compact area is ideal for wandering. With many tourists in summer, it has a lively but relaxed atmosphere and it’s easy to turn down a side street to escape the crowds.

I recommend starting at the Liston, an arcade of restaurants with outdoor seating opposite the large Spianada Square. You can also see the Palace of St Michael and St George here, which houses the Asian Art Museum .

Narrow lane, Corfu Town

Then head down one of the main streets, Nikiforou Theotoki, where you’ll find plenty of shops. Make sure you stop at Papagiorgis for Italian-level gelato (the pistachio and caramel were amazing).

If you keep going, you’ll reach the New Fortress in about 15 minutes. It was closed on our visit, but it’s worth seeing from outside.

Afterwards, delve back into the maze of streets and explore at random.

If you need to cool off, head to the Faliraki area for a swim off the rocks. It’s nothing like the beaches you’ll find elsewhere on the island, but there are a couple of bars for a drink with views of the Old Fortress (we went to En Plo ).

To explore Corfu Town with a guide, check out this Corfu Town walking tour which includes local food tastings.

13) Visit Vlacherna Monastery

Vlacherna Monastery, Corfu, Greece

Vlacherna Monastery is a popular attraction in Corfu Town. It’s on the edge of town near the airport so is easiest visited by car (there’s a large free car park).

The cute little white monastery is located on an island with a walkway to reach it. There’s not much to see inside.

There’s another walkway into the sea where you can stand under the flight path of planes flying scarily low into the airport.

Flight path, Vlacherna Monastery, Corfu

You can take a boat trip (€2.50) to nearby Mouse Island, but it’s tiny so there’s not much to see.

Flisvos Restaurant looks like a good spot for a drink or meal with views of the monastery. Or head up the hill to Cafe Kanoni for an elevated view of the planes flying in.

Vlacherna Monastery is a pretty spot that’s worth a quick visit. It would be most scenic at sunset (especially combined with a drink).

14) Walk to the Old Fortress Viewpoint

View of Old Fortress, Corfu Town and the sea, Greece

The 15th-century Old Fortress is one of the best things to do in Corfu Town. The dramatic Venetian fort dominates the view in the city, sitting on a rocky peninsula jutting into the sea. You won’t be able to miss it, but it’s worth heading up for a closer look.

It’s a large complex with plenty to explore, but a highlight is the view of Corfu Town and the Ionian Sea from the cross at the top. We went in the evening, but the light would be better in the morning with the sun behind you.

Old Fortress summit, Corfu, Greece

We’d originally hoped to see the sunset here, but they close gate access to the top at 8pm. We entered at 7.30pm, just after they stopped charging (usually it’s €6), and had to rush to get to the summit in time.

15) Eat a Delicious Taverna Meal

Brouklis Taverna, Arillas, Corfu

A highlight of any Greece trip is the food. These are our favourite restaurants in North West Corfu:

  • Brouklis Taverna , Arillas – Our top pick. Dimitris is the wonderful host of this traditional restaurant that has been in his family for decades. Charming outdoor seating under vines and delicious, affordable, home-cooked food—ask for the daily specials. Our favourites were the vegetarian moussaka and the mezze platter (can be made vegetarian), which includes the superb courgette balls and tzatziki. Book in advance or arrive by 7pm.
  • Akrotiri Cafe , Arillas – Good food and gorgeous sea views—see #7 above.
  • Kostas on the Beach , Arillas – On the seafront (good for sunset), this classic taverna has many vegetarian options and large portions.
  • Evdemon , Afionas – Stunning sea views and not your typical taverna menu—see #8.
  • The Grill , Afionas – Casual spot with vegan options. I loved the falafel plate with grilled vegetables, falafel, fries, hummus, and pita.
  • Ilias Taverna , Avliotes – Off the beaten track in a small village but only a five-minute drive from Loggas Beach. Countryside views from the terrace. The appetisers are the best option for vegetarians so we shared a range of them with their tasty pitta bread.

In Corfu Town we recommend these restaurants:

  • Aubergine – A vegetarian restaurant with outdoor seating under trees on the Liston. Lots of meat-free Greek classics like stuffed peppers and moussaka.
  • Pane e Souvlaki – A casual place with seating in a lovely plaza in the heart of the Old Town. Souvlaki (meat on a skewer) is popular, but they also have vegetarian options. The grilled vegetable skewers and falafel wrap were good, but the starters were the highlight for us, especially the tzatziki and grilled feta with spicy tomatoes.

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Hotels in Corfu Town

For the best beaches I recommend staying outside the city, but it’s well worth spending your first or last night in lovely Corfu Town. If you are only on the island for a few days, it would make a good base to explore.

On our last night we stayed at Locandiera , a boutique B&B down a quiet lane in the perfect location in the Old Town (close to the Liston).

The hosts are very friendly and gave us baklava on arrival and good information about exploring the city. Breakfast is included but we left too early to try it (they did offer to leave us something).

Rooms are simple but comfortable. The only downside is that sound travels easily so you can hear other guests walking around.

Check prices for Locandiera here or search for other hotels in Corfu Town .

Accommodation in North West Corfu

North West Corfu is a great option if you want to be close to long sandy beaches (the North East is also beautiful but has smaller rockier beaches).

Airbnb Country House, Corfu, Greece

We spent six weeks at the Airbnb Country House on Top of the Hill . The remote location is an untouristy village won’t be for everyone—it’s a 15-minute drive to Agios Georgios and Arillas beaches and the roads are rough.

But we loved the tranquillity, beautiful garden, mountain views, and the cats who visited. It’s very homely and well-equipped.

While there are technically three bedrooms, two of these are on an open plan mezzanine, so it’s best for a couple or family with children who don’t need a lot of privacy.

Beach Stays

If you want to be closer to the beach, Agios Georgios Pagon is our favourite (it’s also close to Porto Timoni) and there are plenty of affordable apartments and guesthouse rooms available.

Search for accommodation in Agios Georgios Pagon here.

This Corfu sightseeing map has all the destinations mentioned in this post.

We usually buy a SIM card and data plan locally in each country we visit to avoid high roaming fees.

For visiting Corfu, though, we used an Airalo eSim for the first time and were really impressed.

Prices are very affordable (3GB of data for 30 days for US $9), and as there’s no physical SIM card, you can keep your home country SIM in your phone to use as needed.

We signed up before we left and it was activated as soon as we arrived in Greece so we had internet access straight away.

It worked so well we got one for our next trip to Italy too.

The only downside is that it only works for data so you won’t get a local phone number, but most people don’t need that (we used WhatsApp to communicate with our Airbnb host).

Using an eSIM was so easy and convenient that I highly recommend it. Check out the Airalo eSIM options here .

Corfu grew on us. At first we were disappointed that the villages weren’t as pretty and charming as expected—outside gorgeous Corfu Old Town, the buildings are more modern.

But Corfu has a lot to offer including a green mountainous interior, golden sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, good hiking and snorkelling, and affordable boat rental to find a cove to yourself.

In summer it was busy but not overly crowded, prices were very reasonable, and we ate well as vegetarians.

Corfu might not have the classic Greek Island scenery, but it’s well worth visiting.

Don’t miss our guide to Porto Timoni Beach in Corfu .

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places to visit north east corfu

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The Top North East Beaches To Visit In Corfu

Looking for a quick guide to some of the best beaches in northeast Corfu?

There are so many to choose from with long stretches of coastal views, idyllic coves, and pebbly bays.

While some are easy to enjoy and relax at, with shallow water and gentle declines, others are known for being popular destinations with sports enthusiasts.

You can travel to many of these beaches in hired boats and the vast majority of them have tavernas and bars enjoying a seafront view. You can explore many inaccessible beaches this way, discover the quiet coves and secret bays that surround the island’s coast. Take a look at some of these popular beaches in the northeast of Corfu, every one of which is a tourist favourite!

The beach is set in a beautiful location and has a Blue Flag for clean waters. The town of Barbati is close to Pantokrator Mountain, where if you visit, you will have an amazing view of Corfu and Albania. To get to the beach, you need to walk or drive down a street that from the coast road goes down to the sea.

places to visit north east corfu

Barbati Beach

Nissaki is a small beach with clean waters; many people snorkel here and enjoy the small bays. At the end of the beach, there is a pier, where you can dive into the sea. There are water sports and boats for hire here too, making this a popular place to visit.

places to visit north east corfu

Nissaki Beach

Kaminaki Beach is a small resort with a couple of tavernas and several apartments and villas. A small bay with white pebbles on the beach, this is a great place to rent a boat. You can also play water sports and enjoy eating at one of the two restaurants here. The cove is a quiet place, making it wonderful to swim and relax. To the left of the beach is a coastal path that runs to the neighboring Krouzeri beach.

places to visit north east corfu

Kaminaki Beach

Krouzeri Beach is longer than its neighbors and is made up of pebbles and shingle. There are several tavernas and apartments along the beach. Krouzeri is a lovely beach it is a popular stop for boat trips and the swimming and snorkeling are extremely good. There are also water sports and diving facilities to be found along the beach.

places to visit north east corfu

Krouzeri Beach

The beach is located in the northeast of the Corfu peninsula. It is actually a small beach with transparent waters washing down the shore. Tourists can go for scuba diving lessons here or enjoy a relaxing afternoon in anyone of the small tavernas.

places to visit north east corfu

Kouloura is a lovely fishing village located only 7km from Kalami. It is one of the most attractive coves on the island of Corfu, with small pebbles and a beautiful green surrounding. This Corfu beach is sheltered, creating a feeling of total privacy. Despite its small size, sunbeds cover the biggest part of the beach; the trees are a nice alternative to relax in the cool shade. At the right side of the beach is the picturesque port where several boats moor. A couple of tavernas are found within a short walking distance. It is a wonderful place to relax for the visitors who seek a tranquil holiday.

places to visit north east corfu

Kouloura Beach

To reach the beach here you must make your descent from a hill with a panoramic view of the bay. Then you will be able to see the small village of Kalami, the beach and olive trees. This is a popular place to visit if you are looking for clean waters and peaceful sands.

places to visit north east corfu

Kalami Beach

Kerasia is one of the most picturesque beaches of Corfu. It has crystal clear waters, an idyllic lush green landscape and the stunning coves that you will want to explore on your summer holidays! Despite its close proximity to the busier area of Kassiopi, the beach stays relatively quiet. The small-pebbled beach that curves around the crystalline bay, offers some loungers and umbrellas and a perfect view to the Albanian coasts.

places to visit north east corfu

Kerasia Beach

San Stephano

San Stephano is a small port for fishing boats and yachts, situated close to the popular village of Kassiopi. San Stephano is surrounded by the lush Corfu landscape. It has many places for you to eat and drink here, with traditional taverns and seaside cafeterias. Right next to the port, there is a small-pebbled beach to swim. This is also a popular diving spot.

places to visit north east corfu

San Stephano Beach

Avlaki Beach is placed between the villages of San Stefanos and Kassiopi. Avlaki is not a very well known beach among tourists, but it is a great, pebbly beach to visit, with crystal clear waters. In the past, it has been awarded the Blue Flag, for its cleanliness. Avlaki is a quiet beach, the perfect destination for families. The beach has sun beds and a few tavernas with delicious local food. The beach has many options for water sports, such as sailing and canoeing. Boats are also available for hire. Small cruise boats will take you to the nearby bays. Avlaki Beach is equipped with all the basic facilities for tourists such as showers, toilets and changing rooms. Parking facilities are provided on the opposite side or at the end of the beach.

places to visit north east corfu

Avlaki Beach

A great way to explore and enjoy the northeast beaches and coastline is by renting a villa with a private pool in the area or even a beachfront villa. Kaminaki villas can offer both and satisfy all tastes. You can even rent a private boat at Kaminaki beach just a few steps away from your villa. This will be the ideal way to explore the island further.

If your idea of the perfect holiday includes having lots of space to relax, with a good deal of privacy and wonderful facilities, then booking a villa will be a great way to spend some time in Corfu. You can view our selection of beautiful villas that offer something for everyone. Once your accommodation is all sorted, you can get started on that perfect holiday wardrobe, so what are you waiting for?

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  • Greece: The Land of Gods
  • Best Beaches In Greece
  • Learn 100 Greek Words
  • Examples of Malaka
  • The 12 Olympian Gods
  • Mythology: The Distorted History
  • Corfu: The Beautiful Greek Island
  • Best Corfu Beaches
  • 7 Hidden Corfu Paradise Beaches
  • Maps of Corfu Areas
  • Map with Corfu Beaches by Type
  • Map with Distances in Corfu
  • Corfu Old Town
  • Museums in Corfu
  • Old Fortress in Corfu
  • Corfu New Fortress
  • Achilleion Palace
  • Ancient Corfu – Paleopolis
  • Ruins of Roman Villa
  • The Bell Tower of Annunziata
  • Best Resorts
  • Central Corfu Resorts and Best Beaches
  • North East Corfu Best Beaches
  • North West Corfu Beaches and Villages
  • South East Corfu Resorts and Beaches
  • South West Corfu Sandy Beaches and Villages
  • Secrets of Corfu
  • Corfu Blue Bus Routes
  • Distances in Corfu
  • Corfu Airport
  • Cheap Flights, Bus Tickets
  • Useful Addresses – Phone Numbers
  • Corfu Easter
  • Corfu Achillian Race
  • Corfiot Cuisine
  • Corfu History
  • Corfu Dialect
  • Benitses: A Charming Gem in Corfu
  • Things to Do in Benitses
  • Benitses Restaurants
  • Benitses Culture and Events
  • Benitses of the 60s to 80s
  • Benitses Nightlife – Clubs
  • Best Hotels in Corfu
  • Corfu Apartments and Rooms
  • Hotels in Benitses
  • Apartments, Rooms in Benitses
  • Videos from Corfu and Greece
  • All Old Photos
  • Corfu Old Photos
  • Benitses: 600 Old Photos
  • Old Photos from Greece
  • New Benitses Photos
  • New Corfu Photos

North East Corfu Resorts and Beaches

Last updated on May 13th, 2022 at 11:49 am

Northeast Corfu is an area of great interest. For the many beaches as well as for its interior which is dominated by Pantokrator Mountain.

In Pantokrator there are the two highest peaks of Corfu. The Pantokrator at an altitude of 915 meters in the east and Stravoskadi at 890 meters a couple of miles to the west.

Also, small mountain villages that keep their traditional beauty intact with very few inhabitants. Almost untouched by progress and time. They are Spartilas, Strynilas closer to the top, and many more.

Perithea is an abandoned medieval village, hidden among mountain peaks so that pirates could not find it. In recent years, the village has been reborn. Taverns and other small shops have been created in renovated old traditional houses. Here the stone dominates as the main building material.

So there are ideal destinations for those who prefer a quieter holiday in calm clear waters.

In the northern part, the most developed tourist resort is Kassiopi, a historic village that existed since antiquity.

Here was a theater visited by Nero and a large fortress, whose remnants are still preserved.

Here is also the area of ​​the Erimitis. A pristine expanse of paradise beaches which is going to be sold and destroyed because this is implied by the memoranda.

To the north, there is Corfu’s second lagoon of Antivioti, which is a great wetland.

East of Antinioti the beach of Agios Spyridon Karniaris.

South of Kassiopi and after Erimitis, the beaches of the area are multifarious, small bays mainly with pebbles and not very developed. Many small seaside locations with many tavernas and crystal clear waters. Such as Agios Stefanos, Kerasia, Kouloura, Kalami, Agni, Krouzeri, Kaminaki, Nissaki, Barbati. Dozens of small and beautiful sceneries scattered within the manifold bays. Each with its own uniqueness – all these forming the area of the old Sinies.

The area from Pyrgi to the city of Corfu is touristy developed and includes large tourist resorts with large hotel units up to 5 stars.

Below Pyrgi on the east coast is the famous tourist resort of Ipsos. Followed by Dassia one of the oldest tourist areas on the island and finally Gouvia with the large homonymous yacht marina.

It should also be noted that in the area of ​​Tzavros there is the General Hospital of Corfu. A state-of-the-art building, unfortunately without all the necessary staffing specifically for medical staff.

Map of North-east Corfu

All resorts in North East Corfu

Perithea abandoned typical medieval house

Old Perithia: The Ghost-Village in Corfu is Reborn

Let’s take a journey back in time to the captivating village of Old Perithia, nestled on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator, with roots dating back to an astonishing 300 BCE.… Read More

Bataria Beach Kassiopi

Bataria and Pipitos Beaches in Kassiopi Corfu

Bataria and Pipitos are the most famous beaches at the Northeastern tip of Corfu island, with beautiful pebble beaches in small isolated coves scattered all around the area.… Read More

Kassiopi Port

Kassiopi: A Corfu Haven Blending History and Port Life

Kassiopi is an ancient village on the northeastern tip of Corfu, 36km from Corfu town and today one of the Best Tourist resorts on the island.… Read More

Erimitis view some of the Beaches

Erimitis Beaches: Hidden Jewels at North Corfu

Erimitis area is the Northeastern tip of Corfu island, From the Agios Stefanos area in the East and stretches up to Kassiopi borders.… Read More

Picturesque Kouloura

Sinies Area: Small Picturesque Places in Corfu

Is a name covering several small resorts beloved of visitors who generally visit by boat? This part of the coastline is studded with small bays which can be enjoyed in peace and quiet even in August. However the beaches here are stony, and swimming shoes are a good idea.… Read More

Nissaki hotel

Nissaki Beach at Sinies in Corfu

Nissaki means small island- and it is, now linked to the Corfu mainland, and containing one of the island’s oldest tavernas.… Read More

Ipsos Beach

Ipsos Corfu Beach

Ipsos Corfu is a tourist resort known for its beautiful long pebble beach, clear waters, and bustling nightlife with numerous bars, clubs, and discos.… Read More

Gouvia Beach

Gouvia Beach in Corfu: Yachting Marina & Venetian Arsenal

Gouvia, a coastal gem nestled on the east coast of Corfu! Just 8 km north of Corfu Town, with Yachting Marina where the waves whisper tales of exploration.… Read More

Dasia Beach

Dassia Beach Corfu

Dassia was the site of Europe’s first Club Mediterranee, a large shingle beach, popular among families.… Read More

Barbati

Barbati in Corfu

Barbati resort in Corfu was until recently a stony beach beloved of Corfiots who came to picnic in the olive groves at weekends.… Read More

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Travel Guide To Corfu

Corfu Travel Guide  Advice

The beautiful north-east coast of Corfu provides the perfect late spring or summer holiday, especially for families. Compared to the rest of the Mediterranean, it is affordable - a villa on the Côte d'Azur would cost at least twice as much. The sea is suitable for toddlers, warm and free from dangerous currents and there are charming seaside villages with a plethora of good, inexpensive restaurants. For those who prefer an active holiday, the island is particularly good for spring-time coastal walks. Read our magazine story on Corfu https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/corfu-north-east-coast

Where to stay in Corfu

SIORRA VITTORIA

36 St Padova Street, Corfu Town (00 30 26610 36300; fax: 26610 40777; www.siorravittoria.com ). This 19th century townhouse hotel opened in 2005 . Nine stylish rooms have beamed ceilings, LCD TVs and elegant furniture. £

VILLA DE LOULIA

Peroulades (00 30 26630 95394; fax: 95145; www.villadeloulia.gr ). The tiny, traditional village of Peroulades is only a few kilometres from Sidari, one of Corfu's busiest resorts, but it could not be more different. Villa de Loulia is a family-run retreat set in immaculate grounds. Built in 1803, the three-storey mansion has seven simple but elegant bedrooms and two suites painted in bright, contrasting colours. The attic rooms have views over the walled gardens, where shady nooks and jasmine bowers abound and old almond trees cast their shade over a large swimming pool. Villa de Loulia was featured in Greek Island Hideaways. ££

GASTOURI HOUSE

This mansion in Gastouri village - 10 minutes' drive from Corfu Town, is covered in jasmine, ivy and lichen. Old dark-green shutters, weathered urns, little courtyards and elegantly peeling paint characterise the property, which has a large swimming pool, bedrooms with painted bedsteads, open fires and superb antiques. Gastouri House was featured in Greek Island Villas. Book through CV Travel (020 7384 5895; www.cvtravel.net). Sleeps 10. Price on request.

HOUSE ON THE ROCKS

Fully refurbished in 2004, House on the Rocks is, as the name suggests, wedged into rocky cliffs above Corfu's Kaminaki beach, which is accessed by a precipitous footpath. With its staggering views as far as the Albanian coastline, this modern, stone house has a great sense of light and space. There are three terraces for sun-worshippers and an infinity-edged swimming pool. House on the Rocks was featured in Greek Island Villas. Book through Meon Villas (0871 664 1122; www.meonvillas.co.uk ). Sleeps six. Price on request.

KATAVOLOS HOUSE

Between the sheer crags of Mount Pantocrator and the northern coastline of Corfu, the village of Katavolos is rarely visited and largely abandoned. Its best-kept secret is Katavolos House, a rustic mountain retreat among the olive trees. The entire ground floor of this converted farmhouse is open-plan with a farmhouse kitchen and huge white living room. Lawns lead down to the pool, where an olive tree provides shade for long lunches. Katavolos House was featured in Greek Island Villas. Book through CV Travel (020 7384 5895; www.cvtravel.net). Sleeps 10. Price on request.

Kokkokila is an 18th-century shepherd's cottage turned English country house. There are cuttings from Tatler on the walls, and family photos in frames on antique coffee tables. Accommodation is in three en-suite double bedrooms. The attractive location is high up in the hills, 15 minutes' drive from Ayios Stefanos on the edge of the village. Kokkokila's large swimming pool looks out to sea. The property is good for those who don't care about the beach but want privacy plus the option of visiting the local tavernas. Book through CV Travel (020 7384 5895; www.cvtravel.net). Sleeps six. Price on request.

The high number of regulars (they treat it like home and dead-head the flowers) make it difficult to book this villa, which was built in 1878 in the hills towards Old Perithia. Rooms are small-ish but cosy, decorated in simple creams, with muslin curtains, iron bedsteads and African artefacts. The kitchen and terrace are well equipped for dining. A small swimming pool means the property is better suited to painters and walkers than sunbathers. Views across to Albania are superb. Book through CV Travel (020 7384 5895; www.cvtravel.net). Sleeps four. Price on request.

VILLA ALEXINA

Agios Illias, Perithia (00 30 26630 98147; 01326 565415 in the UK; www.villa-alexina.co.uk ). This 400-year-old Venetian-style manor lies on the outskirts of New Perithia, just a 10-minute drive from the sea at Kassiopi and is a good base for some of the prettiest walks on Corfu. The decor is rough, romantic, unpretentious, with cypress-wood floors, pale-ochre walls and fans instead of air conditioning. There is a vine-shaded terrace and a swimming pool with a children's pool. Alexina is very well-priced and is good for off-season holidays as it has a fireplace. Sleeps six to eight. Price on request.

VILLA BELLANDA

This villa is particularly good for couples. Located above Ayios Gordhis (a package-holiday centre) on the west coast, the property has an impressive sweep of cypress-covered hills below it. Rooms are furnished with antiques, ornate mirrors, old card-tables and silver candelabra. The infinity pool is one of the best on the island and the garden is covered in jasmine and butterflies. The elevation means there are soft breezes even in high summer. It comes with a charming housemaid called Flora. Book through CV Travel (020 7384 5895; www.cvtravel.net). Sleeps six. Price on request.

VILLA PETROTI

One of CV's flagship properties, Petroti is just a 15-minute walk from the pretty village of Ayios Stefanos (which is quieter than Kassiopi and a good choice for younger teenagers). The superb swimming pool is surrounded by terracing and an oleander awning. The villa is backed by tall cypress trees that hide a tennis court. Vertiginous steps (unsafe for young children) lead to a bay for swimming. The smart interior features soft yellows, Provençal greens, terracotta flooring and smart antiques you won't want toddlers to touch. Book through CV Travel (020 7384 5895; www.cvtravel.net). Sleeps eight. Price on request.

Decorated with old kelims, rocking chairs and antique maps, this is the villa for rich Bohemians. It stands right on the sea front, although people walk to the villages of Nissaki and Kaminaki along the coastal path beneath the terrace. Thick walls keep the bedrooms cool in summer and there are fireplaces for cooler nights. The layout is great for children, with adjoining bedrooms (and stone-platform beds), a huge living room and open terrace. Skinos was featured in Beach Houses. Book through CV Travel (020 7384 5895; www.cvtravel.net). Sleeps six. Price on request.

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SOUKIA AND VINITA

These sister properties just south of Kassiopi belong to a US-based owner with a penchant for expensive hotel-style details: air conditioning, halogen lighting, state-of-the-art Miele kitchens, marble baths, trim gardens, big swimming pools and even bigger verandahs. Of the two, Soukia is prettier. It is also better positioned, with steps down to the sea and a generous infinity pool. The rooms are contemporary with pale walls and whitewashed beams. Vinita was featured in Greek Island Villas. Book through CV Travel (020 7384 5895; www.cvtravel.net). Both sleep eight. Prices on request.

NB Changeover day is usually Monday. Cooks can be arranged directly with the villa companies.

Where to eat out in Corfu

AKAMATRA Spilia (+30 26610 40101; www.akamatra.gr ) For traditional Greek cooking, try Akamatra in Corfu Town.

CAVA BARBARA Avlaki beach (+30 26630 81905) Cava Barbara is brimming with young families. Watch out for toddlers between the chair legs. ETRUSCO Kato Korakiana (+30 26610 93342; www.etrusco.gr ) Corfu's top gourmet choice is Etrusco, in the village of Kato Korakiana, where chef Ettore Botrini offers an interesting interpretation of Ionian cuisine. MITSOS TAVERNA Nissaki (+30 26630 91240; www.mitsostaverna.gr ) Mitsos Taverna is good for authentic, inexpensive, local dishes.

PORTO Kassiopi (+30 26630 81228) Porto is good for inexpensive family dinners in front of Kassiopi harbour. TAVERNA AGNI Agni (+30 26630 91142; www.agni.gr) Agni is now considered the gourmet centre of north-east Corfu with its three excellent tavernas. This is the most expensive one where the pickled octopus is particularly recommended. Beware: if you eat at one of these tavernas, they will expect you to be loyal to it. Open May to October. TAVERNA GALINI Ayios Stefanos (+30 26630 81492) Serves excellent, fresh fish. The service isn't particularly forthcoming to non-regulars. TAVERNA NIKOLAS Agni (+30 26630 91243; www.nikolastavern.com ) Come for lunchtime mezze - fresh food, convivial atmosphere, with the best position on Agni beach. Open April to October.

TAVERNA STAMATIS Viros (+30 26610 39249; www.tavernastamatis.com ) Based just south of Corfu Town, is run by a local artist and is known for its delicious kolokithokeftedes (fried courgette croquettes).

THE SAILING CLUB (+30 26610 38763; www.corfu-sailing-restaurant.com ) A fine option is The Sailing Club, in the atmospheric Venetian fortress on the seafront.

TOULA'S Agni (+30 26630 91350; www.toulasagni.com ) Toula's is a popular seafood restaurant on Agni Bay.

VITAMINS TAVERNA Nissaki (00 30 26630 91278; www.vitaminstaverna.com ) A family-run restaurant with a wide sun terrace overlooking the sea.

Things to do in Corfu

Corfu is the second largest island in the Ionians, about the same size as Mallorca but less crowded. Perenially popular with the English, to the south of Corfu Town and north as far as Nissaki, there are strings of tacky nightclubs and 1970s apartment blocks crowded with restaurants offering 'happy hours' and 'all-you-can-eat' breakfasts; but inland, there are villages where old women still wear the traditional black dress and knee-length pop socks. Explore the 16km curl of coast on the north-east side between the villages of Nissaki and Kassiopi and you'll find something altogether different; aptly referred to as 'Millionaire's Row', 'Costa Serena' or 'Costa Verde'. The evolution of north-east Corfu, with its beautiful villas and pebbly cove-like beaches, can be put down to a peculiar combination of topography, an English tour operator - CV Villas - and a handful of major landowners rich enough not to have to sell to mass-market tour operators. BEACHES The north-east coast of Corfu is rugged, its cove-like beaches pebbly and generally smaller than elsewhere on the island. Like the water, the beaches are clean. As a rule, where there is sand there is package tourism, take Kavos in the south, or Rodha, popular with Germans, at the other end of the island. But on the north-east coast the roads provide limited access, which is why most visitors hire a boat. In places, the land is so steep that even olive trees topple from their terraces, and this prevents hotel development. WALKS Many people go to Corfu for the superb walking, usually out of season (April, May and June) when the island is blanketed in wild flowers. For walking holidays, contact Walks Worldwide (01962 737565; www.walksworldwide.com ).

There's a good choice of bars and cafés on the harbour front in Corfu Town and in the Liston, its French-style, arcaded promenade. You'll also find lively, late-opening venues in the resorts of Aghios Stephanos, Kassiopi and Acharavi.

The best way to get around Corfu

CAR HIRE IN CORFU Hertz (08708 44 88 44; www.hertz.co.uk ) Avis (0844 581 0147; www.avis.co.uk ) BOAT HIRE IN CORFU Pre-booking is essential in high season. Some villa companies include boat hire in their packages prices.

PlanetWare.com

12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions on Corfu Island

Written by Jane Foster and Carri Wilbanks Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Beautiful Corfu, the most northerly of the Ionian Islands, is easy on the eyes. Filled with natural beauty, the island boasts rolling green hills in its south, and rugged limestone rock formations in its north. It also has a mild climate, lush Mediterranean vegetation, and some stunning beaches and underwater caves and tunnels. As such, Corfu is a popular tourist destination with many things to do – tourism is the main source of revenue here.

The island also comes with its share of history. From 1386 to 1797, a period that gave it much of its most beautiful architecture, Corfu was held by the Venetians. Then, along with the rest of the Ionian Islands, it was under the British from 1815 to 1864. Corfu Airport lies five kilometers south of Corfu Town .

Plan your trip and discover the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions on Corfu Island.

1. Corfu Town

2. the achilleion, 3. kassiopi, 4. paleokastritsa beaches, 6. canal d'amour, 7. la grotta beach, 8. mount pantokrator, 9. corfu donkey rescue, 10. corfu golf club, 11. angelokastro, 12. corfu museum of asian art, where to stay for sightseeing in corfu, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to corfu, map of tourist attractions on corfu island, corfu - climate chart.

Corfu Town

The island's lovely capital, Corfu Town , is a warren of cobbled alleys and elegant Venetian-era buildings, many of which now host informal seafood tavernas and souvenir shops at ground level. Centering on the Esplanade , an expansive green square, the UNESCO-listed old town is guarded by two imposing 16th-century fortresses and also includes a number of churches, like the Church of St. Spyridon, which is easily recognized by its red-domed bell tower. The waterfront incorporates a port, with regular ferries to Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland, and daily excursion boats to neighboring Albania .

The Achilleion

Just outside the village of Gastouri, 10 kilometers southwest of Corfu Town, this white Neoclassical villa was the summer escape of Sisi, Empress Elisabeth of Austria (1837-1898). A lover of beauty, Sisi immersed herself in Greece's mythical history and lush nature. You can see inside the grandiose villa and explore the gardens, which are filled with towering palm trees and Neoclassical statues to give you some idea of the idyllic world Sisi was seeking.

Kassiopi

In the northeast of the island, 36 kilometers north of Corfu Town , this traditional fishing village has retained its character despite its popularity. Overlooking a pretty harbor filled with wooden fishing boats, it offers a choice of seafood tavernas and cafés, which are popular with affluent Brits and Italians, some of whom have villas here. Calm and unhurried, it is especially noted for its numerous small coves with white pebble beaches and amazing turquoise blue sea.

The best way to explore this stretch of coast is to hire a small boat. For amazing views hike up to the ruined Byzantine castle on the hillside behind the village.

Paleokastritsa

On the west coast, 25 kilometers northwest of Corfu Town , Paleokastritsa encompasses a glorious stretch of indented coast, with six deep, curving bays sheltering lovely beaches, both of sand and pebble, extending to a crystal-clear, blue sea. It's popular with day trippers, so it does get busy in peak season. In the hills rising above the coast, you'll find another attraction – a 13th-century monastery with a courtyard garden, church, and small museum.

Glyfada Beach

Considered by many to be the very best beach on the island, Glyfada also lies on Corfu's west coast, 26 kilometers west of Corfu Town and two kilometers south of the village of Pelekas . A blissful, long stretch of fine golden sand beach, it's lined with sunbeds and umbrellas and backed by hillsides covered with pine woods and olive groves. A couple of big hotels and apartments are in the area, and tourists will also find tavernas, cafés, and water sports facilities, including jet skis, pedal boats, and banana boat rides. Facing west, it has amazing sunsets but does get very busy in summer, especially in August.

Aerial view of Canal d'Amour

On Corfu's northwestern tip, about a 20-minute walk from the equally intriguing small village of Sidari , the Canal d'Amour is one of Corfu's top natural wonders. It boasts impressive sandstone rock formations that create a natural passage from its small beach into the Ionian Sea's sparkling blue waters. You can jump off rocks into the warm, salty sea and then swim through tunnels and caves for awesome, fishy underwater explorations - snorkeling equipment can be rented at the beach where there are also sun-loungers and umbrellas for hire.

Leaping off the diving board at La Grotta Beach

La Grotta Beach in Paleokastrttsa is on Corfu's west coast and is another one of the island's most stunning beaches. The beach itself is small and rocky, but head into the clear blue waters, and you'll find an underwater world filled with colorful fish. The beach also boasts a diving board and a jump rock from which you can leap into the sea below. The beach gets crowded in the summer, but there are some rocks you can also stretch out on in the vicinity.

Mount Pantokrator

In the north of Corfu, the highest point on the island, Mount Pantokrator rises 906 meters. A road leads all the way to the top, so you can drive up, though some people prefer to hike from the village of Perithia (the walking time is approximately two hours).

At the top, the Pantokrator Monastery dates back to the 14th century, though its present appearance is mainly from the 19th century. The views from the summit are stunning, with Albania to the east, the Diapontia islands (Mathraki, Erracusa, and Othondi) to the north, and the islands of Paxos and Anti Paxos to the south. On a clear day, you can even see the southern tip of Italy some 130 kilometers away.

Feeding a donkey at Corfu Donkey Rescue

The Corfu Donkey Rescue in Paleokastrttsa is well worth a visit for animal lovers. One of the top things to do on this part of the island, it offers refuge to homeless donkeys that have been abandoned or need a safe place to live out their retirement years (donkey's used to be an integral means of transport and work aid in Corfu). The sanctuary is located on a beautiful piece of land filled with olive trees and a mountainous backdrop, and visitors can hang out with the donkeys daily between 10am and 5pm. There is no entrance fee, but a donation is greatly appreciated as this is a charity organization.

Official Site: www.corfu-donkeys.com

Aerial view of Corfu Golf Club

In the Ropa Valley, 17 kilometers from Corfu Town , this beautifully landscaped 18-hole golf course was designed by Swiss architect Donald Harradine. It incorporates natural elements such as the River Nafsika, as well as several lakes and meandering streams and is popular with both beginner and advanced players. From March to November, it enjoys warm sunshine and blue skies, plus a cool sea breeze. It is open daily and has golf clubs for hire.

Address: Ropa Valley, Corfu 49100

Official site: www.corfugolfclub.com

Angelokastro

Located on the side of a steep cliff on Corfu's highest peak, Angelokastro is a 13th-century Byzantine castle. On the island's northwest coast near Palaiokastritsa, it was constructed on rocky and hard-to-access terrain as a protection measure.

Along with Kassiopi and Gardiki castles, it served as a defensive triangle that provided occupants views in all directions. During the centuries in which it was in operation, it played a key role in defending Corfu against pirate attacks, as well as during three Ottoman sieges, and it never fell.

Today only ruins remain, including a small church, an underground chapel, and the original walls. It is worth hiking up to Angelokastro for the views of Corfu Town, the sea, and the Greek mainland to the southeast. There is a 3 euro entrance fee.

Note that to reach the castle, it is a steep and rocky climb from the parking lot, so you will need to be in decent shape.

Palace of St. Michael and St. George, housing Corfu's Museum of Asian Art

In the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, Corfu's Museum of Asian Art is also worth exploring. It is the only museum in Greece devoted solely to art and antiquities from around the Asian continent.

Founded in 1928 as the Museum of Sino-Japanese Art, it has evolved to host collections comprising of around 15,000 works of art from across Asia. There are works from India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Tibet among other countries. It has a number of rare pieces and is also known for its international and rotating exhibits.

Address: Palace of St. Michael & George, Corfu 49100

Official site: https://matk.gr/

Corfu has numerous hotel options around the island, and where you choose to stay will be partially determined by what you want to see or do most - be that one of the beautiful beaches around Palaiokastritsa or checking out the history in Corfu Old Town. Many of the beach resorts are seasonal, and in the summertime there is often a minimum night stay requirement. Here are our top places to stay for sightseeing around the island:

Luxury Hotels :

  • Delfino Blu Boutique Hotel & Spa is one of the top properties in Corfu. On a hill overlooking the sea with beach access, the hotel offers excellent service, and rates include a wonderful hot breakfast. In the summer, it has a minimum night stay requirement.
  • Other luxury options include MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas , which is an adults-only five-star property overlooking the Strait of Corfu.
  • And Domes Miramare , which is also adults-only. It is set on a private stretch of white-sand beach and features stylish rooms, suites, and villas.

Mid-Range & Budget Hotels:

  • In the mid-range price bracket the Art Hotel Debono is a good-value four-star hotel in Gouvia. This boutique property has clean and comfortable rooms and is nestled amid olive groves and woodland. There is also a lovely swimming pool and hot tub.
  • Another excellent choice in this price-range is the Philoxenia Hotel , which is a family-friendly property not far from Corfu town and by Ermones beach.
  • Also popular with families, especially those in search of more space, is Matoula Apartments , which is also by a beach and very good value.
  • Small Group Tour of Corfu : If you don't have a lot of time to explore Corfu and want to make sure you don't miss anything around the island check out this Small-Group Tour of Corfu . It hits all of the island's must-see attractions in a full day of sightseeing by coach. You'll explore Corfu Old Town, Palaiokastritsa and its beaches, and other attractions. Along the way, you'll also learn about Corfu's culture and history.
  • All about Corfu's History : Another tour option in Corfu is to dig deep into history with this Achilleion Palace and Corfu Old Town Tour . This guided tour takes you to the Achilleion Palace, a Neoclassical palace inspired by Greek mythology that once served as an imperial residence. After touring the palace, you'll head to Corfu's Old Town for an in-depth walking tour.

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The Mediterranean Traveller

Corfu – An Unspoilt Island Guide

Paleokastritsa Bay on Corfu

With countless beaches and secret coves, stunning mountain scenery, the Venetian streets of its historic capital, it’s no wonder that Corfu is one of the most popular destinations in Greece.

I happen to love Corfu. It was the first place I ever visited in Greece, on a family holiday back in my teens. I think the landscape is dreamy. One of the most northerly and greenest Greek islands, Corfu has an established tourist infrastructure – it was one of the first islands to embrace package tourism in the 1960s.

There a wide variety of resorts all around the coast, so there’s something to suit everyone here. And despite the number of visitors and developments, it has retained a wild beauty thanks to the rugged coastline which has charmed visitors for centuries (just look at the literature produced by the Durrells).

This travel guide covers:

  • What’s the vibe like?
  • Where to Stay on Corfu
  • Food and Drink
  • Best Beaches on Corfu
  • What to Do and See on Corfu
  • Hidden Gems
  • Getting There and Around

WHAT’S THE VIBE?

The colours on Corfu are something else – from the aquamarines and emeralds of its seas, the dense inland evergreens, to the soft pinks and ochres of its weathered buildings which are echoed in the sunsets.

The beauty of the island is not confined to one part, and resorts are spread out around the island. But broadly speaking, the north of the island is more hilly and craggy with lots of little bays. The pretty stretch between Nissaki and Kassiopi is popular with wealthy Brits and Russians who like to hide away in discrete villas in the hills.

Safe sandy beaches attract package holidaymakers and families, particularly in the cheap and cheerful resorts that spread out along the coast in either direction from Corfu Town.

Corfu’s key strategic position – close to the mainland but controlling access to the Adriatic Sea – has ensured a rich and colourful history. Its Byzantine fortresses and are evidence of centuries of struggle against attacks. It was a key touch point between the Venetians and the Ottoman Empire.

The island never fell to the Ottomans, though, unlike many of the islands in the Aegean Sea. Instead, the legacy you see here is many Venetian and British – with a touch of French and Russian thrown in for good measure. Nowhere else in Greece will you find a cricket lawn and ginger beer.

Knarly olive trees dominate the landscape – thanks to a Venetian policy that encouraged its cultivation.

Corfu Town is a historical gem but also an administrative hub and home to the Ionian University, which keeps it lively even in the low season (in comparison to other island destinations, at least). Acharavi and Lefkimmi are two alternative options for winter.

The downside of its popularity is that the coastal regions aren’t exactly undiscovered – head to the mountainous interior if you want to escape tourism altogether.

One thing to note – Corfu has an ongoing issue with trash collection. The main landfill site is overflowing and illegal sites are popping up around the island. This isn’t a problem everywhere (you’re most likely to notice it on the roads leading into Corfu Town, and in the Lefkimmi/Kavos area) and it doesn’t affect the beaches –  I suggest checking the Tripadvisor forums if you’re concerned. You can help by separating your waste whilst you’re there – recycling bins are available.

Old Fortress, Corfu Town

Don’t miss the chance to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed streets of the Corfu Old Town ; a unique part of Greece. Formerly known as Kastropolis – city of castles – this historic city upon first glance appears to have more in common with the fortified towns of nearby Croatian and Italian coasts than with its fellow Greek islands.

Corfu Town has a cosmopolitan and upmarket vibe. The nexus of the Old Town is the area around the Venetian Old Fortress, the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George, and next to it the Spiniada (the bit with the cricket lawn) and the Liston (the French-influenced promenade).

For food and drinks try :

  • To Dimarcho ,
  • The Venetian Well .
  • Rooftop drink at Cavalieri Hotel.

For evening vibes head to  Bristol Cafe , 54 Dreamy Nights , or Sessions Cafe .

Read More: Exploring Corfu Old Town

Barbati beach resort on Corfu

WHERE TO STAY

Corfu Town may seem like the obvious choice however accommodation is surprisingly hard to come by. It’s a popular (and easy) day trip from pretty much every resort on the island. As such, it hasn’t really developed an accommodation scene of its own – except the big resort hotels on the outskirts of town. The lack of budget accommodation is annoying if you have an early or late flight or ferry.

Top end choices in Corfu Town include classy boutique townhouses  Siora Vittoria and Bella Venezia . Otherwise, it’s best to try  Airbnb .

The best beach hotels on Corfu are MarBella , Ikos Dassia,  Corfu Imperial Grecotel at Kontokali, and Mayor La Grotta Verde Grande at Agios Gordios. The blissful little beachfront Bella Mare Hotel  is now an exclusive Simpson Travel property.

( read more – Corfu’s 10 Best Luxury Beach Hotel s)

The lush and rugged north of the island is where you’ll find upmarket little villages popular with the speedboat set, who stay in expensive villas up in the hills. This is also Durrells-country – Kalami and Koulouri.

And over on the west, Paleokastritsa is worthy of its popularity. The west is home to some dramatic coastal scenery, small resorts that are popular with independent travellers – Agios Gordios is the hostel epicentre with Pink Palace (for spring break vibes) and further up the coast is Sun Rock in Pelekas (for a more traditional family-run feel). Lovely Liapades around the corner is another good spot.

For good-value aparthotels and rooms check out the resort towns Kassiopi, Agios Gordios and Paleokastritsa, which haven’t lost their soul to development. Cheaper still are family favourites Acharavi, Sidari, Barbati, and Ipsos – the latter two are conveniently close to Corfu Town.

Check out Where to Stay on Corfu – The Ultimate Beach Resort Guide for a complete rundown on the coastal towns plus some accommodation picks in Corfu Town.

Sweet treats in Corfu Town

FOOD AND DRINK

There’s a strong Venetian element to the food on Corfu. You’ll find more Italian influences (and unique slow-cooked meat dishes) here than in other parts of Greece; pasta dishes, polenta, and tomato-based sauces are not uncommon.

A trio of traditional Corfiot dishes worth trying are pastitsada , bourdeto and sofrito .  Pastitsada is a pasta dish made with rooster and a bright red sauce. Bourdeto is fish cooked in a tomato. And sofrito a dish made with veal or beef braised with wine and herbs. I’m also a fan of tsigarelli , which is a side dish of wild greens in a spicy tomato sauce.

Of course, you’ll also find all of the usual Greek taverna classics.

Corfu has its own microbrewery producing naturally brewed real ales. The brewery in Arilla is open to the public on Saturdays. I particularly enjoyed the Red Special Ale. Along with specialist Chimarios, they also make traditional Corfiot ginger beer, another legacy of British rule (the recipe was brought over by the army in the 19th century) and very refreshing in hot weather.

Kumquat trees (a type of tiny citrus) are common on Corfu and you’ll see kumquat liqueur in all the souvenir shops. I also once tried a delicious olive oil liqueur from Corfu but haven’t managed to find anything out about it (send me an email if you find it!).

And fig puddings ( sykomaida ) are a treat unique to Corfu – look out for small round bundles wrapped in leaves.

Don’t miss the seafood tavernas at Agni Bay.

Canal d'Amour at Sidari

BEST BEACHES ON CORFU

Corfu has some of the best beaches in the Greek islands ; there’s a staggering variety – from white sandy beach to strange rock formations and idyllic coves. Here are the most beautiful worth checking out:

  • Paleokastritsa . This popular resort town is built across a couple of bays and has a number of beaches; the sandiest is Agios Spyridon and the most Instagrammable is rocky La Grotta with its unique beach bar (be prepared for steps). Kastelli is cliff.
  • Liapades and Rovinia . Two gorgeous pebbly beaches just around the coast from Paleokastritsa. This area of coast is full of hidden beaches and secret bays which are difficult to access.
  • Agios Gordios . Perhaps the most versatile beach on the island, Agios Gordios has 2km of calm Blue Flag waters and soft sands surrounded by dramatic cliffs, excellent sunsets, and just enough watersports and entertainment without being overdeveloped. If it gets too crowded just head to Pelekas , Glyfada or the nudist beach at Mirtiotissa .
  • Paradise Beach . Also known as Chomi, Paradise Beach has a small pebble beach at the bottom of steep white cliffs. It’s located south of Liapades and is only accessible by water taxi. To the south is the equally grand Stelari .
  • Halikounas . If you prefer wide and wild unorganised natural beaches then head for Halikounas which edges Lake Korission in the south-west.
  • Bataria and Pipitou are the key beaches at Kassiopi.
  • Loggas . In the north, Loggas is another wild cliff-backed beached – this one accessible by steep steps.
  • Porto Timoni . Also known as Afionas, this photogenic landmark is a narrow strip of land with a beach on either side. It’s hikeable from the wide sandy bay at Agios Georgios.
  • Sidari . This beach resort is home to the famous rock formations of the Canal d’Amour (pictured above), which is now a popular selfie.
  • Cape Drastis . Keep going north of Loggas to reach the white rock formations of Cape Drastis (or Drasti), the most northerly point of the island. You can visit by boat from Sidari, or hike here; there’s a small beach with a bar selling refreshments.

Looking to stay by the beach? Check out the  complete guide to Corfu’s beach resorts .

Paradise Beach, Liapades

WHAT TO DO ON CORFU

It’s worth knowing that religious sites, museums and galleries often shut on a Monday in Greece.

Best things to do in Corfu Town:

  • Old Fortress . The main attraction in Corfu Town is the Old Fortress (Paleokastro). St. George’s Church.
  • Mon Repos is a historic villa (and birthplace of Prince Philip) on the outskirts of Corfu Town, next to the ancient ruins of Paleopolis. It houses an archaeological museum an is often included in tour itineraries along with the Achilleion – a palace in Gastouri built by the Empress of Austria.
  • The Byzantine Museum  showcases religious artwork is tucked away in a tiny church in Corfu Town.
  • The Serbian Museum memorialises 150, 000 Serbian troops and refugees who died here during the First World War – many from starvation or disease. Entrance is free. The tiny island of Vido opposite Corfu Town served as a hospital, quarantine and cemetery. You can catch a local ferry over to this peaceful island, known as the ‘Blue Tomb’, which now houses a mausoleum and a taverna (open summer only).
  • The Corfu Museum of Asian Art is located in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George (near the Liston), one of the main British buildings in the town
  • The Museum of Banknotes is a few blocks back from the Liston and provides a fascinating overview of Greek currency.
  • Corfu Walking Tours offer themed walking tours around Corfu Town, including options for foodies.
  • Don’t miss the little monastery of Vlacherna  and the tiny island Pontikonisi  (also known as ‘Mouse Island) nearby (pictured above). This romantic spot is a 45-minute walk from Corfu Town and is close to Corfu Airport. In fact, so close there are a couple of bars perfectly set up to watch the planes land and the sun go down.
  • If you have kids in tow, there’s a waterpark called  Aqualand  in the middle of the island.

places to visit north east corfu

Best things to do outside Corfu Town:

  • Angelokastro . is a hilltop Byzantine castle near Paleokastritsa with excellent views over the north-east coast.
  • Nearby is the Monastery of Paleokastritsa, which has views over the village and houses the remains of a giant whale. It does get busy with tour buses in summer.
  • Kassiopi Castle .
  • Hire a speedboat  for exploring the north east coast; many of the area’s best tavernas and beaches have jetties. The fish tavernas at Agni Bay are well known.
  • Scuba Diving . There are numerous dive centres in the north of the island. Colovri and the Hole of Ha are the standout site.
  • Hike Mount Pantokrator .
  • Boat trips . Arguably the best way to see the stunning scenery is from a boat. Mainland honeypot Parga is just X away. Also close by are Corfu’s nearest Ionian neighbours Paxi and Antipaxi. And day trips to Albania can take in the gorgeous beaches at Ksamil, it’s worth paying extra to include UNESCO World Heritage site Butrint in your itinerary if you’re into historic sites.

Beautiful waters at Paleokastritsa

DURRELL-MANIA

  • Exteriors for The Durrells’ villa were filmed at Villa Annemoyani north of Gouvia
  • Lawrence and Nancy lived in Kalami, and today you can stay in their former residence The White House
  • Many street scenes were filmed in Danilia, a curious remodelled village up in the hills behind Gouvia. It was also used as a set in For Your Eyes Only . It’s owned by Grecotel Hotels who run The Corfu Imperial Hotel in Kommeno Bay (which is also where the cast stay during filming). You can book a special package which includes accommodation at the Imperial, and tours of Danilia and The White House.

Cape Drastis, Corfu

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Done the above and looking to discover a side of Corfu unspoilt by the masses? If you’re looking for quieter, off-beat attractions for culture vultures, authentic Corfiot villages with traditional life, or nature without the crowds, here are a few pointers to get you started

  • Hike the Corfu Trail . Spanning nearly the length of the island at 220km, the Corfu Trail will take you deep into the island. It’s not the easiest – some parts are poorly waymarked and there’s a lack of accommodation. The sections near Paleokastritsa or Koulouri are ideal for a short hike. Check out the Trail website for more info.
  • Korission Lagoon . You can sail, horse ride (from nearby Issos) and birdwatch at this nature lover’s paradise.
  • Traditional Villages . If you’re driving around the south of the island, stop by the inland town of Lefkimmi for a slice of traditional Greek life (and lunch). Argyrades, Lakones, Chlomas, Vatos, Pelekas village (up in the hills above the beach) and Afionas village are also charming.
  • Venetian Shipyard . Located near Gouvia, these 18th-century remains are worth a visit if you’re in the area, with cute little Ipapanti Church across the water.
  • Corfu’s Secret Islands . Paxi and Antipaxi aren’t the only islands you can visit from Corfu. Less well known are the tiny idylls of  Diapondia  off the north coast – consisting of Erikoussa, Othoni and Mathraki islands (plus several uninhabited islets). In the summer you can find boats from Corfu Town as well as Sidari and Agios Stefanos.
  • Corfu Donkey Sanctuary . You can visit the Sanctuary  which is open year-round. To donate go to Friends of Corfu Donkey Rescue .

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Corfu International Airport (or  Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport ) is served by both domestic and international airlines. The airport is 3km south of Corfu Town. The view as you come in to land is quite spectacular so book a window seat. There are a few overpriced cafes and not much else, so don’t plan on spending too much time there if you can help it.

Line 15 connects the airport to the city’s bus terminal and the main city stop at San Rocco Square. From these stops, you can catch city buses around Corfu Town. For destinations around the island,  Green Buses spread outwards from Corfu Town as a hub.

Car hire is ideal for exploring the island although roads can be steep and winding, with occasional potholes and plenty of giant tour buses coming the opposite way.

During the summer there are occasional routes linking beach resorts. CorfuPlus is well regarded for scooter and quad hire; get in touch with Sandy to discuss your needs.

FERRY CONNECTIONS 

Corfu has a large ferry/cruise ship port.

International crossings are available to: Bari, Brindisi (Italy) and Sarande in Albania. Occasionally there are also routes to Ancona and Venice in Italy, Durres in Albania.

The main domestic connections are to Igoumenitsa and Patras on the Greek mainland, and the islands Paxos and Antipaxos. From Lefkimmi there are also boats to Igoumenitsa. The most frequent ferries to the Diapondia islands are from Agios Stefanos (NW).

Infrequent/nonexistent direct ferry connections to the rest of the Ionian islands (with the exception of Paxos and Antipaxos) make it tricky to include Corfu in an island hopping itinerary. Instead, you must go via the mainland.

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Paleokastritsa Bay with text overlay 'Corfu - an Island Guide'

Image credits: Paleokastritsa © CCat82 / Adobe Stock, Vido Island © The Mediterranean Traveller, Old Fort © The Mediterranean Traveller, Barbati © whitewizzard / Adobe Stock, Sweet Treats ©  The Mediterranean Traveller, Sidari © Netfalls / Adobe Stock, Liapades   © Lucian Bolca / Adobe Stock, Vlacherna Monastery © The Mediterranean Traveller, Pink Walls © The Mediterranean Traveller, Cape Drastis by etherial via Pixabay. 

Corfu – An Unspoilt Island Guide

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The 15 Best Things to do in Corfu, Greece

Corfu is a sunny island in the Ionian Sea with a history as large as the nearly 3,000-foot-high mountaintop that dominates the landscape. 

This small island, with its resident population of around 100,000 people, has always played a huge role in the Mediterranean, and you’ll see why when you hike to the summit of Mount Pantokrator, stand on the lofty battlements of the Angelokastro, or explore the Venetian fortresses (old and new) that dominate Corfu’s Old Town. It’s just a few miles from the northeastern tip of Corfu to Albania , while the Greek mainland is just a few miles off the southern coast of the island. 

But of course, Corfu is perhaps best known among modern tourists for its dramatic coastline and beautiful beaches. You can spend your vacation hopping from one beach or island to the next, snorkeling or diving the reefs and sea caverns, or wining and dining in your favorite taverna. 

With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Corfu for you. Try these fun and unique Corfu bucket list recommendations, and we guarantee you’re going to have an amazing time exploring this beautiful Greek island!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

1. Delve into the Archeological Museum of Corfu

History fans will quickly fall in love with Corfu, where the ancient world is just waiting to be uncovered. Corfu played a prominent role in ancient European history, and you can find out more with a trip to the Archaeological Museum of Corfu .

This impressive museum first opened in 1967, and it was originally intended to showcase the then-recent finds from the excavation of Corfu’s Artemis Temple, which had been uncovered in Paleopolis. This included an impressive Gorgon pediment, as well as a range of other archeological objects dating back to the Hellenistic era.

The museum has since expanded and now hosts several floors of exhibits from Corfu’s prehistoric and Hellenistic periods, making this an excellent place to learn more about the classical world. There are Roman statues, Greek funerary ornaments, and a collection of ancient coins that offer a brief glimpse into a time long since passed.

2. Explore Corfu’s Old Town

Unique Things to do in Corfu, Greece: Old Town

Exploring the Old Town is one of the must-do things in Corfu. This is the historic heart of Corfu, and you’ll love how the district’s importance is recognized by its UNESCO World Heritage status.

There’s much to see, so prepare yourself for a full day of walking when you set out into the Old Town. This is the original ancient city of Corfu, a place known to locals as Korkyra, where you’ll see firsthand the many influences and powers that have shaped the island.

Cool Things to do in Corfu, Greece: Old Town

Start with the Old Venetian Fortress, which sits on a small peninsula jutting out into the Ionian Sea. Drop into the Archaeological Museum in Corfu, see the former theater-turned-City Hall, and look out for the Venetian-style piazzas and canal.

Then make your way over to the New Venetian Fortress, visit the British-built Palace of St. Michael and St. George, and marvel at the religious icons on display in the Byzantine Museum. Throughout the day, you’ll find countless churches hidden away among the medieval streets, while there’s always a cafe or taverna ready to welcome you in with a few well-earned refreshments as you explore the best sights in Corfu’s Old Town.

3. Go to the best beaches in Corfu

Must do things in Corfu, Greece: Best Beaches

A beach trip is one of the most fun things to do in Corfu because we’re pretty sure it’s the island’s coastline that’s really brought you here!

Corfu is renowned for its excellent beaches, and you’ll be spoiled for choice when you’re deciding which beach to visit. You may even find that your hotel or resort overlooks an impressive stretch of sand of its own, in which case, don’t let us stop you – jump right in!

Corfu, Greece Bucket List: Best Beaches

Every mile of coastline in Corfu seems to have a unique beach to visit, but here are just a few of our top picks. In the north of Corfu, the breathtakingly beautiful Canal d’Amour (Channel of Love) is a romantic favorite close to the popular town of Sidari. The wilder northern coast is home to countless small coves and bays and is a perfect place for a sailing excursion or boating trip in search of hidden beaches.

One of the most popular beach destinations in Corfu has long been Paleokastritsa, where you’ll find many of the best beaches on the island. These include Alipa, Agios Spyridonas, and Agios Petros.

For typical resort-style beaches, you have Glyfada on the west coast of Corfu, while in the south, Kavos has readily accessible beaches and amenities. Best of all, though, is Porto Timoni Beach, where you’ll find a double beach separated by a narrow spit of land that’s engulfed by cliffs and turquoise waters.

4. Wander in the footsteps of royalty at Achilleion Palace

What to do in Corfu, Greece: Achilleion Palace

Corfu has always been a hit with European royalty, and if you travel to Gastouri, on the east coast of the island, you can visit the magnificent Achilleion Palace . This royal palace was designed by an Italian architect for an Austrian Empress, and the lavish scale of the building is sure to astound you even a century after its construction.

The Achilleion Palace draws on the Greco-Roman traditions of the Ionian Sea and is named for the legendary Achilles, who fought in the Trojan Wars. But the palace itself only dates back to the late 19th century, when Empress Elisabeth of Austria had it commissioned as her summer residence.

Best Things to do in Corfu, Greece: Achilleion Palace

Today, you can wander through regal rooms and marvel at the mighty statue of Achilles in the gardens. You can also learn more about the palace’s unique history. 

It was inherited by Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany after Empress Elisabeth’s death, then during the First World War, it became a hospital and in the Second World War, it was commandeered by Allies generals in need of a headquarters on Corfu.

5. Visit the 13th-century Monastery of Paleokastritsa

Unique Things to do in Corfu, Greece: Monastery of Paleokastritsa

The island is home to countless churches, holy places, and monasteries, but one of the most fascinating Corfu attractions is the Monastery of Paleokastritsa. This impressive place of worship dates back to the 13th century AD, and it’s located in a beautiful position in the hills above the village of Paleokastritsa. 

The monastery is thought to have been built by the Byzantines in 1228 AD, making it one of the oldest continually inhabited religious complexes in Corfu. Not much remains of the original structures, however, although the buildings you see today generally still date back a few hundred years to the 18th century. 

Cool Things to do in Corfu, Greece: Monastery of Paleokastritsa

The monastery was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and there’s much religious iconography to admire. If you’re not religious, then the impressive Byzantine history that surrounds the monastery is a worthy reason to visit. Even if you’re not into your history, the commanding view afforded from the monastery, with panoramas across the northwestern coast of Corfu, is absolutely stunning.

6. Hike to the summit of Mount Pantokrator

Corfu, Greece Bucket List: Mount Pantokrator

Hiking to the summit of Mount Pantokrator is one of the top things to do in Corfu! This lofty mountain peak rises 2,953 feet above sea level, making the summit the highest point to be found on Corfu. You can see Mount Pantokrator from almost anywhere on the island, so if you love an outdoor adventure, we guarantee that soon enough, you’re going to want to reach the top.

The most popular route to the summit starts in the village of Old Perithia. Take a look around first because Old Perithia is one of the oldest villages in Corfu.

Must do things in Corfu, Greece: Mount Pantokrator

It was founded in the 14th century, high up in the hills, when the locals needed to escape the continual raids that ravaged the coast. Today, many of the houses are preserved in a unique Venetian style that was typical of the era but that has rarely survived elsewhere. 

From Old Perithia, the path to the mountaintop takes an average of one and a half hours to complete. Perhaps more, perhaps less – it depends on your fitness! The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking, and you can often see Italy , Albania , and mainland Greece on a clear day. The way back down is a little easier and should take no longer than an hour.

7. Explore Corfu’s underwater world on a snorkeling trip

Corfu, Greece Things to do: Underwater world on a snorkeling or diving trip

If you love snorkeling and diving, then you’ve decided to visit a great island. Exploring the underwater world is one of the best things to do in Corfu, and there are many reefs waiting below the surface of the Ionian Sea.

For qualified scuba divers, some of the best sites are found at Colovri, where you can reach depths of 100 feet (and more) while spotting schools of fish, moray eels, and much more among the rocks and crevices. Other great sites include House Reef, Kassiopi Reef, and Monastery. Cave divers will love an adventure to the Hole of Ha, an eerie underwater cavern where you can reach depths of 82 feet.

What to do in Corfu, Greece: Underwater world on a snorkeling or diving trip

For snorkelers, the opportunities are just as abundant. Just grab a mask, snorkel, and fins and wade off your nearest beach into the water. You’re bound to be impressed by the marine life. Dive operators often take snorkelers along with them on boat trips, too, while dedicated snorkeling tours regularly run to top snorkeling sites like Kassiopi and Paleokastritsa.

8. Join a sailing trip along the Corfu coast

Unique Things to do in Corfu, Greece: Sailing Trip

One of the best ways to explore Corfu’s exceptional coastline is on a sailing trip. There’s little better than sitting on the deck, with the Ionian sea breeze filling the sails, as you take in stunning views of Corfu. 

Of course, the best sailing trip is a private yacht charter, and there’s many a boat captain waiting in Corfu’s marinas to take you and your group out for the day. Personalize your itinerary, pick your drinks, and get ready for an awesome sailing experience! 

Best Things to do in Corfu, Greece: Sailing Trip

There are also group sailing trips to join if you are on a budget or if you’re a solo traveler, while multi-day sailing trips frequent the Ionian Islands throughout the summer sailing season.

9. Marvel at Vlacherna Monastery and visit Mouse Island in Kanoni

Corfu, Greece Bucket List: Vlacherna Monastery and Mouse Island

Just to the south of Corfu’s Old Town, you’ll find Kanoni, one of the most picturesque destinations on the island.

Kanoni is a little peninsula with a collection of hotels and guesthouses overlooking the Ionian Sea. From Kanoni’s hilltop, you’ll spot Vlacherna Monastery and Mouse Island below.

From afar, Vlacherna Monastery looks to be floating on the water. It is, in a way, as the 17th-century holy monastery is built on a tiny rock in the sea and only connected to Kanoni by a narrow walkway. You can stroll across the walkway to this floating monastery, where you can learn more about this unique religious site.

Fun Things to do in Corfu, Greece: Vlacherna Monastery and Mouse Island

Walk back to Kanoni, and you can jump on one of the small boats that traverse the small strait leading across to Mouse Island. The journey takes just a few minutes, and when you arrive, you can set foot on one of the smallest islands in Corfu. The island is also home to a quaint monastery, which is thought to have been built by the Byzantines sometime in the 12th century AD. 

10. Be awed by the mighty ruins of Angelokastro

What to do in Corfu, Greece: Angelokastro

Like all Greek islands, Corfu is littered with relics and ruins of empires of the past. Few other historic sights on the island, though, can compare to the mighty ruins of Angelokastro.

Angelokastro is located on the northwestern side of the island, not far from the village of Paleokastritsa. The castle is precariously situated atop craggy cliff tops and was deliberately built at the highest coastal point in Corfu. The scenery itself is dramatic, but when you add the crumbling walls of the castle into the fold, you’ve got yourself one of the best things to do in Corfu!

Best Things to do in Corfu, Greece: Angelokastro

A winding road leads toward the base of the hilltop, where you continue on foot to reach the battlements. The castle sits at 1,000 feet above sea level, ensuring you’re going to have exceptional views across much of the island and the Ionian Sea. 

The castle is thought to have been built around the 12th or 13th century, although there are likely to have been earlier forts here for centuries before this. The Byzantines constructed the castle in order to control the strategically important sea lanes between Corfu and Italy, and Angelokastro continues to dominate the landscape to this day.

11. Fall in love with the Canal d’Amour

Unique Things to do in Corfu, Greece: Canal d’Amour

If you’re looking for a special place to take that special someone in your life, then why not make a romantic trip to the Canal d’Amour? This is Corfu’s “Channel of Love,” and it’s a beautifully scenic beach close to the town of Sidari on the northern coast of the island.

The Canal d’Amour (which literally means Channel of Love) is so called because of its natural aesthetics. Over time, the sea has carved a long, thin channel between the cliffs, and that channel is filled with the sparklingly clear waters of the Ionian Sea.

Best Things to do in Corfu, Greece: Canal d’Amour

There’s a small beach at the start of the channel, although, as you might imagine, it gets packed quickly in summer. Many of those tourists are couples because, as the enduring local tradition has it, couples that swim together in the channel stay together forever!

12. Take a trip across to Albania

Corfu, Greece Bucket List: Albania

Look out to the east when you’re in Corfu, and you’ll see Albania just across the strait. In fact, you’re just as close to Albania as you are to mainland Greece, and it’s super easy to make a day trip (or multi-day trip) from Corfu to this lesser-visited Balkan nation.

Albania is fast making a name for itself as a destination to rival anywhere else in the Mediterranean, and you’ll immediately notice that the prices are much lower than Corfu, while the beaches are just as good. There’s even an excellent choice of beach clubs along the seafront in Sarande, a place that’s better known as the Albanian Riviera!

Fun Things to do in Corfu, Greece: Albania

In peak season, there are several ferries a day connecting Corfu to Albania. The fastest speedboats take just half an hour, and the slowest car ferries take around an hour. They all depart from Port of Corfu and cross to the harbor in Sarande, the main town along the Albanian Riviera. 

From here, you can take in the town’s easy-to-access beachfront, have a few low-price cocktails or glasses of wine, and enjoy some excellent Italian, Greek , and Albanian food on a budget. You can also head further south to a small town called Ksamil, where you’ll find the unique natural sights within Butrint Archeological Park were well worth the boat trip!

13. Enjoy a day trip to Paxos and Antipaxos

What to do in Corfu, Greece: Paxos and Antipaxos

It’s said that Poseidon forged the island of Paxos when the Greek god of the sea smashed Corfu with his trident. Paxos, and the neighboring island of Antipaxos, are both steeped in legend and myth, and they make for a fantastic day trip from Corfu.

The two islands (often referred to collectively as Paxoi) are just 10 miles from Corfu, and they are considered to be the smallest islands in the Ionian Islands chain. In summer, ferries depart regularly from Corfu to Gaios, the main town in Paxos, or you can join a group sailing trip or charter your own private boat.

Corfu, Greece Things to do: Paxos and Antipaxos

However you choose to arrive, you’re sure to fall in love with the slow pace of life on Paxos, where the resident population numbers around 2,000. Enjoy the quiet charms of Gaios, take in the local beaches and scenery of Paxos, then continue south to Antipaxos, which is just a few miles away. 

This is where it’s handy to have joined a boat tour because you’ll get to see the Blue Caves the tiny island is famed for. Finish with a quick stop at Voutoumi Beach before you’re taken back to Corfu at the end of the day!

14. Party the night away in Kavos

For many Europeans, a trip to the clubs in Kavos is a rite of passage, and if you’re the partying type, then you’ll find yourself more than at home in Corfu’s most notorious beach town.

Kavos is the most southerly town on the island, and there’s a long strip dedicated to bars, pubs, and restaurants. In peak season, it’s guaranteed to be packed with package holidaymakers and backpackers, and you can party the night away in one of the many, many clubs.

But in Kavos, you’ll also have access to some of Corfu’s most convenient beaches (although they are often crowded), as well as fun activities like boat tours, an aqua park, and live music events. If you’re looking for a traditional resort-style holiday, then Kavos is also where you’ll find the best range of accommodation for the best price!

15. Admire the wild landscapes of Cape Drastis

Best Things to do in Corfu, Greece: Cape Drastis

One of the most beautiful Corfu sightseeing attractions is Cape Drastis, a wild headland that extends out into the Ionian Sea from Corfu’s north coast. Cape Drastis is the most northwesterly point in Corfu, and we guarantee you’ll be awed by the chalky white cliffs that rise abruptly from the water far below.

This little-developed stretch of coastline can be visited by land or by sea. If you’re visiting by land, then you’ll need to drive or hike a rough road that leads from the village of Peroulades to the headland. From here, you’ll have an incredible panorama of Cape Drastis, but it’s as far as you can go (easily, at least) on foot.

Cool Things to do in Corfu, Greece: Cape Drastis

The second option is to view Cape Drastis from the sea. This is the easier way to explore the area, as on a calm day, you can just enjoy the sunshine from the deck while waiting for the headland to appear. From the sea, you’ll be able to admire the cliffs in all their beauty while looking out for the many sea caves that dot the coastline here. 

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Corfu, Greece. What’s your favorite thing to do in Corfu?

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Best Things to do in Corfu, Greece

About the Author:

Richard Collett

Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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The best places to visit in Corfu

shows an image of a beach cove in Corfu Greece

Are you looking for inspiration on some of the best places to visit in Corfu? You’ve come to the right place! After spending 3 weeks exploring this beautiful Greek island, we’ve assembled a list of the top-rated attractions, plus a few of our own, lesser-known recommendations.

Corfu is one of the greenest islands in Greece and it boasts some of the best beaches in the whole country. It has long been a holiday hotspot, but it also offers plenty of Greek tradition and lots of authentic experiences away from the tourist trail. From quaint villages and turquoise-water beaches to mountain trails and even boat trips to Albania, there’s plenty to keep you busy. We hope our list of Corfu attractions will give you plenty of inspiration.

Paleokastrista

The quaint beach town of Paleokastritsa is currently rated as the number one place to visit in Corfu on Tripadvisor. A picture-perfect cove with a marina, beautiful sandy beach and some stunning scenery, it’s one of our favourite places on the island and we recommend a visit for anyone. Paleokastritsa is located on the west coast of Corfu, in an area that boasts some of the island’s best beaches.

Visit Paleokastritsa for a nice walk along the promenade, a spot of gift shopping and to see the main attraction: the beach. There are two beach areas in the town. One is a small rocky cove with sun loungers that you can hire for the day. The other is a moon-shape sandy beach with stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. After relaxing in the sun, grab lunch or a drink in one of the many beach restaurants. We recommend Corner Snack Beach Bar .

shows an image of a girl looking out at Paleokastritsa beach

Paleokastritsa Monastery

A short walk up the hill from Paleokastritsa beach is the captivating Paleokastrita monastery. The views from outside the monastery are spectacular, but the white building itself doesn’t look much from the outside. However, walk inside the church and you’ll find one of the most beautifully decorated monasteries on the island. Whitewashed walls, arches of flowers and neatly manicured gardens adorn the monastery grounds.

Take time to wander around the building and grounds at your leisure. After your visit, be sure to walk along the cliffside for several stunning sea viewpoints and nature trails. This must be one of the most beautiful areas in Corfu!

shows an image of a girl walking through Paleokastritsa monastery - best  places to visit in Corfu

Angelokastro Castle

When we first visited Angelokastro Castle we were completely shocked at the scale and impressive architecture of this towering seaside fortress. Situated on the far-west coast of Corfu, with many winding, narrow roads to get there, Angelokastro Castle is one of the best places to visit in Corfu for history lovers. It’s one of the most important Byzantine castles in Greece and is also one of the most visually impressive.

Angelokastro was built on top of a steep mountain side, peering out at sea. Its cliffside location gives it somewhat of a fairy-tale feel and the views from the top are equally as enchanting. Take time to admire the castle from afar before climbing the 200+ steps to the top of the castle. At its summit, you can explore the castle ruins and gaze from the viewpoints.

shows a drone shot of a castle on the hill - The best places to visit in Corfu

Cape Drastis

Corfu’s coastline is full of dramatic cliffside scenery, with tall cliffs, hidden coves and lots of greenery. For some of the best scenery, visit the cape of ‘Drastis’. Cape Drastis is the northernmost point of the island, stretching way out to see in a series of dramatic rock formations. You can visit the Cape Drastis viewpoint for a great view of the natural attraction. You can also get up close to its hidden gems.

Exploring small sea caves and relaxing on beaches that are only accessible by boat are some of the top things to do here. We personally recommend hiring a boat from the nearby town of Sidari or joining a boat tour. You can hike down to a couple of beaches and viewpoints, but a boat is the best way to see the area.

shows a top view image of cape dratsis beach

WATCH OUR VIDEO ON THE TOP 20 THINGS TO SEE & DO IN CORFU ⬇️

Canal D’Amour

Canal D’Amour is a small beach cove on the north coast of Corfu, right next to the popular resort town of Sidari. Crowded throughout the day but still beautiful, Canal D’Amour is one of the island’s most unique coastal spots. Smooth, exposed rock faces and a narrow bay with a sandy beach set the scene for a completely unique place to relax. It’s one of the best places to visit in Corfu for beach lovers, though you should aim to arrive early. Visit after 9am and there’s a chance you won’t get a spot on the sand.

shows an image of a girl looking towards canal d'amour beach

Corfu Old Town

You can’t visit Corfu and not stop by its charming old town centre! Corfu Town is one of the best places to visit in Corfu for anyone that fancies a day of sightseeing, shopping, great restaurants, or museum hopping. Its narrow streets and Venetian architecture is unlike many of Greece’s island destinations. It more closely resembles an Italian city like Venice.

Take time to explore the quaint streets and gift shops, buy some local jewellery or linen clothes, or grab a seat in a café and watch the hustle and bustle. Corfu Town is packed full of attractions; so much so, you might want to visit twice. It’s also a great place to visit on an evening – the city really comes alive.

shows an image of an old church and venetian style streets in Corfu old town

Corfu new and old fortresses

As well as Corfu’s old town centre, the city has several must-see museums, parks and other historic attractions. Two of the most prominent symbols of the island’s history are the old and new fortresses, which are located on opposite sides of the city to each other. Each fortress is worth visiting in their own right. Corfu Old Fortress is a free-to-visit Venetian fortress with a number of turrets and viewpoints.

Corfu Old Fortress is a larger fortress with a small entrance fee. It features a museum, raised walls with canons and a central castle keep with panoramic views of Corfu Town. It’s the most impressive of the two fortresses.

shows a view of Corfu old town from the old fortress - best places to visit in Corfu Greece

Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna

Corfu has many monasteries, but not all of them are as beautiful as the Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna. This quaint, white-washed church is perched on a small man-made island, right next to a marina. The docking boats and unique location of the monastery makes for some excellent photo opportunities! Take time to wander around the monastery grounds and pop your head inside to see the traditional 17 th -century interior. It’s an active place of worship and has both a shrine and small shop inside.

shows an image of the holy monastery of panagia vlacherna

Plane Spotting viewpoint

As you land in Corfu, you’ll notice that the airport runway is right next to the sea and a handful of picturesque islands. The dramatic scenery and close proximity to the tourist areas provides some excellent plane spotting opportunities! Right next to Vlacherna Monastery we featured above, you’ll find a long sea bridge viewing deck that cross the bay to the south-west. It’s one of the best places we’ve ever been to for plane spotting and you really feel the roar of the aircraft as they land!

If you’re a fan of planes or just fancy getting blown away by a jet engine as you take some cool photos, stop by the viewing platform for an hour or so. The area also has a few raised viewpoints with equally as impressive views.

shows an image of an easy jet plane on the runway

The Achilleion Palace

The Achilleion Palace is a grand palace that was built for Emperor Elisabeth of Austria in the 1800’s as a summer haven or refuge. It was built in a style to represent mythical Phaeacia and Greek mythology is apparent throughout the palace and its grounds. Today, Achilleion Palace is a popular tourist attraction that hosts dozens of guided tours throughout the day.

Visit the palace to view the beautiful architecture, gardens, and statues of the exterior. You can then take a closer look at its grand interior. Achilleion Palace was built to appear grandeur and elaborate; it’s a real work of art. We personally appreciated the towering statues of Achilles in the garden terrace area. Every statue you’ll come across has a unique story and the tour guide will explain it to you.

shows an Achillies statue in Achillion Palace - best places to visit in Corfu

Book a tour of Achilleion Palace on Get Your Guide

Agios georgios.

We featured Agios Georgios in our ‘where to stay in Corfu’ guide . It’s a small beach town with a long sandy beach, making it a great spot for those that want a relaxing beach holiday. Boasting one of the nicest beaches on the island, it’s a great place to visit for the day. Go for a swim in the sea, try some water sports or enjoy the view from one of the beach bars and restaurants. Life in Agios Georgios is laid back and its remote location ensures low crowds year-round.

shows an image of a girl looking out at Agios Georgios beach

Porto Timoni

Rated as one of Corfu’s top attractions in any guide you read, Porto Timoni is a unique duo of beaches that are separated by a thin strip of land. Both shores are in a remote location. Therefore, you’ll either need to take a boat or hike 35-minutes across rocky footpaths to get down to the beaches. With vibrant turquoise water, spectacular coastal scenery and an exhilarating hike to get there, Porto Timoni is well worth a visit.

Even though the beaches are remote, they’re still very popular. We recommend heading to Porto Timoni first thing on morning. The hike to the beach is much more enjoyable with the cooler morning temperatures and it’s easier to find a parking space.

shows an image of Porto Timoni beach

Danilia Village

Danilia Village is one of the most under-rated attractions in Corfu. For a reason unbeknown to us, it’s a lot less popular than other attractions on our list and seems to attract far fewer crowds. A lot of tourists are missing out! Danilia Village is an open-air museum that was created to give visitors a realistic impression of a traditional 1930’s Corfiot village. For a small entrance fee of 10 euros (which includes a free drink), you can explore the village at your leisure.

Danilia is home to a row of colourful houses, shops and other traditional local businesses. Almost all buildings are open to explore, serving as a free-roam museum. It also features a winery, a beautiful garden area, a quaint church and a neatly decorated square. We absolutely loved wandering around the town and recommend a visit for anyone. End your visit to Danilia Village with a free drink at the village café.

shows an image of a girl standing in the middle of an arch at Danilia Village - best places to visit Corfu

Kassiopi Fishing Village

The secluded north-east fishing village Kassiopi has long been a destination for those that want a relaxing beach holiday away from the bustling centre of Corfu. It’s a place to escape work, where you can relax on the nice beaches and enjoy traditional food in a taverna. Kassiopi is also a great place to visit for the day as part of a road trip of Corfu’s glamourous north-east.

Top things to see in Kassiopi include its picturesque beach coves and sea caves, the fishing village itself, which is full of quaint cafes, bars and restaurants. You can also rent a boat to explore the more remote areas of the coastline. A visit to Kassiopi is relaxing and unlike many of the busier towns and beaches in Corfu.

shows an image of Kassiopi beach

Kontokali Marina

Kontokali is one of Corfu’s top places to stay. It’s central location near Corfu Town is ideal for sightseeing and being within a short drive of everything worth seeing. It’s also a place that’s worth visiting for the day! It features the island’s largest yachting marina, which is full of luxury yachts and tourist boats year-round. It’s the place to be for anyone that wants to charter a boat or head out on an island tour.

Even if you aren’t planning on getting on a boat, Kontokali still has plenty to see and do. Go for a long walk by the marina, enjoy a drink or lunch with a view of the marina, or check out the local shops. Once you’ve explored the marina area, walk 20-minutes to Kontokali Beach for some relaxation.

shows an image of Kontokali marina

Rovinia Beach

Rovinia is one of our favourite beaches in Corfu. The best beaches are always those that are difficult to get to and that’s the case with Rovinia Beach. Cross dirt paths and climb down the rocks to the beach and you’ll uncover a pristine, white-sand beach with a vibrant turquoise sea. Due to its hard-to-reach location, there aren’t any facilities at the beach, but that’s the beauty of it. Take some towels and grab a spot on the sand.

shows an image of rovinia beach in Corfu - best places to visit in Corfu Greece

La Grotta Bar

La Grotta Bar is one of the best places to visit in Corfu if you want a lively bar atmosphere in a very cool location. Perched on the side of a cliff, with cascading platforms that lead to the sea, La Grotta Bar is a trendy seaside bar with frequent events and upbeat music. It’s popular with both locals and tourists, especially on weekends.

At Grotta Bar, you can grab a few drinks and a lite bite to eat as you admire the views of the coastline. You can also go for a dip in the sea by walking down to the sea platforms, so be sure to pack a swimsuit.

shows an image of la grotta bar in Corfu Greece - best places to visit in Corfu

Kaiser’s Throne mountain viewpoint

Kaiser’s Throne is one of the best places to visit in Corfu to experience the vast, green countryside. We stumbled upon the mountain viewpoint on our first day in Corfu and were blown away by the beautiful scenery from this hilltop watchtower. You have 360-degree panoramic views of the countryside on one side, and the horizon of the sea on the other.

As well as the viewpoint, you’ll find a small hotel and restaurant where you can grab a drink and snack with a view.

shows an image of a girl looking at out at kaisers throne viewpoint

Corfu Aqualand Water Park

Next on our list is a Corfu attraction that those of all ages will enjoy! Some waterparks aren’t the best on holiday, but that’s not the case with Aqualand Corfu. This well-managed waterpark is currently rated as the third best attraction in Corfu on Tripadvisor. It’s a large waterpark with a series of slides, a lazy river, relaxation areas and a few other attractions. It makes the perfect day out for families, but couples will enjoy it too! Have fun trying out all the slides and cooling down in the hot Greek sun.

shows and image or a blue and orange water slide

Yiali Beach

Another must see beach on our list is a Corfu attraction that not many people know about. Yiali Beach is a tiny beach cove on Corfu’s west coast, with very few tourists. It’s tucked out of the way from the main tourist resorts and to get there you need a car or quad bike. One of the reasons Yiali Beach is so quiet is because of its remote and hard-to-access location. A steep climb down the cliffside in the hot sun isn’t for the faint of heart! However, the reward at the end of the climb is mesmerising.

Yiali Beach may be one of the best beaches in Greece! If you don’t fancy the challenging hike to get there, you can rent a small boat from the nearby town of Ermones and navigate it around the cove.

shows an image of Yiali beach

Old Perithia village

Corfu is known for its beaches and beautiful resort towns. However, life in the mountains of the north of the island is very different. Old Perithia is a historic mountain village that was built under Byzantine rule in the 14 th century. Not many tourists venture here as it’s a bit of a long drive from many resorts. Nevertheless, the drive is well worth it!

Old Perithia is an enchanting place to explore on foot. It has some gorgeous views of the countryside and the postcard-perfect town itself is a representation of traditional Greek rural life. There are also some excellent restaurants to check out. Prices in the local tavernas are very affordable and the food is authentic.

shows an image of a goat in front of a stone wall in Greece

Pantokrator Mountain and Monastery

If you’re an avid adventurer, you’re going to want to ascend the tallest mountain in Corfu, Pantokrator. Mount Pantokrator stands at 906 metres above sea level in the north-east corner of Greece. As you’d expect, it has some excellent panoramic views of the north of the island, with endless views of the countryside on one side and the skyline of Corfu Town one the other.

You can drive up the winding roads to the top of Mount Pantokrator with ease. Once you get there, walk to the viewpoint or embark on one of the scenic mountain nature trails. There’s also a small, historic monastery perched on top of the hill.

shows an image of Pantokrator mountain in Corfu Greece

Barbati Beach

Yet another beach, but one that’s certainly worth including is Barbati Beach. Most of the beaches on our list are located to the west of Corfu. However, Barbati Beach sits on the eastern coastline, right next to the town of Nissaki. It’s a long pebble beach that’s spread out enough to never feel too busy. One section has sun loungers and a nice restaurant. Other areas are more secluded and untouched.

Our favourite thing about Barbati Beach is the shallow, transparent water. It’s the perfect place to go for a refreshing swim.

Barbati Beach - The best places to visit in Corfu

Agios Stefanos

Another beach town that makes our list is Agios Stefanos. Formerly a fishing village, this secluded north-west town has a long sandy beach with a mountain view behind it. Life here is laid-back, quiet and a welcome escape from busier Greek tourist resorts. In fact, many people stay here for their full holiday and simply enjoy the beach.

The beach is the highlight of any visit to Agios Stefanos. Combine the sandy shores with the beautiful forest scenery, and traditional shops and restaurants, and you have the perfect destination for a relaxing day trip. It’s one of the best places to visit in Corfu for a beach day.

Agios Stefanos - The best sandy beaches in Corfu

Theotoky Wine Estate

Are you a wine lover? Head on over to Theotoky Wine Estate for a tour of one of Corfu’s most established wineries. We were impressed by the quality of Corfiot wines and olive oil, and you can try them both on a tour of the estate.

During the tour, you’ll see the local vineyards and wine production cellars. You’ll also get an in-depth presentation on the winery’s history and how they produce the wines. The best part of the tour is the wine tasting! Enjoy sampling a few different wines and snacks, before getting a chance to buy some to take home.

shows an image of a wine estate - The best places to visit in Corfu

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Corfu day trips to other destinations.

We’ve listed some of the best places to visit in Corfu, but the island is also well located for exploring other destinations. Here are some bonus day-trip ideas from Corfu. Both are well worth considering if you’re staying in Corfu for a while and fancy seeing somewhere different.

Paxos and Antipaxos

Paxos and Antipaxos are two smaller islands to the south of Corfu. They’re popular places to visit themselves for those that want a relaxing beach holiday away from Greece’s most popular islands. They can also be visited on a daytrip from Corfu. Several tour operators run full-day trips from Corfu’s main port to Paxos, and then onward to Antipaxos.

The tour starts with you getting picked up at your hotel first thing on a morning. You’ll then head to the port, where you’ll boat a large boat and will travel for a couple of hours to get to the first island. The rest of the day involves swimming in pristine turquoise water, checking out Paxos’ beaches and caves, and visiting the local town. The final stop, Antipaxos, is a smaller island with a couple of swim spots and beautiful beaches. If you want to do a boat trip during your time in Corfu, the Paxos and Antipaxos trip is a great choice!

shows an image of boats on Paxos island

Sarandë, Albania

Not only can you visit other parts of Greece from Corfu, but you can also visit an entirely new country! Holidays in Albania are increasing in popularity every year and it’s a palce that’s now on the tourism radar. To get a sample of what the country is all about, hop on the ferry from Corfu Town and you’ll reach the Albanian city of Sarandë in around an hour.

Sarandë has a collection of ancient ruins and historic sites, a sandy beach, and a large seaside town with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants. Spend the entire day exploring the city before hopping on the last ferry back to Corfu.

shows a landscape image of sarande in Albania

Thanks for reading our guide on the best places to visit in Corfu. We hope we inspired you with plenty of attractions, activities and beaches to visit during your time on the island. If you can, we highly recommend hiring a car so you can explore Corfu at your leisure. Tours are also a great option! If you have any questions about any of the Corfu attractions we’ve featured, be sure to post a comment below.

Check out our other Corfu travel guides.

Where to stay in Corfu

The best sandy beaches in Corfu

Atlantica Grand Mediterraneo Resort & Spa Guide & Review

Ricky

An adventurer at heart that loves anything outdoors. Beaches, mountains and amazing scenery is everything I love about travel! I also enjoy home comforts and need a nice place to relax and re-charge after every trip.

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Home » Travel Guides » Greece » 15 Best Things to Do in Corfu (Greece)

15 Best Things to Do in Corfu (Greece)

The second-largest Ionian Island has seen the Byzantines, Venetians, French and British come and go over the last 1,000 years, and all these cultures have left something behind.

If you need a place to begin, try the World Heritage Old Town of Corfu City, which is guarded by two mighty Venetian fortresses that withstood everything that the Ottoman Empire could throw at them.

Corfu’s coast is sprinkled with resorts, some more appealing than others.

But if you’re a free spirit you can get behind the wheel and set a course for secluded coves, sweeping sandy beaches and castles and monasteries stranded on rocky pedestals.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Corfu :

1. Corfu Old Town

Corfu Old Town

A city packed tight between two fortresses, Corfu’s Old Town is a knot of walkable streets and alleys between Venetian and Neoclassical houses painted pale yellow and orange.

Allow plenty of time to see every corner and little square, and check out the Archaeological Museum and Casa Parlante, a quirky 19th-century mansion with period interiors and animatronic figures.

Defended by insurmountable ramparts, both the New Fortress to the west and Old Fortress to the east deserve your time.

The latter goes back to the 6th century and is separated from the city by a ditch and canal crossed by a bridge.

In the complex you can see the temple-like Church of St George and the 19th-century British barracks housing Corfu’s library.

From the highest walls you’ll be wowed by vistas of the city, coastline, Straits of Corfu and mainland Greece.

Recommended tour : Corfu History and Culture Walking Tour

2. The Esplanade and Liston

The Esplanade and Liston

Between the Old Town and the old fortress is the esplanade, a long green square that is a remnant of the Venetian fortifications in the 17th century.

During the French occupation of Corfu at the turn of the 19th century the esplanade was planted with trees, while the cricket pitch is a holdover from the British period that followed.

Also dating to that time is the Maitland Monument, a Neoclassical peristyle, with 20 Ionic columns around a rotunda, commemorating the Lord High Commissioner Thomas Maitland.

The Liston, on the Esplanade’s western boundary is an elegant arcade, also from the French period and designed in the style of the Rue de Rivoli in Paris.

3. St Spyridon Church

St Spyridon Church, Corfu

Corfu’s foremost church is from 1580 and its Renaissance bell tower is the highest in the Ionian Islands.

Hosting the relics of St Spyridon, brought to Corfu City from Constantinople in the 15th century, the church moved to this location after its predecessor was demolished to make way for the citadel.

The marble iconostasis catches the eye for its classical lines, with a pediment and Corinthian columns bordering the paintings.

The ceiling is also stunning, with gilded stuccowork around paintings that were first composed by Panagiotis Doxaras in the 18th century, but had to be repainted after deterioration.

To the side of the iconostasis is the entrance to the crypt to where the saint’s remains are kept in a double sarcophagus plated with silver leaf.

4. Achilleion

Achilleion, Corfu

In 1888 Elisabeth of Bavaria, Empress of Austria, commissioned a summer residence at this elevated setting about 10 kilometres south of Corfu City.

This Neoclassical palace was designed by the Italian architect Raffaele Caritto with the hero Achilles as its central theme.

The illustrious German sculptor Ernst Herter produced statues inspired by Greek mythology for the grounds (the most famous shows Achilles in his death throes). You can tour the gardens, enriched with balustrades, a colonnade, fountains and Herter’s statues amid palms and trimmed cypress trees.

The interior is a museum full of memorabilia relating to Elisabeth of Bavaria, Franz Joseph II, as well as the next occupant, Kaiser Wilhelm II. Upstairs there’s a massive painting of Achilles dragging the body of Hector from his chariot by the Austrian artist Franz Matsch, and the dining hall is decorated with stucco cherubs on blue walls.

5. Mount Pantokrator

View from Mount Pantokrator

Corfu’s highest peak is in the north of the island, cresting at 906 metres and accessible by road.

At the summit is a cafe, telecommunications station and a monastery dating from the end of the 17th century.

You get up here on mini-bus tours from many of the coastal resorts on Corfu, or drive yourself.

Now, the road and its drop-offs and countless hairpin turns is not for the faint hearted, but the views are incredible if you can relax for long enough to enjoy them.

When you do arrive at the mountaintop you can see the Ionian Islands, the Greek Mainland, Albania, but also Puglia at the heel of Italy’s boot 130 kilometres to the west.

Suggested tour : West Route Day Expedition

6. Paleokastritsa Monastery

Paleokastritsa Monastery

Topping a rugged headland on the northwest coast, Paleokastritsa Monastery dates to the 13th century and is on the site of a Medieval castle that has long since disappeared.

The monastery has a small brotherhood of eight monks who give masses and offer tours of the buildings and lush gardens.

Almost every surface of the building is cloaked with bougainvillea and geraniums, and if you’d like to enter the chapel there’s a dress code, and shoulders and legs have to be covered up.

The monastery has a small museum with vestments, icons and, strangely, the skeleton of a whale.

The monks also cultivate olives and press their own oil, which is sold at the shop.

Recommended tour : North Corfu: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

7. Paleokastritsa Beach

Paleokastritsa Beach, Corfu

Nestling just east of the monastery is the exquisite Paleokastritsa Beach.

Labelled on some maps as Agios Syridon Beach, this lies at the end of a long inlet with high walls of rock on both sides.

The water could hardly be calmer or clearer and is a snorkeller’s dream and just right for families with smaller children.

The beach, though narrow, has soft golden sand as opposed to the shingle coves nearby.

The limestone coastline around Paleokastritsa is perforated with sea caves, and there’s a jetty on the beach where you can catch boats for a tour.

8. Angelokastro

Angelokastro, Corfu

On a narrow rocky spur more than 300 metres above the sea, this castle was built in the 13th century as a far-reaching lookout over the sea, mainland Greece and inland across big swathes of Corfu.

The approach to Angelokastro is very dramatic, winding up through scrub and cypress trees to this unconquerable fortification which filling its small rocky podium.

Under the Venetians from the 14th century, Angelokastro was Corfu’s official capital and held strong against three sieges between the 16th and 18th century.

Beyond the walls, not a great deal of the fortress survives, save for the tiny Church of Archangel Michael, which has frescoes from the 1700s.

You can view seven sarcophagi hewn from the rock, peer into the castle’s vaulted cistern and gaze in awe at the sea, coast and mountains.

9. Vlacherna Monastery

Vlacherna Monastery

One of Corfu’s signature images, the Vlacherna Monastery is on an islet at the end of a narrow jetty off the southern end of the Kanoni Peninsula.

The chapel, which you enter beneath a typical campanile, dates to 1685 and has tomb monuments going back to the middle of the 18th century.

You can combine a visit with a boat trip to nearby Mouse Island, which we’ll talk about below.

Vlacherna and Mouse Island make up a scene to behold from afar, and there’s a pair of hilltop cafeterias on high ground at end of Kanoni where you can take it all in.

10. Pontikonisi (Mouse Island)

Pontikonisi

For €2.5 you can catch a boat to this small island where a 12th-century Byzantine monastery is crowded by pine and cypress trees.

According to legend Pontokonisi is Ulysses’ ship after it was turned to stone by Poseidon.

The island is protected but you can disembark, climb the stairway to visit the bite-sized monastery, which has a cafe and a souvenir shop.

You may detect a strong similarity to the Swiss Symbolist Arnold Böcklin’s famous painting, Isle of the Dead, which could have been inspired by Pontokinisi.

11. Kassiopi

Kassiopi, Corfu

In the northeast of the island, looking across the straits of Corfu to Albania, Kassiopi is a traditional fishing village that has grown into a low-key resort.

The built-up area sits at the base of a small peninsula which is etched with little pebble coves and has a charming fishing harbour on its east side.

Rising at the centre of the peninsula is Kassiopi Castle, which has Byzantine origins and could be as old as the 6th century.

It was one of three strongholds that defended Corfu before the Venetians arrived in the 14th century.

A partial ruin, the castle is still an imposing presence, with more than a kilometre of walls and 19 towers around a rectangular plan.

12. Canal d’Amour Beach

Canal d'Amour, Corfu

The party resort of Sidari may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but what does make it unique is its otherworldly rock formations.

At Canal d’Amour there’s a long, almost rectangular creek with layered, sand-coloured walls.

The sea has weathered the rock, and near the entrance to the creek is a tunnel.

Pick a day when the sea is calm (which is most days in summer) and you can swim through the tunnel.

The local custom says that any couples who swim through together will soon get married, so swim at your own risk.

Further out the water is a little deeper, and you can watch brave divers jumping off the cliffs.

13. Old Perithia

Old Perithia, Corfu

A “Designated Area of Natural Beauty” to the northeast of Corfu, Old Perithia is a mostly abandoned upland village under Mount Pantokrator.

Once home to as many as 1,200 people the village sits at an elevation of 650 metres and dates back at least as far as the 1300s.

Most of the 130 remaining houses are in various picturesque states of disrepair though some have been turned into accommodation.

You could give yourself a while to amble around Old Perithea’s stone paths, tracking down its eight churches and basking in the distant views to the sea over oaks, vines and cypress trees.

14. Mirtiotissa Beach

Mirtiotissa Beach, Corfu

At the bottom of the green cliffs beneath the Mirtiotissa Monastery is a heavenly little beach.

Mirtiotissa has a small ribbon of fine sand with perfectly clear waters, protected by a sequence of rocks a few metres from the shore.

Partly down to its isolated and secluded location, Mirtiotissa Beach has become the choice of naturists on Corfu, although everyone else is free to use the beach as well.

The unspoken rule is that naturists will bathe at the more private ends of the beach, screened by rocks, while non-nude bathers can stick to the middle.

15. Issos Beach

Issos Beach, Corfu

In contrast to Corfu’s rocky coves, the Blue Flag Issos Beach is an open bay bordering Lake Korission to the south of the island.

Traced by dunes, the golden sand at Issos seems to go on forever.

If you want a bit more life and amenities close at hand you can stay close to the resort village of Agios Georgios on the east end.

But you can also walk west and within a few minutes you’ll have broken away from the crowds.

Further from civilisation, Issos Beach is also popular with naturists, while the reliable winds attract windsurfers and kite-surfers.

15 Best Things to Do in Corfu (Greece):

  • Corfu Old Town
  • The Esplanade and Liston
  • St Spyridon Church
  • Mount Pantokrator
  • Paleokastritsa Monastery
  • Paleokastritsa Beach
  • Angelokastro
  • Vlacherna Monastery
  • Pontikonisi (Mouse Island)
  • Canal d'Amour Beach
  • Old Perithia
  • Mirtiotissa Beach
  • Issos Beach

places to visit north east corfu

The 13 best things to do in Corfu

T here’s more to Corfu than its comely beaches. Dig deeper and you will uncover many centuries of history in and around the cobblestoned old town capital, dating from antiquity to the present day. One of Greece’s most lush islands, this Ionian jewel is made for hiking enthusiasts and there are marked trails everywhere you look. On the western and northern coasts strikingly sculpted cliffs, some bare and others verdant, plunge down to cerulean seas. Visit a functioning hilltop monastery that enjoys eye-wateringly beautiful sea views. In an isolated inland village see age-old olive groves and learn how to identify high quality extra virgin olive oil.

For further Corfu inspiration, see our guides to the island's best  hotels ,  restaurants ,  beaches  and  nightlife . 

Find things to do by area

Corfu old town, north-east corfu, north-west corfu, northern corfu, southern corfu, nearby islands, peel back the layers of time.

Four centuries of Venetian rule mostly shaped the Old Town of Corfu into the Unesco World Heritage-listed stunner it is today. Lose yourself in the alleyways of the atmospheric Campiello neighbourhood, where laundry hangs between pastel-coloured dwellings; pay your respects to the isle’s patron saint at Agios Spyridon church; and linger in the shade of trees at a café in the elegant Liston Arcade.

Insider’s tip:  Go for a sunset stroll along the coastal road from the old port past the Mouragia area and see neoclassical buildings bathed in golden light. Conclude your walk at sprawling Spianada Square, which comes alive with youthful laughter every evening.

Scale a fortress for unrivalled views

Built by the Venetians in the 14th century and expanded by the British, the Old Fortress is strategically situated on a peninsula with twin craggy peaks at the mouth of the Adriatic Sea. Not only does it represent notable military engineering, but the views of the surrounding sea and Old Town from the taller of its two towers are spectacular.

Insider’s tip: When the weather is warm, join locals taking a dip at tiny Limanaki beach at the foot of the monument. Afterwards, enjoy a cool beer or juice at the nearby Corfu Sailing Club and admire the sailboats moored at Mandraki port.  

Contact:   odysseus.culture.gr

Unearth a rich culinary heritage

For an in-depth exploration of Corfu’s Venetian-influenced culinary heritage, look to island-born and -raised siblings Ariti and Nausica Katsarou, who run engaging small group and private food tours of the Old Town. Down tiny backstreets you’ll meet gastronomic vanguards who explain how delicacies like cold cut nouboulo, a nod to Italian prosciutto, are produced. Reserve room for tasty meze and sweet delights from an old-school dairy.

Insider’s tip: If you visit during Easter, the Katsarou sisters will go into detail on the traditions involved in the island’s colourful celebrations, such as pot-smashing. While you’re there, pick up fogatsa or kolombina, two types of local brioche made for the annual holiday.  

Contact: corfuwalkingtours.com

Visit a palace built atop an ancient city

British Lord High Commissioner Sir Frederick Adam built a palace, later named Mon Repos, in 1831 as a summer residence for his Corfiot wife, Diamantina Palatianou. Today, the neoclassical villa functions as a museum comprising 14 halls, whose key attraction is a bounty of rare finds from the 8th century BC city of Paleopolis, the remnants of which are evident throughout the densely-vegetated estate.

Insider’s tip: With tall trees for shade, this is the perfect spot for a picnic on a hot summer’s day. Don’t miss the Doric temple of Kardaki, one of Corfu’s best preserved ancient sites, and seek out the eponymous hidden beach nearby.

Contact: odysseus.culture.gr

Drop anchor in a secluded bay

No visit to Corfu is complete without hiring a motorboat to explore the coastline at your own speed – San Stefano Boats is one pick amongst many. The northeastern coast in particular is blessed with endless sheltered beaches, bays and coves, some of which are – gloriously – only accessible by sea. Find a tranquil location where you can dive into emerald waters before heading for lunch at a waterfront taverna.

Insider’s tip: Head north to the little-visited, thickly-forested Erimitis headland, an area of outstanding natural beauty. There you’ll come across a sextet of serene beaches and three small lakes. Keep an eye out for the Kaparelli lighthouse, built on a rocky islet.

Contact:   sanstefanoboats.com

Hike the Corfu Trail

Hilary Paipeti is something of a local legend. In 2001, she established the Corfu Trail, the island’s 137-mile (220km) waymarked route, after years spent exploring and discovering the diversity of the island's countryside and coastline. The trail, painstakingly documented in a book , extends from Arkoudilas in the south to Cape Agia Ekaterini in the north. Spring is ideal hiking season in Corfu.

Insider’s tip: Expert guides Alexandros Gogas and Dimitris Ionas, of Corfu Sea Land Activities, offer varied hiking experiences for all fitness levels. They’ll lead you through olive groves, past chapels, beneath mighty Mount Pantokrator and along cobbled footpaths.

Contact:   corfuactivities.com

Prices: The Companion Guide to the Corfu Trail, £; Corfu Sea Land Activities, £

Take in heavenly views from a monastery

Wherever you stay in Corfu, the leafy resort town of Paleokastritsa is a must-see. Visit its hilltop monastery, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which was built in the 13th century. From there, take in jaw-dropping views of sweeping bays, coves and fertile bluffs that rise up from a turquoise Ionian Sea. There is a museum displaying rare Byzantine icons and relics, and a shop on-site too.

Insider’s tip: Morning mass, open to the public, is held 7am-8.30am and offers a moment for quiet contemplation before the cruise crowds show up. Wait until the monastery closes at 1pm to access the two main viewpoints, reached by a dirt path.

Contact:  imcorfu.gr

Prices: Free

Uncover a hidden lake

Take a break from driving the island’s winding roads and let Yiannis and Sakis, the guides behind X Adventure Club, show you around the Corfu they know and love on a six-hour jeep tour. Pick the northwest option, which takes in the villages of Lakones and Afionas, views of Paleokastritsa and Porto Timoni’s twin beaches, along with the dramatic spires of Cape Drastis.

Insider’s tip: You’ll make a brief stop at Kavourolimni (Crab Lake), little known even among Corfiots. Surrounded by tall oak trees, this watering hole for local wildlife is home to freshwater crabs. In Spring the lake’s shores are ablaze with wildflowers.

Contact:   jeepsafaricorfu.com

Prices: £££

Dive into living colour

Corfu offers some of Greece’s most spectacular scuba diving. Newbie and experienced divers will enjoy inspecting various dive sites with operatators such as Achilleon Diving, particularly on the western coast, offering visibility of up to 30 metres. Expect vibrant reefs, soft corals, caverns, caves, canyons, arches, steep drops, shipwrecks and narrow passages. You’re likely to encounter barracuda, moray eels, octopus, shrimp, grouper, crayfish and sea bream.

Insider’s tip: Don’t miss out on Colovri islet with its two remarkable outer reefs teeming with marine life such as tuna, jacks, anthia and nudibranch. There is a precipitous drop, a swim-through and a coral-covered plateau at a depth of 40m.

Contact:   diving-corfu.com

Prices: Varies between dive centres

Witness the beauty of a natural sculpture

A 12-minute drive west of Sidari is Cape Drastis, a striking, untouched landscape of sheer sandstone cliffs shaped by the wind and aquamarine waters. It’s more impressive than the tourist-clogged Canal d’Amour and fewer people know of it or make the trek. Park your car and walk down a rough road to capture this incredible location, which is particularly worth viewing at sunset.

Insider’s tip: At the end of the road is minuscule Grava Cove, from where you can dive into cool, translucent waters from flat rocks. Alternatively, book a private boat tour with Sidari-based Fortuna Sea Tours , involving swim stops at Cape Drastis and Grava.

Contact: fortunaseatours.com

Ride a horse on mountain trails and beaches

When it comes to horse riding in Greece, Corfu ticks all the boxes. Routes wind through olive groves, cypress, oak and pine forests and traditional villages down to beaches with sapphire waters. Choose from trail and beach rides, lessons and even swimming with horses. Whether you’re a novice or experienced, Arena Horse Riding has a trusty steed at the ready, with names like Hermes and Dias (Zeus). Based near Perithia village, Katerina Maliaki and Ilias Siriotis lovingly maintain a herd of 21 horses, many of them rescues. The couple offers rides of between 10 minutes for young children and a full day. 

Insider’s tip:  Five-day horse riding holidays encompass natural horsemanship seminars and, for the advanced, show jumping and cross-country jumping.

Contact: horseridingcorfu.com

Prices: £-££

Learn the secrets of olive oil

Brothers Spyros and George Dafnis have single-handedly put Corfu and its Lianolia olive variety on the extra virgin olive oil map. Book a tasting tour of their estate, The Governor, and see how the third-generation olive oil producers have married tradition and technology to create premium EVOO. You’ll visit olive groves, see a 15th-century mill and sample the exquisite golden elixir.  

Insider’s tip:  After learning how to recognise great olive oil, you can buy a limited edition early harvest oil, also available from The Olive House in Corfu Town, certified for its health-enhancing properties.

Contact: thegovernor.gr

Follow in the footsteps of the Durrells

The Durrells devotees shouldn’t miss the opportunity to take in the illustrious filming locations of the much-loved series on a cinematic tour offered on private-basis only by The Corfu Experience. From the Kanoni peninsula, you’ll see the 17th-century Vlacherna Monastery and Mouse Island. Visualise Countess Mavrodaki strolling around Mon Repos Palace and a young Gerry examining the plant and bird species of Antiniotissa Lake.

Insider’s tip: Lunch is on the water at the White House in Kalami, where Lawrence Durrell and his wife Nancy resided in the 1930s. Peruse the faded photographs and treasured memorabilia gracing the elegant restaurant’s indoor section.

Contact:   thecorfuexperience.com

Sail off into the sunset

With its protected anchorages and calm waters, the Ionian Sea has long been a magnet for sailing enthusiasts. Schedule a day charter or week-long skippered sailing trip aboard 50-foot Icarus with Celebration Charters, run by Scottish couple Robert and Veronica Queen, and see what it’s like to cast across the big blue, powered by Aeolus.

Insider’s tip:  The diminutive, lesser-known Diapontia islets of Erikoussa, Othoni and Mathraki, which lie north of Corfu, are a dream sailing destination. Sandy umbrella-free beaches, sleepy villages, herb-scented hills and an exotic aquamarine playground await.

Contact:   celebrationcharters.co.uk

Discover Telegraph Wine Cellar’s new wine club. Enjoy expertly chosen bottles at exclusive member prices. Plus, free delivery on every order.

Head to the 13th-century monastery at Paleokastritsa for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the island - Balate Dorin

Villa Vigla

5 best places to dine-in Corfu's north east coast

Best taverna restaurant place to be for dinner.

Let’s be honest: Corfu restaurants are among the  best restaurants  in Greece!

And you bet there are many reasons why! Fresh local ingredients, a huge variety of flavors and very skilled chefs, create some of the most luscious dishes you’ve ever tasted.

Believe us, there’s no way you will taste the traditional Corfiot dishes and won't instantly fall in love with Corfiot cuisine. Let alone the delicious food, Corfu restaurants upgrade your culinary experience with their unique style and imaginative taste combinations!

But, what are the best restaurant in North East Coast of Corfu you should definitely visit?

Let's see together,  what are the top places to eat,  in our lovely area.

Colorful Corfu Restaurant

1. Toula's Seaside

Established in early 80's. Back then, it was a simple seafront taverna frequented by locals who arrived by boat and often overnighted on the beach. 

Today One of the best restaurants in Greece! Awarded for this for the last 10 years.

Unique experience, both gastronomic and atmospheric. Professional conduct and service to be rewarded accordingly. Definitely the expensive restaurants are the ones that provide gastronomic experiences.

Really on the beach, an idyllic atmosphere chosen by world famous stars and personalities, politicians, actors. Among the guests you can meet Valentino, Armani, Tom Hanks, the model Kate Moss and the British royal family.

You will not be disappointed and the experience is worth a visit for dinner as everything looks magical under the starlight on the beach

Contact:  +30 26630 91350;  toulasagni.com Opening times:  May-Sept, daily, 1pm-10.45pm, but closed 5pm-7pm from mid-July through August (exact dates may vary) Reservations:  Mandatory Prices:  £££ Best table:  Any table beside the beach

2. The White House Restaurant

Imagine yourself basking in the sunlight, listening to the Ionian Sea splashing at your feat whilst you awaken your sense of taste to our fresh seafood delicacies and white local wine.

Focused on tradition, quality and exquisite flavors, it serves seafood as well as Mediterranean dishes. You will enjoy local wine, fish and seafood fished daily by the restaurant's fishing boats and traditional Greek and Corfiot recipes. The products used are fresh and local so the menu is often updated depending on the season.

On the White House Restaurant menu there are even some Durrells favorite dishes that have remained even more associated today with the rich history of the place.

3. Taverna Kouloura

The Kouloura family tavern, having taken its name by the (Kouloura) cove at the northeast of Corfu stands out right there since 1958, taking its guests along on a culinary journey of authentic greek and corfiot cuisine.

Initially, it used to function as a coffee shop, tavern, grocery store, occasionally an inn, and mainly as a meeting place for local fishermen, residents and traders who gathered here daily for their transactions. Over the years and with the arrival of the first visitors to the area, the tavern is being modernized and gradually it acquires its present form. Always in perfect harmony with the surroundings and without ever losing its identity, it still remains to this day a small traditional corfiot tavern that can win the visitor’s heart over the first bite! Unique visit experience! Kouloura will also win as future visitors. A safe starting point for short getaways to small secluded beaches.

Contact:  +30 26630 91253;  tavernakouloura.com Opening times:  May-Oct, daily, Breakfast: 9am – 11.45am /Lunch, Brunch, Dinner: 11am – 8pm. Reservations:  Essential Prices:  ££ Best table:  Any table on the edge just above the dock

4. Taverna Kerasia

Plenty of natural shade and a spacious layout make Taverna Kerasia the ideal leisurely summer-lifestyle eating spot.

Eat and drink while the kids play on the beach, nip into the sparkling waters before settling back into your chair for desert or a Greek cup of coffee.

Anything on the menu is good because it is fresh and it is made with love.

Taverna Kerasia is run by the Garnelis family and the food is prepared by us too. They serve fresh seafood and other delicious "mezedes" for lunch and dinner. They also have a selective wine list with good local wine as well as more sophisticated Greek wines available.

If you are wanting something for a special occasion, they can prepare custom made menus for weddings and other celebrations.

5. Eucalyptus Taverna

The seaside taverna Eucalyptus is located in the highly-sought area of San Stefano on the northeast of Corfu.

Also, it is notable that some more creative and innovative dishes of the greek cuisine are offered, with emphasis on seafood and fresh fish. All these amazing dishes are served with the most exquisite wines through our extended wine list, produced in greek and foreign vineyards.

Contact:  +30 26630 82007;  eucalyptustaverna.com/ Opening times: Open for lunch and dinner 11:00am - till late Reservations:  Essential Prices:  ££ Best table:  Any of the tables by the beach

Bon appetit!

Among the many and excellent options that exist in the area. We at Villa Vigla have selected the five best places to suggest for lunch or dinner. We are sure that if you pay the necessary attention, you will surely find more than one option.

  • restaurants
  • san stefanos

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Kalami Corfu

Kalami. A Serene Haven Steeped in History

Villa Vigla

Trying to work out the best area to stay in Corfu for your next holiday? We’ve put together this comprehensive list of places to stay, to help you get the most from this beautiful Island.

The second largest of the Greek Ionian Sea islands , Corfu’s lush, green terrain benefits from the island’s Mediterranean type climate.

It is an island of magnificent contrasts , from busy tourist beaches to hidden picturesque coves, from dark green olive groves in the valleys, to rugged pine and cypress forested mountain sides.

The island’s heritage also is as varied as its terrain. Over the centuries it has been occupied by the Byzantines, Venetians, French, and the British , before finally becoming a part of Greece in 1864. 

Now, many of its villages, towns, and cities have remnants of different architecture dating back as far as the 8th century BC. Read on, for our list of the best places to stay in Corfu.

Table of Contents

Where to stay in Corfu: 18 Best Areas

1. Corfu Town (Kerkyra), the capital of the island

Best places to stay in Corfu: Corfu Town

Kerkyra, (Greek for Corfu Town), is the capital of the island , and high on the list of everyone’s places to stay in Corfu. It is a town where architecture and monuments tell of the history of Corfu Island.

In this UNESCO World Heritage Site , you can find examples of the Byzantium, Venetian, French, and British influence during their respective occupations.

The town is full of tall, Italian style terraced homes and businesses which line the h undreds of winding narrow cobbled streets . It has museums, Georgian mansions, and grandiose palaces that house its mysterious past. 

It has fashionable shopping malls and arcades for that retail therapy. It has local Greek coffee shops and tavernas, international eateries , and romantic little bistros offering traditional Corfiot cuisine.

On the north side of the Esplanade you can find a little British influence, in the Georgian style Royal Palace of Corfu.  

Built in 1820, and also known as the St. Michele and St. Giorgio Palace, it was originally used by the English royal family and then the Greek royal family , before becoming the home of the Museum of Asiatic Art, and the Historical Archive and Classic Relics Authority of Corfu.

Greek dancing is famous the world over, and a number of events are held throughout the year on the large Spianada Square . Even when not filled with dancers, it is the hub of Corfu Town’s social life. 

The square provides views over the Old Fortress, The Contrafossa, and The Municipal Gardens ; and is close to some of its most popular monuments,

Under the Arches of the French Liston Arcade , you can relax and do a little people watching as you unwind with a coffee, snack or evening meal. 

Evenings can be as quiet or as active as you like, with all manner of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes.

 If you choose Kerkyra for your stay in Corfu , accommodation ranges from self-catering apartments and villas, through to hotels to suit all tastes and pockets.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CORFU TOWN

  • ($$$) Corfu Palace Hotel
  • ($$) Mon Repos Palace – Adults Only
  • ($) Puppet Guesthouse

2. Gouvia, a great place to stay in Corfu for all ages

Gouvia, Corfu

Nestling halfway down the east coast of the island, Gouvia has developed from a small local fishing village, into one of Corfu’s major marinas and tourist destinations . Close to both the airport and Corfu Town (8km), the resort is popular with families, couples, and young singles.

The two main streets in this attractive village are the centre of its commercial activities with a myriad of shops, tavernas, and restaurants . 

Gently shelving into the blue Komeno Bay , the main beach is a long sandy stretch with parasols and sunbeds. Water-sports are available, as well as a large selection of boat trips around the island and beyond.

Night-time has something for everyone. You can enjoy a relaxing evening sampling the local cuisine, or choose one of the large international eateries complete with entertainment. 

Tavernas offer everything from a quiet beer on the terrace, to karaoke and live music, with many open until the early hours of the morning.

If you would like to spend time at Gouvia during your stay in Corfu, there is an excellent choice of apartment and hotel complexes from the large tour operators, as well as privately owned self-catering apartments, villas, and cottages.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN GOUVIA

  • ($$$) Corfu Imperial, Grecotel Beach Luxe Resort
  • ($$) Art Hotel Debono
  • ($) Hotel Orpheus

3. Dassia, a resort with that exotic Mediterranean feel

Best places to stay in Corfu: Dassia

Being just a 30 minute journey by bus, or 10 minutes by car from Kerkyra , a stay at Dassia offers visitors the option of relaxing beach days , combined with trips to explore the island’s capital and surrounding areas.

The main coast road runs along the back of the beach, and a number of mid-range hotels are located there. 

With landscaped gardens that blend into a large grassy area that stretches to the beach, there is plenty of space to get your towels down amongst the parasols and sunbeds. 

A blue flag beach suitable for children , it has a good selection of shops, tavernas, and restaurants along the front, and a comprehensive range of water-sports are available on the beach.

If the beach front water-activities are not enough, a 20 minute drive to Agios Ioannis, on the main Glyfada road, will get you to Aqualand Water Park , with its pools, Jacuzzis, waterslides, bouncy castles, and adventure playground.

Although Dassia is very family friendly, there is plenty to enjoy in the evenings whether your tastes are quiet and relaxed, or active and party mode, but don’t expect to find all-night bars and beach parties.

If Dassia appeals to your taste for your stay in Corfu, there is an excellent choice of hotels at all levels , as well as self-catering apartments and villas. There is also a popular campsite one kilometre up the road, for those backpacking around the island.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CORFU IN DASSIA

  • ($$$) Ikos Dassia
  • ($$) Tryp by Wyndham Corfu Dassia
  • ($) Tina Hotel 

4. Ipsos, where to stay in Corfu for the young and young at heart

Ipsos, Corfu

If your holiday preference is all about culture and local cuisine, then Ipsos is probably not for you.

Situated on the east coast, around 15km from the capital, Ipsos has a long narrow pebble and sand beach , with the main coast road running parallel behind it. 

With its shallow shelving beach into the calm water it is safe for young children , while for older children and adults there is a large selection of water-sports to choose from. 

Along the beachfront are plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants to keep the browsers happy, while sun loungers and parasols are available along most of the beach.

It wasn’t that many years ago that Ipsos was considered a resort for the 18-30 party people. Now it is morphing into a resort more for families with older teenage children, young singles, and older couples who still enjoy the odd late night.

Although there are still plenty of English style bars about, there are a growing number of small, intimate restaurants and tavernas, where romantic meals can be enjoyed. And cocktails consumed while you sit on the terrace and watch the sun set.

The couple of small marinas along the beach offer boat trips to various destinations, boat hire, and scuba diving for both beginner and experienced divers.

In the town you will find all the food shops you require if you are self-catering, and plenty of bars and restaurants if you decide to eat out. Behind the flat town area, the terrain rises steeply, to densely packed hillsides full of forests and olive groves.

If you fancy Ipsos for your stay in Corfu, accommodation is plentiful across all areas , with self-catering being a popular option.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN IPSOS

  • ($$) BELLA De LUX APTS
  • ($) Hotel Yannis Corfu
  • ($) Valentino Corfu

5. Barbati, explore the interior or relax on the beach

Best places to stay in Corfu: Barbati

Sitting below Corfu’s largest mountain the Pantokratoras, Barbati is a resort village of two halves suitable for visitors of all ages. 

Situated 20km north of Kerkyra on the island’s north-east coast, strip of white pebbles, which shelves gently into the beach area is a one-kilometre long the blue Ionian Sea.

The beach has plenty of sunbeds, parasols, water-sports, and boat trips , while along the front you will find beach shops, souvenir shops, mini-marts, eateries, and bars. 

Also along this half of the resort, you will find a selection of self-catering apartments and hotels amongst the cypress and pine trees.

At the top of the slope is the main east coast road, which has to be crossed to reach the higher half of the resort. Here you will find more holiday complexes, shops, bars, and restaurants along the roadside, as well as scattered about behind the main street.

With the majestic Pantokratoras mountain overlooking the resort, and the cypress and pine forests that almost reach the beach, it is an impressive area of natural beauty . 

If you want time away from the beach there are various ways you can explore the rugged Corfu countryside and local villages.

Days can be as busy or relaxed as you like, and the same applies to the evenings. Barbati has plenty of tavernas and restaurants offering quiet evenings wining and dining, to bars which offer some form of light entertainment. What you won’t find here are loud music bars open till the early hours.

If you think Barbati is where you want to stay in Corfu , the resort has a good selection of self-catering apartments and complexes, mid-range hotel accommodation, and luxury villas.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CORFU IN BARBATI

  • ($$) La Riviera Barbati Seaside Apartments & villas
  • ($) Pantokrator Hotel
  • ($) Vladimiros Apartments

6. Nissaki, where to stay in Corfu to sample the simple Greek way of life

Nissaki, Corfu

Just a couple of kilometres north of Barbati, the small, sprawling coastal village of Nissaki offers the simple pleasures of Greek living, yet draws a surprising number of well-heeled visitors. 

From the village set back off the coast, a gentle stroll through the olive groves will get you to the small main beach area. A picturesque cove of pebbles and sand , it has crystal-clear water , and lava rocks rising out of the sea at both ends, making it particularly popular with scuba divers. There are also a limited number of other water-sport activities available.

As one of Corfu’s less commercialised areas with fewer tourist facilities, it is more popular with older couples and groups, than the young. 

From the main beach you can enjoy coastal strolls in both directions, where you will find secluded little coves . Some with small pebbly beach areas, and others where you can swim straight off the rocks.

If you want to explore Nissaki’s surrounding countryside, there are olive groves, traditional Greek villages and old properties to be found, or further afield, the deserted village of Old Sinies , sits on the slopes of Mt Pantokrator.

Along the village road you will find the main area for shops, mini-markets, cafes, bars, and restaurants. While around the beach area there are just a couple of tavernas and beach shops.

Nissaki is definitely a destination for those looking for rest and relaxation . Lunch can be enjoyed from the terraces of beachfront bars overlooking the bay. While enjoyable dinners with family and friends can be had in the local or international restaurants, enjoying traditional Corfiot cuisine and sampling the local wines.

If Nissaki piques your interest as the place where to stay in Corfu, there is an excellent selection of luxurious apartments, villas, and hotels , as well as a number of self-catering and mid-range hotels available.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN NISSAKI

  • ($$$) Atlantica Nissaki Beach – Adults Only
  • ($$) Krouzeri Beach Apartments
  • ($) Salt & Sun Apartments by Konnect

7. Kalami, a quiet, friendly fishing village

Kalami, Corfu

A few kilometres further up the north-east coast from Nissaki, lays the blissfully quiet village of Kalami. Although a resort area welcoming all age groups, there is little to keep young children occupied other than the water-sports and what your hotels have to offer. 

Situated in a horseshoe shaped bay, with a backdrop of green cypress trees and pine forests climbing the hillsides, Kalami has built its reputation offering relaxing holidays in tranquil, un-commercialised surroundings .

The curving white pebble beach is probably the most commercialised part of it, with sunbeds, parasols, and water-sports on the beach, and tavernas and small shops along the front. 

For those with a love of nature, there are hiking and cycling trails to get to local villages and up into the hillsides. Coastal walks in the warm Mediterranean climate are also popular, to seek-out the small picturesque coves around the headland.

One place of interest well worth a visit is The White House . Sitting on the waterside and now a taverna, the White House was once the home of British author Lawrence Durrell in the 1930s. It was where he penned a number of his books, including one of his most well-known, ‘Prospero’s Cell’.

Evenings in the main are quiet friendly affairs in the restaurants and bars dotted around the village, as guests contemplate another relaxing day soaking up the sun.

If Kalami sounds like your kind of place to stay in Corfu, there are self-catering rooms and apartments available, as well as apartment complexes and adult only hotels .

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN KALAMI

  • ($$) San Antonio Corfu Resort (Adults Only)
  • ($$) Erkina Villas Kalami Corfu
  • ($) Votsalo Kalami Apartments

8. Kassiopi, a destination for the whole family

Best areas in Corfu: Kassiopi

Around an hour’s drive from the island’s capital and the airport, Kassiopi is the largest village situated on the north-east coast. Built to complement its attractive working harbour ; bars and restaurants can be found around the quayside, from where you can watch the day’s catch being landed.

Kassiopi is a resort for families, couples, and singles of all ages, although don’t expect to find late-late night bars , or all night beach parties. 

The village only has its harbour, but close by are a number of pretty beaches , including Avlaki beach and Kerasia beach . On the larger beaches sunbeds and parasols are the norm, and you will find shops, bars and eateries for all your beach time needs.

Around the village you will find shops selling everything required for your week or two week self-catering visit, with plenty of restaurants to cater for all tastes from local lamb dishes to Chinese, Italian, or Mexican cuisine . 

In the bars you can quench your thirst with the local Kumquat, Ouzo, or Metaxa Brandy, or stick with the better known international brands of wines and spirits.

The quieter bars around the village are a good starting point for your nights out, working your way down to the quayside where you will find a selection of late night karaoke and music bars.

If you think Kassiopi ticks the boxes for your family stay in Corfu, it has a good selection of apartment complexes and self-catering villas, as well as boutique and mid-range hotels.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CORFU IN KASSIOPI

  • ($$) Aria Suites
  • ($$) Melina Bay Boutique Hotel
  • ($) Katia Beach Hotel

9. Acharavi, a popular area to stay in Corfu for all ages, couples, and families

Where to stay in Corfu: Achavari

Situated on the northern-most tip of Corfu, Acharavi is not just a popular tourist resort, but also the main town in the north, where locals arrive from the surrounding areas to arrange their day-to-day domestic affairs. 

The village has seamlessly blended its old traditional buildings with modern tourist facilities, to provide a modern resort with traditional vibes.

Acharavi is a flat resort with a safe sand and pebble beach stretching seven kilometres along the coast. Plenty of sunbeds and parasols are available. 

A good selection of water-sports equipment can be hired on the beach, and bars, restaurants, and shops stretch along the front.

Acharavi is divided into the old and new, with streets lined with olive trees, and an interior of lush Mediterranean vegetation. It is a resort popular with both beach lovers, and those who enjoy hiking or cycling to explore the surrounding coast, villages and old Roman remains.

Although a large town by Corfu standards, Acharavi still retains its friendly Greek hospitality . A trait that comes to the fore when you enjoy an al-fresco Coviot lunch of local olives, garlic bread, and moussaka; all washed down with the local schnapps or rosé wine at one of the many small beach-front tavernas.

There is little in the way of alternative entertainment at Acharavi, but there is a good selection of coach and boat trips available to other parts of the island for those who like to get out and about. The capital and airport can be reached in around an hour, and local public transport is pretty reliable.

If Acharavi sounds like the place where to stay in Corfu , it has an excellent selection of holiday apartments and villas, boutique hotels and international hotel complexes.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ACARAVI

  • ($$$) Almyros Beach
  • ($$) Acharavi Beach Hotel
  • ($) Marie Hotel

10. Roda, a great resort with that traditional village vibe

Roda, Corfu

Sitting on the northerly coast of the island, a few kilometres west from Acharavi, Roda is another resort that has managed to retain much of its traditional fishing village appeal. 

Popular with families and couples, the blue flag beach stretches four kilometres along the coast, with sunbeds, parasols, water-sports, and shops, bars, and restaurants spread along the front. You can also test your driving skills at the mini go-kart track.

Laying on the beach on a sunny day, you can look across the Ionian Sea to the mountains on the Albanian coast. Inland, there is a good selection of trails for hiking, cycling, and horse trekking through the countryside.

Whether self-catering or half-board, the village has everything you need for your break, including souvenir and bric-a-brac shops for those quirky gifts for friends and family. In the village, you can visit the church of Saint Goerge and the Temple of Apollo on your walk-about.

Evenings can be as relaxed or active as you like, with restaurants offering plenty of local fresh seafood , traditional cuisine, and international dishes. While the local bars and tavernas provide everything from quiet conversation to karaoke and live music.

If you feel the need for a change of scenery with the kids, the Sidari Water Park, and Aqualand Resort Waterpark are easily reached via tour coach, hire car, or public transport.

If Roda touches the spot for your stay in Corfu, the area has an excellent selection of hotels, apartments, and villas available.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CORFU IN RODA

  • ($$) Ibiscus Corfu Hotel
  • ($) Hotel Coral Beach
  • ($) Semeli Hotel – Adults Only

11. Sidari, where to stay in Corfu for a mix of beach and nightlife

Sidari, Corfu

A few kilometres west of Roda, on Corfu’s north coast, sits Sidari. A resort boasting over 14,000 beds, it is unashamedly aimed at the young package holiday makers.  

It has a reputation for lively, late bars favoured by young beach-and-bar holiday visitors, so if quiet and culture are your holiday things, Sidari is probably not for you.

Sidari is blessed with three beaches . The main blue flag beach, which is the most popular, is a long stretch of sand and shingle, which shelves gently into the shallow blue sea.

Bars, restaurants, and shops fill the beach walkway, while sunbeds and parasols take up most of the beach. Water-sports of all kinds are available, as are various boat trips around the island.

If you want a little time away from the crowds, you can walk round to Megali , a smaller cove with plenty of rock pools for the kids to do a little shrimping. 

A short car drive or cab ride away is the Canal D’Amour , or Tunnel of Love. A picturesque cove with its tunnel and interesting rock formations , it is popular with young romantics who want to stroll through the tunnel and enjoy a little time on the beach, or a drink on the terrace of one of the local tavernas.

The main village area is a hive of activity with plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants to keep you occupied during the day, while in the evenings bars and restaurants of all descriptions keep visitors busy until the early hours.

If you’re looking for busy daytimes and lively night-times for your stay in Corfu, Sidari has a large choice of economical apartments, villas, and mid-range hotels.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SIDARI

  • ($$) Sidari Waterpark
  • ($$) Amour Holiday Resort
  • ($) Panorama Sidari

12. Agios Georgios Pagi (North), restful, relaxing, and tranquil

Where to stay in Corfu: Agios Georgios Pagon

To add a little confusion, there is another Agios Georgios further down the west coast. To clarify your choice, the name ‘Pagi’, the nearest village to Agios Georgios in the north, is often added to the name.

Agios Georgios is located in a beautiful curving bay, and a holiday destination for families and all age groups who enjoy quiet and tranquil . 

The resort is a few kilometres off the beaten track, down a narrow, twisting lane which wends its way through the countryside to the coast. 

With over five kilometres of sand and shingle beach , and a backdrop of forest covered volcanic hillsides, it is the chosen destination for many looking for a totally relaxing beach holiday.

The beach area has the usual sunbeds, parasols, and water-sports; with shops, bars, and eateries along the front catering for all your day-to-day beach needs. 

Away from the beach, accommodation tends to be privately owned, helping the resort retain much of its original charm. Most accommodation, and the majority of shops, bars, and restaurants, lay to the rear of the road, where you can sample a different menu every night of your stay. 

For those odd days exploring away from the beach, the countryside is a mix of cypress and pine forests, olive groves, and working Greek farms.

If Agios Georgios Pagi sounds like your place to stay in Corfu, accommodation is primarily locally owned small apartment complexes, farm houses, and small hotels .

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN AGIOS GEORGIOS

  • ($$$) Zeus Throne Suites
  • ($$) San Georgio Boutique Hotel by Hotelius
  • ($) Belle Helene Hotel

13. Paleokastritsa, one of the most picturesque resorts to stay in Corfu

Paleokastritsa

A sprawling resort that includes six attractive beaches , Paleokastritsa has managed to retain much of its original charm, in-spite of the increased number of hotels, restaurants, and bars that have sprung up over the years.

A resort for all age groups, it stretches along the coast road taking in six of the island’s most attractive small cove s. Each pretty sandy shingle beach, has its own sunbeds, parasols, water-sports, bars, shops, and restaurants to cater for its visitors. 

At the end of the coast road is the main harbour, where you can catch water taxis, book boat tours, and hire boats and canoes.

Overlooking the port and village, and surrounded by cypress and olive trees is the 18th century Monastery of the Virgin , which now houses a fascinating collection of post-Byzantine artefacts and books for you to browse.

With the number of diverse restaurants around the resort, every night can be a different experience. You can enjoy Italian, Chinese or English meals in the many international restaurants, with or without entertainment. Or you can choose a quiet meal for two in a local taverna , or a full Greek dinner, complete with dancing and plate smashing.

Although you won’t find late night bars and all night beach parties, many of the local tavernas are open until after midnight, for those who enjoy late nights when on holiday.

If you think Paleokastritsa ticks all the boxes for your stay in Corfu, there is a good selection of self-catering options, and a number of popular hotels.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PALEOKASTRISTSA

  • ($$$) Akrotiri Beach Resort Hotel
  • ($) Odysseus Hotel
  • ($) Zefiros Traditional Hotel

14. Liapades, a popular resort for nature and beach lovers

Where to stay in Corfu: Lipiades

Halfway down the west coast, at the northern tip of the Ropa Valley, and overlooking Gefyra beach, sits Liapades village. An old, traditional village of Ionian and Venetian buildings, narrow cobbled streets and colourful, stuccoed houses , it remains an area largely untouched by mass tourism.

The small shingle and sand main beach is just 100 metres long, and well equipped with sunbeds, parasols, water-sports, bars, restaurants, and shops. 

Gefyra beach is one of six small coves that make up the resort, with over a dozen others that can only be reached by a boat tour, or by hiring a boat off the beach.

Most of the hotels and apartments, along with shops, bars, and eateries, are built along the road that leads down to the beach, and make up the ‘new’ area of Liapades village.

For those times away from the beach, the old village square is the centre of activity with long-established bars, shops, and restaurants – and traditional Greek hospitality.

For the nature lovers, inland there are old tracks to be explored on foot or by cycle. Worn down by working donkeys and carts loaded with olives and grapes, these trails will lead you to little hidden coves, or up into the hills for some fabulous panoramic views across the village and beyond.

If Liapades sounds like your place to stay in Corfu, there is a good selection of both self-catering and hotel options available.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LIAPADES

  • ($) Anna Pension
  • ($) Medusa Lux Apartments
  • ($) Avra Sunset Sea View Liapades

15. Glyfada, where to stay in Corfu for an away from it all beach holiday

Best places to stay in Corfu: Glyfada

Continuing down Corfu’s west coast, Glyfada’s claim to fame is its beautiful blue flag golden sand beach , set off with a backdrop of steep volcanic cliffs and dense, deep green vegetation. It is a resort for all who just want to relax in the sun and explore the countryside.

Small local tavernas, shops and eateries can be found scattered along the beachfront, with a couple of hotels and apartment blocks close by. The beach is well equipped with sunbeds and parasols, with a number of local beach bars offering waiter service to your sunbeds.

A good selection of water-sports are available, and for the strong swimmers, a 40ft high rocky outcrop can be reached from the beach, and is popular with cliff jumpers .

Close by is the pretty Mirtiotissa beach , popular with visiting naturists , and a little further out is Pelekas, a traditional Corfion village which has become popular as a stopover by visiting backpackers.

For the nature lovers and walkers, behind the resort there are some great trails to be explored, full of native flora and fauna.

Evenings are generally quiet affairs , sampling the local cuisine and excellent local wines and beers in the restaurants and bars. For those occasional evenings where you want a little more, the capital, Kerkyra, is just a 30 minute drive away by cab or hire car.

Glyfada is ideal for those who just want to recharge the batteries , with a good selection of mostly self-catering apartments and a couple of hotels.

BEST HOTELS IN GLYFADA

  • ($$$) Domes of Corf, Autograph Collection
  • ($) Glyfada Gorgona Apartments
  • ($) Glyfada Beach Hotel

16. Agios Gordios, busy family beach days and relaxing evenings

Where to stay in Corfu: Agios Gordios

Being less commercialised than many Corfion resorts, Agios Gordios (south) still relies heavily on fishing and agriculture for its main source of income. 

Nestling in a bay south of Glyfada, it has over a kilometre of golden sandy beach , backed by high, forested hillsides. 

With bars, tavernas, and restaurants along the front, a good selection of water activities including pedalos and canoes, and plenty of sunbeds and parasols, it provides all you need for those enjoyable days on the beach.  

The village also has a good selection of facilities including ATMs, pharmacies, and car hire offices. Quiet bars and restaurants can be enjoyed during the evenings or you can head toward the beach front, where a number of tavernas and cocktail bars keep later hours.

What makes Agios Gordios so appealing to returning visitors, is its close proximity to other attractions away from the beach. Just a few minutes drive will get you to the villages of Kato Garouna, Pentati and Sinarades , with its Folklore Museum furnished with everything from the 19th century.

Aqualand Water Park is just a 20 minute drive away for somewhere different for the kids. The Kaisers Throne , one of Corfu’s highest viewpoints, is around a 30 minute drive. 

The Corfu golf club and its 18 hole course is around the same distance, while Corfu Town is just 15 kilometres away.

If Agios Gordios is your kind of place for your stay in Corfu, it offers a good selection of self-catering apartments, villas, and mid-range hotels.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CORFU IN AGIOS GORDIOS

  • ($$$) La Grotta Verde – Adults Only
  • ($$) Romantic Palace Beach Apartments
  • ($) Panorama apartments

17. Benitses, a popular resort where to stay in Corfu for all ages

Best places to stay in Corfu: Benitses

Situated on the east coast, and just 12 kilometres south of Corfu Town and the airport, Benitses was one of Corfu’s first tourist resorts back in the 1960s. 

Surprisingly, although the resort has massively expanded, most of the old traditional village has been retained, with new construction undertaken along the coast road running behind the beach.

At one time a main draw for the young party crowd, today Benitses is a destination for all age groups, families, and couples. Gone are the late night party bars, to be replaced with friendly restaurants to suit all tastes, and bars where the vibe is social and relaxed.

The resort has one main sand and shingle beach with its working harbour at one end, and a number of smaller sandy coves within easy reach. Plenty of the usual beach equipment and facilities are spread along the front, and trips and boat hire is available from the harbour.

You will find beach and souvenir shops, pharmacies and mini-markets, to supply all you need for your stay. But be sure to spend some time exploring the origina l Benitses village with its narrow streets , and local bars and shops, to get a real feel of traditional Corfu.

For the nature and history lovers, at the rear of the village you will find well-worn paths to take you into the countryside and some interesting attractions such as the Achillion Palace , the Corfu Shell Museum, the Laopetra Rock , and the ruins of the old Roman Baths .

The resort also holds a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Agia Marina Festival, and the Sardine Festival.  

If Benitses sounds like where you want to stay in Corfu, the resort has an excellent selection of all types of accommodation.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BENITSES

  • ($$$) Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa
  • ($$) Lido Corfu Sun Hotel 4 Stars All-inclusive
  • ($) Hotel Kaiser Bridge

18. Kavos, a resort where you can party 24/7

Best areas in Corfu: Kavos

Situated on the southern edge of the island, Kavos sprang to life in the 1980s, as Corfu’s leading resort for the young and young at heart party people . It has remained there ever since.

The pretty village of Kavos has a two kilometre long white sandy beach , with every facility you could wish for. Bars, restaurants, shops, and mini-marts stretch the length of the beach, as do parasols and sunbeds. 

Water-sports include banana rides and doughnut rings, jet skis and para-sailing, and windsurfing and water-skiing. 

Popular with young Brit tourists , in high season the resort is extremely busy. For those who want a little respite from the crowds, a short drive will get you to the quieter Arkoudilas and Katoulla beaches just along the coast.

Although popular with Brits, Kavos is a cosmopolitan resort attracting young visitors from all over Europe and beyond. 

International restaurants , big brand fast-food outlets, and local Greek tavernas cater for the various tastes of the visitors, while many bars appear to be open all day and all night, the only thing changing being the staff serving the drinks.

For those who want a little downtime, organised trips and tours are available to other areas of the island, and hiking paths in the countryside will help clear the head and focus the mind. 

If Kavos sounds like your kind of place to stay in Corfu, accommodation from self-catering studios to luxury hotels is available to suit all pockets.

So there we have it, 18 of the best places to stay in Corfu, we hope they’ve helped make your holiday decision a little easier.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN KAVOS

  • ($$$) Capo Di Corfu
  • ($$) Ekati Mare Boutique Resort
  • ($) Mediterranean Blue

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67 thoughts on “Where to Stay in Corfu: 18 Best Areas”

Hi there heading to Corfu for 5 days and looking for a place where there’s nice beaches and some night life/restaurants (not like kavos). We are late 30s, originally was thinking Palokastritsa but wasn’t sure if it was too quiet. Any suggestions would be great!

Hi. Maria. Some other lively destinations are Ipsos, Benitses and Sidari. Renting a car allows you to explore the island, visit the best beaches, and enjoy the bars and restaurants of those areas.

Hello , Thank you very much for your great article – I am after some suggestions on the best part of Corfu to stay for my wife and I. We have ten days in Corfu in early June, and want somewhere quiet and relaxing, with good access to a range of restaurants and tavernas. We don’t want the young night-life crowd ( we are in our 40’s). We have a car so we are happy to base ourselves somewhere and do day trips, or perhaps start with a few nights in Corfu Town and then move somewhere else. We’d like to avoid large resort-type locations, and are after more of a traditional Corfu experience – visit a variety of places and sites rather than sit on a beach for days and days. Perhaps a place with more villas or small scale accommodation. Is there somewhere you can suggest. Thank you very much!

Hi Aaron. Having car the choice is easier. One place that could suit you (and I really love) is Paleokastritsa

Hi, What a delightful article! We are heading to Corfu for 5 nights in May. We love outdoors, exploring villages, beaches, windy streets, and food (of course!). We are planning to stay in Corfu for 2 nights. Where would you recommend using as a base for the rest of the trip and explore around. We will rent a car for the duration of the trip. Thanks!

Hi Dovile. I would choose any of the North destinations. Myself, I really like Paleokastritsa

Hey this is an fantastic list. About 10 friends and myself (mid 20s) are planning on going to Corfu in May for about about a week and are looking for the best area for hanging out at the beach during the day, exploring the sites, great greek food options and a mix of nightlife. Some nights we’ll go out to dinner and come back, some nights we want to party with loud music. Some nights we’ll do in between.

Where would you recommend we stay?

Hi Antohony. If you are looking for nightlife then Kavos is the place to stay in Corfu. Sidari could also be a good option.

What a fantastical detailed description of options in Corfu. As a writer, I am planning to rent a place for six months. I want to work on a current book while getting to know the island, as a potential part time residence. On my breaks from book, I would like to engage in an arty social scene, low key cafes versus drinking party scene. Looking to meet like minded ex-pats, of all ages with open spirit (I am a 66 year old woman) seeking to explore a new life adventure, with a passion for life and developing independent creativity. Live music, dancing (under the stars which I imagine are spectacular!) food fusion, simple, relaxed, beautiful and delicious traditional/healthy cafes to meet people and share, curious about life conversation. Easy access to walking around town to meet friendly people, to experience, being part of community- local farmers markets, town squares for seeing the same faces, etc. Would be great if also, yoga classes and celebration events around nature and seasons. Since I will be solo, would like easy, out the door, social interaction. Inter-active classes, independent films to watch with discussion, original versus famous artist shows and mix of small, informal venues for artist passing through or international living and performing would be wonderful to feel sense of social connectivity. As another option, I wonder is there is an area to live or neighborhood in a part of Corfu, that attracts people doing individual artistic creations yet wanting a sense of like minded community to share free time and explore the island and life together. With appreciation, Ellen Instagram whitebirdfriend

That’s a very helpful information. We will take a couple vocation for one week maby, any recommendation about a place for young couple but not very partying place, with many people and tavernas/bars, beautiful beach? near with other places so we can visit not only one. Thank you!

Hi Klau. You could check Sidari and Ipsos. Both are lively

What a well written guide! Really thanks for that!

Myself and two friends, all in ours 30s, are planning to go to Corfu in early August.

Where would you recommend us to stay if we are looking for good food, close to nice beaches and the right amount of party?

Hi Eric. Kavos is famous for its nightlife but it is a bit far away from everything. Other good options are Sidari and Ipsos.

Hi, lots of great advice and so much to choose. Intend to use Corfu town as initial base and then hire a car. Can you suggest another town other than Corfu town to base with a car and explore coast and inland from there. Love swimming, exploring, good food, not so much into late night parties. We have three weeks in June 2023.

Hi Peter. Three weeks is a long time to stay in Corfu. Best advice would be to split your time in 2 destinantios. Choose one in the northern part (e.g, Paleokastritsa or Liapades) and one in the middle or south of the island (e.g, Agios Gordios or Benitses).

Hello! Thank you for all these helpful information. If me and three other friends are looking to come to Corfu for two days end of August (age 23) where do you recommend us staying? We are looking for beach life during the day and exploring the nightlife as well.

Hi Shannon. Check Kavos, a lively beach destination. Other options could be Ipsos and Sidari.

Hello! Travelling with our 8 months old baby. We are hoping to spend some time at the beach, but also enjoy walks in little towns. What would be the best place to go? Thanks! Really good article.

Hi Victoria. You have plenty of good choices in Corfu. One place I can recommend you is Paleokastritsa

My wife and I are looking for a quiet, one week break in Corfu in September. A smaller area ideally, with a sandy beach, walkable to some restaurants and the seafront – quiet and not full of children? Ideally with hotels to stay. Thank you!

Hi Joshua. That is quite easy to find in Corfu :). One nice area is Paleokastritsa.

Hello, can you tell me a village with tavernas and blue and white streets and houses? I cannot find them in Corfu. Thank you.

Hi Stefana. White streets/houses and blue domes are typical in the Cycladic islands. In Corfu you will not see the same type of villages as in Santorini.

Hi, thanks so much for this post. I’m planning a week in Corfu and wondering where to stay as a solo traveler. Ideally I’d like a busy after beach life (bars/restaurants/shops) with possibility to take photos I’m a solo traveler. Would it make sense to go there by motorbike? Thanks!

Hi Frank. As a solo traveler looking for a busy and lively places I would choose Kavos. Ipsos and Sidari can be good choices as well.

Hello, Many thanks for your really useful website. We are a family of five who love the sea, want to experience traditional corfu and green leafy spaces. We are looking for beautiful beaches, pretty coves and local tavernas. Would you recommend a hotel that feels luxurious without compromising on character & surroundings?

Hi Amy. One of my favourtie places to stay in Corfu is Palokastritsa. Eventhough I recommend a few hotels in the post is better that you check availavility and prices for your dates in Booking.

Great Info wow!!! Super helpful.

Me and my boyfriend (both 24) are traveling to Corfu this July and wanted to stay in a nice area with pretty beaches and cliffs. We would like an area where there are some bars and fun places, without it being too ‘turisty’ and ‘internationalised’. Basically a somewhat quiet space but where we can still have a nice drink and enjoy a nice restaurant. Do you have any suggestions???

Thank you so much!!!

Hi Marta. Plenty of places to be recommended… Personally I think Paleokastritsa (one of my favourite places in Corfu) is a perfect choice.

Hello, Your website is amazing and super informative. lots of information to sift through. Myself and my two teenagers – Son 15 and Daughter 11, want to visit Corfu this summer and want to know the best place to go for some nightlife but not too noisy, some beaches for me and some water sports and activities to keep them entertained.What is your recommendations as I have listed from your website – Paleokastritsa, Dassia, Ipsos and Archaravi. I am very confused as to where to go and would love some assistance please. Many Thanks Sarah

Hi Sarah. Ipsos could be the best option for you.

Hello! This is an amazing site full of handy information 🙂

Bit of indecision here, myself and my son of 15 would love to visit Corfu’. I have the following in my list: Gouvia, Dassia, Ipsos, Kassiopi, Paleokastrisa and Benitses! What are your suggestions? I like sandy and not too dark beaches, to spend few hours on but not solely, we look for activities too (mostly for my son!), thinking of staying in a hotel that serves breakfast only so we can enjoy different local restaurants, mainly Greek cuisine, somewhere accessible to shops and villages to visit. Not animal party but some sort of evening entertainment :). Thank you!!

Hi Marina. I would say that Ipsos and Kassiopi are the most fun places of those 6. My favourite is Paleokastritsa but it is a more quite destination.

Hello, where would be the best place to stay as a base for exploring wildlife and local cuisine please?

Hi Leanne. To explore wildlife the place you chose is not that important as having a car. In terms of local cuisine you will enjoy in all the destinations. In the most busiest ones you will have more offer and maybe is easier to find more upscale restaurants.

Great website we are looking to rent a villa in Corfu in June and taking our kids 27 & 29 not quite kids ….looking for somewhere thats pretty and typically Greek not too lively would you have any suggestions please ?

Hi Maggie. I would look into Paleokastritsa, Kalami, Roda, Liapades, Glyfada, or Agios Georgios Pagi. They are great choices for a quiet family beach vacation.

Hi Travelling solo in June, looking for a quieter beach resort but with bus links to visit Corfu Town or if you stay in Corfu town is there any access to a beach? Interested to see your suggestions Thanks so much – really helpful website S

Hi Sara. Corfu Town is the main bus hub so if you are not renting a car and you are planning to visit different places is a good option. Check Glyfada, Benitses, Gouvia or Dassia. They are not far away from Cortu Town and are relatively quiet. Other destinations will take you a bit more time to reach Corfu Town.

Hi My boyfriend and I are thinking of going to Corfu for a holiday, we are both 18 and would love to go somewhere lively with a good atmosphere, places to eat and nightlife but not some much a nightclub central zone! I have heard kavos is party central and can be quit messy? Also lovely beaches and picturesque zones with little day trips. Any ideas!!

Hi Ava. Kavos is the best place to stay in Corfu if you are looking for nightlife. Other good places are Sidari, Achavari and Ipsos.

Hi Alexandra – This has been the most helpful article ! I’m 24, looking to have a solo backpacking experience through Corfu in July . I’d love to meet other young people / travelers and just go with the flow / tag along. Keen to have a few drinks/ live music at a bar in the evening but won’t be going clubbing. Would love to see the greenest and most lushes coastline , go for hikes and stroll through beautiful streets of a village with some history. Could you recommend any places ?

Hi Brigitta. For a good mix of nature and beaches you will find plenty of places. I would recommend Liapades, Paleokastritsa and Agios Georgios area. It´s a convenient area to set up your camp base and explore the north part of the island.

So paleokastritsa or liapades to stay and have a few beers at the end of the evening and not walk to far home ?

Hello, Where is the best place to stay (villa for e.g.) and for partying, lively night out in Greece? I am turning 40 and my friends and I want to book a 4 days trip to celebrate all day and night. Thanks x

Hi Victoria. The best place for nightlife in Corfu is Kavos. Sidari has also a nice nighlife scene.

Hi, I’m looking to visit in August with 2 teenagers who love water sports, beaches and nice food. We want to go somewhere pretty which feels Greek but also isn’t too quiet or remote. We don’t want nightclubs tho just nice hustle and bustle. Thanks Mel

Hi Mel. Some of the places you could check are: Paleokastritsa, Agios Gordios, Kalami, Acharavi and Kassiopi. All of them are perfect for what you are looking for.

Hi there, delighted I came a across your site! Great information. Myself and my husband are going to corfu in September for my 50th birthday, it will be our first time there but know nothing about it! We are looking for somewhere peaceful relatively private, but where we can walk I to picturesque bays for places to eat and a wee bit of life but not party central.

Hi Julie. One of my favourite places in Corfu is Paleokastritsa. Check that one. If you can, rent a car. Corfu is big and plenty of beautiful coves and beaches.

Which is best place with young kids

Hi Govi. Agios Gordios, Benitses, Gouvia, Kassiopi, Achavari… all are great places for families with kids.

Are those places good a sandy beaches as well? to take small kids?

Hi Cecilia. Some are sandy some sand-pebbles. Corfu is a very family-friendly island.

Hi, my sister and I are ages 17 and 21 and we are looking for a trip to corfu together. We’re looking for somewhere with shops and traditional greek food and tavernas, and also a beach or some coves we could hike to spend a day at. Do you have any recommendations?

Hi Lucky. For shopping the best town is Corfu Town. You can check also Gouvia, Ipsos, Kassiopi, Acharavi, Sidari or Kavos. All have certain degree of shopping and entertainment, and easy access to beaches and coves.

This has been the most helpful and impartial article I’ve read on Corfu. Every time I have googled “best places to stay “ etc it always pops up with trip advisor and booking .com I’m so pleased I found you. We are in our 60-70 year age bracket and ideally would like to be in a town or village with lovely restaurants and some shops. An upmarket hotel is our luxury and we’d love to find all this somewhere in Corfu as we’ve never been before. Night life and bars isn’t our scene. Can you suggest the best area for us please ?

Hi Edna. My favourite area in Corfu is Paleokastritsa. You could also check Agios Gordios, Agios Georgios, Kassiopi and Acharavi area. They all have nice restaurants and a limited offer of shopping. If good shopping is a priority then Corfu Town or the most lively resorts would be a better option for you. Corfu is a big island with plenty of great places to stay.

Hi I have been to Agios Gordios several times. I love it but want to go somewhere equally pretty with a good number of tavernas too. Any recommendations please. Thanks!

Hi James. Sidari and Kavos are great for nice beaches, entertainment and nightlife. You can check Kassiopi, great beaches and lively, and Paleokastritsa (really beautiful area but much more relaxed).

Where can the best sunsets be seen on corfu?

Hi Louise. In the North West coast. Places like Agios Gordios, Arillas, Peroulades and Cape Drastis, and even Paleokrastitsa are great spots.

Really helpful for my first look into Corfu family holiday – thank you!

Where is the best place to stay for hiking? Thank you for this wonderful article. Amazing.

Hi Alexandra. Corfu is plenty of hiking options. Some of the more popular trails are: Corfu Trail, Porto Timoni, Erimitis Beaches Hike, Cape Drastis Loop, Mount Pantrokator, and Mount Stravros loop.

Hi there – where is the place in the main pic? It’s beautiful!

Hi. That is Palokastritsa Bay

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San Stefano North East Corfu, 49084 - GREECE

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Mistral & Maistro Cottage Villas

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In the quiet and peaceful environment in San Stefano Corfu, surrounded by hills with dense vegetation, full of olive groves and pine trees, you can have the chance of spending your time relaxing by the pool or soaking up the sun on the brilliant beaches at various secluded coves.

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  1. 15 Best Places to Visit in Corfu: Your Insider's Guide for 2022

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  2. 15 Best Things To Do in Corfu, Greece

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  3. 11 Best Things To Do In Corfu, Greece

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  4. North East Corfu

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  5. The 17 Most Stunning Things to Do in Corfu (+ Bonus Best Beaches in

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  6. A Guide to Northern Corfu

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COMMENTS

  1. Corfu's Posh (and Beautiful) North-East Coast

    North-east Corfu - sometimes known as ' Kensington-on-Sea ' - is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes on the island (as well as some of its most expensive villas). The scenery here is delightful, with the tall peak of Mount Pantokrator inland and a long series of small scalloped bays with pebble beaches by the water.

  2. A Guide to Northern Corfu

    A GUIDE TO NORTHERN CORFU. British travellers have been visiting Corfu for more than 200 years. Those in the know head to the north, where stylish villas look down on idyllic bays and days are spent puttering by boat between tavernas. About the same size as Mallorca, Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian Islands, which appear like a chain ...

  3. Best places to visit in North Corfu

    Best day trips from North Corfu. In terms of day trips from Corfu, you are spoilt for choice with a number of excursions that include boat trips to neighbouring Greek islands such as Paxos and Antipaxos, Parga on the Greek mainland, or even a visit to Albania.. We had our heart set on this popular day trip to Paxos, Antipaxos and the Blue Caves but unfortunately Corfu experienced some really ...

  4. North East Corfu

    North East Corfu is an untrampled gem, with green olive trees littering the hillsides and hidden coves offering drinks from their shoreline tavernas. North East Corfu - Exploring The Hidden Coast North East Corfu is one of the best places to stay when visiting this beautiful island. ... One tip that I suggest is to visit the small chapel built ...

  5. Visit North East Corfu

    The northeastern side of Corfu Island has a combination of scenic and picturesque locations that are a must-visit. Many seaside villages and beaches are waiting for you to explore. Apart from the coastal areas, this side is also interesting for its mountainous areas famous to all trekkers. corfudiary. 1,756 followers.

  6. 15 Stunning Things to Do in Corfu, Greece

    6) Beach Hop on the North East Coast by Boat or on Foot. Exploring the North East coast by boat, one of the best things to do in Corfu. North East Corfu is also well worth visiting. The mountainous coastline features many small pebble coves with crystal water and views across to Albania.

  7. The Top North East Beaches To Visit In Corfu

    Avlaki. Avlaki Beach is placed between the villages of San Stefanos and Kassiopi. Avlaki is not a very well known beach among tourists, but it is a great, pebbly beach to visit, with crystal clear waters. In the past, it has been awarded the Blue Flag, for its cleanliness. Avlaki is a quiet beach, the perfect destination for families.

  8. North East Corfu Resorts and Beaches

    Northeast Corfu is an area of great interest. For the many beaches as well as for its interior which is dominated by Pantokrator Mountain. In Pantokrator there are the two highest peaks of Corfu. The Pantokrator at an altitude of 915 meters in the east and Stravoskadi at 890 meters a couple of miles to the west.

  9. Corfu Travel Guide & Advice

    Where to stay in Corfu. 36 St Padova Street, Corfu Town (00 30 26610 36300; fax: 26610 40777; www.siorravittoria.com ). This 19th century townhouse hotel opened in 2005 . Nine stylish rooms have beamed ceilings, LCD TVs and elegant furniture. £. Peroulades (00 30 26630 95394; fax: 95145; www.villadeloulia.gr ).

  10. The 13 best things to do in Corfu

    The 13 best things to do in Corfu. From stunning hikes to sunset sailing trips, discover the best attractions on the island. Helen Iatrou, Destination expert 17 February 2024 • 7:00am. Head to ...

  11. 15 Best Places to Visit in Corfu: Your Insider's Guide for 2024

    Visit the Ghost Village of Palea Perithia. Palea Perithia is an abandoned ghost village that sits on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator. The village dates back to the 14th century. It was built in a time when it was necessary for people to move away from the coasts and into the mountains to avoid attacks from pirates.

  12. Discover some of the best villages in Corfu| Discover Greece

    🧭 NORTH CORFU VILLAGES Lakones. Built on the green slopes above Paleokastritsa (one of Corfu's most cosmopolitan settlements and known for its awesome beaches), Lakones is home to many 18th and 19th century stone buildings (look for the ochre red) that create a vision of Corfu at its traditional best. It is said to be named after its first inhabitants, the Michala family from Itilo, in ...

  13. 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions on Corfu Island

    1. Corfu Town Corfu Town. The island's lovely capital, Corfu Town, is a warren of cobbled alleys and elegant Venetian-era buildings, many of which now host informal seafood tavernas and souvenir shops at ground level.Centering on the Esplanade, an expansive green square, the UNESCO-listed old town is guarded by two imposing 16th-century fortresses and also includes a number of churches, like ...

  14. The Unspoilt Guide to Corfu, Greece

    Best things to do outside Corfu Town: Angelokastro. is a hilltop Byzantine castle near Paleokastritsa with excellent views over the north-east coast. Nearby is the Monastery of Paleokastritsa, which has views over the village and houses the remains of a giant whale. It does get busy with tour buses in summer. Kassiopi Castle.

  15. The 15 Best Things to do in Corfu, Greece

    Visit the 13th-century Monastery of Paleokastritsa. 6. Hike to the summit of Mount Pantokrator. 7. Explore Corfu's underwater world on a snorkeling trip. 8. Join a sailing trip along the Corfu coast. 9. Marvel at Vlacherna Monastery and visit Mouse Island in Kanoni.

  16. The best places to visit in Corfu

    Kassiopi is also a great place to visit for the day as part of a road trip of Corfu's glamourous north-east. Top things to see in Kassiopi include its picturesque beach coves and sea caves, the fishing village itself, which is full of quaint cafes, bars and restaurants. You can also rent a boat to explore the more remote areas of the coastline.

  17. 15 Best Things to Do in Corfu (Greece)

    Recommended tour: Corfu History and Culture Walking Tour. 2. The Esplanade and Liston. Source: ZoranKrstic / shutterstock. The Esplanade and Liston. Between the Old Town and the old fortress is the esplanade, a long green square that is a remnant of the Venetian fortifications in the 17th century.

  18. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Corfu (Updated 2024)

    2. Corfu Old Town. Soak up the romantic Mediterranean vibes and architecture along the cobbled streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the labyrinth of historic houses, bars and restaurants, and quaint little shops selling souvenirs, Greek food, olive wood, and handcrafted goods.

  19. The 13 best things to do in Corfu

    North-east Corfu Drop anchor in a secluded bay. No visit to Corfu is complete without hiring a motorboat to explore the coastline at your own speed - San Stefano Boats is one pick amongst many.

  20. 8 top things to do in Corfu

    A boat trip to Paradise beach in Corfu. Action aficionados can water ski in Gouvia Bay or try paragliding in Dassia. Divers head to Paleokastritsa, where Achilleon Diving Center offers diving in a sheltered bay with fascinating sea life. Apollo Dive Centre in Nissaki runs PADI courses for first-time divers.

  21. Villa Vigla

    Prices: £££. Best table: Any table beside the beach. Visit website. 2. The White House Restaurant. The White House Restaurant quite literally sits on the water's edge overlooking Kalami Bay on the north east coast of Corfu. It is the lower ground level of the world famous White House, the Corfu residence of author, Lawrence Durrell.

  22. Where to Stay in Corfu: 18 Best Areas

    2. Gouvia, a great place to stay in Corfu for all ages. Nestling halfway down the east coast of the island, Gouvia has developed from a small local fishing village, into one of Corfu's major marinas and tourist destinations.Close to both the airport and Corfu Town (8km), the resort is popular with families, couples, and young singles.

  23. Mistral & Maistro Cottage Villas

    Things to Do; Places to Visit; Photo Gallery; San Stefano, North East Corfu, 49081 - Greece (+30) 6937 486 930. [email protected]. Home; The Cottages. Mistral; Maistro; Facilities & Services; Area Guide. Beaches; Things to Do; ... North-East Corfu, where our cottage villas are situated, has traditionally been the most sought-after part ...