Corfu is an ideal place for holidays because of its unique character. The relatively small island is not only lacking in picturesque beaches and nooks, but also the remains of a lush history.
The mild climate makes Corfu one of the greenest islands in Greece. However, numerous historic places, traditional villages and excellent cuisine make it one of the top holiday destinations.
Among the mountainous landscapes and many shades of blue of the Ionian Sea, there are many attractions for tourists. Corfu is one of the first Greek islands, which opened its monuments to visitors. It’s a good place for couples, backpackers, families with children and people who like to spend their holidays actively. Everyone can easily find something for themselves. The island is not big and basically two days are enough to visit it all. However, the number of attractions for tourists is amazingly large here.
In our travel guide to the island of Corfu we have prepared for you the most important, interesting and popular tourist attractions, monuments and interesting places in Corfu.
Tourist attractions in Corfu
It is difficult to say which of the attractions on the island is the largest. However, we decided to create our own ranking!
Achillion Palace
One of the most important is definitely the Achillion Palace. This is the famous property of Elizabeth of Bavaria, better known as Sisi. This is another palace built at the request of the empress during her European travels.
This small, three-story neoclassical building was designed and created by Italian architects in 1891. Currently, the palace houses a museum that can be visited for a fee. In addition to the souvenirs of the empress, her furniture and wall paintings and paintings, you can also see the garden surrounding the property. It is not so much lush vegetation that surprises, but neoclassical sculptures. You can see, among others, statues of muses, Achilles triumphing or his death on the monument titled Achilles dying.
Achillion is a monument besieged by tourists, especially in the morning hours of the season. So it’s worth coming here either in the afternoon or outside of summer holidays.
Paleokastritsa
Another major tourist attraction is Paleokastritsa, a charming town located above six picturesque bays. Such a varied coastline, full of rocks and green slopes of hills, is an ideal place to relax in a paradise scenery, as well as a good starting point for a mini cruise along the coast.
To fully see and appreciate it, you need to go to the Bella Vista viewpoint in the village of Lakones, where seen from above it forms a heart shape. Another attraction of this charming town is Theotokou Monastery, which is located on a nearby hill.
On its top there is a monastery inhabited by monks along with local cats. The building dates from the 12th century and is surrounded by a lush garden. A small icon museum is also open to the public.
Love Channel in Sidari – Canal D’Amour
One of the better known attractions in Corfu is also the Channel of Love in Sidari – Canal D’Amour. It is a natural tunnel formed between unique rock formations.
The whole scenery of this place is truly romantic, especially at sunset, especially since there is a legend associated with the love channel that apparently whoever crosses it will soon find their other half.
Except that swimming around the canal is prohibited.
However, in the town of Sidari there are many taverns and cafes where you can eat well.
Sights in Corfu
These are not all the attractions on the island of Corfu that you must visit and see.
Corfu city
When it comes to monuments, a big magnet for tourists is the city of Corfu – the capital of the whole island. This is not a typical place in Greece. The buildings and street layout clearly show the influence of different cultures, with Venetian predominance at the forefront. The old town, due to its uniqueness, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In the city, you can visit the Old and New Fortress, which defended the city against the attack of invaders from the sea. In the Old Fort it is worth paying attention to the church of St. George built in the Doric style, Byzantine museum and a small lighthouse.
You can also walk down the famous Liston Street, where numerous cafes, restaurants and shops are located under the arcades.
The heart of the old town is the main square – Spianada, which partly functions as a city park.
An important point on the map of the old town of Corfu is the church of St. Spiridona, patron of the whole island. Inside the rather inconspicuous building from the 16th century, there are hidden relics of St. Spyridon. Another interesting monument is also the palace of Saints Michael and George, the former property of the British Commissioner in Corfu, which currently houses the Museum of Asian Art. In the city, it is also worth seeing the fountain on Kremasti Square, the ruins of the basilica from the 5th century (Paleopolis), or the town hall building with a distinguished bright facade.
Viewpoint on the Kanoni peninsula
Near the city of Corfu there is a lookout point on the Kanoni peninsula. There is an observation deck next to the small gastronomic and tourist base. You can admire the planes taking off and landing, because in close proximity there is the runway of the local airport. In addition, it is an excellent vantage point from which you can see the famous Vlacherna monastery in Corfu and the nearby Mouse Island – Pondikonissi.
The first attraction is connected to the mainland by a rather narrow causeway. However, there is a legend associated with Mouse Island that this place is an Odysseus ship, which Poseidon turned into stone.
Visiting the island of Corfu
While on vacation in Corfu, it is also worth visiting the remains of the Angelokastro castle. The ruins of this one of the most important Byzantine buildings of its time are located on the west coast of the island, on the highest hill next to Paleokastritsa.
What remains of the castle can be visited for a fee.
It is also worth setting up a fairly steep climb to the ruins. The second attraction here is the view from the hill.
Cape Drastis
Another place worth visiting in Corfu is Cape Drastis. This, in turn, is the northernmost part of the island. Another great viewpoint for the nearby white limestone rocks, protruding deep into the blue sea. The road that leads here is quite narrow and winding, but apparently even a passenger car is able to cross it.
These are not the only interesting places that you must see while spending a successful holiday in Corfu.
What is worth seeing in Corfu?
The next point on the map of attractions in Corfu is also Pantokrator – the highest peak of the island with a height of 906m above sea level. Interestingly, to get here, you do not have to climb, because we will simply enter Pantokrator by car.
Crossing almost 25 serpentines by the way.
So this is not a trip for people with labyrinth problems; )
At the top there is another religious building – this time it is a monastery from the 17th century. From the summit, there is an excellent panorama of the island and nearby Albania.
Porto Timoni
In Corfu, it’s also worth reaching Porto Timoni, or Double Bay. However, the route is not so simple as to the peak of Pantokrator, because by car we will only reach the town of Afionas, from where we have to continue walking. The road to the bays takes about half an hour and it is worth preparing for it (water + appropriate footwear). For this view along the way and just staying at the junction of two bays will reward our efforts. It’s a good place for snorkeling among the rocky shores.
It should also be added that there are no crowds here, because Porto Timoni is somehow less known and popular among tourists.
Interesting places in Corfu
One of the most interesting places in Corfu is Old Perithia, considered the oldest village on the island. Its history dates back to the 13th century, but in the 1950s it slowly began to depopulate. It is now a very deserted place falling into ruin. In its heyday, not only numerous stone houses were built here, but also eight churches. Currently, there are several taverns where you can dine with local delicacies. It is also another place where reaching requires a little effort. A place with a magical and somewhat lazy atmosphere, located right at the foot of Pantokrator.
Another interesting place in Corfu is La Grotta – a beach with an equally well-known bar. You can get here straight from the town of Paleokastritsa by stairs, following loud music. The second option is to swim by ship. The bar is integrated into a rocky slope, and customers sit here on wooden terraces, some of which jump straight into the sea. The water in this place has an extremely crystal blue color. In the evening the place is nicely lit, which makes an even greater impression.
Near Peroulades is one of the most interesting beaches in Corfu – Logas Beach. It is tiny, flooded by the sea and surrounded by high cliffs. The road to the beach is concreted, but some are stairs. At the top of the steep cliff there is a bar, whose biggest attraction is the observation deck with a glass floor. Only those who dare to step on it without fear.
Also check out the official site of the island of Corfu and learn more about visiting this island.
Map of the island of Corfu
On the map below you can locate all the most important and interesting monuments, interesting places and tourist attractions of the island of Corfu: