Summary of Top Attractions in Corfu
The second-largest Ionian Island has witnessed the presence of the Byzantines, Venetians, French, and British over the last millennium, all of whom have contributed to its rich cultural heritage.
For an ideal starting point, the World Heritage Old Town of Corfu City stands as a testament to history, protected by two formidable Venetian fortresses that resisted numerous sieges by the Ottoman Empire.
Corfu’s coastline features a variety of resorts, some more enticing than others.
However, for those with an adventurous spirit, navigating to lesser-known coves, expansive sandy beaches, and historic castles and monasteries perched on rocky elevations is highly recommended.
Let’s delve into the recommended attractions in Corfu:
1. Corfu Old Town
Corfu’s Old Town, confined between two fortifications, comprises a maze of walkable streets and alleys adorned with Venetian and Neoclassical architecture distinguished by shades of pale yellow and orange.
Allocate sufficient time to explore every nook and small square, taking the opportunity to visit the Archaeological Museum and Casa Parlante, a unique 19th-century mansion featuring period interiors and animatronic representations.
Both the New Fortress to the west and the Old Fortress to the east, fortified by massive ramparts, merit your attention.
The Old Fortress, dating back to the 6th century, is isolated from the city by a ditch and canal traversed by a bridge.
Within its grounds, the temple-like Church of St George and the 19th-century British barracks, home to Corfu’s library, can be found.
From the highest points, stunning views of the city, coastline, Straits of Corfu, and the Greek mainland can be appreciated.
2. The Esplanade and Liston
Transitioning between the Old Town and the old fortress, the esplanade features a lengthy green square, a remnant of the Venetian fortifications established in the 17th century.
During the French occupation in the early 19th century, trees were planted along the esplanade, while the cricket pitch remains as a remnant of the succeeding British era.
The Maitland Monument, an elegant Neoclassical peristyle with 20 Ionic columns encircling a rotunda, pays tribute to Lord High Commissioner Thomas Maitland.
The Liston on the esplanade’s western edge, designed in the style of Paris’s Rue de Rivoli during the French period, features an elegant arcade.
3. St Spyridon Church
St Spyridon Church, Corfu’s principal place of worship, dates back to 1580, featuring the highest Renaissance bell tower in the Ionian Islands.
Housing the relics of St Spyridon, brought from Constantinople in the 15th century, this church was constructed after its predecessor was demolished to accommodate the citadel.
The marble iconostasis captivates with its classical design, complete with a pediment and Corinthian columns embellished with artwork.
The ceiling showcases exquisite gilded stuccowork accompanied by paintings initially created by Panagiotis Doxaras in the 18th century, which had subsequently been restored.
Adjacent to the iconostasis is access to the crypt, where the saint’s remains are interred within a double sarcophagus overlaid with silver leaf.
4. Achilleion
Commissioned in 1888 by Elisabeth of Bavaria, Empress of Austria, this Neoclassical palace is situated approximately 10 kilometres south of Corfu City.
Designed by Italian architect Raffaele Caritto, the palace is themed around the legendary hero Achilles.
Noteworthy German sculptor Ernst Herter created numerous statues inspired by Greek mythology for the gardens, the most acclaimed depicting Achilles in his final moments. Visitors can explore the gardens adorned with balustrades, colonnades, fountains, and Herter’s sculptures among flourishing palms and neatly trimmed cypress trees.
The interior functions as a museum, housing artifacts related to Elisabeth of Bavaria, Franz Joseph II, and the subsequent resident, Kaiser Wilhelm II. A substantial painting by Austrian artist Franz Matsch illustrates Achilles dragging Hector’s body from his chariot, and the dining room features decorative stucco cherubs against blue walls.
5. Mount Pantokrator
As the highest peak on the island, Mount Pantokrator rises to 906 meters in elevation, with road access available.
At its summit, facilities include a café, a telecommunications station, and a monastery established in the late 17th century.
Visitors can reach the summit through minibus tours departing from various coastal resorts or by self-driving.
Nonetheless, the road features numerous steep drops and sharp curves, making it a challenging drive, but the breathtaking vistas are worth the effort.
Upon reaching the mountaintop, the panoramic views encompass the Ionian Islands, Greek mainland, Albania, and even Puglia, located 130 kilometres west in Italy.
6. Paleokastritsa Monastery
Paleokastritsa Monastery, perched atop a rugged headland on the northwest coast, traces its origins to the 13th century and occupies the site of a long-gone medieval castle.
The monastery hosts a small community of eight monks who conduct masses and guided tours through the grounds and lush gardens.
The building is festooned with bougainvillea and geraniums, and visitors wishing to enter the chapel must adhere to a dress code, covering their shoulders and legs.
A small museum within the monastery displays vestments, icons, and a peculiar exhibit: the skeleton of a whale.
Additionally, the monks cultivate olives and produce their own olive oil, available for purchase at the shop.
7. Paleokastritsa Beach
Adjoining the monastery is the beautiful Paleokastritsa Beach.
Often marked on maps as Agios Syridon Beach, it is situated at the end of a lengthy inlet flanked by high rock walls.
The water is exceptionally serene and clear, making it a paradise for snorkellers and ideal for families with small children.
Although narrow, the beach features soft golden sand, contrasting with the nearby stony coves.
The limestone coastline surrounding Paleokastritsa is riddled with sea caves, and a jetty located on the beach allows for boat excursions.
8. Angelokastro
Situated on a narrow rocky spur more than 300 meters above sea level, this castle was constructed in the 13th century as a strategic observation point overlooking the sea, mainland Greece, and vast expanses of Corfu.
The journey to Angelokastro is dramatic, meandering through scrub and cypress trees to this impenetrable fortification that occupies a small rocky summit.
During the Venetian period, starting in the 14th century, Angelokastro served as Corfu’s capital and successfully withstood three sieges between the 16th and 18th centuries.
Beyond the fortress walls, little remains except for the small Church of Archangel Michael, which boasts frescoes from the 1700s.
Visitors can observe seven sarcophagi carved from the rock, explore the castle’s vaulted cistern, and take in remarkable views of the sea, coast, and mountains.
9. Vlacherna Monastery
One of Corfu’s most iconic visuals, the Vlacherna Monastery is located on an islet accessible via a narrow jetty at the southern end of the Kanoni Peninsula.
The chapel, which can be accessed through a classic campanile, dates to 1685 and contains tomb monuments extending back to the mid-18th century.
A visit can be paired with a boat trip to the nearby Mouse Island, as detailed below.
The picturesque scenery of Vlacherna and Mouse Island is best appreciated from a distance, with two hilltop cafés nearby offering scenic vantage points.
10. Pontikonisi (Mouse Island)
For €2.5, visitors can take a boat to this small island, which features a 12th-century Byzantine monastery enveloped by pine and cypress trees.
According to local legend, Pontikonisi represents the ship of Ulysses, which was transformed into stone by Poseidon.
While the island is protected, landing is permitted, allowing visitors to ascend the stairway to the small monastery, which houses a café and a souvenir shop.
The resemblance to the renowned painting “Isle of the Dead” by Swiss Symbolist Arnold Böcklin is striking, suggesting it may have been inspired by this location.
11. Kassiopi
Located in the island’s northeast, overlooking the Corfu straits towards Albania, Kassiopi is a traditional fishing village that has gradually developed into a tranquil resort.
This built-up area is situated at the base of a small peninsula dotted with charming pebble coves and features a picturesque fishing harbor on its eastern side.
Rising in the center of the peninsula is Kassiopi Castle, which has its origins in Byzantine times and may date back to the 6th century.
As one of the three fortifications safeguarding Corfu before the arrival of the Venetians in the 14th century, this partially ruined castle remains an impressive site with over a kilometre of walls and 19 towers around a rectangular shape.
12. Canal d’Amour Beach
The lively resort of Sidari may not appeal to everyone; nevertheless, its distinctive rock formations lend it uniqueness.
At Canal d’Amour, a long and nearly rectangular inlet boasts layered, sandy-colored walls.
The sea has worn away the rock, and a tunnel can be found near the entrance to the inlet.
Choosing a calm day (a frequent occurrence during summer) allows swimmers to traverse the tunnel together.
Local tradition holds that couples who swim through the tunnel together will soon marry, so proceed at your discretion.
Beyond the entrance, the water deepens, providing a vantage point to watch adventurous divers leap from the cliffs.
13. Old Perithia
Designated as an Area of Natural Beauty, Old Perithia, located in the northeast of Corfu, is a largely abandoned upland village beneath Mount Pantokrator.
Once home to approximately 1,200 residents, the village, situated at an elevation of 650 meters, dates back at least to the 1300s.
Approximately 130 houses remain, many in various picturesque states of disrepair, though several have been converted for accommodation.
Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the stone paths of Old Perithia, discovering its eight churches and soaking in the stunning views of the sea framed by oaks, vines, and cypress trees.
14. Mirtiotissa Beach
Nestled at the base of the verdant cliffs under Mirtiotissa Monastery is a serene beach.
Mirtiotissa features a narrow stretch of fine sand bordered by crystal-clear waters, protected from the elements by rocks a few meters offshore.
Due to its secluded location, Mirtiotissa Beach has become a favored spot for naturists, although it remains welcoming to all visitors.
The unwritten agreement among beachgoers dictates that naturists prefer the more secluded sections, concealed by rocks, while non-nude bathers may occupy the central area.
15. Issos Beach
In contrast to Corfu’s rocky coves, Issos Beach is a spacious bay adjacent to Lake Korission to the south of the island.
Characterized by extensive dunes, the golden sand of Issos appears to extend endlessly.
For those seeking lively experiences and amenities, proximity to the resort village of Agios Georgios on the eastern end is available.
Alternatively, a short walk westward allows for a peaceful escape from the crowds.
Farther from civilization, Issos Beach also attracts naturists, and the reliable winds make it a popular spot for windsurfers and kite-surfers.
