The 17 Best Things To Do in Corfu in 2024

Wondering about the best things to do in Corfu? This guide gives you the lowdown on what this idyllic Greek island offers.

Corfu has been attracting tourists for decades thanks to its beautiful beaches and relative affordability. However, the island offers much more than the classic sea and sun holiday.

One of the greenest of the Greek islands, Corfu boasts scenic hiking trails, traditional mountain villages, ancient historic sites, and adventure activities such as diving and snorkelling. Away from all the action, you can enjoy the unique Corfiot cuisine and excellent local produce like olive oil.

Without further ado, let’s delve into all the great things that you can enjoy on your next trip to Corfu.

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Top Things To Do in Corfu

1. Explore Corfu Town

Historic Corfu Town, the island’s capital, is the jewel in Corfu’s crown. Its historic heart, complete with meandering streets lined with elegant Venetian-style townhouses, has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Corfu Town boasts two formidable fortresses, the Old and the New, which are must-visit landmarks not only for their historical significance but also for the panoramic views they provide over the city.

Additionally, the city is home to many excellent museums, offering a perfect retreat from the afternoon heat. The Museum of Asian Art and the Archaeological Museum of Corfu are especially worth adding to your itinerary.

Last but not least, Corfu Town is a haven for foodies. Despite the numerous tourist-geared eateries in the historical centre, you will still find many independent cafes, delis, bakeries, and shops that offer authentic local culinary experiences.

2. Visit Mon Repos

Located just outside the Old Town of Corfu, Mon Repos is another great spot for those looking to learn about the island’s history. Set in beautiful grounds, this mansion was built in 1831 as a summer residence for British High Commissioner Frederic Adams and his Corfiot wife, Nina Palatianou.

However, they didn’t get to enjoy this house for long as Adams was transferred to India. Since then, it has served as a summer residence for royalty and political leaders. It is even famous for being the birthplace of the late Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II.

Today, the house is a museum where guests can learn about life in Corfu under British rule, as well as explore the ancient artifacts discovered in archaeological excavations nearby.

The museum is not large, but you can combine a visit there with a walk around the surrounding park. There are also some stunning coastal views to enjoy.

3. Relax at the Beach

No guide on the best things to do in Corfu would be complete without mentioning the island’s beaches. After all, this is what attracts so many visitors to Corfu every year.

Corfu is home to more than 70 beaches catering to every taste, from hidden pebbly coves to long stretches of sand. They are surrounded by calm, crystal-clear blue waters, perfect for relaxing swims.

Some of the best beaches on the island include the scenic Agios Spiridon in Paleokastritsa, the long and sandy Agios Georgios, and the double delight of Porto Timoni. However, there is not enough space in this article to cover all the spots worth visiting.

To enjoy Corfu’s beaches, you can simply arrive with your beach towel and swimming gear. The more touristy beaches often offer sun lounger rentals and even beach clubs.

4. Go wine tasting in Corfu

While Corfu may not be as well known for wine as other Greek islands, such as Santorini, there are some wonderful options for wine tasting in Corfu that I recommend you check out!

Pontiglio Winery is one of the best wineries on the island, which offers tastings of native Corfu varietals for only €10.

There are also many wine tours in Corfu to choose from, if you won’t have your own transportation to get around the island!

5. Savour Corfiot Food

Corfu boasts a wealth of traditional tavernas where you can enjoy classic Greek dishes such as souvlaki, gyros, moussaka, and, of course, the Greek salad. However, Corfu also has its own unique cuisine.

Local dishes are the result of Corfu’s long history of changing ownership. From ancient Greeks to the British to Venetians, many peoples left their mark on the island’s food and drink.

Here are some of the foods you should add to your list for your next trip to Corfu. They are all easy to find and are typically served at local tavernas. 

• Pastitsada: a casserole dish featuring veal, beef, or rooster cooked in a rich tomato sauce with spices and onions, served over pasta. 
• Sofrito: a hearty dish that includes slices of veal cooked in a white wine and garlic sauce, usually served with fries or mashed potatoes.
• Bourdeto: a spicy fish dish featuring seabed fish, such as scorpion fish, cooked in a sauce of red peppers, onions, and chillies.
• Kumquat: a small citrus fruit that was imported from Asia and is now abundant on the island. You can enjoy the fruit itself or try the many products that include it, such as ice cream, sweets, and even liqueurs.

6. Admire the Achilleion Palace

The grand Achilleion Palace is one of Corfu’s most iconic landmarks. It was built in 1890 as a summer residence for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi.

The palace beautifully blends neo-classical and art-nouveau elements and features numerous Greek-style mosaics and statues throughout. It is set in stunning landscaped gardens, perfect for a wander.

Throughout its history, the palace has hosted many historical figures, from royalty to artists. Today, visitors can explore its beautiful interiors, artwork, and historic artefacts. Be sure to take the time to enjoy the superb gardens as well.

The Achilleion Palace is located just south of Corfu Town. It’s a 20-minute drive from the city, but local bus services connecting the two are also available.

7. Visit a Traditional Village

Those who would like to experience Corfu’s traditional side, away from tourist crowds and development, should visit at least one traditional village on their next trip. These villages are typically located inland and often evoke a sense of time flowing differently there.

One of my personal favourites is the village of Lakones in Corfu’s northwest. Perched on a hill above the coastal village of Paleokastritsa, it offers incredible views over the surrounding areas.

Lakones boasts quaint architecture, a handful of traditional shops, and even a small museum. Be sure to enjoy a drink or a meal at one of its cafes with outdoor terraces so you can make the most of the stunning views.

Nonetheless, there are many other charming villages worth visiting, including Sokraki, Palaia Peritheia, and Strinilas. You may need to hire a car to visit all of these, as public transport can be limited in more remote spots like these.

8. Take a Greek Cooking Class

One of the greatest souvenirs you can bring from your travels is the knowledge of how to recreate your favorite flavors. Corfu offers a number of excellent cooking classes to choose from where you can do just that.

I can highly recommend the Corfood Bites cooking class, which takes place in Afra, a village a short drive away from Corfu Town. The class involves preparing a Greek feast featuring a selection of starters, a fresh salad, a main course, and a dessert.

The menu varies from class to class and is determined by the seasonality of the produce. The class takes place in the home of the chef himself, and many of the ingredients come from his garden.

And the best part? Once you are finished with the cooking, you can enjoy the fruits of your hard work in good company and with great local wine.

9. Go Snorkeling and Diving

With its calm turquoise waters teeming with marine life, it’s no surprise that one of the best things to do in Corfu is snorkelling and diving. The island boasts several diving schools where you can learn the basics or join more advanced diving trips.

Divers can explore different sites including reefs, shipwrecks, and caverns that are home to a great variety of marine species just off the coast of Corfu and nearby small islands. The Achilleon Diving Centre in Paleokastritsa is one of the established spots where you can book a trip or a course.

Snorkelling is even easier to enjoy. You can join a snorkelling tour organised by the likes of Achilleon. However, smore often than not you can simply put a snorkel on and head to the beach.

The waters around Paleokastritsa and Porto Timoni are especially great for spotting marine life. Just be sure to head there early in the morning before the crowds arrive.

10. Visit Angelokastro

Located in the northwest of Corfu, Angelokastro is one of the most epic historic sites to visit on the island. This impressive fortress, now in ruins, is perched on a cliff, offering unparalleled views of the coast.

One of the oldest castles in Greece, Angelokastro dates back to the Byzantine period of the 5th-7th century. Its location was strategically selected to protect the island from attacks from the sea.

Angelokastro was in use until the 19th century when the style of warfare had changed. It was then abandoned, leading to decay and disrepair. Thanks to more recent restoration works, visitors can still enjoy the dramatic remains of the castle.

A steep path leads to the remnants of the castle’s walls and structures. There is also a small church of Archangel Michael nestled atop the fortification. The walk up is uneven and steep, but you will be rewarded with stunning views.

Admission to Angelokastro costs €3 per person. There are parking facilities and a café at the base of the castle hill.

11. Take a boat ride around the island

Corfu boasts a stunning coastline, best enjoyed from the sea as many beautiful beaches and caves are only accessible by boat. You can join one of the many boat tours and cruises offered all over the island.

However, if you are looking for more flexibility, you can hire your own speedboat for a day, even without a license. Note that this option is only available for speed boats with up to 30hp. For anything more powerful, you will need a valid license.

Boat rentals are available at pretty much every resort town on Corfu. You can book yours once you arrive at your destination. If you haven’t operated a boat before, don’t worry; you will receive a crash course before you set off.

Boat rental prices vary throughout the season. A half-day hire costs between €90 (US $95) and €100 (US $105), while a full day will set you back between €170 (US $180) and €200 (US $210).

12. Explore Paleokastritsa

Tucked away on the northwestern coast of the island, Paleokastritsa is arguably one of the most scenic resort towns in Corfu. It is home to several picture-pefect beaches nestled amongst green hills and olive groves.

Although easily one of the most visited places on the island, it still retains some traditional Corfiot charm with its family-run tavernas and small hotels. You won’t find any big hotel chains around there.

Paleokastritsa is popular for both day trips and longer stays. Apart from relaxing at scenic beaches, the town offers a wealth of things to do. It’s home to a busy port offering many beach and cave tours, hiking trails, and the Corfu Aquarium.

The town also shares its name with its historic monastery that sits on a hill above Agios Spiridon Beach. If you decide to visit, be sure to enjoy a cocktail with a view at a stylish restaurant next door called Monastre.

Paleokastritsa can get extremely busy during the day with tourists visiting during a cruise ship stop. However, it is surprisingly peaceful in the early morning and late afternoon when the crowds are not there.

13. Visit Paxos and Antipaxos

Just south of Corfu lie two small islands, Paxos and Antipaxos. They make great destinations for day trips for those looking to experience some of the most idyllic Greek islands.

 The islands offer an even more relaxed way of life than Corfu. They boast beautiful beaches, charming seaside villages, traditional tavernas, and hiking trails. Despite their compactness, Antipaxos even has vineyards.

A regular ferry service connects Corfu Town with Antipaxos. The trip takes just over an hour and costs €35 per person one way. However, there are also many organised tours that you can take advantage of.

These tours include stops at both Paxos and Antipaxos, as well as some swim time to enjoy the crystal-clear waters around the islands. Be sure to bring your snorkel as you’ll be able to spot an abundance of marine life.

Organised day cruises to Paxos and Antipaxos start from €40 per person.

14. Walk the Corfu Trail

Corfu is home to the 220-kilometer-long Corfu Trail. This long-distance path meanders the full length of the island, stretching from the southern tip to Agios Spiridonas in the north.

The Corfu Trail invites hikers on a journey through the island’s breathtaking countryside, mostly steering clear of the touristy areas. Along the way you will enjoy peaceful olive groves, stunning vistas, and traditional villages that appear untouched by time.

Completing the entire trail is a 10-day undertaking that demands a good level of fitness. For those who find the full journey daunting, opting for individual segments of the trail is a great alternative.

One of my personal favourite parts of the trail connects Paleokastritsa and Angelokastro via the mountain village of Lakones. This segment does involve some challenging climbs, but you will be rewarded with incredible views.

15. Learn About Olive Oil Production

With an abundance of olive groves around the island, it’s no wonder that Corfu is home to numerous premium olive oil producers. Many of them have opened their doors to visitors who would like to learn more about this iconic feature of local life.

Some of the biggest names on the island, whose mills and groves you can visit, include The Governor, Mavroudis Olive Oil, and Enotis. Some of these even feature museums on-site showcasing the technology and methods of olive oil production.

Olive oil producers are located inland, and the best way to reach them is by car. However, some offer guided tours of their estates and tasting of their products with pick-up in Corfu Town.

If you are visiting Corfu Town, you can also drop by The Governor’s Olive House in the historic centre. This stylish spot offers tastings of its products, which you can also purchase as a true Corfu-made souvenir.

16. Hike Mount Pantokrator

Located in the northeast of the island, Mount Pantokrator is the highest mountain in Corfu. If you decide to challenge yourself with a hike to the top, which sits at an altitude of over 900 metres, you will be rewarded with incredible views over the island.

Aside from the views, you can also visit the Pantokrator Monastery perched at the top of the mountain. Established back in the 14th century, it still contains some frescoes dating back to that time. The monastery is quite small, but there is a cafe just outside its grounds where you can enjoy a refreshing drink.

The hike up can be steep, so it’s best to only attempt it if you have a good level of fitness. Alternatively, you can drive to the summit. The drive can be stressful in places, but again, the views are worth it.

17. Take a Day Trip to Albania

One of the great things about visiting Corfu is that you can combine your time on the island with a visit to another country. You can catch a ferry to Saranda, an Albanian resort town, directly from Corfu Town.

There are several operators that run ferry services between Corfu and Saranda. Their fleet includes boats of different speeds. Not surprisingly, the faster the journey, the higher the cost. 

The fastest boats take about 30 minutes while the slower ones need over an hour to complete the journey. Expect to pay between €19 and €33 per person for a one-way trip.

Alternatively, you can join one of the many organised day tours to Albania that take care of all the logistics. Many of them include not only a visit to Saranda but also to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint, the fascinating ruins of an ancient Mediterranean city.

Best Time to Go to Corfu

The tourist season in Corfu lasts between April and October. July and August are the hottest months with the most sunshine, but these are also the busiest and most expensive times to go.

Crowds at popular beaches and attractions can feel overwhelming during these months. Additionally, you may find that exploring historic sites and hiking trails is more challenging due to the heat.

May and September are the best months to visit Corfu, with fewer crowds and lower prices. The weather is a little more unpredictable, with a possibility of cloudy days and some rain.

However, chances are you will enjoy warmth and sunshine for most of your trip. Also, cooler days can be ideal for hiking.

Final Thoughts

So here you have it. These are the best things to do in Corfu, from beach hopping and hiking to visiting historic landmarks and olive oil tasting. You might find that one trip is simply not enough to take in everything the island offers.

If you have any reservations if Corfu is worth visiting, I can help with this! My two cents- it absolutely is! But check out this article for the major reasons it is worth visiting, we go over all of the major reasons in that article!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Corfu?

Corfu has an international airport, located on the outskirts of Corfu Town. The airport receives flights from many European cities. If you are travelling from further afield, you may need to do a stopover at a major hub like London or Frankfurt.

There are also ferry services that connect Corfu the mainland city of Igoumenitsa. There are multiple daily services to Corfu and the journey takes an hour and a half. Ticket prices start from €11 per person. 

What is the best way to get around Corfu?

The best way to get around Corfu is by car, as it provides the most flexibility and freedom. Car rental services are abundant on the island, so you can book yours online before you arrive or at a local office at your destination.

Additionally, the island has a public bus network called the Green Buses, which connects Corfu Town with popular destinations such as Paleokastritsa, Sidari, and Benitses, among others. This is the most affordable way to travel around Corfu, although it doesn’t cover every spot of interest.

Alternatively, visitors can take advantage of taxis and private transfers. Technically, Corfu has Uber too, but only licensed taxis can work for it. Although costs can add up if you choose this type of transportation, it can still be convenient on occasion.

Where is the best place to stay in Corfu?

Corfu has numerous resort towns and picturesque villages to suit every taste. Ultimately, your choice of where to stay depends on what you want to do while on the island and what style of trip you are after. Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Corfu Town– With so many great things to do, Corfu Town is worth staying in for a couple of days at least. This way, you can take the time to explore its winding cobbled streets, visit a few of its historic attractions, and simply enjoy its lively atmosphere.
• Paleokastritsa– As mentioned above, Paleokastritsa is one of Corfu’s most scenic resort areas. Although you can easily visit it on a day trip, it’s worth staying there for a little longer to enjoy its beaches, walks, boat trips and restaurants with excellent views.
• Agios Georgios– If you’re after a quiet beach stay, Agios Georgios is the ideal spot for you. This resort village boasts a long sandy beach and a selection of traditional tavernas and bars. There is limited development there compared to other resorts on the island.

This post was written by guest contributor Ksenia Khor at Explore with Wonder