What to see & do in Corfu in 2024: main attractions you need to visit. Best time to go on holiday, how to get there on your own – in the review of good Time for Trip.
The Corfu island, also known as Kerkyra, is a small piece of land in the Adriatic or already in the Ionian Sea. It is part of Greece – worldwide-known European country famous as a distinctive beach destinations – and located off its western coast. The area of the island is only 583 km2, an inquisitive traveler can see all (main) Corfu’s attractions in just 2-3 days.
Of course, no one should do this. After all, the main charm of the island lies in the fact that time here seems to be freezing, and the days are flowing slowly. If in Crete a tourist visits something all the time, then in Corfu it will be difficult just to move from the place – every foreigner feels something like nirvana after only 1-2 days beyond arriving.
Note that some 100 years ago travelers aren’t aware of existing Corfu. And it was opened to the big world by Gerald Durrell, who later became a famous naturalist.
The mentioned Englishman once arrived in Corfu from the damp Brighton looking for a more sunnier climate. And years later he vividly described his impressions in the book “My Family and Other Animals”. Today, perhaps, you should use this novel as a guide to action.
Just for Information
Corfu has an unusual shape, suggesting that once it was a peninsula. A little over 100 thousand people live here permanently.
Unlike the rest of Greece, Corfu was never under Ottoman rule. How is this possible, will ask those familiar with history? And that is how – the archipelago belonged to Venice. The commercial republic zealously protected its lands from the encroachments of the conquerors, and made Corfu some kind of defensive outpost against the Turks.
This fact explains the complete absence of oriental motifs in island’s architecture and traditions. On the contrary – the primordially Italian flavor forever ingrained in everyday life and customs, the very way of life.
In reality, you are in Greece. But looking around, it seems that no, – still in Italy
The same ocher walls of houses and green blinds. Arcades on the first floors and bell towers growing straight from the tiled roofs. Baroque churches seem to have been moved here from somewhere in Abruzzo…
Main Attractions of Corfu
They are not particularly numerous. But that doesn’t bother those people who are being here before. No wonder – even a short vacation on the island will give you excellent impressions.
However, there are enough places of interest in Corfu that are worth visiting. Just for getting a little distraction from an overly lazy beach holiday.
The capital of Corfu,
Kerkyra
is rightfully considered the first place where a curious tourist should visit. If only because the number of sights in the city and its environs is maximum… on a local scale.
The old Venetian fortress, Paleo Frurio, which looks like a green hill, occupies a man-made peninsula. The New fortress, as if carved by some giant, a passionate lover of geometry – protects the urban space from the north coast. Between these two fortifications is the Old Town of Corfu – the focus of the most interesting places.
Liston Street is the city’s main promenade, built up with relatively new houses in a distinctly French style. This happened during the occupation of the island in the era of Napoleonic Wars.
Be sure to see in Corfu (both outside and inside) its main Cathedral of St. Spyridon, the heavenly patron of the island – it houses the relics of the saint. In the past, they say, St. Spyridon defended Corfu from misfortunes more than once: be it plague, famine or the Turks.
It is unlikely that will go unnoticed by travelers the local Museum of Asian Art, located in the halls of the former British governor’s mansion. After Greece gained independence, the building served as the summer residence of the Greek kings.
Near Kerkyra
It is worth visiting in Corfu and two islets laying south of its capital: Vlaherna and Pontikonisi, each having a tiny monastery. Very small ones, but incredibly charming – you just want to put them in your pocket and take away from Greece as a souvenir.
By the way, do not miss the chance to really do it by buying something (a magnet or a plate) with their image!
Vlaherna and Pontikonisi are strung on the axis of the main island’s airport. And therefore they are visible while you’re landing or getting off Corfu.
Numerous cruises on boats and yachts depart from the capital’s bay. Perhaps, the most popular route leads to two other islands: Paxos and Antipaxos.
South of Kerkyra there is another large palace – Achilleion. The Empress of Austria-Hungary, Elisabeth, famous Sissi, built it for herself in Corfu, as she loved being here, away from the Vienna’s court. It was dedicated to the Greek hero Achilles, and named accordingly!
It’s curious that after Sissi, the palace was owned by the German Kaiser Wilhelm. The one that unleashed the First World War.
Even closer to the island’s capital than Achilleion, there is another villa, more modest – Mon Repos, built for the British governor. Subsequently, the estate have been used as the royal residence.
Other Sights
The most famous local resort, Paleokastritsa, is located on the opposite (to the capital) coast of the island. But, interestingly, less than 20 km from Kerkyra! The name of the town with a population of 4,000 in Greek sounds like “Place of the Old castle.”
And there is a real castle – the reverent walls of Angelokastro on a high rock were erected in the 13th century by the Byzantines. The views from here still cause awe and admiration for anyone who spends energy on the ascent.
Very beautiful is ancient Paleokastritsa Monastery. So well-groomed and cozy that you can’t even believe that its age is almost 8 centuries!
Most tourists, however, visit Paleokastritsa for another reason – in the vicinity of the village there are best beaches in Corfu. Okay, “some of the top”…
If driving 20 kilometers (along the highway) northwest of Paleokastritsa, you will reach the beautiful sandy beach of Agios Georgios, and then get to
Porto Timoni
an incredibly picturesque place, gradually becoming the main natural attraction of Corfu.
Photos of this beach in the Internet are truly impressed anyone! What can we say about those who will give themselves the trouble to visit this unique “two-sided” place in person.
Further south you will find another well-known beach resort,
Glyfada
which is popular for (at least) two reasons!
The local wide sandy beach with an easy entry, as if by nature itself was created for families with young children. And located in Glyfada the Aqualand Corfu Water Park is probably the largest and most interesting institution of such kind on the island.
Not far from Glyfada is the “Kaiser’s Throne” rock. On the top of which the German emperor Wilhelm liked to sit, looking at the surroundings from a distance and considering his plans.
Most tourists won’t miss the chance to see in Corfu and the village
Sidari
on the north coast, mainly famous for its Canal d’Amour, a pretty fjord nestled in limestone cliffs. The legend says that lovers who sailed through it, holding hands, will never part.
The most active travelers will want to climb the highest island’s mountain, Pantokrator. Moreover, they will be rewarded not only with a picturesque view from a height of more than 900 meters. On the way up, they can see something else: cypress and olive groves, secluded mountain villages, the sea sparkling through the green like a gem.
Best Time to Go
The period from June to September is the most favorable time to visit Corfu aiming beach vacation. And if at the beginning of summer only the most active people will go swimming there, then closer to July the Adriatic Sea warms up to + 25-26 °C, inviting to take a dip even small kids.
Even in September, the weather in Corfu is still warm to such degree that reviews of holidaymakers simply ooze with molasses.
Durrell swam here and in October. And this is the best evidence – the local climate is very mild! Even in the middle of autumn, the sea here remains warmed up to + 22-23 °C. At the same time, it’s only slightly warmer in the air: up to + 23-25 °C.
Then the weather gradually deteriorates, it starts to rain, in November the air temperature drops to +15-19 °C. And only about +10-15 °C show the local street thermometers during the winter months.
Frequent rains, strong winds and dampness reign here until mid-spring. But already in May you can go to Corfu on seaside holiday for sunbathing and swimming.
How to Get There
Corfu Airport, which bears the name of Ioannis Kapodistrias, during the season receives many domestic and international flights from most European capitals, large cities of Canada and USA.
Tourists arriving on the island from mainland Greece by ferries, passes through the port of Igoumenitsa. Where come, in particular, buses from Athens and Thessaloniki.
Don’t mind – it’s an easy way. You just plunge yourself onto the ferry, and after an hour and a quarter moored in the harbor of Corfu. While using a fast ferry boat, you’ll reduce the waterway time to half an hour.
© Goodtimefortrip.com
