Corfu is a Greek island within the Ionian Sea and a well-liked vacation vacation spot. Its coast is dotted with lovely seashores and resorts from funds to upscale. In case you are keen on an lively or cultural vacation you don’t want to fret as Corfu has sufficient to see and do for you as properly.
Corfu was my first submit pandemic vacation spot for a purpose. I needed to renew my Star Alliance gold standing. There are many low-cost flights from inside Europe brining hundreds of individuals to the island, however I select to fly Aegean Airways. From Amsterdam to Corfu by way of Athens meant it might be 4 flights and near sufficient miles to maintain my standing. I at all times hop to one of many Greek islands to do these flights and on the similar time go to some UNESCO World Heritage Websites.
All of the locations of curiosity on Corfu may be seen in 2 or 3 days and that’s what I did. I didn’t go to loosen up for every week. Let’s discover the very best issues to do and see in Corfu however first I share my Corfu itinerary.
Corfu itinerary
Corfu is a reasonably massive Greek island and driving from south to north simply takes 2 hours. Nonetheless, most if not all locations of curiosity are within the norther half of the island. I like to recommend protecting all of the sights in three days, however you are able to do all of them in two as properly. If you happen to simply have two days mix day 2 and three.
Should do Corfu day journey #1: Outdated Corfu day journey
If you happen to simply need to get out in the future, then you need to go to Outdated Corfu together with the Achilleion Palace and Vlacherna Monastery that are positioned close to the city. Probably the most environment friendly method is to begin early (8-9 AM) on the Achilleion Palace and as soon as completed persevering with to Vlacherna Monastery. Be sure that to hop to Pontikonisi as properly. Now proceed to Outdated Corfu however make a cease on the Archaeological Museum first after which park both close to the harbour of the outdated fortress. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the forts, church buildings, and museums.
Corfu day journey #2: Angelokastro & Paleokastritsa Monastery & Seaside
First head to Angelokastro early morning when the temperature remains to be low. The climb as much as the fort isn’t lengthy however higher finished when it’s cool. Proceed to Paleokastritsa which is a 20–30-minute journey south. It’s an exquisite seashore to loosen up the remainder of the day however don’t overlook to go to the monastery on the prime of the rocks.
Corfu day journey #3: Outdated Perithia, Cape Drastis and Kassiopi
First head to Outdated Perithia within the morning. It’s an outdated, largely abandoned, village on Mount Pantokrator. Go for a hike and end again in Outdated Perithia for lunch or proceed on to Cape Drastis. There you possibly can have lunch as properly, loosen up on the seashore, do a ship journey alongside the cliffs, or go snorkelling. Within the afternoon proceed to Kassiopi for a stroll within the harbour and dinner.
If you happen to mix day 2 and three into one then drive on this order: Paleokastritsa Monastery (no time for seashore), Angelokastro, Cape Drastis, Outdated Perithia (lunch right here first then hike) and end in Kassiopi.
Prime issues to do and see in Corfu
Now, let’s have a better take a look at the highest issues to do and see in Corfu which can be included within the above Corfu itinerary.
Achilleion Palace
The Achilleion is a palace construct by Elisabeth of Austria, or additionally referred to as Sisi, as a refuge after her son died a tragic lifeless. Its structure is, because the title suggests, primarily based on historic Greek model. Decorations in and across the palace are largely associated to Achilles, from which the title is derived. At my time of go to, sadly, the higher two flooring had been closed for renovation. I sadly missed the massive portray of Achilles on the second flooring. Nonetheless, the illustrations and sculptures on the bottom flooring had been superb as properly. The inside is additional crammed with gadgets associated to Elisabeth and Franz Joseph II. Don’t miss the backyard for some magnificent views over the island and the statue of Achilles. You possibly can’t miss that one, it’s enormous! I discovered the doorway payment of 10 euro fairly steep, however the place is solely superb.
Vlacherna Monastery
The Vlacherna Monastery is certainly one of Corfu’s icons. It’s a monastery on a small island linked with a walkway to the shore. The place can also be nice when you like aircraft watching because it’s proper in entrance of the runway. Not that shut as in St. Maarten although the place you get blown away by planes (learn extra in my Sint Maarten itinerary). Vlacherna (Holy Monastery of Blachernae) dates to the 17th century however served as a nunnery many of the 19th and 20th century. A go to doesn’t take lengthy because it’s only a small place which you’ll be able to stroll round. The inside you possibly can go to the courtyard and the small chapel with has an icon of the Woman of Vlacherna. Earlier than you go, ensure to hop to Mouse Island as properly.
PRO-TIP: When you drive again up cease at one of many eating places/bars for an incredible view of the monastery beneath. There you possibly can see the sharp distinction between the white monastery and the blue sea.
Pontikonisi
Pontikonisi Island (Mouse Island) is a should go to when you’re at Vlacherna Monastery. It’s a few minutes by boat which prices a few euro at most. The island is rocky with a tiny monastery on prime surrounded by massive cypress bushes. First monks arrived within the 10th century and the chapel was constructed within the 11th century. Effectively value spending half an hour on this idyllic island.
Corfu Outdated City
Corfu Outdated City is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and for me personally the rationale to go to Corfu. It’s my purpose to see all of the UNESCO websites worldwide. Park both on the outdated or the brand new fort and make your method round city. I parked on the harbour and new fort. There’s rather a lot to see because the city dates to the eighth century BC and was additionally dominated for 4 centuries by the Venetians earlier than the French and British took over. Now it’s one of many many Greek islands. Half a day in Corfu Outdated City is sufficient however you can too simply spend a day there. I’ll record the locations of curiosity in strolling order beginning on the outdated fort the place I parked. You’ll go loads of different nice spots as properly like gardens, squares and different church buildings.
Archaeological Museum of Corfu
The Archaeological Museum of Corfu has an incredible show of archaeological finds. It’s best to go to if you wish to study in regards to the historical past of the island. Because it’s positioned simply exterior of Corfu Outdated City, I like to recommend visiting it early morning when it opens earlier than exploring the city itself. There’s parking on the corniche and the streets across the museum.
The Outdated Fort
Venetians constructed Corfu outdated fort within the 15th century on prime of stays of an older Byzantine fort. It was constructed to defend the island. The outdated fort of Corfu performed an important position within the Ottoman sieges. The Ottomans conquered many of the island, however the outdated fort of Corfu fell by no means of their arms. You possibly can stroll by way of the assorted elements of the forts in about 60-90 minutes relying on what you need to see. There’s a small museum and a church as properly. The latter, the Church of Saint George, dates from British rule and appears like a Greek temple. I do advocate climbing to the highest for a powerful view of Corfu outdated city.
The Palace of St. Michael and St. George
Subsequent up is the Palace of St. Michael and St. George or additionally referred to as Royal Palace. It was constructed within the early 19th century for the British Lord Excessive Commissioner. At the moment Corfu was underneath British rule. As we speak it homes the Museum of Asian artwork. If you happen to’re into artwork it is a should see in Corfu outdated city.
The Esplanade
The Esplanade is simply subsequent to the Museum of Asian Artwork. It’s arcaded Liston with its many cafes is a good place for a espresso. It was constructed by the French and a part of the Corfu Outdated City UNESCO inscription. After a espresso begin wandering the streets in Corfu Outdated City and make your solution to the brand new fort.
Church of St. Spyridon (Áyios Spyrídon)
The Church of St. Spyridon (Áyios Spyrídon) is a should see in Corfu Outdated City. This church dates to the late 16th century and is devoted to Corfu’s patron saint: Saint Spyridon. There are stays of him within the silver sarcophagus. It’s mentioned he saved the island on numerous events. Whilst you stroll by way of Corfu Outdated City, you’ll see extra church buildings. Be sure that to go to them as properly. I’ll not record all of them because the Church of St. Spyridon is an important. Proceed as much as the brand new fort.
The brand new fort
The title New Fort is deceptive because the fort is only a bit newer because the Outdated Fort. Corfu New Fort dates to the twond half of the 16th century and was construct by the Venetians. The Fort is empty, and you may wander round and climb to the highest. You’ll have an exquisite view there over the crimson terra cotta roofed metropolis.
Strolling from the Outdated Fort to the New Fort will cowl all main sights in Corfu Outdated City. There are extra locations of curiosity simply exterior of the outdated city which I’ve listed individually on this Corfu itinerary. If in case you have time left, you possibly can go both purchasing, cease on the seashore or simply have a drink at a terrace and watch folks stroll by.
Angelokastro
Angelokastro fort is an exquisite Byzantine fort simply north of Paleokastritsa. It dates to the 13th century and is construct on prime of a rock. The fort is a spoil however loads of partitions and stays of a church are left. You’ll must park your automobile on the base of the rock and climb up in about 20 minutes. On a transparent day you possibly can see the whole island of Corfu. Angelokastro fort is for positive on of the highlights of this Corfu itinerary.
Paleokastritsa Monastery
Simply above the seashore of Paleokastritsa you will discover a monastery with the identical title: Paleokastritsa Monastery. It is among the predominant monasteries of Corfu and thus a should add on a Corfu itinerary. It dates to Byzantine time (early 13th century), however most present buildings are from the 18th century. Once you go to, ensure to decorate acceptable. The church is gorgeous as are the gardens. Within the small museum you will notice numerous vital Byzantine icons. After visiting the Paleokastritsa Monastery ensure to stroll just a few meters uphill and take the trail to the highest of a rock. You should have splendid views from there.
Paleokastritsa Seaside
Paleokastritsa Seaside is an exquisite seashore on the north western coast of Corfu. The right spot for water actions and leisure. There are many bars and eating places as properly. Sufficient to do for a full day or, when you’re like me, to have a chilly beer and proceed additional.
Outdated Perithia
Outdated Perithia is a ghost city in northern Corfu. Though, it was a ghost city, as there are a number of eating places now and a visitor home as properly. Half a century in the past the small city had over one thousand inhabitants. The world is a superb place to make a hike and revel in a scrumptious lunch at one of many eating places. I extremely advocate going when you go to Corfu. So ensure to incorporate it in your Corfu itinerary.
Cape Drastis
Cape Drastis is in north Corfu and an ideal spot to spend a full day. It has lovely seashores, crystal clear water for snorkeling, you are able to do boat journeys and extra. On a transparent day you possibly can see Albania throughout the waters as properly. As I used to be on a schedule, I solely had time to go searching, however I do remorse not having extra time right here!
Kassiopi
Kassiopi is a stunning coastal city in North Corfu. The city is value including to a Corfu itinerary when you’ve got the time. I visited late afternoon after exploring the northern a part of the island. It has a fort which is sweet, however the very best half is the harbor with its many eating places. In fact, go for fish which is recent!
Though I solely spend 3 days on Corfu, I believe this Corfu itinerary contains all of the locations of curiosity. I even had a few hours at my accommodations seashore to loosen up. If you happen to go to the island to spend extra time at seashores every week is definitely crammed as properly. Let’s see which island I’ll go to subsequent 12 months. Possibly Rhodes?
Keep tuned for extra tales and subscribe to the publication or comply with CTB on social media (Fb, Twitter, Instagram together with Instagram tales; on all social media you’ll find CTB @christravelblog) to get up to date info.
Did you go to Corfu too or do you have got questions? Please go away a remark on the backside of the web page. Love to listen to from you!