Corfu: The highlights

Corfu Old Town

Number one on any Corfu list, and the crown jewel of the island: the Venetian and Neoclassical old town. A UNESCO-listed maze of tall ochre houses, arcaded streets and picturesque squares, framed by two Venetian fortresses and the elegant arcade of the Liston. Utterly romantic – lose an afternoon to its lanes, a kumquat liqueur and the passeggiata.

Old Venetian Fortress

The Old Venetian Fortress is one of the most impressive fortresses in Europe. Located on the eastern side of the town, on a rocky peninsula that gets into the sea, It was constructed in the 15th century by the Venetians on the site of a former Byzantine castle. It is connected with the mainland via a stable pathway, which is 60 m long and stands 15 m above the fosse, locally known as contafossa. To reach the castle, you have to walk through "Spianada", the famous square of Corfu, which is, in fact, the second largest square in Europe. You can stroll around the castle and enjoy the view. In order to reach the highest point of the fortress, yoy need about 20 minutes. You will reach a tall clock tower. This peak, named Citadella, was inhabited and had some houses, churches, water cisterns and storehouses for gunpowder. Yoy can enjoy a majestic view from there, as this point oversees the whole town and the ocean. On the eastern side of the fortress, there is a flatland, that hosts cultural events in the summer. Also, the church of Saint George is situated here, the only church in Greece that has been constructed according to the Doric style, built by the Venetians as an ancient temple. There is also a cafeteria above the square.

The Liston

A French-style arcaded promenade along the western edge of the Spianada – modelled on the rue de Rivoli, built by the French during their brief occupation of Corfu, now lined with cafés and shops under shaded vaults. The Liston is where Corfu Town stops for coffee; the cricket pitch sits opposite (yes, cricket – a British inheritance), and the Old Fortress rises just beyond. Long, slow lunches under the arcades are the local default.

Toula's

Bristol Cafe

In the heart of Corfu’s Old Town is the Bristol Café, one of the most beautiful bars on the island. A great place to relax with a coffee or an early beer during the day, it’s at night that the super stylish Bristol Café really gets going. The Bristol Cafe draws a cool crowd and it’s easy to see why. A fantastic atmosphere, a long list of fabulous cocktails, friendly staff, DJ’s playing great music through the night and a gorgeously decorated interior helps to pack them in. The cocktails here are amongst the best on the island too, created using a unique mix of fresh fruit juices and liqueurs - who knew that kumquat and gin made such a good pairing?

Achillion Palace

The Achillion is Corfu's grand neoclassical palace, built in 1889 for the Empress Elisabeth ("Sissi") of Austria and later bought by Kaiser Wilhelm II. Its terraced gardens are dotted with statues – the dramatic "Dying Achilles" and the towering "Achilles Triumphant" among them – and the loggia view sweeps across the island to the sea. One of the most beautiful and storied buildings on Corfu.

Vlacherna Monastery

Vlacherna monastery is located on a small islet in the bay to the south of Kanoni. To get there, you have to go to Kanoni, park the car and follow the narrow jetty that leads to the monastery. It is opposite to Pontikonisi islet, where you can go by boat. At the monastery, There’s a small chapel with a place to light a candle and a gift shop. The monastery is a good place to enjoy the view to the nearby bay, watch the planes land on the nearby runway and relax by the sea.

Pontikonisi

Pontikonisi is a little islet in the south of Kanoni, opposite Corfu airport. It is full of dense vegetation, ideal for an afternoon excursion. There is also the Byzantine church of Pantokratoras. It celebrates every 6th of August. To get here, you can take one of the little boats that departs from the harbour of the church of Vlacherna, a small islet which is distanced just 100 meters from the land and united with the mainland of Kanoni through a thin strip of raised land.

Venetian Well

Pazuzu

Like all top-notch destinations, Pazuzu Beach Club offers the best of the best – a beach-side view that is unparalleled, refreshing drinks and food to relish by the beach and of course, sumptuous performances from current stars of the dance music industry. Packed with a punch, the Pazuzu Beach Club has a sophisticated and alluring restaurant that complements the image of the Club as a thorough party destination.

Rovinia beach

Rovinia beach is located 20 km west from Corfu town. It is a small isolated beach surrounded by dense vegetation. Please note you have to walk the last 300 metres following a path to the beach. Alternativelly, you can access it by boat from Gefyra Beach (Liapades) or Palaiokastritsa. It is an isolated beach with no infrastructure, although it can get pretty crowded. Sometimes there is a cantine boat offering sandwiches and cold drinks. On the side of the beach there is also a hiking path over the hill that leads to Limni beach.

Palaiokastritsa Monastery

The Monastery of Paleokastritsa is situated in the northwestern side of Corfu, above the beach of Paleokastritsa, on the hill. It is dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary) of Paleokastritsa. It was built in 1228 but some parts are from the 18th century, like the current complex, the cells of the monks and the yard. The view is amazing, you can see the island and the sea. There is also a small ecclesiastical museum with rare Byzantine icons and holy books. Moreover, there is a traditional olive oil press that still works.

Angelokastro

Angelokastro or Angel Castle, is built near the village of Krini. It was used to protect the local population in case of pirate attack. It has four sides, three of which are very steep , so the access is only from the forth side. Inside the castle there is an ancient church dedicated to the angels Gabriel and Michael, carved in a cave. Also, Angelokastro was once the capital of the island of Corfu and the Governor himself resided here. Angelokastro has a beautiful view, standing at 305 metres.

La Cucina

Piccolo

Porto Timoni

Porto Timoni is Corfu's famous double bay – two crescent beaches set back-to-back on a narrow isthmus below the village of Afionas, turquoise water on either side. The classic shot is from the viewpoint above; from there a short, steep hike (or a boat from Agios Georgios) drops you down to swim in both bays at once. Bring water and shoes for the path.

Myrtiotissa beach

Myrtiotissa beach took its name from the Monastery of Myrtiotissa, which stands on the slopes of the mountain. The beach is situated 16 km from Corfu Town, at the bottom of the cliff. You can access it by car but you will have to go on foot for the last kilometre as the road is very narrow. This is an unofficial nudist beach as it is islated, although you can freely stay in your swimsuit. Please note there are no umbrellas or sunbeds, as it is not organised.

Glyfada beach

Located 16 km west of Corfu Town, Glyfada beach is one of the most popular beaches of the island. It is fully organized, providing visitors with umbrellas, showers, water-sports and even a beach volellyball court. It has been awarded with the Blue Flag for its very clean water. There is also a large hotel and many villas, apartments and bungalows in the vicinity. It attracts mostly young people and it is usually noisy.

Pomo d'Oro

Canal d' Amour beach

Canal d' Amour beach is located in Sidari, at the northern side of the island, 20km away from Corfu town. It is knows as the beaches are forming separate bays like canals, creating a romantic scenery. The Canal d' Amour, as many other beaches in Corfu, has been awarded a Blue Flag. There are umbrellas and sunbeds for hire as well as taverns and snack bars very close. The beach is easily accesible by car and there is parking space near the beach.

Cape Drastis

Cape Drastis is the wild northwestern tip of Corfu – a cluster of white clay cliffs and sea stacks dropping into pale, almost milky-turquoise water, just below the clifftop village of Peroulades. Come for sunset, or take a small boat around the formations; the colours and the eroded rock shapes are some of the most dramatic on the island.

Loggas beach

Loggas beach is situated 35 km from Corfu town on the northern coast of the island, near Sidari. It is a small beach, around 50 metres, which is surrounded by rocks and cliffs. It is basically at the bottom of the cliff, as the land is very elevated at that point. You can reach the beach by car and then you descend following the steps of the path that leads to the sea. You can swim, enjoy the sea and finally dine on top of the cliff, at a local restaurant, enjoying the romantic sunset.

Fishalida

Why Bar

Mount Pantokrator

Located in north-eastern Corfu, it is the highest mountain on the island, standing at 906 metres. It offers a splendid view of all the Corfu Island. You can also see Albania and on a good day even Italy. It is part of a hiking route and there is also a small cafe at the top, a telecommunications station and a monastery.

Old Perithia

Old Perithia (or Ano Palea Perithia) is a village on the northern side of Corfu, on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator. The village was built in the 14th century, but gradually most the inhabitants abandoned it and moved to the coast. That happened because there was no more piracy and tourism had started to develop after the mid 20th century. Today only a few people live there all year round, making Old Perithia an abandoned village. There are five taverns currently working. Most houses were built with the Venetian style and are now mostly ruins. There were also eight churches, showing the deep religious faith of the locals. When you enter the village, you can see the bell tower of Saint Jacob from Persia. The school building is also very elegant.

Kassiopi

Kassiopi is the largest village in the northeast of the island. It is sutuated 36 km north of Corfu Town and Corfu airport.This was once a fishing village. Today it is a popular holiday destination. There are pebbly beaches, some more easy to access and some more secluded. The harbour with its little square is today the focal point of the town's social life. There are bars and restaurants, with good fresh fish thanks to local fishermen. They also serve traditional dishes as well as Mexican, Chinese and Italian. Nightlife here is fairly lively with bars and discos. Some cafe bars for a light meal and refreshments are available on the beach, where you can relax and enjoy your coffee or your drink having a magnificent view of the sea. Also, there is a large number of apartments offering quality accommodation and many luxurious private villas. Moreover, you can try waterskiing and paragliding, as well as the diving centre, where you have the opportunity for lessons and dive excursions (for both adults and children). There are also tennis courts, swimming pools and motor boat hire. Moreover there is no shortage of land based sports in Kassiopi. You can try mountain biking, horse riding and golf and more. Finally, if you are interested in culture, t is worth visiting the church of Panagia Kassiopitissa and, the Byzantine castle. On the 15th of August, there is also a local fiest, in honor of Panagia Kassiopitissa.

Etrusco

54 Dreamy Nights

Probably the most famous nightclub on the island, 54 Dreamy Nights is a Corfu institution, commonly touted as one of the best clubs in Greece. That reputation is well deserved as 54 Dreamy Nights is easily the largest club on Corfu. The club is rigged up with a colossal sound system that blasts out a wide range of Greek and international music, including techno, pop, house and more. Along with a dazzling lightshow and an incredibly stylish recently renovated bar area, 54 Dreamy Nights is still the king of Corfu’s nightclubs. The nightclub hosts a diverse group of local and international DJs and also attracts a young crowd from all over Europe. One of 54 Dreamy Night’s quirks is the retractable roof, which means you can dance the night away under the stars.

Agios Gordios beach

Agios Gordios beach is a long sandy beach 20 km away form Corfu town. It is at the end of Agios Gordios village to the sea and fully organised. There are rocks coming up from the sea and there is also scattered vegetatiion along the beach and inside the village. Its location at the foot of the mountain creates an exciting feeling. You can see the bay, swim in the sea, do some water activities such as canoeing, skiing and beach volley, go for a stroll at the village and taste some local sea food.

Halikounas beach

Halikounas beach is located 25 km southwestern of Corfu town. It is a long sandy beach that stretches for more than 3 km. It is considered one of the most beautiful spots of the ionian sea. It is not organised and you can find some isolated spots at either end of the beach for more privacy. However, in a close distancethere are hotels, restaurants and bars. You can also see an ancient monastery on the top of Mount St Mattheos. It is close to St Georgios resort and near lake Korission, where visitors do watersports.

Marathias beach

Marathias beach is long as it extends for 2 km. Located in the southwest coast of Corfu, it is popular for its crystal waters and its golden sand. It is equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds. You will also find restaurants, snack bars and watersports facilities nearby.

Boukari Beach Fish Taverna