★ Top sights 20
Atop Mount Pantokrator at 917 meters elevation, this monastery was founded in 1347 by representatives of 23 island villages seeking divine protection. Originally destroyed during the 1537 Ottoman invasion, the current structure was reconstructed in the late 17th century, featuring a triple-basilica design with ornate 1711 gilded iconostasis and preserved 14th-17th century frescoes. The celebrated miraculous Savior icon and panoramic island views draw pilgrims annually, with August 6 celebrations marking the Transfiguration.
The Achilleion palace was built between 1889 and 1891 for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sisi, on a hilltop above the village of Gastouri, 12km south of Corfu Town. The architect was Raffaele Caritto, who designed it in a neoclassical and Pompeian style with extensive terraced gardens. After Elisabeth's assassination in 1898, the palace passed through various owners before coming into the possession of the Greek state. Its gardens contain a notable large bronze statue of the hero Achilles.
Byzantine castle from the 13th century on a hill above the fishing village of Kassiopi - free entry, views of Albania and the Ionian Sea.
A huge wild sandy beach in SW Corfu at the mouth of the Korission lagoon. Windsurfing and kitesurfing center, dunes, completely untouched nature.
A hidden bay with fine sand and clear water on the northern tip of the island. Peaceful environment, wild nature, accessible by a narrow road.
The most populated of the Diapontia islands - round, lush green with Porto and Braghini beaches with shallow turquoise water. Absolute peace, authentic island life.
The smallest of the Diapontia islands with the wonderful sandy beach of Portelo stretching along the entire V coast. Minimal infrastructure, complete peace.
Impressive Venetian fortress from the 16th century. on the hill of Agios Markos. A maze of tunnels, casemates and views of the old town and harbour.
Neoclassical palace from 1819-1824, residence of the British governor. Today the only Museum of Asian Art in Greece with 14,000 exhibits.
Byzantine fortress from the 13th century on 100m cliffs NW of Corfu – impregnable throughout the Venetian era. View of the Ionian Sea and Paleokastritsa.
The largest estuary of Corfu (427 ha), protected by Natura 2000. 130 species of birds including flamingos and pelicans, sand dunes, rare cedar forest.
A charming historic town in NE Corfu with ancient roots, a picturesque harbor and bays. Starting point to Mount Pantokrator.
Traditional mountain village in the heart of S Corfu, starting point to Korission lagoon. Olive groves, authentic taverns, a minimum of tourists.
The best-preserved medieval city of the Mediterranean, inscribed on the UNESCO list in 2007. Venetian fortifications, narrow cantounia streets, colorful facades.
A massive Venetian citadel on a rocky promontory from the 15th century, separated by an artificially dug moat. Panoramic view of the city and the Ionian Sea.
The most famous Orthodox church of Corfu (1589) with its iconic red bell tower, guarding the remains of St. Spyridon – patron of the island. Golden interiors, rare icons.
The largest square in the Balkans with the elegant Liston arcade from the Napoleonic era (inspired by the rue de Rivoli in Paris). Cafes, cricket pitch, walks.
Empress Sisi's neoclassical palace from 1891 in the village of Gastouri, named after Achilles. Garden with marble statues, panorama of the Ionian Sea.
Byzantine monastery from 1228 on top of a rock above turquoise bays. The most visited place on the island – 6 beaches, clear water, water taxis.
The iconic postcard scenery of Corfu – the white monastery of Vlacherna on the pier and a wooded island with a Byzantine chapel, is said to be the inspiration for Böcklin's painting.
Activities & local 8
Small boat trips to hidden caves, coves and beaches around Paleokastritsa. Snorkeling in crystal clear water, unrepeatable scenery.
The largest water park in Greece near the village of Agios Ioannis, 9 km from the city. Water slides, waves, children's pool. Ideal for families with children.
Craft brewery founded 2008 — first Corfu brewery in modern times. Ionian Blonde, Dark and Red ales. Brewery tours and tasting room.
Rescue center for donkeys with the possibility of viewing and adoption. An ethical tourist attraction suitable for families with children, a demonstration of animal care.
The best hiking trail in Europe (according to the Daily Telegraph) - 220 km from south to north through olive groves, mountains and coast. 10-day route for hikers.
Numerous diving centers all over the island - submarines, caves, wrecks. Best locations: Paleokastritsa, Kassiopi, Nissaki. Lessons for beginners.
Family farm producing Corfu's iconic kumquat liqueur and preserves. The only place in Europe where kumquat is cultivated commercially. Free tasting.
Traditional olive press (liotrivi) in the Corfu hills. Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil from centuries-old trees. Direct sale.
Beaches & coast 34
A long beach on the west coast with the impressive rock formation of Ortholithi - underwater coral formations and octopuses.
A romantic rocky beach in Kassiopi with clear water and a rocky bottom full of marine life.
A long (3 km) family beach with fine sand on the north coast. Calm shallow waters, rich infrastructure, popular with families with children.
Wide southern beach of 9 km with white sand and shallow water. Popular resort with sufficient infrastructure, quiet environment for families.
A long picturesque beach with sand and pebbles in the bay of NW Corfu. Quiet resort, suitable for families, pleasant atmosphere.
A vast golden beach of 2 km with the imposing rock tower of Ortholithos in the sea. Romantic atmosphere, good facilities, popular with young tourists.
A quiet golden beach 2 km on the NW coast in a picturesque bay. Excellent tavernas by the water, peaceful atmosphere, starting point for boat trips to Cape Drastis.
A quiet pebbly cove at the very NE of Corfu near a fishing village between Kassiopi and Avliotes. Remoteness, local taverns, view of Albania.
Golden beach 2 km in a quiet bay NW of Corfu with clear water. A quiet resort, popular with families and nature lovers. Boat trips to Cape Drastis.
Secluded beach under white cliffs at the southernmost point of Corfu - 250 ha of cypress forest, Panagia Monastery, absolute wilderness accessible on foot.
An elegant pebble beach on the NE coast with clear, deep water of a beautiful blue color. Popular with more demanding tourists, quieter atmosphere.
Traditional fishing village 13 km S of the city with a quiet beach, remains of Roman baths and a pleasant tavern atmosphere.
Channel of Love – romantic sea caves and canals in the limestone cliffs at Sidari. Legend has it that a couple that swims through will be together forever.
A popular beach with a Blue Flag certificate on the V coast lined with olive trees. Shallow calm water, sand with pebbles, excellent amenities.
A wild unspoilt beach on the NE coast of Corfu in the Erimitis protected natural area. Accessible only by boat or difficult trail.
A dramatic beach surrounded by green hills and cliffs on the Z coast at the Ropa Valley golf course. Clean water, seaside cable car lift.
The most popular family beach of Corfu with a Blue Flag certificate - 1 km of golden sand, clear shallow waters, full infrastructure.
Marina and beach 8 km north of town. The largest yachting port of the island, a pebble beach with calm water, the remains of the Venetian arsenal.
A wild sandy beach separating the Korission lagoons from the sea. Strong winds, windsurfing, adjacent sand dunes and a rare cedar forest - absolute wilderness.
Live sand and pebble beach 3 km on the W coast near the busy resort of Ipsos. Water sports, bars, restaurants, ideal for young tourists.
Still life on the NE coast - home of the White House, where writer Lawrence Durrell lived and wrote the Corfiot Diary. A quiet bay with tavernas right by the water.
An extensive golden beach on the Z coast below the village of Pelekas, accessible by switchbacks. Beautiful nature, less tourists than Glyfada, romantic atmosphere.
A quiet bay with pebbles and sea grass in Gouvia Bay, 8 km north of the city. Calm clear waters, suitable for snorkeling, no crowds.
A perfectly horseshoe-shaped bay with a Venetian villa from the 16th century, cypress trees and a historic ferry. One of the most photographed scenery of the entire island.
A narrow golden beach under 30m vertical sandstone cliffs at Peroulades. The most famous sunset in Corfu, access by steps carved into the rock.
An extensive golden beach with fine sand in SW Corfu near the village of Vitalades. Quiet and less touristy, excellent for relaxation and long walks.
Popular family beach with Blue Flag certificate on the S coast near the village of Moraitika. Shallow calm water, good infrastructure, good access.
A wild rocky beach hidden between cliffs and pines - Lawrence Durrell called it 'the most beautiful beach in the world'. Traditionally nudist, access by foot or boat.
A picturesque pebbly cove on the NE coast near olive groves. Crystal clear water, quiet environment, small taverns by the water.
The most beautiful beach of Corfu in a picturesque bay with clear turquoise water and rocks covered with lush vegetation. Excellent diving and snorkeling.
Secluded rocky beach south of Paleokastritsa accessible only by boat. Crystal clear turquoise water, wild nature, a minimum of tourists.
A tiny shingle beach with a steep entry into deep turquoise water - perfect for snorkeling along the reefs.
A double hidden beach on the NW coast accessible only on foot (30 min from Afionas) or by boat. Two bays separated by a rocky outcrop with views, absolutely untouched nature.
The largest northern resort with sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, lively nightlife and the Canal d'Amour. Starting point for trips to the Diapontia islands.
Culture & history 8
A rich museum with the Medusa tympanum from the Temple of Artemis (580 BC) - one of the largest archaic pediments in the world, and other exhibits.
Byzantine castle from the 13th century in the south of the island – the oldest fortress of Corfu. Open ruins with octagonal towers in an olive grove.
The Neo-Renaissance building of the Ionian Parliament from 1854 on the edge of Spianada – witness to the first modern Greek constitution. Free access from the exterior.
Corfu's second largest town with a charming canal, retro architecture and authentic country life away from the tourists. Olive oil and local wine.
British summer house from 1828 - birthplace of Prince Philip. In the area of the ancient Greek city (8th century BC) with the temples of Hera and Artemis.
The only Museum of Asian Art in Greece with 14,000 collection items from China, Japan, India and Egypt. It is based in the Palace of St. Michael and George.
Picturesque Orthodox monastery from the 14th century. inside the pine forest above Myrtiotissa beach. Worshiped Virgin Mary Myrtiótissa, patron saint of sailors.
The remains of the archaic temple of Artemis from the 6th century. BC with one of the first surviving Doric peristyles. The famous Medusa tympanum now in the Archaeological Museum.
Getting there 3
Car rental and flights · Compare prices from verified rental companies · Find the cheapest flights to Corfu
Ferry Port · Connections to Igoumenitsa, Bari, Ancona, Venice
Ferry Port · Connection to Igoumenitsa
Nature 6
An authentic Greek village on a hill with gardens and narrow streets. The starting point of the popular 30-minute trekking to Porto Timoni beach.
Picturesque mountain village 300 m above sea level. above Paleokastritsa - a view of the bays referred to as the 'Balcony of Corfu'. Cafes with a panoramic view.
A romantic wooded park around the Mon Repos palace full of Mediterranean vegetation, exotic plants and ancient ruins. Excellent nature walks.
The highest mountain of Corfu (906 m) in the NE of the island. Monastery on top, view of Albania, Greece and Italy. Accessible by car or on foot.
A dramatic headland in NW Corfu with white limestone cliffs, sea caves and golden stretches of sand. Most beautiful at sunset.
A picturesque mountain village with the Kaiser's Throne viewpoint - a favorite place of Wilhelm II. for watching the sunset. 360° panorama of the entire island.