I’m sure most of you are familiar with Corfu; this stunning Greek Island in the middle of the glistening Ionian Sea is a super-popular holiday destination in Greece. That’s because it’s super easy to get to – Corfu Airport is well-serviced with flights from all over Europe, and you can also catch a ferry here from elsewhere in Greece and even Italy, too.
Corfu is what it says on the tin – a holidaymaker’s paradise with lush green scenery and turquoise-water beaches. We spent a week in Corfu recently, and honestly, we can’t wait to return and explore even more of the island.
So, here are a few things to do in Corfu that will make you want to add this popular Greek island to your bucket list.
Is Corfu Worth Seeing?
Yes, Corfu is 100% worth seeing. Corfu is not only breathtakingly stunning, but it’s brimming with history and culture, too.
Of course, Corfu is well-known for its lush greenery and stunning beaches, but the island also has a rich history that’s reflected in its architecture and culture, with influences from the Venetians, French, and British, especially in the charming Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. During your time here, you can (and should) explore the impressive Achilleion Palace, wander around Mouse Island, and spend a relaxing day at one of the beaches in Paleokatritsa.
💡 Travel Tip: Hop on the Corfu Hop On Hop Off Bus to see most of the island in a day. Hop off at famous sights like Corfu Old Town, Panagia Valcherna Monastery, and Pondikonissi Island. The bus does the route regularly, so you can hop back on when you’re done with your stop. This tour is very reasonable and starts from €22 per person.
Best Things to Do in Corfu
1. Explore the Old Town
Corfu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s somewhere you simply must see during your time on the island. It’s the largest town on the island, and around 45,000 people live here.
Also known as Kerkyra, Corfu Town is a charming blend of Venetian, French, and British influences, and as you stroll through the (mostly pedestrianized) narrow, winding streets, you’ll eventually come to the majestic Old Fortress, which offers breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and the town itself. It’s within these fortresses’ walls that the ancient town of Corfu once stood.
You also can’t miss the stunning Spianada Square, one of the largest in Europe. Here, we recommend grabbing a coffee at Liston, a row of elegant arcaded buildings. FYI, we really liked the Europe Cafe.
Another must-see is the Church of Saint Spyridon, which is renowned for its impressive bell tower and houses the relics of the island’s patron saint. And if you’re into history, the Museum of Asian Art, within the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, has a wide and unique collection of artifacts.
And if you’re a coffee lover, like me, I highly recommend hitting up Puppet, next to the Old Town Hall – it’s so quirky and colorful inside, and the coffee is great!
My favorite tours in Corfu Old Town:
- Go on a Cruise to the Blue Lagoon (also known as the Greek Caribbean) – The boat trip takes you to two stunning beaches where you can go snorkeling or explore some sea caves. This is a full-day experience, and it will allow 7-10 hours in total. The boat departs from Corfu town port or Lefkimmi port.
- Do a Guided Food Tour through Corfu Town – Your guide will introduce you to a less-explored side of historic Corfu Town, chat with locals, and taste their homemade food, and then sit down to lunch at a highly-recommended restaurant.
2. Check out stunning Paleokatritsa
One of my favorite parts of Corfu is Paleokatritsa (pronounced pal-ee-oh-kah-STREE-tsa). This small village offers a unique combination of beaches with crystal-clear waters and green hills covered with olive trees.
There are five beaches here, and all are insanely stunning – the main beach, Agios Spyridon, is the busiest, but we opted to head for Agia Triada as we were keen to rent a pedalo (a small boat with pedals) and take it out on the water. Which we did do and highly recommend – it cost us around €20 per hour. There’s also a small taverna at this beach, which seemed very popular with locals.
Another gorgeous beach here is Ampelaki Beach – a quieter spot and a bit of a hidden gem.
If you’re traveling with kids, the Corfu Aquarium is located here in Paleokatritsa. There are lots of marine animals inside the aquarium, such as octopuses, a wide variety of fish, as well as reptiles like lizards and snakes.
3. Wander around Achilleion Palace
This stunning 19th-century building, in the pretty mountain village of Gastouri, was built in 1890 for Elisabeth, Sisi, Empress of Austria, who was known for her interest in classical Greek culture and her love of Greek mythology.
The building is a prime example of neoclassical architecture and is surrounded by beautiful gardens offering breathtaking views of the surrounding sea. The palace is famous for its art collections, which include sculptures of mythical figures, especially Achilles, after whom the palace is named.
4. Hike the Corfu Trail
The Corfu Trail is a long-distance hiking trail that spans the island’s diverse terrain. So, if you’re a keen hiker – definitely give this a go! Although I’d recommend doing it outside of the super hot months (June to August).
It’s about 220 kilometers long and gives you an awesome chance to check out the island’s different landscapes, like lush olive groves, rugged mountains, stunning beaches, and cute villages.
The trail is usually broken up into 10 to 12 stages, each with its own special charm, so you can enjoy it over a few days. As you go, you’ll come across historical spots like old monasteries and Venetian castles, giving you a peek into Corfu’s rich history. The trail is well-marked, with plenty of places to stay along the way.
5. Go partying in Kavos
Kavos is known as one of the most vibrant party destinations in Europe. It attracts mostly young tourists seeking fun, music to dance to and cheap drinks. In Kavos, you’ll find a variety of bars and clubs offering different music genres, from EDM to classic pop, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
6. Have a beach day!
Corfu is a paradise for beach lovers – I mean, there aren’t many places in the world that offer an abundance of charming, quiet little coves with crystal-clear water.
Paleokatritsa, which I mentioned above, is my number one spot on the island for a beach day. Here you will find three of my favorite beaches on the island – Agia Triada, Ampelaki, and Agios Spyridon. Although the latter can get busy!
Outside of here, some of my favorite beaches include Glyfada Beach, which is well-known for its golden sands and vibrant atmosphere. Agios Georgios Pagon is ideal for those seeking a more secluded experience. And finally, the super-charming Sidari Beach boasts unique rock formations and is home to the famed Canal d’Amour.
7. Spend time in the charming village of Doukades
Doukades, not far from Paleokatritsa, is a gorgeous little village known for its narrow streets and traditional architecture. It’s the perfect place to get a glimpse of authentic Greek life.
And as you wander through the village, you’ll see beautiful stone houses and local tavernas (there are only around 3 here) serving delicious Greek dishes. The central square is a popular meeting spot for locals, and it’s a great spot to enjoy a coffee outside and watch the world go by.
8. Head to Benitses
Bemitses is where we opted to stay for our week on the island – and we’re really glad we did. This fishing village is so charming – with white sand beaches, super-clear blue water, and lots of great local tavernas. We really liked Paxinos Taverna here.
It’s also quite close to Corfu Old Town – around a 25-minute bus ride away.
The sunsets from here are epic! And you can do lots of water sports from the beach here, like stand-up paddleboarding, rent a pedalo, or a kayak.
And history enthusiasts should visit the Roman Baths, which provide a fascinating glimpse into the area’s ancient past.
9. Stop by Mouse Island
Mouse Island, also known as “Pontikonisi,” is a charming islet that’s oh so picturesque. Interestingly, this popular tourist attraction is shrouded in myth, with legends suggesting that it is the petrified ship of Odysseus, turned to stone by the god Poseidon.
The island is home to the Byzantine chapel of Pantokrator, which dates to the 11th or 12th century, and there’s also a small shop and cafe here.
You can take a boat from here to the Monastery of Panagia Vlaherna below.
10. Visit the Monastery of Panagia Vlaherna
This iconic monastery is celebrated for its simple beauty and unique location, providing breathtaking views over the sea.
Standing on a small peninsula, this monastery was built in the 17th century and houses a small church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The monastery is also known for its religious relics and its historical role as a center of worship and meditation.
My favorite tours in Corfu:
How do you get to Corfu?
We flew direct to Corfu Airport from London Gatwick – it’s a well-serviced airport, with flights from most major airports in Europe.
You can also take a ferry here – there are regular daily ferry services from Igoumenitsa on the mainland. And you can also catch a ferry to Corfu from Italy – specifically from Ancona, Bari, or Brindisi. You can also catch a ferry here from other Greek islands, such as Paxi and Lefkada.
How many days do I need in Corfu?
I recommend allowing between 5 and 7 days in Corfu. We spent a week in Corfu, and it was the perfect amount of time for us, as it meant we had some chill-out days on the beach in Benitses (where we stayed), and it also enabled us to go on day trips to Corfu Old Town as well as visit other awesome spots like Paleokatritsa and Doukades.
What is the best month to visit Corfu?
May, June, and September are the best months to visit Corfu, as you’re guaranteed good weather, but it also means it won’t be too crowded, as many schools in Europe don’t break up until mid-July. The weather during these months is pleasantly warm, ranging from 24-28°C (mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit).
It also doesn’t get dark until 8:30/9 pm in May and June – which means more daylight hours for exploring!
Where to Stay in Corfu
We stayed at the gorgeous family-run Hotel Kaiser Bridge in Benitses, a beachside town 14 km from Corfu town. Benitses is very easily accessible from both Corfu Airport and Corfu town. In fact, we caught the local green bus into Corfu town regularly and it was hassle-free.
Two other hotel recommendations for Corfu Island are Thomas Beach Studios in Paleokatritsa and Kapetonios Luxury in Agios Georgios.
Best Restaurants in Corfu
One of our favorite restaurants in Benitses was Paxinos Restaurant. We visited on our first evening, and I believe we ordered almost everything on the Menu – it was that delicious.
In Corfu Old Town, we loved Spianada Meats & Greens; in fact, we ate here twice during our week in Corfu. It’s really stylish and airy inside, and the food (especially all their meats) is so yummy!
In Paleokatritsa, we liked Spiros – a large, popular restaurant with excellent service. I loved their chicken on the spit.
Thanks for Reading!
So, tell me what did you think of our recommendations for things to do in Corfu. We’d love to hear from you in the comment sections below.
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Last Updated on September 19, 2025 by snaphappytravel