What to see in Corfu, attractions of the island, photos of the most interesting places
Every traveler to Corfu strives to discover what makes this island so attractive. We have compiled for you a detailed overview of the main attractions that are definitely worth visiting during your trip.
What to see first in Corfu?
When compiling our rating of “the best attractions in Corfu”, we took into account the opinions of experienced tour guides and recommendations of local residents. Based on an extensive analysis of their reviews, we have compiled a list of the most attractive places on the island:
Old Town of Corfu
When it comes to the most visited and famous places on the island of Corfu, one cannot fail to mention its main and only city - Kerkyra. This capital impresses with its narrow streets and unique Baroque style, which is clearly visible in its architecture. Here you will find houses with cozy balconies and exquisite windows, giving the city a unique charm.
Liston Street
This beautiful pedestrian street was previously only accessible to the upper class of society. Today it attracts many visitors and locals who enjoy strolling past the local cafes, restaurants and shops. Experienced tour guides on the island of Corfu are happy to share interesting stories about Liston, so it is best to visit this street in the company of a guide.
Spianada Square
One of the greatest architectural achievements of the 19th century, this square attracts attention for its historical and cultural sites, such as the Palace of Saints Michael and George and the Maitland Museum. Divided into two parts by a street, it is surrounded by well-groomed thickets and flowering trees. If you don’t know where to start your acquaintance with Corfu in just one day, then this place is worth visiting first.
Achillion Palace
Like many other iconic places in Greece, this place got its name in honor of the legendary hero - Achilles. Palace Square impresses with busts of ancient Greek philosophers and sculptures of mythical creatures. The castle was built in the 19th century by order of Elizabeth of Austria. Particularly noteworthy are the interiors, which reveal the stories of ancient Greek mythology, as well as the magnificent hand-painted ceiling paintings.
Palace of Saints Michael and George
This site is an important stop on Kerkyra tour routes and is on the list of must-see places. The building was built in the early 19th century by the British in five years. It is made of limestone brought from Malta. It was originally intended that the house for the English High Commissioner Sir Maitland would be located here, but the castle later became the property of the royal family of Greece. Currently, the castle is a museum of Asian art, which displays about 10 thousand exhibits.
Aqualand Water Park
What attractions in Corfu will be interesting for the whole family? One option is a luxurious water park with a variety of attractions. Both children and adults, including those with disabilities, will find entertainment here. The area of the water park is 75,000 square meters, making it one of the largest in the country.
Archaeological Museum
An excellent choice to visit in Corfu for those who are passionate about history is this museum, founded in the mid-20th century. This complex was built to house many archaeological finds from the Temple of Artemis. Previously, the exhibition was located in one of the island's schools, but there was not enough space for all the exhibits.
Cathedral of St. Spyridon
All tour guides in Kerkyra strongly advise visiting this temple when visiting the island. Inside you will find the relics of Saint Spyridon of Trimythous, who, according to legend, miraculously saved the capital of the island from capture by Turkish troops and a terrible plague. Local residents believe that every evening, when the cathedral is empty and the sun sets, Spyridon comes to his domain and guards Kerkyra. They also claim that the saint’s clothes are very worn out due to this, so they are replaced with new ones every year. Old clothes are cut into pieces and given to those who wish as a kind of talisman. There is no other excursion to Corfu that would be as popular as a visit to the Cathedral of St. Spyridon.
Vlaherna Monastery
On a modest piece of land, connected to the Kanoni Peninsula by a concrete pier, there is a temple with a chapel of the Virgin Mary. This facility was built in the 17th century. The monastery was erected in memory of the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, which is still kept here. To visit the peninsula you can take a pleasure boat.
Banknote Museum
The exhibitions in this complex include photographs, ancient documents, checks, account books, coins and other artifacts from antiquity. Particularly noteworthy are the numerous banknotes from different historical periods: from the first banknote issued in Greece in the early 19th century to the latest, withdrawn from circulation in 2002.
Monastery in Paleokastritsa
The current appearance of the temple has been preserved since the 16th-18th centuries, although historians claim that the original structure was erected already at the beginning of the 13th century. At that time it served as a fortress, but was completely destroyed and then restored. Currently, the temple building houses a museum with icons from the Byzantine and post-Byzantine eras. Your visit to the monastery will leave an unforgettable impression, especially considering that Paleokastritsa is considered one of the most picturesque and beautiful resort villages in the entire country.
Fortress of Neo Frurio
Judging by the name, it seems that the fortress was built quite recently, but this is far from the case. In fact, it was built earlier than the Paleo Frurio fort. It's worth climbing the walls to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the island. Under the foundations of Neo Frurio there are numerous underground passages that were used for the military base of the Greek Marine Fleet. The location of this ancient landmark was chosen to ensure state security, but is now open to tourists.
Fort Paleo Frurio
This ancient fort was created by the Venetians and became one of the symbols of Corfu. The Greek authorities carried out renovations several years ago, and today it is one of the most popular attractions on the island. Various celebrations and public events are regularly held here. The majestic walls and stunning panoramic views from the top of the fortress leave a lasting impression on visitors. It should be remembered that the climb to the top is quite steep, so it is better to start the trip early in the morning, while it is not too hot.
British Cemetery
From 1815 to 1864, the island was under British influence, which led to the appearance of an English necropolis in Corfu. The most ancient grave monuments date back to the beginning of the 19th century. Here are the burial places of British administration employees and British military personnel who participated in the Second World War.
Kassiopi Castle
Kassiopi, although a small village with a population of about 1.2 thousand people, is rich in historical heritage. It is believed that the first settlements here appeared in the 3rd century BC, during the reign of King Pyrrhus. Today's palace was built on the site of a Roman fortification during the Byzantine era and then rebuilt by the Venetians. Situated on a headland, the castle is sure to attract the attention of everyone in the harbor.
Fortress of Angelokastro
This historical building is a typical example of Byzantine era architecture. This impressive castle was built by order of Ruler Michael II in the 13th century. Not far from the fortress there is a small church of the Archangel Michael. At one time, this fort was of great military and strategic importance. In 1997, archaeological finds were discovered: several Christian tombs, indicating that this place was inhabited as early as the 5th-7th centuries AD.
Tasting room of the Mavromatis distillery
Almost two decades ago, a tasting room was opened on the island, where guests can enjoy the full variety of drinks from the famous distillery. During the excursion, visitors are shown a short film about the production of Kumquat, and are also offered to try original desserts made with liqueur. At the end of the program, visitors are invited to visit the store where they can purchase their favorite Mavromatis drinks at manufacturer's prices.
Mouse Island
Translated from Greek, the name of the attraction, Pontikonisi, means “Mouse Island”, referring to its size and shape, reminiscent of the animal. According to ancient legend, this island with a mountain peak was originally the ship of Odysseus, but due to the wrath of Poseidon it was turned into a rock. Excursion boats regularly depart from Kanoni to Pontikonisi so that visitors can enjoy its beauty.
Love Channel in Sidari
If you are planning a romantic trip to Corfu and want to visit unique attractions, resorts and hotels, then be sure to include Sidari in your itinerary. Here is the famous "Canal of Love", which, according to legend, brings eternal love to those who cross it with their loved one.
Terraquarium
The terraquarium is home to a variety of marine and land life, including fish, lizards, iguanas, and snakes. The staff provides visitors with information about each of the animals and is ready to answer all their questions. Some reptiles can be photographed, touched, and even held. New species of fish and reptiles appear in the terraquarium every day, making each visit unique.
Island attractions: what else to visit in Corfu?
We have briefly listed the main attractions of Corfu. In addition to them, you should visit other places that are no less interesting and important if you look closely:
Paleokastritsa Beach
The beach is located in the northwest of Corfu. This beautiful place is well equipped: in addition to the beach and bays, there are cafes, taverns and rental shops. When visiting in the evening, you can climb the hill and enjoy the beautiful sunset. The beach is easily accessible by bus. Popular entertainment for tourists includes trips on underwater boats and other marine programs.
Kaiser's Throne Observation Deck
The viewing platform is located near the village of Pelekas on the rocky coast. In the past, this place was often visited by German Kaiser Wilhelm II, which led to its name. From there you have magnificent views of the green Ropa, the east and west coasts of Corfu, as well as the coast of Albania and the peak of Pantokrator. If you want to take amazing photos, be sure to go here.
Mount Pantocrator
This property is the highest point in the resort. It is worth climbing it for the stunning panoramic view of Corfu and even Albania, neighboring Greece. On a clear day you can even see Italy, which is 130 kilometers away. The height of Pantokrator is a little over 900 meters, but the road to its top is a winding serpentine, which makes the climb difficult but exciting.
Agios Gordios Beach
This magnificent natural place is a 1.5 kilometer long beach on the west coast of the island. It is surrounded by orange and lemon trees, pine groves and hills, creating an amazing atmosphere. The sandy and pebble surface of the beach gives it a special charm. It offers a variety of activities for visitors, including paragliding, boat rentals, bungee jumping and rental of various water equipment.
We are confident that these famous places in Corfu, photos and descriptions of which you have just seen, will make your holiday on the island exciting and memorable.
