Corfu sightseeing
Corfu old town
Corfu town, especially for its oldest part, is one of the most charming and romantic places of all the Greece. It is a perfect example of ancient Venetian, French, British and Byzantine art that will be able to fascinate you with its little streets and its panoramic points.
Surrounded by the sea, the old town of Kerkyra is closed between the two ancient fortresses.
When you arrive by ferry boat, the humidity of the sea hide Corfu town revealing only at the last moment the old houses.
The old Corfu town, built in the past between the two fortresses, has been developed with high buildings as consequence of the increasing number of the population.
All these houses, one next to the other, have been built of local stones, with wooden attics and handmade tiles.
Fortunately the number of buildings damaged by the Second World War is not so big, and today the charm of the old town of Corfu is preserved and can still remind us the past. During its history, Corfu island attracted attention of many conquerors for its strategic position into the Mediterranean sea.
Also today it's possible to recognize their transit from many historical sites and buildings of Corfu town.
More than a single house, you will appreciate them all together, especially during and after the sunset. It will be an unforgettable experience to spend hours and hours just walking up and down along thousands of small paved streets, looking around to discover the old town secrets and buying some presents to bring back home.
You’ll visit Kerkyra walking between high old houses, you will buy traditional products in ancient cellars, surrounded by stone staircase, old Venetian walls and hidden gardens.
Every single building, every single street will appear like an open museum, but the joie de vivre of the local people will remember you that the old town is also full of life and full of surprises.
What to see and do in Corfu Town
The Old and New Fortresses: fascinating not only for their historical relevance but also for their stunning views over the town, the sea, the Greek mainland and much of Corfu island. Please note that the New Fortress, despite its name, dates back to 1578!
The Palace of St Michael and St George: built by the British in 1815 as a residence for the High Commissioner and seat of the senate, this impressive palace now houses an excellent Museum of Asian Art, brimming with Japanese prints, Indian sculptures and many other oriental treasures.
The Campiello: the mediaeval heart of Corfu Town. Just wander, get lost, look up and around you and stop occasionally for refreshments!
The churches: there are nearly 40 Greek Orthodox churches in Corfu Town and we recommend you visit a few, including the Church of St Spyridon (resting place of the island’s venerated patron saint - built 1596), the Orthodox Cathedral (1577) and the Byzantine Church of St Jason and St Sosipater (filled with sublime icons and time-faded frescoes - built in the 11th century).
The Spianada: the large park between the Old Fortress and the Liston in the east of town, which you will probably cross at some time during your visit. The British used to play cricket here and the Victorian bandstand at the centre harks back to another era completely!
The Liston: bordering the Spianada, the Liston is the chicest part of town, an elegant piazza-cum-promenade whose arcade is lined with cafés, restaurants and boutiques. Although it dates back to Venetian times, it was the French, during their brief sojourn on the island, who gave it its Parisian feel.
Museums: both the Archaeological Museum and the Byzantine Museum are worth a visit. The former’s star exhibit is a 17m-long bas relief of Medusa’s grizzly end dating back to the 6th century BC, while the latter, housed in a 15th-century church, features some exceptional examples of icon art dating between the 13th and 17th centuries.
171 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Corfu
Corfu town, especially for its oldest part, is one of the most charming and romantic places of all the Greece. It is a perfect example of ancient Venetian, French, British and Byzantine art that will be able to fascinate you with its little streets and its panoramic points.
Surrounded by the sea, the old town of Kerkyra is closed between the two ancient fortresses.
When you arrive by ferry boat, the humidity of the sea hide Corfu town revealing only at the last moment the old houses.
The old Corfu town, built in the past between the two fortresses, has been developed with high buildings as consequence of the increasing number of the population.
All these houses, one next to the other, have been built of local stones, with wooden attics and handmade tiles.
Fortunately the number of buildings damaged by the Second World War is not so big, and today the charm of the old town of Corfu is preserved and can still remind us the past. During its history, Corfu island attracted attention of many conquerors for its strategic position into the Mediterranean sea.
Also today it's possible to recognize their transit from many historical sites and buildings of Corfu town.
More than a single house, you will appreciate them all together, especially during and after the sunset. It will be an unforgettable experience to spend hours and hours just walking up and down along thousands of small paved streets, looking around to discover the old town secrets and buying some presents to bring back home.
You’ll visit Kerkyra walking between high old houses, you will buy traditional products in ancient cellars, surrounded by stone staircase, old Venetian walls and hidden gardens.
Every single building, every single street will appear like an open museum, but the joie de vivre of the local people will remember you that the old town is also full of life and full of surprises.
What to see and do in Corfu Town
The Old and New Fortresses: fascinating not only for their historical relevance but also for their stunning views over the town, the sea, the Greek mainland and much of Corfu island. Please note that the New Fortress, despite its name, dates back to 1578!
The Palace of St Michael and St George: built by the British in 1815 as a residence for the High Commissioner and seat of the senate, this impressive palace now houses an excellent Museum of Asian Art, brimming with Japanese prints, Indian sculptures and many other oriental treasures.
The Campiello: the mediaeval heart of Corfu Town. Just wander, get lost, look up and around you and stop occasionally for refreshments!
The churches: there are nearly 40 Greek Orthodox churches in Corfu Town and we recommend you visit a few, including the Church of St Spyridon (resting place of the island’s venerated patron saint - built 1596), the Orthodox Cathedral (1577) and the Byzantine Church of St Jason and St Sosipater (filled with sublime icons and time-faded frescoes - built in the 11th century).
The Spianada: the large park between the Old Fortress and the Liston in the east of town, which you will probably cross at some time during your visit. The British used to play cricket here and the Victorian bandstand at the centre harks back to another era completely!
The Liston: bordering the Spianada, the Liston is the chicest part of town, an elegant piazza-cum-promenade whose arcade is lined with cafés, restaurants and boutiques. Although it dates back to Venetian times, it was the French, during their brief sojourn on the island, who gave it its Parisian feel.
Museums: both the Archaeological Museum and the Byzantine Museum are worth a visit. The former’s star exhibit is a 17m-long bas relief of Medusa’s grizzly end dating back to the 6th century BC, while the latter, housed in a 15th-century church, features some exceptional examples of icon art dating between the 13th and 17th centuries.
Paleokastritsa beach
One of the prettiest and most peaceful resorts on the rather tourist-overrun island of Corfu is Paleokastritsa, on the west coast, set among green woodlands and olive groves. A hilltop medieval castle and a 13th century monastery add to the atmosphere, and sunlovers are treated to sandy beaches in six scenic coves. Paleokastritsa is without a doubt one of the most scenic resorts in Corfu. It is located on the north-west coast, where it nestles below the cliffs on which the village of Lakones perches. The larger beaches in Paleokastritsa provide water sports and boat trips. Boat hire is available at several locations. Along the length of the resort, there is a large variety of restaurants, tavernas, bars, supermarkets and gift shops. The landscape around Paleokastritsa is still as beautiful as you will find in all of Greece. The lush green vegetation intrudes all the way to the shore line where rugged rocks and Ionian waves do their best to repel them. The rocky shore is a great place for seaside activities with numerous beaches nestled among abrupt cliffs where one can relax under the sun, while small grottos & caves reward those who venture further out at sea with paddle boats.
What to see in Paleokastritsa
Rovinia Beach: With crystal clear waters and pure white pebbles it's for relaxation, since it has no cafe bar around with loud music or many people. A true paradise!
La Grotta beach: The beach at La Grotta has taken its name from the Italian word "cave". It is a famous beach as directly above, lies the La Grotta beach bar, where you can enjoy your cocktail with loud sounds playing on the speakers. The crystal clear blue waters make this beach unique.
Paradise beach: Lives up to its name, A deserted paradise only accessible from the sea, located slightly south of the beach Liniodoros. It is the second in size beach of the area and It looks so much the same as the neighboring beach of Stelari.
Stelari Beach: Mainly consists of pebbles. It is a deserted beach with crystal clear waters and access is only by boat. Make sure you have purchased the necessary as culture and fuss refrain from this magnificent Beach.
263 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Palaiokastritsa
One of the prettiest and most peaceful resorts on the rather tourist-overrun island of Corfu is Paleokastritsa, on the west coast, set among green woodlands and olive groves. A hilltop medieval castle and a 13th century monastery add to the atmosphere, and sunlovers are treated to sandy beaches in six scenic coves. Paleokastritsa is without a doubt one of the most scenic resorts in Corfu. It is located on the north-west coast, where it nestles below the cliffs on which the village of Lakones perches. The larger beaches in Paleokastritsa provide water sports and boat trips. Boat hire is available at several locations. Along the length of the resort, there is a large variety of restaurants, tavernas, bars, supermarkets and gift shops. The landscape around Paleokastritsa is still as beautiful as you will find in all of Greece. The lush green vegetation intrudes all the way to the shore line where rugged rocks and Ionian waves do their best to repel them. The rocky shore is a great place for seaside activities with numerous beaches nestled among abrupt cliffs where one can relax under the sun, while small grottos & caves reward those who venture further out at sea with paddle boats.
What to see in Paleokastritsa
Rovinia Beach: With crystal clear waters and pure white pebbles it's for relaxation, since it has no cafe bar around with loud music or many people. A true paradise!
La Grotta beach: The beach at La Grotta has taken its name from the Italian word "cave". It is a famous beach as directly above, lies the La Grotta beach bar, where you can enjoy your cocktail with loud sounds playing on the speakers. The crystal clear blue waters make this beach unique.
Paradise beach: Lives up to its name, A deserted paradise only accessible from the sea, located slightly south of the beach Liniodoros. It is the second in size beach of the area and It looks so much the same as the neighboring beach of Stelari.
Stelari Beach: Mainly consists of pebbles. It is a deserted beach with crystal clear waters and access is only by boat. Make sure you have purchased the necessary as culture and fuss refrain from this magnificent Beach.
Achilleon Palace
The Achillion Palace is ideally located in the picturesque village of Gastouri. This magnificent Palace was built in 1890 exclusively for Elizabeth (Sissy), the former Empress of Austria. The palace used to serve as the summer retreat of the Empress. Unfortunately, Sissy, the Empress, passed away in a rather tragic manner when she was brutally assassinated in 1898 in Geneva and the palace was deserted till the year 1907 when it was bought by Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.
The palace is located in a place of mesmerizing beauty with Corfu coast down below, which still has the jetty from where the Kaiser would embark on his pleasure cruises. The Palace is not only renowned for its classical features.
The impeccably landscaped palace garden is absolutely top class and makes for a picture perfect setting. Legend has it that the Empress fell in love with Corfu, so much so that she ultimately decided to build a residence that she could call her own. The palace is located at the spot where the manor of the renowned philosopher Petros Armenis Vrailas stood.
Empress Sissi was also captivated and awestruck by ancient Greek legends and mythology. Her favorite was Achilles on whose honor she dedicated the palace. The Palace garden is replete with rather artistically sculpted statues of the pantheon of Greek Gods and Goddesses that makes for a truly mythical setting.
During the time when the palace was occupied by the Kaiser, he is said to have removed the magnificent statues of Achilles and additionally constructed the House of the Knights with the sole reason of housing his battalion on Corfu. Even the palace garden was relandscaped according to the whims and fancies of the Kaiser. The palace was given the status of a Public building after World War II.
Visitors to the palace can marvel at the exquisite mural positioned right at the reception enclosure which rather artistically portrays Achilles carrying the dead body of Hector. The popularity of the Achillion Palace also comes from the fact that the famous James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only was shot at this magnificent palace.
332 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Achilleion
The Achillion Palace is ideally located in the picturesque village of Gastouri. This magnificent Palace was built in 1890 exclusively for Elizabeth (Sissy), the former Empress of Austria. The palace used to serve as the summer retreat of the Empress. Unfortunately, Sissy, the Empress, passed away in a rather tragic manner when she was brutally assassinated in 1898 in Geneva and the palace was deserted till the year 1907 when it was bought by Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.
The palace is located in a place of mesmerizing beauty with Corfu coast down below, which still has the jetty from where the Kaiser would embark on his pleasure cruises. The Palace is not only renowned for its classical features.
The impeccably landscaped palace garden is absolutely top class and makes for a picture perfect setting. Legend has it that the Empress fell in love with Corfu, so much so that she ultimately decided to build a residence that she could call her own. The palace is located at the spot where the manor of the renowned philosopher Petros Armenis Vrailas stood.
Empress Sissi was also captivated and awestruck by ancient Greek legends and mythology. Her favorite was Achilles on whose honor she dedicated the palace. The Palace garden is replete with rather artistically sculpted statues of the pantheon of Greek Gods and Goddesses that makes for a truly mythical setting.
During the time when the palace was occupied by the Kaiser, he is said to have removed the magnificent statues of Achilles and additionally constructed the House of the Knights with the sole reason of housing his battalion on Corfu. Even the palace garden was relandscaped according to the whims and fancies of the Kaiser. The palace was given the status of a Public building after World War II.
Visitors to the palace can marvel at the exquisite mural positioned right at the reception enclosure which rather artistically portrays Achilles carrying the dead body of Hector. The popularity of the Achillion Palace also comes from the fact that the famous James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only was shot at this magnificent palace.
Canal D'amour in Sidari
Sidari is the most tourist area along the North coast of Corfu.
It’s placed near a large gulf that offers several beaches in a great developed area.
We included Sidari in our “Top Ten” for its famous Canal d’Amour (love channel), which is a great nature’s masterpiece carved by the sea and the wind during centuries.
It seems to be in a lunar landscape, perhaps unique in the Mediterranean sea.
The Canal d’Amour of Sidari consists of some rocky cliffs that shape a particular sea channel and some nice bays you can reach by several paths.
The rocks that compose the Canal d’Amour of Corfu are made of clay which permitted to the sea and the wind to create this lovely channel.
We suggest you also to have a marvellous swim or to dive into the clear water and to discover some sea caves.
The name Canal d’Amour comes from an ancient legend that says if two persons swim here together they will fall in love…
91 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Canal d'Amour Beach
Sidari is the most tourist area along the North coast of Corfu.
It’s placed near a large gulf that offers several beaches in a great developed area.
We included Sidari in our “Top Ten” for its famous Canal d’Amour (love channel), which is a great nature’s masterpiece carved by the sea and the wind during centuries.
It seems to be in a lunar landscape, perhaps unique in the Mediterranean sea.
The Canal d’Amour of Sidari consists of some rocky cliffs that shape a particular sea channel and some nice bays you can reach by several paths.
The rocks that compose the Canal d’Amour of Corfu are made of clay which permitted to the sea and the wind to create this lovely channel.
We suggest you also to have a marvellous swim or to dive into the clear water and to discover some sea caves.
The name Canal d’Amour comes from an ancient legend that says if two persons swim here together they will fall in love…
Mouse island in Kanoni
The location of Kanoni with the church of Panagia Vlacherna below and the Mouse Island (Pontikonissi) are the most famous and photographed spots of Corfu. Kanoni is actually a quarter of Corfu Town, just a couple of km from the city center. It took its name from an old cannon that stands on top of the hill.
Some steps go down the hill from Kanoni and you reach the small church of Panagia Vlacherna. A narrow 300m passageway connects the island with the church. Constructed in the 17th century, this lovely chapel has an impressive wooden-carved iconostasis and beautiful frescoes inside. The roof has red tiles and above the gate entrance, there is a tall bell tower.
Fishing boats depart frequently from the church and go to the legendary Mouse Island, just 5 min boat ride. This lush green island took this name due to its tiny size. According to mythology, this rocky island is the ship of Ulysses that was stoned by god Poseidon. In the center of the Mouse Island, there is the 13th-century church of Pantokrator. This church celebrates on August 6th with a large religious panigiri for Corfu.
On top of the hill in Kanoni, there are two cafeterias with amazing view to the church of Vlacherna, the sea, and the Mouse Island. It is also very frequent that you see an airplane landing and taking off from this spot, as the airport of Corfu is right next to the church. Another longer passageway connects the church of Vlacherna with the opposite location of Perama.
72 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kanóni
The location of Kanoni with the church of Panagia Vlacherna below and the Mouse Island (Pontikonissi) are the most famous and photographed spots of Corfu. Kanoni is actually a quarter of Corfu Town, just a couple of km from the city center. It took its name from an old cannon that stands on top of the hill.
Some steps go down the hill from Kanoni and you reach the small church of Panagia Vlacherna. A narrow 300m passageway connects the island with the church. Constructed in the 17th century, this lovely chapel has an impressive wooden-carved iconostasis and beautiful frescoes inside. The roof has red tiles and above the gate entrance, there is a tall bell tower.
Fishing boats depart frequently from the church and go to the legendary Mouse Island, just 5 min boat ride. This lush green island took this name due to its tiny size. According to mythology, this rocky island is the ship of Ulysses that was stoned by god Poseidon. In the center of the Mouse Island, there is the 13th-century church of Pantokrator. This church celebrates on August 6th with a large religious panigiri for Corfu.
On top of the hill in Kanoni, there are two cafeterias with amazing view to the church of Vlacherna, the sea, and the Mouse Island. It is also very frequent that you see an airplane landing and taking off from this spot, as the airport of Corfu is right next to the church. Another longer passageway connects the church of Vlacherna with the opposite location of Perama.