Visiting Corfu for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

One spot is a non-negotiable when it comes to things to see in Corfu: the cobbled streets and pastel-hued architecture of Corfu Town. The UNESCO–listed old city is packed with cafés and stylish boutiques, while landmarks include the grand Palace of St. Michael and St. George; the postcard-perfect red-domed bell tower of St. Spyridon’s Church; and the impressive Spianada, the largest town square in Greece.

The island’s storied past includes time spent under Roman, Venetian, French, and British rule, making a Corfu Town walking tour a must for history lovers. The Greek government even declared Corfu Town an official castle city—don’t miss the Old Fortress, which dates back to the 14th century.

Any Corfu itinerary for first-time visitors looking to delve into the island’s past should include the neoclassical 19th-century Achilleon Palace, built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria. From here, head to the Kanoni peninsula, where you can peruse the Mon Repos museum and the Doric Temple of Kardaki.

A short boat ride brings you to one of Corfu’s most-photographed locations: Mouse Island (Pontikonisi). Though home to a 17th-century monastery, legend has it that the islet’s history dates back even further. According to local mythology, the island is actually Odysseus' boat, turned into a rock by Poseidon.

No list of Corfu travel tips could fail to mention the island’s world-class beaches, which include secluded oases, kid-friendly bays, and water sport hot spots. Families will enjoy the wealth of activities on offer at Dassia Beach, complete with stunning views of Albania, while the relaxed resort of Agios Georgios has an impressive stretch of golden sands with Blue Flag status.

Looking for something livelier? Rolling sand dunes and impressive winds make Issos Beach one of Corfu’s main draws for adventure seekers, while Canal D’Amour features coves and cool rock formations.

Corfu has you covered when it comes to high-octane fun and extreme sports. For those in search of wind and waves, Acharavi Chalikounas is the prime spot for water sports such as surfing, sailing, and windsurfing, especially in autumn and winter, which bring particularly strong winds and high swells.

To take your adventures (quite literally) to another level, go below the sea’s surface by diving through the caves and the past marine life of Liapades Reef close to the village of Paleokastritsa. Alternatively, swap the sunlounger for the sky with some of the best activities in Corfu for daredevils: parasailing or paragliding at Ipsos Beach.

There’s no more idyllic way to experience Corfu than from the deck of a boat. A day cruise in Corfu means getting a unique vantage point on the island’s stunning landscapes, as well as the opportunity to get up close and personal with its marine life by jumping off and snorkeling.

For the ultimate romance vibes, a sunset cruise—complete with cocktails, naturally—may be just the ticket. Although deciding what to do in Corfu is challenging enough without adding more islands to the mix, hopping on a cruise can also mean exploring the nearby islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, including the famous blue caves.

While you simply can’t beat a classic Greek salad, Corfu boasts its own vibrant local cuisine, adding variety to the generous helpings of souvlaki and tzatziki you can enjoy at local taverns. Classic Corfiot cuisine includes the signature spicy fish dish bourdeto and the meaty pasta pastitsada, along with numbolo, which is pork tenderloin charcuterie.

Finish on a sweet note with a bounty of tasty treats made with kumquats and vine leaf–wrapped sikomaida, fig pie. Experience it all on a Corfu food tour, up your skills with a cooking class, or take a little piece of Corfu home by picking up a foodie memento such as local olive oil.

Wash down a taste of Corfu’s foodie scene with a glass (or three) of the island’s best wines. Though perhaps not Greece’s best-known wine-producing region, Corfu has a small but skilled group of vintners putting the island on the map, producing deep, full-bodied reds and light, crisp whites using native Greek skopelitiko and kakotrygis grapes. Many of the wineries are in the lush, fertile Ropa Valley, at the heart of the island, and a tasting at a vineyard is also a great excuse to bring home a bottle or two of local tipple.

To get a taste of life at a slower pace, pay a visit to some of Corfu’s enchanting villages. To experience Corfiot village life, make a beeline for the folklore museum in Sinarades, while other favorites include hilltop Pelekas and Sokraki, both of which offer stellar views. The quaint coastal village of Agios Gordios, with its pastel-colored buildings, and the fascinating “ghost village” of Old (Palaia) Peritheia, which was abandoned in the 1960s, are also worth visiting.

Fans of the hit TV show The Durrells won’t want to miss Danilia, either. Many scenes were filmed at this purpose-built replica of a 1930s Corfiot village, complete with squares, a seemingly historic church, and a traditional café.

Though it might be on the warm side in summer, Corfu has some excellent hiking opportunities—just one reason that visiting in the off-season should be on any list of Corfu sightseeing tips. If you’re game for a serious hike, the Corfu Trail covers the length of the island, while those in the mood for a leisurely stroll might prefer to take on just one of the trail’s sections or book a relaxed nature tour. The seaside village of Nisaki is the perfect base for walking adventures in the Corfiot countryside, too, thanks to its easy access to the trails up to Mt. Pantokrator and its monastery.

Feeling the gentle breeze in your hair as you pedal along Corfu’s scenic coastline, taking in unrivalled views of the Ionian Sea—what could be better? Whether it’s picking up a rental bike for an afternoon and cruising around Corfu Town or taking a guided bike tour through the wine-rich Ropa Valley in search of panoramic vistas, Corfu is a haven for cycling enthusiasts, no matter your experience level. If that sounds a little too much like hard work for a vacation though, rent an electric bike or a Vespa instead.