Corfu is a Greek island within the Ionian Sea and a preferred vacation vacation spot. Its coast is dotted with stunning seashores and resorts from funds to upscale. If you have an interest in an energetic or cultural vacation you don’t want to fret as Corfu has sufficient to see and do for you as nicely.
Corfu was my first put up pandemic vacation spot for a purpose. I needed to renew my Star Alliance gold standing. There are loads of low-cost flights from inside Europe brining hundreds of individuals to the island, however I select to fly Aegean Airlines. From Amsterdam to Corfu by way of Athens meant it could be 4 flights and near sufficient miles to maintain my standing. I at all times hop to one of many Greek islands to do these flights and on the similar time go to some UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
All the locations of curiosity on Corfu will be seen in 2 or 3 days and that’s what I did. I didn’t go to chill out for per week. Let’s discover one of the best issues to do and see in Corfu however first I share my Corfu itinerary.
Corfu itinerary
Corfu is a fairly giant Greek island and driving from south to north simply takes 2 hours. However, most if not all locations of curiosity are within the norther half of the island. I like to recommend overlaying all of the sights in three days, however you are able to do all of them in two as nicely. If you simply have two days mix day 2 and three.
Must do Corfu day journey #1: Old Corfu day journey
If you simply need to get out someday, then you will need to go to Old Corfu together with the Achilleion Palace and Vlacherna Monastery that are positioned close to the city. The most effective means is to begin early (8-9 AM) on the Achilleion Palace and as soon as completed persevering with to Vlacherna Monastery. Make positive to hop to Pontikonisi as nicely. Now proceed to Old Corfu however make a cease on the Archaeological Museum first after which park both close to the harbour of the previous fortress. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the forts, church buildings, and museums.
Corfu day journey #2: Angelokastro & Paleokastritsa Monastery & Beach
First head to Angelokastro early morning when the temperature continues to be low. The climb as much as the citadel isn’t lengthy however higher performed when it’s cool. Continue to Paleokastritsa which is a 20–30-minute experience south. It’s a lovely seaside to chill out the remainder of the day however don’t neglect to go to the monastery on the prime of the rocks.
Corfu day journey #3: Old Perithia, Cape Drastis and Kassiopi
First head to Old Perithia within the morning. It’s an previous, largely abandoned, village on Mount Pantokrator. Go for a hike and end again in Old Perithia for lunch or proceed on to Cape Drastis. There you possibly can have lunch as nicely, chill out on the seaside, do a ship experience alongside the cliffs, or go snorkelling. In the afternoon proceed to Kassiopi for a stroll within the harbour and dinner.
If you mix day 2 and three into one then drive on this order: Paleokastritsa Monastery (no time for seaside), Angelokastro, Cape Drastis, Old Perithia (lunch right here first then hike) and end in Kassiopi.
Top issues to do and see in Corfu
Now, let’s have a better have a look at the highest issues to do and see in Corfu which are included within the above Corfu itinerary.
Achilleion Palace
The Achilleion is a palace construct by Elisabeth of Austria, or additionally referred to as Sisi, as a refuge after her son died a tragic lifeless. Its structure is, because the identify suggests, primarily based on historic Greek type. Decorations in and across the palace are largely associated to Achilles, from which the identify is derived. At my time of go to, sadly, the higher two flooring have been closed for renovation. I sadly missed the large portray of Achilles on the second flooring. However, the illustrations and sculptures on the bottom flooring have been superb as nicely. The inside is additional full of gadgets associated to Elisabeth and Franz Joseph II. Don’t miss the backyard for some magnificent views over the island and the statue of Achilles. You can’t miss that one, it’s large! I discovered the doorway price of 10 euro fairly steep, however the place is just superb.
Vlacherna Monastery
The Vlacherna Monastery is considered one of Corfu’s icons. It’s a monastery on a small island related with a walkway to the shore. The place can also be nice if you happen to like airplane watching because it’s proper in entrance of the runway. Not that shut as in St. Maarten although the place you get blown away by planes (learn extra in my Sint Maarten itinerary). Vlacherna (Holy Monastery of Blachernae) dates to the 17th century however served as a nunnery a lot of the 19th and 20th century. A go to doesn’t take lengthy because it’s only a small place which you’ll be able to stroll round. The inside you possibly can go to the courtyard and the small chapel with has an icon of the Lady of Vlacherna. Before you go, make certain to hop to Mouse Island as nicely.
PRO-TIP: Once you drive again up cease at one of many eating places/bars for an important view of the monastery under. There you possibly can see the sharp distinction between the white monastery and the blue sea.
Pontikonisi
Pontikonisi Island (Mouse Island) is a should go to if you happen to’re at Vlacherna Monastery. It’s a few minutes by boat which prices a few euro at most. The island is rocky with a tiny monastery on prime surrounded by giant cypress bushes. First monks arrived within the 10th century and the chapel was constructed within the 11th century. Well price spending half an hour on this idyllic island.
Corfu Old Town
Corfu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and for me personally the explanation to go to Corfu. It’s my objective to see all of the UNESCO websites worldwide. Park both on the previous or the brand new fort and make your means round city. I parked on the harbour and new fort. There is quite a bit to see because the city dates to the eighth century BC and was additionally dominated for 4 centuries by the Venetians earlier than the French and British took over. Now it’s one of many many Greek islands. Half a day in Corfu Old Town is sufficient however you may also simply spend a day there. I’ll record the locations of curiosity in strolling order beginning on the previous fort the place I parked. You will cross loads of different nice spots as nicely like gardens, squares and different church buildings.
Archaeological Museum of Corfu
The Archaeological Museum of Corfu has an important show of archaeological finds. You ought to go to if you wish to study concerning the historical past of the island. As it’s positioned simply outdoors of Corfu Old Town, I like to recommend visiting it early morning when it opens earlier than exploring the city itself. There is parking on the corniche and the streets across the museum.
The Old Fort
Venetians constructed Corfu previous fort within the 15th century on prime of stays of an older Byzantine fort. It was constructed to defend the island. The previous fort of Corfu performed an important function within the Ottoman sieges. The Ottomans conquered a lot of the island, however the previous fort of Corfu fell by no means of their arms. You can stroll by way of the varied components of the forts in about 60-90 minutes relying on what you need to see. There is a small museum and a church as nicely. The latter, the Church of Saint George, dates from British rule and appears like a Greek temple. I do suggest climbing to the highest for an impressive view of Corfu previous city.
The Palace of St. Michael and St. George
Next up is the Palace of St. Michael and St. George or additionally referred to as Royal Palace. It was constructed within the early 19th century for the British Lord High Commissioner. At that point Corfu was below British rule. Today it homes the Museum of Asian artwork. If you’re into artwork this can be a should see in Corfu previous city.
The Esplanade
The Esplanade is simply subsequent to the Museum of Asian Art. It’s arcaded Liston with its many cafes is a superb place for a espresso. It was constructed by the French and a part of the Corfu Old Town UNESCO inscription. After a espresso begin wandering the streets in Corfu Old Town and make your method to the brand new fort.
Church of St. Spyridon (Áyios Spyrídon)
The Church of St. Spyridon (Áyios Spyrídon) is a should see in Corfu Old Town. This church dates to the late 16th century and is devoted to Corfu’s patron saint: Saint Spyridon. There are stays of him within the silver sarcophagus. It’s stated he saved the island on numerous events. While you stroll by way of Corfu Old Town, you’ll see extra church buildings. Make positive to go to them as nicely. I’ll not record all of them because the Church of St. Spyridon is a very powerful. Continue as much as the brand new fort.
The new fort
The identify New Fort is deceptive because the fort is only a bit newer because the Old Fort. Corfu New Fort dates to the twond half of the 16th century and was construct by the Venetians. The Fort is empty, and you’ll wander round and climb to the highest. You’ll have a lovely view there over the pink terra cotta roofed metropolis.
Walking from the Old Fort to the New Fort will cowl all main sights in Corfu Old Town. There are extra locations of curiosity simply outdoors of the previous city which I’ve listed individually on this Corfu itinerary. If you may have time left, you possibly can go both procuring, cease on the seaside or simply have a drink at a terrace and watch individuals stroll by.
Angelokastro
Angelokastro citadel is a lovely Byzantine fort simply north of Paleokastritsa. It dates to the 13th century and is construct on prime of a rock. The fort is a damage however loads of partitions and stays of a church are left. You’ll need to park your automotive on the base of the rock and climb up in about 20 minutes. On a transparent day you possibly can see the entire island of Corfu. Angelokastro citadel is for positive on of the highlights of this Corfu itinerary.
Paleokastritsa Monastery
Just above the seaside of Paleokastritsa you will see that a monastery with the identical identify: Paleokastritsa Monastery. It is likely one of the most important monasteries of Corfu and thus a should add on a Corfu itinerary. It dates to Byzantine time (early 13th century), however most present buildings are from the 18th century. When you go to, make certain to decorate acceptable. The church is gorgeous as are the gardens. In the small museum you will notice numerous essential Byzantine icons. After visiting the Paleokastritsa Monastery make certain to stroll a number of meters uphill and take the trail to the highest of a rock. You could have splendid views from there.
Paleokastritsa Beach
Paleokastritsa Beach is a lovely seaside on the north western coast of Corfu. The excellent spot for water actions and leisure. There are loads of bars and eating places as nicely. Enough to do for a full day or, if you happen to’re like me, to have a chilly beer and proceed additional.
Old Perithia
Old Perithia is a ghost city in northern Corfu. Although, it was a ghost city, as there are a number of eating places now and a visitor home as nicely. Half a century in the past the small city had over one thousand inhabitants. The space is an excellent place to make a hike and luxuriate in a scrumptious lunch at one of many eating places. I extremely suggest going if you happen to go to Corfu. So make certain to incorporate it in your Corfu itinerary.
Cape Drastis
Cape Drastis is in north Corfu and an ideal spot to spend a full day. It has stunning seashores, crystal clear water for snorkeling, you are able to do boat journeys and extra. On a transparent day you possibly can see Albania throughout the waters as nicely. As I used to be on a schedule, I solely had time to go searching, however I do remorse not having extra time right here!
Kassiopi
Kassiopi is a beautiful coastal city in North Corfu. The city is price including to a Corfu itinerary you probably have the time. I visited late afternoon after exploring the northern a part of the island. It has a fort which is sweet, however one of the best half is the harbor with its many eating places. Of course, go for fish which is contemporary!
Although I solely spend 3 days on Corfu, I believe this Corfu itinerary consists of all of the locations of curiosity. I even had a few hours at my accommodations seaside to chill out. If you go to the island to spend extra time at seashores per week is definitely stuffed as nicely. Let’s see which island I’ll go to subsequent 12 months. Maybe Rhodes?
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