Corfu
The greenest of the Greek islands: a Venetian old town, two fortresses, olive groves down to the sea and the clearest water in the Ionian.
The island
Corfu has been on the map since Homer, who is said to have set the land of the Phaeacians here, where Odysseus washed ashore on his way home. Over the centuries the island passed through many hands. Four hundred years of Venetian rule left the arcaded streets and the two fortresses of the old town, the French added the Liston, and the British left cricket on the Spianada and ginger beer in the cafés.
The result is a town unlike anywhere else in Greece, listed by UNESCO for its old quarter, and an island that is easy to explore: mountain villages and monasteries in the north, long sandy beaches on the west coast, and quiet coves within half an hour of town.
Highlights
Corfu Town by night
When the day-trippers leave, the old town belongs to the locals. Dinner in a lane off the Liston, a drink on the Spianada, then a slow walk under the arcades to the Old Fortress walls.
Corfiot cuisine
Venetian roots and island produce: pastitsada, sofrito, bourdeto with fresh fish, kumquat liqueur and olive oil from trees that are centuries old. Modern restaurants and family tavernas sit side by side.
Beaches
From the sandy bays of the west coast to small pebble coves on the east, there is a beach for every wind. The west gets the sunsets, the north-east gets calm, clear water.
Sightseeing
The Old Town
A UNESCO World Heritage site of narrow kantounia, Venetian mansions and hidden squares, best explored on foot and without a map.
The Spianada and the Liston
One of the largest squares in Europe, with the arcaded Liston on one side and the cricket ground on the other. The heart of town life.
Saint Spyridon Church
The island’s patron saint rests here, under a red-domed bell tower that is the tallest landmark in the old town.
The Old and New Fortress
Two Venetian fortresses guard the town from either end, with views over the rooftops and across to the mainland.
Achilleion Palace
The summer palace built for Empress Sisi of Austria, with neoclassical gardens and statues above the village of Gastouri.
Paleokastritsa
A monastery on a headland above turquoise bays, on the north-west coast. One of the most photographed views on the island.
Beaches
Glyfada
A long stretch of golden sand on the west coast, backed by green hills. Lively in summer, with sunbeds and beach bars.
Pelekas
A sandy bay below the village of Pelekas, known for its sunsets from the Kaiser’s Throne lookout above.
Agios Gordios
A wide bay framed by cliffs and a rock pinnacle at its southern end, with tavernas along the beach.
Agios Georgios North
A long, quiet sandy bay in the north-west, a good base for boat trips to the Diapontia islands.
Porto Timoni
A double bay reached by a footpath from Afionas, with two beaches back to back on a narrow strip of land.
Kassiopi coves
Small pebble coves with very clear water around the fishing village of Kassiopi in the north-east.
Things to do
Boat trips, island tours and food experiences, bookable through our partner Travelco.