The Must-do on Corfu article will reveal some of the fascinating places and activities you can do while visiting this charming Greek island.
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Introduction to Must-do on Corfu
Corfu is a popular holiday destination in Greece, boasting a beautiful Old Town, sandy beaches, and stunning landscapes. The island has a rich history influenced by various cultures like Venetian, English, French, and Russian, which have left their mark.
While in the Old Town, you can stroll along the Liston Arcade and Spianada Square, admire the Venetian fortresses and churches, and get lost in the maze-like alleyways of Campiello, especially on festival days. The island offers a variety of delicious food that reflects its cultural influences, including Italian cuisine and fresh Mediterranean produce.
Remember to explore the beaches and swimming spots scattered around the island. They are sure to captivate you. Corfu Island has much to offer, and you won’t regret visiting.
Things to do on Corfu
Sightseeing
The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is well-preserved and showcases a unique blend of Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical influences with local artistic traditions—the Venetian rule left behind a distinct architectural style in palaces, fortresses, and public buildings. The narrow streets, known as “kantounia,” are a maze of tiny alleyways and hidden courtyards that will transport you to Old Italy.
That’s why we recommend you discover the numerous captivating spots in the city.
First, Spianada is the center of the town with fantastic 19th-century works of French architecture. Here, you can watch cricket games or attend musical concerts organized throughout the year. Visit Liston, the city’s trademark, where the aristocrats used to enjoy their evening promenades. The characteristic arcades form the most romantic background setting for a welcome cup of coffee at one of the town’s cozy cafés. Explore the intellectual suburbs of Mandouki, Garitsa, and Saroko.
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Explore its beaches
Come and explore the stunning beaches of Corfu! A must-do on Corfu is visiting the Canal d’Amour, where the smooth rocks have created a natural passage that forms a tunnel to swim through. Another beautiful spot is Sidari, where you can relax on spectacular sandy beaches and admire the sandstone formations. Legend has it that you may even find your soulmate there! There are plenty of other beaches to discover, from secluded coves to lively stretches of sand with beach bars, tavernas, shops, and water sports. Check out Glyfada, Dasia, Ermones, Paleokastritsa, Kavos (known for its parties), Kontokali, Benitses, and Halikounas – the list goes on and on!
Note: Please read our related article about Corfu’s best beaches.
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Feel like an aristocrat in Empress Elizabeth’s Achillion Palace.
Corfu’s imperial past is one of the reasons it is considered one of the most glamorous destinations in Greece. Empress Elizabeth of Austria-Hungary, the legendary Sissi, chose the island to build her palace. In this place, she found consolation after her son Rudolph’s suicide. It is an elegant Pompeian-style building with luxurious, neoclassical living rooms. In the beautiful gardens, you’ll admire the famous statue of Achilles in his death throes.
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Discover Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa is an incredible destination and a must-see attraction in Corfu. The name comes from the nearby Byzantine castle of Angelokastro on its north side. The stunning beaches, surrounded by green, rocky hills, are known for their crystal-clear, blue waters. It was even featured in a scene from the James Bond movie “For Your Eyes Only.”
Located just 25 km (about a 20-minute drive) from Corfu, Paleokastritsa is situated on the island’s northwest coast. It features two green peninsulas with numerous beautiful beaches and bays to explore.
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Discovering the Tastes of Corfu
Corfu stands out from the rest of Greece as it wasn’t subject to Turkish rule. Instead, the island was under Venetian control for 400 years, which has left a lasting influence on its architecture and cuisine. The Venetian influence is evident in the island’s rich and flavorful gastronomy.
Corfiots love to use meat, fish, olive oil, herbs, legumes, pasta, and vegetables as the main ingredients in their dishes, creating some of the most delectable recipes you can imagine. Whether in Corfu Town or one of the island’s rural villages, there are plenty of traditional taverns and restaurants. Be sure to try some of these mouth-watering dishes:
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Pastitsada
Pastitsada is a meal influenced by Italian cuisine, made with veal or rooster in a red sauce with spices and thick pasta.
Sofrito
The most popular and emblematic Corfian dish is sofrito. The dish’s name refers to Italian cuisine, coming from the words’ so fritto’ that in Italian translates to ‘sauteed’ or ‘lightly fried.’
Savoro
Allegedly sailors’ favorite food, savoro, is a spicy sauce paired with fried fresh fish. Based on high-quality olive oil, the traditional recipe’s main ingredients are vinegar, laurel, raisins, garlic, and rosemary. So, if you’re a seafood lover, you’ll love this!
After completing your meal, indulge in a delicious local sweet, such as mantolato, made of ground sesame, honey, and whole almonds; fokatsa (the Corfiot version of the famous Italian “focaccia”), a kind of Venetian origin brioche; kolombina, a “christopsomo” (Christmas cake) in a dove shape and mantoles, made of roasted caramelized almonds.
Kumquat Liqueur
The traditional Corfu liqueur, produced by extracting the citrus fruit kumquat into alcohol in the traditional way, has been carried from one generation to another for many years. Kumquat liqueur is served ice cold as a digestive drink upon every meal.
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Final words
We have selected only a few of the must-do items on Corfu Island. However, there is plenty to discover. The island combines its rich history with natural appeal, making it a dream destination.
So, what was your favorite thing about the island? Please share with us your opinions in the comments below.
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