16 Best Things to Do in Corfu, Greece

Begin with angelokastro at first light for epic views; the clifftop fortress rewards the keen observer within minutes of the initial steps. If arriving by plane, plan this as your opening move to set a sharp pace for the day.

From there, glide toward vlacherna for a short, relaxing pause and a glimpse of island life. Cross the channel and stroll alleyways through villages where limewashed houses and church domes punctuate the horizon; the atmosphere feels absolutely relaxing and authentic.

A relaxed wander along a loop that spans several hours reveals awesome views of sea caves and olive groves. Alternate between a quick swim in a calm cove and a climb to a vantage point, keeping an eye on the clock for minutes between stops.

Respect residents and protect fragile habitats by sticking to marked paths and avoiding coastal flora during a midday trip. If you crave a quiet end, find a tavern in a hill villages and sip coffee while listening to bells as the afternoon fades into dusk.

Practical Experiences for a Corfu Visit

Begin your day with a dawn walk through the danilia area, where wooden tavernas line alleyways and a living heritage stands in clear relief before crowds swell.

For visiting the historic fortifications and the town’s institutions, you’ll see layers of Venetian craft alongside the ottomans period; walls meant for defense and trade tell the stories of daily life.

In the afternoon, sample drinks on a wooden terrace and wander the danilia alleyways to observe crafts and food stalls; your sense of place would deepen as you watch locals at work, and you could choose either to linger or move on.

For coastal gear, the wide coastline offers footpath segments that lead to calm coves; dives here are shallow but refreshing, with sea tones that change with the weather.

Before leaving, check posts from locals and fellow visitors about popular routes; your plan could mix a historic stroll with a beach break, particularly around the area between the Old Town lanes and the harbor; you would return with a richer sense of the island, and like many explorers, you might want to revisit some spots.

Expérience	Where	Time	Notes
Danilia area dawn stroll	Danilia area, near the village windbreaks	06:30–08:00	wooden tavern vibes; avoid heat shadows
Historic fortifications & institutions	Old Town core	10:00–13:00	inscriptions explain daily life; ottomans era context; walls meant for defense
Coastal walk and light dives	shoreline and coves	14:00–16:00	footpath sections; light dives available; bring sunscreen
Evening drinks & alleyways	lanes of the old town	18:00–20:00	popular area; like lively posts from locals

Old Town Essentials: Iconic Sights and Easy Routes

Begin with a wandering circuit of the Liston and Spianada, then climb to the Old Fortress for a whole-town overlook. The waterfront path to the ramp takes 15–20 minutes on foot, with palaiopolis lanes and tiled façades revealed at a relaxed pace–no crowds, just sea breeze. This starter loop takes about 20 minutes and invites you to visit a couple of tiny chapels along the way.

Iconic sights cluster on the hill: agios and churches, plus the georgios chapel, offer fascinating details–gold leaf icons, blue domes, and quiet courtyards that invite a brief pause before continuing the route. keen photographers will want a shot from the viewpoints at sunset.

Visit vlacherna by a short ferry crossing or a scenic coastal walk; on the islet you’ll find a celebrated monastery and a sheltered beach with views across the channel to the mainland. The loop around the area is compact, taking roughly 20 minutes to reach the shore and another 15 to stroll back through palaiopolis lanes.

June conditions are ideal for late-day wandering: the air is mild, yielding lovely light on the sea; afterward, a dinner at a waterside taverna completes the circuit. theyre easy to combine as a pair of short excursions: pick a main sight in the morning and finish with a waterfront meal.

Practical route tips: these short loops connect the main sights–Old Fortress ramp, Liston arches, and Vlacherna day trips–without backtracking. europe travelers will find the area easily navigable, with plenty of cafés and a few places to pick up pastries along the way, all within easy reach for a half-day visit.

Secluded Beach Day: Glyfada, Paleokastritsa, and Barbati

Take a morning ferry to Glyfada, arrive before the crowds, and claim a quiet strip by the rock with a view of the coast; follow a sign to ambelonas for a shaded patch close to the water.

Glyfada’s calm cove gives a sheltered swim along a rocky backdrop. From there, Paleokastritsa reveals a cluster of inlets and cliffs, with a panagia chapel perched above the main bay. Boats drift between coves, and a sign to ambelonas points to a restful overlook for a midmorning reading break; the latter coves stay calmer as the day warms.

Barbati has a longer, gentle shelf and several coves where sunbathers gather. A seawater pool at one beach club adds a cool option, and euros are widely accepted for drinks and chairs; such spots stay open late, so british families and travelers worldwide can linger, while colorful buildings hugging the hillside provide a gorgeous backdrop. always bring sunscreen.

june is ideal for a compact circuit: Glyfada, Paleokastritsa, Barbati, then back to the base by sunset. philip, a british traveler, notes that the plan works best when you aren’t rushing and move at a relaxed pace. If you linger, the last light lasted until dusk, creating reading-worthy photos by the water. These places each offer a different vibe, and you can save time by parking near the main road and walking down to each beach for a quick stop.

Island Outings by Boat: Pontikonisi and Vlacherna Monastery

Take a morning boat from Kanoni to Pontikonisi and Vlacherna Monastery; think of it as a compact, end-to-end view of the Ionian coast, ideal for travelers who want scenery without an all-day excursion.

First stop Pontikonisi, a wide, rocky islet crowned by a lone stone chapel. The terrain is rugged yet walkable, with pine scent in the air and clear sea around. The vibe feels born from centuries of seafaring, and the vistas make for classic postcard shots–a scene that odysseus would recognize in travel lore. From there, a short ride across a canal-like stretch brings you to Vlacherna Monastery, perched on another islet with a sand-colored causeway that feels almost ceremonial for photos. Seeing both landmarks in one loop is particularly striking, and this small, compact route makes it easy to pack a lot into a single morning.

• Timing and flow: book a 20–30 minute round trip; the first leg to Pontikonisi lasts about 10–15 minutes, then a brief crossing to Vlacherna and a walk across the causeway.
• Logistics: boats are parked along the quay; traveling light helps–leave bulky luggage at your hotel or at the port office; bring only essentials in a small bag.
• On-site actions: walk the stone paths, peek into the chapel interiors, and enjoy the cool shade around the monasterial complex; dress modestly if you plan to enter the sacred areas.
• Photo and vantage tips: early light casts gentle shadows on white walls; wide sea views frame both silhouettes, especially from the Pontikonisi shore and the Vlacherna causeway.
• Practicalities: Google maps and local guides confirm easy access from Kanoni; the route is especially suited for traveling families and solo explorers alike.

What to bring and how to behave: pack light luggage, wear sturdy sandals for uneven stones, and keep around you a minimal kit to protect delicate surfaces and respect quiet spaces. Although crowds can swell later, early departures stay in the cool, shaded zones, making it easier to park thoughts and focus on the scenery around you. Within this short itinerary, you’ll get a glimpse of Venetian influence in the stonework and a sense of the surrounding shorelines–an understated, cute example of maritime culture that remains timeless.

Three quick reasons to do it: you save time by combining two icons into one ride, you see emblematic views from different angles within a single loop, and you get a sense of the coast’s terrain without committing to a long day of activities. If you’re traveling and want a light yet memorable interlude, this combo likely fits the bill, especially for first-time visitors who want to compare colors, textures, and scale–Pontikonisi’s compact size paired with Vlacherna’s slender causeway creates a balanced, visually cool morning plan.

Royal Heritage Highlights: Achilleion Palace and Kanoni Vistas

Go to Achilleion Palace first, arriving at opening to secure the great view and dodge the late-morning crowds. Built in the 1890s by Elisabeth of Austria, this historic villa sits on a lush hillside above the central shore, offering sweeping views toward the mainland and the blue expanse beyond. The on-site museum houses portraits, statues, and period furnishings that reveal the country’s aristocratic tastes, while terraces and a fragrant garden path invite slow exploration. These grounds are regularly visited by travelers who would like to explore royal heritage and capture iconic frames with sea and distant hills in the background. Some travelers like to combine both sites in a single morning. Some visitors return for the garden’s late-afternoon shade, and each terrace offers a photo spot with a different angle. These terraces, which overlook the sea, offer instant photo opportunities. Nearby shops and cozy cafes cluster near the entrance, making it easy to combine a visit with a light snack; the central area stays pleasantly shaded on hot summer days. In august, plan for potential heat and bring water; last entry times vary seasonally, so check the official page the day of your visit. The palatial rooms were used for receptions and meetings, a tangible link to a bygone era.

Kanoni Vistas provide a separate, equally memorable panorama on the island’s southern fringe. The peninsula yields a classic view toward Vlacherna Monastery on a tiny jetty and Pontikonisi, a cute, forested islet that looks like a painting from the water. The best light arrives late afternoon, when the sky turns soft gold and the crowds thin; this spot is a popular path for an easy stroll that pairs well with a quick coffee. From this central vantage, you can plan a short loop back to the main town or a harbor-side shop for a bite, then continue toward the waterfront to finish. These panoramas anchor a europe-wide itinerary and regularly attract visitors who want a compact, history-laden day: Achilleion for the gardens and museum, Kanoni for the views, and a charming coastal stroll to end the day. If you’re coming from athens, a short domestic flight or ferry lands you a few hours from this hub, making the sequence a natural first taste of this country’s island heritage. This scene is lovely at sunset, and lots of photographers come away with iconic shots of Vlacherna’s jetty and the distant hills.

Nature and Panoramas: Mount Pantokrator and Scenic Monasteries

Start your weekend with a dawn ascent to Pantokrator for color and calm; the summit rises about 906 meters and yields a 360-degree viewpoint across every valley and down to the coast. The ascent follows a winding road with nine tight switchbacks, so plan a short detour to the traditional Danilia village to stretch legs and sample a local apple from a roadside stall, a simple break you’ll remember.

From the top, descend the ridge into well-known monasteries perched above the strip of coastal villages; entry to sanctuaries is typically free, but some have a modest fee during festival days. Since visibility changes with the weather, catching first light or late afternoon glow makes the color pop and enhances the relaxing atmosphere.

• Paleokastritsa Monastery sits on a cliff above turquoise coves; its terraces offer dramatic viewpoints and it is celebrated for the sea panorama. Plan a short visit here as part of a longer loop.
• Other hillside sanctuaries dot several locations along the ridge, offering different viewpoints, quiet reading corners, and a chance to slow down.
• Time a loop that includes these spots; some drives take about 1.5 hours from a central town, but the landscapes compensate with absolutely striking colors.

Tips for making the most of the route: start early, wear sturdy footwear, and keep the schedule flexible. Some sections wind through sleepy villages and narrow lanes; do not rush the views. The road is well-known for its scenery, so stop at several viewpoints to capture color and contrast. When you’re ready for a break, Danilia’s craft strip offers stalls selling local goods, and you can relax with an apple snack while reading a guidebook or simply enjoying the scenery. The entire circuit takes a half-day for a relaxed pace, or a full day if you plan longer stops and photo sessions.

Food, Markets, and Local Flavors: Kumquat Liqueur and Fresh Seafood

Start with a morning market sprint: youre here to taste kumquat liqueur and catch the day’s freshest seafood, then ride along the wide waterfront between the old town lanes. Look for the corfus label on kumquat liqueur bottles, a tangy-sweet staple born from local citrus groves and a long history, also a staple of local gatherings.

The kumquat liqueur comes from small, family-run distilleries using whole fruit, zest, sugar, and grain spirit. The result is a bright, amber spirit with a bitter-sweet finish; when you taste it, the aroma travels with notes of orange zest and honey. Try it with a dash of ice and a squeeze of lemon after a long walk along the quay. This is delicious with fried seafood or on its own as a warm after-dinner note. Also, some makers blend a touch of vanilla for depth.

Fresh seafood stalls run year-round and peak during the weekend. In tavernas by the harbour you can order grilled octopus, day-boat sea bream, and prawns with garlic and oregano. A small plate of fried calamari often costs around 10-14 EUR; a main seafood platter runs 18-28 EUR. Ask the chef to season with lemon, olive oil, and thyme; the taste is salty, citrusy, and seductively tender; youre glad you explored the market after picking up a bottle of kumquat liqueur.

Must-do stop is the harbourfront market, where fishermen lay out gleaming fish just after dawn. Shopping along the dotted lanes connects you to spice shops, olive stands, and citrus traders among small cafes. The market becomes a guide to whats in season, with vendors offering samples and friendly tips on which fish pair best with kumquat liqueur. The plan is straightforward: choose a main to cook later, then pick up a bottle to taste at home.

Thoughts traveling: love the western coast for warm, wide coves and a history-rich vibe. Spend a weekend roaming between markets, taverns, and a small theatre, with notes written below in your travel journal. When you return, ride the bus with a bag full of aromas and stories, glad you chose this island flavor as a must-do part of your tasting itinerary. youre not just shopping; youre collecting memories and taste.