My name’s Anna Pernice. Welcome to my travel guide on the best things to do in Corfu, Greece. I’ve been a professional travel blogger ever since 2013. I was born in the city of Naples and graduated university with a degree in Communication Science. I’ve always had a strong passion for travelling.
My father was a captain of a ship and I think he transmitted this wanderlust to me. I have fond memories of our first overseas trip together as a family. We visited the USA when I was 12. I was hooked from that point onwards.
I remember taking more than 300 photos on this trip to America. It was the perfect opportunity to practice my photography skills. In 2013, I started a travel blog called www.travelfashiontips.com as something of a side hobby. Two years later this travel and lifestyle blog became my full time job.
Now, I write my travel experiences on my blog and on my Instagram profile @anna_pernice.
Inspiration to Visit the Beautiful Corfu
I was inspired to visit Corfu recently because of a deal with EasyJet. I had already been to Kefalonia, many Cyclades Islands and Athens but never to Corfu. Many people told me that this island in the Ionian Sea was a marvellous place to visit. Now that I’ve travelled here, I can’t help but agree.
Corfu is incredible and it’s quite different to many other Greek Islands. The island is green with a shimmering blue sea and wonderful hidden beaches and coves. When I arrived I was surprised to see so much nature and greenery. I immediately fell in love with the atmosphere of Corfu.
Six Wonderful Days Exploring Corfu
I visited Corfu for six days and spent most of my time in the north of the island. I spent one day at the beautiful Old Town of Corfu which used to be a Venetian colony. In fact, this town is similar to Venice in many ways.
Then I moved around the north of Corfu to discover the island’s best beaches and coves. I was surprised by the beauty of Canal d’Amour – one of the most famous beaches in Corfu home to sandy shores and epic caves.
Next, I checked out the abandoned city of Old Perithia. It was one of the first villages of Corfu to defend against pirates. Now it’s only inhabited by three shepherds. Another awesome spot was the ancient castle of Angelokastro. This Byzantine castle offers spectacular views of the sea.
Capping off my trip was a visit to the beach of Afionas Porto Timoni and a boat tour of hidden caves. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment in Corfu, especially meeting the local people of this island. They are super kind. I had the pleasure of talking with many restaurant owners and tourist operators.
My Favourite Place: Afionas Porto Timoni
It’s hard for me to choose a favourite place in Corfu because I loved every destination. One of my favourite photos was captured at the top of the rock of Afionas Porto Timoni. I think this spot sums up everything that makes Corfu great: a lot of greenery and incredible beaches!
10 Best Things To Do in Corfu
Corfu is situated between the heel of Italy and the west coast of Greece. The island is rich in history and natural beauty is everywhere. There’s always something new to discover here whether it be lush green hills, sandy coves or hidden villages. Below you can find my top ten things to do in Corfu.
1. Swim at Canal d’Amour with your Partner
Not only is Canal d’Amour one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Corfu but there is also a legend here that states if couples go swimming together at this beach they will be married forever. So take your partner and go swimming! Who knows – it might bless your relationship forever.
2. Relax at the Beautiful Afionas Porto Timoni
Afionas Porto Timoni is arguably the best beach in Corfu. Once you arrive it’s easy to see why people fall in love with this place. There are actually two beaches here which form two different bays – one facing the village of Agios Georgios and the other looking towards Mathraki Island.
3. Explore the UNESCO-Listed Old Town of Corfu
The Old Town of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre located at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea. Explore the town’s old and new fortresses, visit the Palace of St Michael and St George, wander around the Campiello and marvel at the architecture of churches, museums and more!
4. Admire the Sunset on the West Coast
Western Corfu is where you will find the best sunsets. This side of the island is home to spectacular landscapes, pretty villages and beautiful beaches. Places such as Paleokastritsa with its monastery, Pelekas with its hilltop village and Agios Gordios with its sandy beach are the best spots to see.
5. Watch Planes Fly over the Kanoni Area
The Kanoni area of Corfu is iconic for several reasons. Firstly, the Vlacherna Monastery is absolutely stunning and the view of Mouse Island is just awesome. Then you get the chance to see planes land and take off from Corfu Airport which fly close to the monastery. It’s a sight to behold!
6. Visit the Mountain Village of Old Perithia
Old Perithia was built in the 14th century. The village is located on the northern flanks of Mount Pantokrator and is a protected site with over 130 houses (many abandoned) built in a Venetian style. However, this village is no ghost town. Here you can find a few B&B’s and a handful of tavernas.
7. Discover Epic Beaches and Hikes at Erimitis
Erimitis is an unspoiled and naturalistic area home to marvellous beaches and amazing mountain walks. These beaches/coves are characterised by white sand, pebbly shores and stunning clear waters. Each beach is isolated and can only be accessed by sea – so a boat tour is the best option.
8. Snorkel and Find Caves at Paleokastritsa Beach
Paleokastritsa is situated 25km from the Old Town of Corfu. The main attraction here is the shape of the coast which creates six unique bays. You can go on a boat tour around the caves and beaches of Paleokastritsa. There’s also a fantastic lookout from the hills of Lakones village.
9. Marvel at the Seaside Views of Angelokastro Castle
Angelokastro Castle is perched precariously on a hillside cliff/rock overlooking the vast sea. You can visit this Byzantine castle and marvel at the jaw-dropping views of the ocean. Stand 305 metres above sea level and lookout over the bays of Paleokastritsa and the northern part of Corfu.
10. Eat Fresh Fish at Kassiopi Port
Kassiopi Port is the ideal place in Corfu to eat fresh fish and seafood at the many restaurants/tavernas. There are plenty of fantastic Greek tavernas located on the beach and near the port. Many sailors dock at Kassiopi Port to stroll around the village, eat seafood at the tavernas and go shopping.
Incredible Local Greek Food of Corfu
The food in Corfu is gorgeous. I ate some superb food during my six day visit. Delicious dishes like Pastitsada, Greek Salad, Moussaka and Bourdeto. My advice would be to eat at the traditional tavernas directly on the beach.
Some of my favourite places included: Eucalyptus Restaurant at Agios Stefanos Beach, Nikolas Taverna at Agni Bay, The White House Restaurant (Durrell’s House) in Kalami Bay, Flisvos Bar & Restaurant in the Kanoni area and La Pergola Restaurant/Taverna in the Old Town of Corfu.
What you Need to Know Before you Go
I stayed at the Mareblue Beach Resort in the north of Corfu which is a 4-star hotel. This resort is large and is perfect for groups of friends or family. I recommend this spot as well as guesthouses in the Old Town of Corfu.
Transportation can be tricky on the island without a car. So my advice is to rent a car as soon as you arrive in Corfu. This way you can explore every corner of the island and go to and from your hotel with ease. You can’t beat a road trip across Corfu too with music playing and the sun shining. Check out Corfu Cars 4 Hire for a good value for money way to get around Corfu.
One important thing to remember now, after COVID-19 and from the 1st of July 2020, is that in order to enter Greece you should have a QR code. You can get more information about a QR Code here: https://travel.gov.gr/#/
There is no doubt that you will fall in love with Corfu just as I did on my six day holiday. One fond memory I have is watching a marvellous sunset at 7th Heaven Bar on the beach at Peroulades. Here you can watch the sunset while drinking a cocktail on a swing right in front of the sea!
For more advice check out my photos and stories on Instagram and read my blog for Corfu articles. Thank you very much and enjoy your trip!
