16 of the best things to do in Corfu

1. Wander through the UNESCO-protected Old Town

Exploring Corfu’s picturesque Old Town is a must while on the island. A hotchpotch of different architectural styles, you can expect medieval churches, elegant Venetian townhouses and Parisian-style squares shaded by leafy olive trees.

Officially called Kerkyra, the charming, UNESCO-recognised Old Town is also part of the island’s capital, with loads of shops, restaurants, and landmarks, such as the Old and New Fortresses, to discover.

2. Hike the scenic Corfu Trail

Zigzagging some 220km (137 miles) across the island, the Corfu Trail offers spectacular sea views and an opportunity to really experience the breathtaking landscapes that make Corfu so beautiful.

Walking the whole trail takes at least eight days, so you’d need to be a serious hiker to tackle this one, but you could also choose a stretch of the trail to complete over the course of one action-packed day – a great option for families with energetic little ones.

As you walk, you’ll pass cobalt lagoons, golden beaches, ancient monasteries, and fragrant olive groves. Tranquillity and glorious Greek sunshine are all but guaranteed.

3. Admire Achillion Palace

Achillion Palace places high on the list of things to see in Corfu for its sheer opulence. Located in Gastouri, the 19th-century mansion was built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who decorated it with scenes from Greek mythology and named it after Achilles.

It still has plenty of grandeur, with marble staircases, antique furniture and statue-filled gardens. James Bond fans may even recognise the palace from the 1981 film, For Your Eyes Only.

4. Rent a boat and cruise the Med for the day

If you want to see as much of Corfu as possible, hiring a boat is the best way to do it. You’ll be able to travel around the island and moor up at various locations en route.

Picture the scene: hidden caves and beaches you can only access by boat, diving into the sea without another soul around, and cruising through open water, the wind in your hair. 

Many of the resorts in Corfu have boats for hire, and you usually don’t need a specific licence, so you can get on the water with relative ease.

5. Relish the tranquillity at Vlacherna Monastery

Vlacherna Monastery is one of those classic Corfu attractions that you’ll find on postcards sold across the island, and for good reason. 

Set on its own tiny island just off the coast of the Kanoni Peninsula, the centuries-old building is a magical sight, with crisp whitewashed walls, a striking terracotta roof and a pretty bell tower.

Throw in the turquoise water lapping the shore and a tall tree towering over the roof, and you’ve got one of the most iconic views in Corfu.

6. Sample the local produce at an olive grove

Greek food is famously flavourful and fresh, and that’s in no small part down to the lashings of olive oil used in many traditional Greek dishes. During your Corfu holiday, get to grips with the good stuff on a fun and informative olive oil tasting and tour.

It’s one of the best things to do in Corfu, and there are lots of fun and informative tours available across the island. Most will include a visit to an olive grove, a tour of the grove’s mill and a lesson in how the production works, before finishing with a tasting.

If you’re looking for souvenirs to take home, you could even buy a few bottles to go.

7. Relax on one of Corfu’s many beaches

Whether you’re looking for something to do in Corfu as a family, a couple or on a budget, Corfu's beaches tick all the boxes.

From the long sandy shores of Roda to the many sheltered bays at Paleokastritsa, and the pretty pebbles in Avlaki, they’re as diverse as they are numerous. All the major resorts have fantastic sunbathing spots, many of which are also Blue Flag, so you can rest easy with kids in tow.

Depending on your beach preferences, you can opt for one with watersports, bars and restaurants aplenty, or choose a more secluded and scenic bay that's all about the views. Even better, try a different beach every day!

8. Make a splash at Aqualand Waterpark

You’ll find Corfu’s Aqualand waterpark, one of the best and biggest waterparks in Europe, right in the centre of the island. Pack your sun cream and swimwear for a laughter-filled day of splashing around in the sun, where you can whizz down slides, float down the lazy river, relax in a Jacuzzi and more.

There are areas to suit visitors of all ages, so tiny tots will have just as much fun as daredevil teens. Plus, there are plenty of areas to just relax if that’s more your style.

One day not enough? Get a popular two-day pass for some extra aqua-action.

9. Take in the views at Angelokastro Castle

Perched perilously high on the summit of the tallest peak on Corfu’s north shore, Angelokastro Castle is a feat to behold. This epic Byzantine masterpiece dates back to at least the 13th century, though its exact origin is somewhat unknown, which only adds to the mystique of the place.

If you want to visit the castle, come prepared with comfy shoes and water, as there is only one way up – a steep set of steps, rising 305m (100ft) above sea level. The uninterrupted views from the top will make all the effort worthwhile.

10. Seek out fairytale villages

Get a taste of traditional Corfiot living in the island’s smaller and less-trodden villages.

In the north, Old Perithia (also known as Palia Perithea) is Corfu’s oldest village nestled beneath the shadow of Mount Pantokrator. Crumbling Venetian-style stone houses and churches dating back to the 14th century scatter the foothills, kept alive in spirit by the handful of tavernas that still operate in the village.

In the west, couples will love the small fishing village of Afionas. It’s like a story-book scene untouched by time – imagine colourful houses draped with flowers and pretty paved backstreets.

11. Visit the Old and New Venetian Fortresses

History buff? Two essential things to see are the Old and New Fortresses in Corfu’s Old Town.

To the east, the Old Fortress sits on a rocky little islet off the coast and was built during the Byzantine era. Meanwhile, on the west side of town, the not-so-new New Fortress is an imposing 16th-century Venetian epic.

Flanking either side of the town, both fortresses are great viewpoints for the city, so don’t forget your camera.

12. Swim in the Canal d’Amour

As the name suggests, the Canal d’Amour (Canal of Love) is one of the most romantic spots in Corfu. 

Found just outside of Sidari, on the north coast, this pretty sandstone canal is shrouded in legends of love. So, if you’re travelling with your significant other, take a dip in the shaded waters and you’ll be lucky in love forever more – or so the legend says.

While you’re in Sidari, pay a visit to one of the lovely beaches in the area too, and then stay to watch the sunset. It’s arguably even more romantic than the Canal d’Amour itself.

13. Visit the Diapontia Islands

For something to do in Corfu beyond the tourist trail, make the hop from Agios Stefanos on the northwest coast to the pristine Diapontia Islands to combine crowd-free adventures with crystal-clear seas and sandy beaches.

Twelve islands make up the archipelago, but only three are inhabited: Mathraki, Ereikousa and Othonoi.

Castaway Mathraki is the smallest of the three islands in this archipelago, with just a handful of hotels and tavernas alongside its pretty beaches. The largest is Othonoi, though it's still just 6km long (3.7 miles).

14. Go bird watching at Korission Lagoon

Korission Lagoon has some unusual residents; as well as an abundance of fish and butterflies that call the wetland home, you'll spot blush-pink flamingos huddled on the lake.

It's nature at its best, with a laidback vibe away from the crowds that extends this area's other drawcard: the long stretch of Halikounas Beach. Separated from the lagoon by a narrow strip of sand, this untouched beach some 3km (1.8 miles) long is as great for windsurfing as it is sunbathing all afternoon.

15. Lace up your boots to hike Mount Pantokrator

Feeling active? The trek up Mount Pantokrator, in Corfu's northeast, is certainly a slog but the views from the top are hard to beat.

Best attempted in autumn or spring, the hike, which starts in Old Perithia, takes you to the 902m (2,972ft) summit of the mountain, where you can refuel at a small café-bar.

If you're not up for the walk, you can hire a car and drive to the top.

16. Make a trip to Paleokastritsa Monastery

Clifftop Paleokastritsa Monastery, painted pastel yellow and draped in fuchsia bougainvillea, is as remote as it is beautiful, reached via a winding road through cypress and olive trees on the island’s west coast.

Still operating as a monastery, you’ll see monks carrying out their daily routine here and can visit the little museum, which holds several religious relics and significant holy books.