Compare Corfu holidays

The best things to do in Corfu

Corfu offers far more than a week on the beach. The island has a genuinely layered history — Venetian fortresses, French-built arcades, and Byzantine monasteries sit alongside working olive mills and dramatic sea caves you can explore by boat. Dip into as much or as little as suits you, and you'll come home feeling like you've seen a proper slice of the island.

Corfu Old Town

The narrow lanes – known locally as kantounia – take you past crumbling archways, Orthodox churches, and the grand Liston arcade, a colonnaded promenade originally built during the French occupation in the early 19th century. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's easy to spend a full morning here without covering the same ground twice.

Old Fortress of Corfu

This Venetian citadel rises dramatically above the eastern edge of Corfu Town, separated from the rest of the town by a man-made moat. Inside its walls, you'll find the church of St George, sweeping sea views, and enough history to fill a 60-90 minute visit at least. Entry costs around €10 per adult.

Corfu Explore Boats

Based at Paleokastritsa on the north-west coast, Corfu Explore Boats hires small self-drive motorboat that allow visitors to reach deserted beaches and quiet coves inaccessible from the shore. No licence is required, making it a genuinely accessible way to see the coastline at your own pace.

The Governor's Olive Mill

Near Agios Matheos in the south-west, Corfu Olive Tours runs guided tours of its working traditional mill, finishing with a tasting of its Governor freshly pressed oil paired with bread, local feta, and wine. It's a short but memorable insight into one of Corfu's most important agricultural traditions.

V Museum Corfu

Near the port in Corfu Town, the V Museum Corfu uses holograms and a 3D film to walk you through the island's history in a way that holds the attention of even the most fidgety holidaymaker. Suitable for all ages, it takes around an hour to see all its exhibits thoroughly.

Best family activities in Corfu

Corfu has a solid range of family-friendly activities that go well beyond the beach. From the thrill of the water park, to getting to know the local sea life at the aquarium there’s plenty to explore. The island is easy to navigate with children, and most of the main family attractions are within a short drive of the popular resort areas.

Aqualand Corfu

Near Agios Ioannis in central Corfu, this is the island's largest water park, with lazy rivers, toddler splash zones, and high-speed slides that older children will want to ride repeatedly. It suits mixed-age groups well. Arrive early to get a good lounger.

Corfu Aquarium

In Paleokastritsa on the north-west coast, Corfu Aquarium combines a small marine display with a reptile house and includes a guided tour in the entry price. Most families spend around 45-60 minutes here, making it an easy add-on before or after a morning at the nearby beach.

Where to eat and drink in Corfu

Centuries of Venetian, French, and British rule have left a lasting mark on Corfiot cooking, giving the island a food culture that's noticeably different from the rest of Greece. You'll find slow-braised meat dishes, herb-heavy stews, and fresh seafood sitting side by side on menus across the island.

Brisk Restaurant

Tucked into the lanes of Corfu Town's Old Town, Brisk serves inventive takes on traditional Corfiot cooking. Think beef cheek and moussaka ravioli rather than standard taverna fare. It draws a loyal crowd of repeat visitors, so book ahead if you're planning an evening visit.

Klimataria N. Bellos

In the south-east coastal village of Benitses, this is a long-running family taverna known for its octopus pastitsada, a slow-braised dish cooked in a spiced tomato sauce with cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, then served over thick pasta. Fresh whole fish, sourced daily, rounds out a menu that reflects the best of Corfiot cooking.

Salto Wine Bar – Bistro

Near the Old Port in Corfu Town, Salto pairs a carefully chosen Greek wine list with refined meze plates. The sommelier is happy to guide you through lesser-known varieties from across Greece, making it a good option if you want to explore beyond the usual holiday staples.

Oinos Kai Geuseis

A small, alley-side spot in Corfu Town serving home-style Corfiot dishes — taramasalata, cheese pies, and slow-cooked mains — at prices that won't stretch the holiday budget. It's the kind of place that's easy to walk past but well-worth seeking out.

Taverna Agni

On the north-east coast at Agni Bay, Taverna Agni is traditional seaside dining at its best. Accessible by water taxi from nearby resorts, the beachfront restaurant serves simply prepared whole fish at tables set right on the waterfront. The journey across the water is part of the appeal; it's a relaxed, unhurried way to spend a long lunch. Be aware, the restaurant is open seasonally from May to October, though dates can vary, so check ahead.