Corfu- 7 places to see on the Greek island of the Venetian charm

13.12.2021.

Corfu is the most northern Greek island only 1h of distance from the Albanian coast by the boat. Here rules the Venetian charm, something totally different than the typical Greek island like Santorini. Corfu is marvellous, the stunning nature and beaches make you ready to pack up the bags. Don’t hesitate to visit Albania, it will truly surprise you.

The Ionian sea that surrounds the island make it so attractive. Corfu was never under Ottoman rule but Venetians, French and English. This is the place to discover the colourful and soft vibes. Corfu is the island of museums, amazing food and stunning beaches.

Corfu offers the stunning opportunity to enjoy the incredible boat trips around the island.

1. Corfu Old Town

Corfu Old Town is a charming place full of history, it’s listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pastel colours throughout the streets invite with the soft vibes. Corfu Old Town is situated between two ancient fortresses.

411 years of the Venetian rule created one totally different Greek island, so colourful and smooth.

Old Town is filled with charming souvenir shops, pastry shops where ice cream rules and cobblestone magic. Liston is the elegant central street with French origin.

Old and new fortress

Both, old and new fortress, amaze with the view over the town and mountains across which makes you wonder is it Albania. Old fortress impressively stays on the rocky peninsula. Once a Byzantine castle and now it’s a stunning monument of history from the 15th century. Original weapons are staying in the main courtyard. New fortress doesn’t give justice to the name as it dates back to 1578.

Old Town is filled with charming souvenir shops, pastry shops where ice cream rules and cobblestone magic. Liston is the elegant central street with French origin.

The most significant buildings of Corfu

Arched galleries look so beautiful enlightened in the night.

Esplanade square is the heart of the city with the green oasis.

San Giacomo Theatre which is now a City Hall is a majestic building, one of the oldest in the Corfu town. It dates back to 1663.

Annunciata is the most famous church of the Corfu town with the bell tower from the 14th century.

The Church of St. Spyridon is an imposant building and pretty significant to the culture and history of Corfu. It was an essential part of the First Council in the turkish city of Nicaea. Sant Spyridon was the Corfu’s patron saint from the 325 AD, the church holds his images and remains.

Corfu has important Jewish quarter with few synagogues, one of them is Scuola Greca which tells the story of the Jewish influence.

Woth visit are also the Archeological museum and Banknote museum.

2. Palaces of Corfu

Corfu posseses few elegant palaces. One is located in the heart of the Old town at the northern side of the Esplanade square- The Palace of St. Michael and George. Built in 1819, it’s the significant English heritage. Museum of Asian Art is situated here.

Mon Repos Palace is located in the Ancient Corfu, in Kanoni, outside of the city. Built in 1830, it offers the stunning sea views of the Corfu island. Now it’s the museum filled with archeological sights.

Achilleion Palace is one of the most marvellous palaces of the island, built by the Austrian Empress Sissi. It lies 10 km south of the city of Corfu, near the village Gastouri. It was built in 1890 and redesigned from the simple house in the ownership of philosopher and diplomat Petros Vrailas Armenis. Many statues decorate the courtyard and the gardens including the impressive statue of Achilles and the statue of lord Byron.

3. Agios Gordios- the most popular village by the beach

Agios Gordios is the most touristic resort at Corfu covering the spectacular view of the beach. This lovely place at the west coast of Corfu has many hotels, the only budget hostel at the island Pink Palace, several restaurants and cute caffe bars. Robin’s nest in one of the loveliest caffe bars working only in the night.

I totally recommend exploring the villages nearby, Sinarade is the charming village full of flowers. The folk museum speaks about the village traditions.

4. Paleokasistra- the most beautiful beaches at Corfu?

Paleokasistra is a small coastal town about 1,5h north from Corfu town. You can easily take a bus or go with the organized tour. The organized tour will include the monastery above Paleokasistra. This Byzantine monastery from 13th century has some stunning seaside views. It’s about 15 minutes walk from the town.

A total amazement is called the town of Paleokasistra. The seaside colours are just out of this world, few beaches are scatteres along this tiny place. The sea is crystally clear and the colours are even more stunning from above.

Paleokasistra is full of caves so you can take a boat tour, it costs 20 euros for 1h. I actually thought that we will see also some remoted beaches around.

5. Canal d’Amour in Sidari

The incredible while cliffs around the village Sidare create this romantic place. The legend says that the couples who swim here will get marry soon destined to a life of bliss.

6. Porto Timoni

Porto Timoni is the picture postcard viewpoint that I confused with the Paleokasistra. This fabulous beach is located near Afionas village at the western point of Corfu. The beach is pretty remote and tranquil, just the stunning colours are enough to enjoy.

7. Mount Pantokrator

This is the highest peak of Corfu staying at the northeastern point of the island. The stunning views extend from 906m. Taking a hike here is an option from the oldest village of Corfu, Old Perithia. The hike is about 2 hours.

Where to eat in Corfu

We had lunch at Bougenvilla restaurant which has traditional Greek food but prices at Corfu totally surprised me. Pretty expensive price was for the vegetarian musaka that was pretty oily. Rather to say, there is no meal under 10 euros.

Vegan options in Kerkira town:

Aubergine Cafe- the vegetarian restaurant with lovely garden and affordable prices;

Bizou Vegan Cafe- vintage caffe with great vegan choice, a bit pricey;

Final thoughts

Corfu island amazes with the fabulous nature and beaches that are like drawn. Greek vibes are subordinated here to the Venetian charm. It’s a perfect spot to jump to Albania, Macedonia and make a larger Balkan tour. It’s the place to discover Greece with new eyes.

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