Corfu is a Greek island within the Ionian Sea and a well-liked vacation vacation spot. Its coast is dotted with stunning seashores and resorts from funds to upscale. If you’re taken with an energetic or cultural vacation you don’t want to fret as Corfu has sufficient to see and do for you as nicely.
Corfu was my first put up pandemic vacation spot for a cause. I needed to renew my Star Alliance gold standing. There are many low-cost flights from inside Europe brining hundreds of individuals to the island, however I select to fly Aegean Airways. From Amsterdam to Corfu by way of Athens meant it will be 4 flights and near sufficient miles to maintain my standing. I at all times hop to one of many Greek islands to do these flights and on the similar time go to some UNESCO World Heritage Websites.
All of the locations of curiosity on Corfu will be seen in 2 or 3 days and that’s what I did. I didn’t go to chill out for per week. Let’s discover one of the best issues to do and see in Corfu however first I share my Corfu itinerary.
Corfu itinerary
Corfu is a reasonably massive Greek island and driving from south to north simply takes 2 hours. Nevertheless, most if not all locations of curiosity are within the norther half of the island. I like to recommend masking all of the sights in three days, however you are able to do all of them in two as nicely. In case you simply have two days mix day 2 and three.
Should do Corfu day journey #1: Outdated Corfu day journey
In case you simply wish to get out someday, then you have to go to Outdated Corfu together with the Achilleion Palace and Vlacherna Monastery that are situated close to the city. Probably the most environment friendly approach is to begin early (8-9 AM) on the Achilleion Palace and as soon as completed persevering with to Vlacherna Monastery. Be sure to hop to Pontikonisi as nicely. Now proceed to Outdated Corfu however make a cease on the Archaeological Museum first after which park both close to the harbour of the previous fortress. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the forts, church buildings, and museums.
Corfu day journey #2: Angelokastro & Paleokastritsa Monastery & Seashore
First head to Angelokastro early morning when the temperature continues to be low. The climb as much as the citadel isn’t lengthy however higher completed when it’s cool. Proceed to Paleokastritsa which is a 20–30-minute trip south. It’s a fantastic seashore to chill out the remainder of the day however don’t neglect to go to the monastery on the high of the rocks.
Corfu day journey #3: Outdated Perithia, Cape Drastis and Kassiopi
First head to Outdated Perithia within the morning. It’s an previous, largely abandoned, village on Mount Pantokrator. Go for a hike and end again in Outdated Perithia for lunch or proceed on to Cape Drastis. There you’ll be able to have lunch as nicely, chill out on the seashore, do a ship trip alongside the cliffs, or go snorkelling. Within the afternoon proceed to Kassiopi for a stroll within the harbour and dinner.
In case you mix day 2 and three into one then drive on this order: Paleokastritsa Monastery (no time for seashore), Angelokastro, Cape Drastis, Outdated Perithia (lunch right here first then hike) and end in Kassiopi.
Prime issues to do and see in Corfu
Now, let’s have a more in-depth have a look at the highest issues to do and see in Corfu which can be included within the above Corfu itinerary.
Achilleion Palace
The Achilleion is a palace construct by Elisabeth of Austria, or additionally referred to as Sisi, as a refuge after her son died a tragic useless. Its structure is, because the identify suggests, based mostly on historical Greek model. Decorations in and across the palace are largely associated to Achilles, from which the identify is derived. At my time of go to, sadly, the higher two flooring had been closed for renovation. I sadly missed the massive portray of Achilles on the second ground. Nevertheless, the illustrations and sculptures on the bottom ground had been superb as nicely. The inside is additional crammed with gadgets associated to Elisabeth and Franz Joseph II. Don’t miss the backyard for some magnificent views over the island and the statue of Achilles. You possibly can’t miss that one, it’s large! I discovered the doorway price of 10 euro fairly steep, however the place is just superb.
Vlacherna Monastery
The Vlacherna Monastery is considered one of Corfu’s icons. It’s a monastery on a small island linked with a walkway to the shore. The place can also be nice in the event you like airplane watching because it’s proper in entrance of the runway. Not that shut as in St. Maarten although the place you get blown away by planes (learn extra in my Sint Maarten itinerary). Vlacherna (Holy Monastery of Blachernae) dates to the 17th century however served as a nunnery a lot of the 19th and 20th century. A go to doesn’t take lengthy because it’s only a small place which you’ll stroll round. The inside you’ll be able to go to the courtyard and the small chapel with has an icon of the Woman of Vlacherna. Earlier than you go, ensure that to hop to Mouse Island as nicely.
PRO-TIP: When you drive again up cease at one of many eating places/bars for an important view of the monastery under. There you’ll be able to see the sharp distinction between the white monastery and the blue sea.
Pontikonisi
Pontikonisi Island (Mouse Island) is a should go to in the event you’re at Vlacherna Monastery. It’s a few minutes by boat which prices a few euro at most. The island is rocky with a tiny monastery on high surrounded by massive cypress timber. First monks arrived within the 10th century and the chapel was constructed within the 11th century. Properly value spending half an hour on this idyllic island.
Corfu Outdated City
Corfu Outdated City is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and for me personally the rationale to go to Corfu. It’s my objective to see all of the UNESCO websites worldwide. Park both on the previous or the brand new fort and make your approach round city. I parked on the harbour and new fort. There’s rather a lot to see because the city dates to the eighth century BC and was additionally dominated for 4 centuries by the Venetians earlier than the French and British took over. Now it’s one of many many Greek islands. Half a day in Corfu Outdated City is sufficient however you can even simply spend a day there. I’ll listing the locations of curiosity in strolling order beginning on the previous fort the place I parked. You’ll cross loads of different nice spots as nicely like gardens, squares and different church buildings.
Archaeological Museum of Corfu
The Archaeological Museum of Corfu has an important show of archaeological finds. You need to go to if you wish to study concerning the historical past of the island. Because it’s situated simply outdoors of Corfu Outdated City, I like to recommend visiting it early morning when it opens earlier than exploring the city itself. There’s parking on the corniche and the streets across the museum.
The Outdated Fort
Venetians constructed Corfu previous fort within the 15th century on high of stays of an older Byzantine fort. It was constructed to defend the island. The previous fort of Corfu performed a significant position within the Ottoman sieges. The Ottomans conquered a lot of the island, however the previous fort of Corfu fell by no means of their arms. You possibly can stroll by means of the varied components of the forts in about 60-90 minutes relying on what you wish to see. There’s a small museum and a church as nicely. The latter, the Church of Saint George, dates from British rule and appears like a Greek temple. I do suggest climbing to the highest for a powerful view of Corfu previous city.
The Palace of St. Michael and St. George
Subsequent up is the Palace of St. Michael and St. George or additionally referred to as Royal Palace. It was constructed within the early 19th century for the British Lord Excessive Commissioner. At the moment Corfu was below British rule. At present it homes the Museum of Asian artwork. In case you’re into artwork this can be a should see in Corfu previous city.
The Esplanade
The Esplanade is simply subsequent to the Museum of Asian Artwork. It’s arcaded Liston with its many cafes is a superb place for a espresso. It was constructed by the French and a part of the Corfu Outdated City UNESCO inscription. After a espresso begin wandering the streets in Corfu Outdated City and make your strategy to the brand new fort.
Church of St. Spyridon (Áyios Spyrídon)
The Church of St. Spyridon (Áyios Spyrídon) is a should see in Corfu Outdated City. This church dates to the late 16th century and is devoted to Corfu’s patron saint: Saint Spyridon. There are stays of him within the silver sarcophagus. It’s mentioned he saved the island on numerous events. When you stroll by means of Corfu Outdated City, you’ll see extra church buildings. Be sure to go to them as nicely. I’ll not listing all of them because the Church of St. Spyridon is an important. Proceed as much as the brand new fort.
The brand new fort
The identify New Fort is deceptive because the fort is only a bit newer because the Outdated Fort. Corfu New Fort dates to the twond half of the 16th century and was construct by the Venetians. The Fort is empty, and you may wander round and climb to the highest. You’ll have a fantastic view there over the purple terra cotta roofed metropolis.
Strolling from the Outdated Fort to the New Fort will cowl all main sights in Corfu Outdated City. There are extra locations of curiosity simply outdoors of the previous city which I’ve listed individually on this Corfu itinerary. When you have time left, you’ll be able to go both buying, cease on the seashore or simply have a drink at a terrace and watch folks stroll by.
Angelokastro
Angelokastro citadel is a fantastic Byzantine fort simply north of Paleokastritsa. It dates to the 13th century and is construct on high of a rock. The fort is a smash however loads of partitions and stays of a church are left. You’ll need to park your automotive on the base of the rock and climb up in about 20 minutes. On a transparent day you’ll be able to see the entire island of Corfu. Angelokastro citadel is for positive on of the highlights of this Corfu itinerary.
Paleokastritsa Monastery
Simply above the seashore of Paleokastritsa you will see a monastery with the identical identify: Paleokastritsa Monastery. It is without doubt one of the principal monasteries of Corfu and thus a should add on a Corfu itinerary. It dates to Byzantine time (early 13th century), however most present buildings are from the 18th century. Once you go to, ensure that to decorate acceptable. The church is gorgeous as are the gardens. Within the small museum you will notice numerous vital Byzantine icons. After visiting the Paleokastritsa Monastery ensure that to stroll a number of meters uphill and take the trail to the highest of a rock. You should have splendid views from there.
Paleokastritsa Seashore
Paleokastritsa Seashore is a fantastic seashore on the north western coast of Corfu. The right spot for water actions and leisure. There are many bars and eating places as nicely. Sufficient to do for a full day or, in the event you’re like me, to have a chilly beer and proceed additional.
Outdated Perithia
Outdated Perithia is a ghost city in northern Corfu. Though, it was a ghost city, as there are a number of eating places now and a visitor home as nicely. Half a century in the past the small city had over one thousand inhabitants. The world is an excellent place to make a hike and luxuriate in a scrumptious lunch at one of many eating places. I extremely suggest going in the event you go to Corfu. So ensure that to incorporate it in your Corfu itinerary.
Cape Drastis
Cape Drastis is in north Corfu and an ideal spot to spend a full day. It has stunning seashores, crystal clear water for snorkeling, you are able to do boat journeys and extra. On a transparent day you’ll be able to see Albania throughout the waters as nicely. As I used to be on a schedule, I solely had time to go searching, however I do remorse not having extra time right here!
Kassiopi
Kassiopi is a stunning coastal city in North Corfu. The city is value including to a Corfu itinerary you probably have the time. I visited late afternoon after exploring the northern a part of the island. It has a fort which is good, however one of the best half is the harbor with its many eating places. After all, go for fish which is recent!
Though I solely spend 3 days on Corfu, I feel this Corfu itinerary consists of all of the locations of curiosity. I even had a few hours at my resorts seashore to chill out. In case you go to the island to spend extra time at seashores per week is definitely crammed as nicely. Let’s see which island I’ll go to subsequent yr. Perhaps Rhodes?
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