Where to Visit in Corfu Island?

Corfu Island is like a pearl located in the northwest of Greece, in the Sea of Corfu. With its natural beauty, rich history and cultural heritage, Corfu offers its visitors an unforgettable experience. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of Corfu, its places to visit and its historical riches. If you are planning a trip to Corfu, you can create a travel plan for your trip after learning how to get to Corfu .

History of Corfu Island

The history of Corfu Island is rich and diverse, dating back to the Ancient Greek period. The island, referred to as Phaeacia in Homer's Ulysses, was an important trade center in ancient times. Corfu has been under Byzantine, Venetian, French and British rule, bearing the cultural traces of each period.

The island was ruled by the Venetians from the 14th to the 18th centuries, and received significant architectural and artistic influences during this period. During Venetian rule, Corfu became a city known for its defensive structures and bell towers. In the 19th century, the island came under the protection of the United Kingdom, and its infrastructure improved significantly. In 1864, it became part of modern Greek history when it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Greece.

What Kind of Island?

Corfu Island is one of the greenest and most peaceful places you can imagine. It is located in the Ionian Sea, in the northwest of Greece, and has much more vegetation than other islands. It is covered with olive trees, pine forests and colorful flowers. The beaches on the island are truly heavenly; some are calm and pristine, while others are surrounded by blue lagoons. For example, there is a place called Paleokastritsa, the water is deep blue and clear, it is a perfect place for swimming. There is a monastery on a hill, where you can be in touch with both nature and history.

Another beauty of Corfu is its architecture and culture. Since the island was ruled by the Venetians, the French and the British, there are traces left by each. The Old Town, with its narrow streets and pastel-colored buildings, makes you feel like you are walking in Venice. In other words, both nature and history are intertwined. With the cooling breeze from the sea in the summer and the mild weather in the winter, this is a beautiful place at any time of the year.

Places to Visit in Corfu Island

Corfu Island is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece, offering history, culture and natural beauty all together. This beautiful island, opening to the Adriatic Sea, attracts the attention of holidaymakers with both its historical buildings and stunning beaches. Corfu also offers a unique atmosphere shaped by its rich cultural heritage and the influence of different civilizations.

Corfu, one of the greenest islands of the Aegean, promises travelers an unforgettable experience with its olive groves, mountain villages and breathtaking landscapes. Now, let's discover the most popular places to discover on this magnificent island.

Corfu Island Beaches

Corfu Island, the pearl of the Mediterranean, is famous for its magnificent natural beauty and diverse beaches. The island has something for every holidaymaker, from calm and peaceful atmospheres to lively and entertaining beaches.
Corfu's white sandy beaches, turquoise sea and surrounding mountains make each one a paradise in its own right.

Whether you want to do water sports or enjoy the sea and sunbathe, the beaches of Corfu are sure to provide an unforgettable experience. Here’s what you need to know about the popular beaches on the island and what each one has to offer:

• Dassia Beach
  
  Located in the northeast of Corfu, about 12 km from Corfu Town, Dassia Beach stands out with its long and sandy structure. With its shallow sea and calm atmosphere, it is an ideal beach especially for families. Water sports are possible on the beach, and there are many restaurants and cafes around. Dassia Beach can be easily reached by bus or taxi from Corfu Town.

• Kalami Beach

• Avlaki Beach

• Agios Georgios Beach

• Paleiokastritsa Beach

• Glyfada Beach

• Agios Gordios Beach

• Sidari Beach

• Kavos Beach

Corfu Town

Corfu Town (Kerkyra) is the capital and largest city of Corfu Island and is of great importance as the cultural and historical center of the island. The Old Town, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, attracts attention with its narrow streets, colorful buildings and historical structures.
Corfu Town, besides its historical and cultural riches, also has a lively city life.

The city's restaurants, cafes and shops offer visitors many options for both tasting traditional Greek cuisine and buying souvenirs. In the evenings, the city's bars and taverns provide a variety of entertainment for those who want to relax.

The Achilleion Palace

The Achilleion Palace is a historical palace located in the village of Gastouri, in the southeast of the island of Corfu. It was built in the 1890s by the Austrian Archduke Sisi (Princess Elizabeth). The palace is dedicated to the Greek hero Achilleus and is notable for its architecture and gardens.

Features of the Palace

• Stunning Views : The palace is situated in a commanding position with a magnificent view of Corfu, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Ionian Sea and the mountains of Corfu.
• Palace Garden : The palace has a large and carefully arranged garden. The statues and fountains in the garden add a mystical atmosphere to the palace. Walking in the garden is like walking among mythological figures.

Cassiopi

Kassiopi is a town located in the northeast of Corfu Island, with its historical and natural beauty. This lovely town attracts tourists with its historical ruins and quiet beaches. The town is less crowded than other parts of Corfu, and it attracts attention with its natural beauty and historical ruins. It is a perfect destination for those who want to explore cultural riches and have a holiday surrounded by the sea.

Places to Visit

• Kassiopi Castle: The most important historical structure of Kassiopi is Kassiopi Castle, built on one of the hills of the town. This castle consists of ruins from the Roman and Byzantine periods and sheds light on the history of the island. When you climb up to the castle, you have a magnificent sea view and a beautiful view of the surrounding villages. You can take a historical journey by walking around the castle.
• Kassiopi Port: Kassiopi's port is the heart of the town. A small fishing port, this area offers visitors a relaxed atmosphere and fresh seafood. You can sit in the cafes and restaurants around the port and enjoy the sea.
• Kanoni and Kassiopi Beaches: Kassiopi is surrounded by many beautiful beaches. Kanoni Beach is a very quiet and clean beach, ideal for relaxing. Kassiopi Beach is also a larger beach, great for swimming and sunbathing. The clarity of the sea and the surrounding nature are impressive on these beaches.
• Kassiopi Archaeological Remains: Kassiopi is home to many historical ruins from the Roman and Byzantine periods. The ruins of ancient theatres, temples and other archaeological sites offer visitors the opportunity to explore the history of the region.
• Agios Stefanos: Located near Kassiopi, the village of Agios Stefanos is a beautiful seaside village where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere. Agios Stefanos is especially popular with those interested in sea sports.

Palaiokastritsa

Paleokastritsa is a town located on the west coast of Corfu Island, with its natural beauty, historical buildings and calm atmosphere. One of the most popular tourist areas of the island, Paleokastritsa attracts attention especially with its sea views, beaches and monasteries.

With its historical monasteries, magnificent natural beauties and beaches surrounded by the sea, it is a perfect destination for those who want to make a cultural discovery and spend time in touch with nature.

Places to Visit

• Paleokastritsa Monastery: One of the most famous buildings in Paleokastritsa, Paleokastritsa Monastery is an Orthodox monastery dating back to the 13th century. The monastery is located on a hill high above sea level and offers a wonderful view. There is also a small museum inside the monastery.
• Paleokastritsa Beaches: Paleokastritsa is famous for its clear waters and beautiful beaches. There are several different beaches in this area, each offering a different experience:
  • Agios Spiridon Beach : It is an ideal swimming area with fine sand and shallow water.
  • Alipa Beach : It is a quieter and more peaceful beach and offers the opportunity to swim among the rocks.
  • Paleokastritsa Beach : One of the most popular beaches in the area. There are sun loungers and restaurants here.
• Grotta Cave and Boat Tours: Paleokastritsa is also famous for its sea caves. Grotta Cave is one of the most remarkable sea caves in this region and you can join boat tours to explore this cave.
• Angelokastro Angelokastro: It is a Byzantine fortress located near Paleokastritsa and is built on one of the highest points of Corfu. This fortress is one of the historical defensive structures of the island. Angelokastro is located on the highest hill in the area, from here you can see a large part of Corfu Island.

Love Channel

The Canal of Love (or Canal d'Amour) in Corfu is one of the most famous natural beauties of the island of Corfu, located specifically near the village of Sidari. This canal is often called the "Canal of Love" because, according to the local legends, when couples walk hand in hand along the canal, their love will be immortalized.

The Canal d'Amour is famous for its turquoise waters and interesting rock formations. This canal turns into a narrow waterway as it passes through the rocks, and the rocks on both sides of this waterway are quite impressively shaped. The canal is also surrounded by small beaches and caves by the sea. Visitors have a pleasant experience exploring this natural formation to enter the sea and swim among the rocks.

Legends and Traditions

The love legend of the Canal d'Amour is a local belief that the time you spend here can affect your relationship. According to legend, if a couple walks along the canal and climbs over the rocks, their marriage and commitment to each other will last forever. Apart from that, some believe that just swimming alone in the canal is a sign that will give the person the power to attract the right partner.

Angelokastro

Angelokastro is known as one of the highest and most impressive ancient structures on the island of Corfu. This historical castle is located on the west coast of the island, near the area of Paleokastritsa, and is built on a hill, one of the highest points in Corfu. Angelokastro is famous not only for its historical importance, but also for the magnificent views it offers.

History

Angelokastro's history dates back to the Byzantine period. The castle was built to protect the island from external attacks. Located at the highest point of the island, this castle was strategically located for defensive purposes and was used as Corfu's defensive line for many years. The castle was built towards the end of the Byzantine Empire, but when the Ottomans took over the island, it continued to be used for defensive purposes.

Legends and Mythology

There are also some local legends around Angelokastro. There are various folk tales and mythological stories about the construction of this castle. According to some, Angelokastro was once built by an angel who protected the island. Apart from this, it is believed that many legendary events took place in the castle and its surroundings.

Cute Villages

Corfu Island is famous for its charming villages filled with stunning views, colorful streets and elegant buildings. The simple life and preservation of tradition are remarkable in the different villages of the island. Here are some of the charming villages of Corfu:

• Agios Stephanos

• Palia Perithea

• Loutses

• Afionas

Activities to Do in Corfu

Corfu Island offers an unforgettable experience to its holidaymakers with its fascinating natural beauties and various activity options. The activities you can do on the island range from water sports to nature walks, from relaxing boats to adventurous sports. Here are the most exciting and different activities you can experience in Corfu:

• Diving in the Bays : Corfu is an ideal place for diving enthusiasts with its crystal clear waters and rich underwater life. Diving tours are organized in different parts of the island, especially in popular bays such as Paleokastritsa and Sidari. There are routes suitable for both experienced divers and beginners. There are various diving schools and tours on the island to participate in diving activities.
• Water Skiing : Corfu also offers great opportunities for holidaymakers who want to do water sports such as water skiing. There are many organizations where you can do water skiing, especially in popular areas such as Glyfada, Agios Gordios and Dassia beaches. Skating in the warm Mediterranean waters is a perfect choice for those looking for an adrenaline-filled experience. The equipment needed for water skiing can usually be obtained from water sports centers located on the beach.
• Paragliding : Corfu Island is a great destination for those who want to do paragliding. Especially the mountainous areas on the south coast of Corfu offer ideal areas for paragliding. Here, during the flights, the beauty of the Adriatic Sea and Corfu Island creates a magnificent view. There are local guides and companies that organize flight tours on the island for paragliding.
• Horse Riding : Corfu offers activities such as horse riding for those who want to have a peaceful experience in nature. Villages such as Afionas and Sinarades offer hiking tours and horse riding activities. These tours take you through the island's green valleys, mountain roads and coastal villages, giving you the opportunity to enjoy nature.
• Daily Tours by Sailing Boat : Daily tours by sailing boat are quite popular in Corfu Island. These tours allow you to discover the hidden coves, secret beaches and caves around the island. Areas such as Kalami, Paleokastritsa and Glyfada are quite preferred spots for tours with such boats. You can also sunbathe on the sea or see the beautiful villages around during the boat tours.