Corfu is a Greek island within the Ionian Sea and a preferred vacation vacation spot. Its coast is dotted with stunning seashores and resorts from finances to upscale. In case you are excited by an lively or cultural vacation you don’t want to fret as Corfu has sufficient to see and do for you as effectively.
Corfu was my first publish pandemic vacation spot for a motive. 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 through Athens meant it might be 4 flights and near sufficient miles to maintain my standing. I all the time 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 may be seen in 2 or 3 days and that’s what I did. I didn’t go to loosen up for per week. Let’s discover the very best issues to do and see in Corfu however first I share my Corfu itinerary.
Corfu itinerary
Corfu is a quite giant 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 effectively. Should you simply have two days mix day 2 and three.
Should do Corfu day journey #1: Outdated Corfu day journey
Should you simply wish to get out someday, then you need to go to Outdated Corfu together with the Achilleion Palace and Vlacherna Monastery that are situated close to the city.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 method is to start out 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 effectively. Now proceed to Outdated Corfu however make a cease on the Archaeological Museum first after which park both close to the harbour of the previous fortress.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 & Seaside
First head to Angelokastro early morning when the temperature continues to be low. The climb as much as the fort isn’t lengthy however higher achieved when it’s cool. Proceed to Paleokastritsa which is a 20–30-minute journey south. It’s a gorgeous seashore to loosen up the remainder of the day however don’t neglect to go to the monastery on the prime 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 possibly can have lunch as effectively, loosen up on the seashore, do a ship journey alongside the cliffs, or go snorkelling. Within the afternoon proceed to Kassiopi for a stroll within the harbour and dinner.
Should 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 better take 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 title suggests, primarily based on historical Greek fashion. Decorations in and across the palace are largely associated to Achilles, from which the title is derived. At my time of go to, sadly, the higher two flooring had been closed for renovation. I sadly missed the large portray of Achilles on the second flooring. Nevertheless, the illustrations and sculptures on the bottom flooring had been superb as effectively. The inside is additional stuffed with objects 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 charge 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 be nice for those who 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 many of the 19th and 20th century. A go to doesn’t take lengthy because it’s only a small place which you’ll be able to stroll round. The inside you possibly can go to the courtyard and the small chapel with has an icon of the Woman of Vlacherna. Earlier than you go, be certain that to hop to Mouse Island as effectively.
PRO-TIP: When you drive again up cease at one of many eating places/bars for a terrific view of the monastery beneath. There you possibly can see the sharp distinction between the white monastery and the blue sea.
Pontikonisi
Pontikonisi Island (Mouse Island) is a should go to for those who’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 prime surrounded by giant cypress timber. First monks arrived within the 10th century and the chapel was constructed within the 11th century. Effectively 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 purpose to see all of the UNESCO websites worldwide. Park both on the previous or the brand new fort and make your method round city. I parked on the harbour and new fort. There may be quite a bit 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 it’s also possible to simply spend a day there. I’ll record 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 effectively like gardens, squares and different church buildings.
Archaeological Museum of Corfu
The Archaeological Museum of Corfu has a terrific show of archaeological finds. It’s best 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 may be parking on the corniche and the streets across the museum.
The Outdated Fort
Venetians constructed Corfu previous fort within the 15th century on prime 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 many of the island, however the previous fort of Corfu fell by no means of their palms. You possibly can stroll by the assorted elements of the forts in about 60-90 minutes relying on what you wish to see. There’s a small museum and a church as effectively. The latter, the Church of Saint George, dates from British rule and appears like a Greek temple. I do advocate climbing to the highest for an impressive 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 beneath British rule. At the moment it homes the Museum of Asian artwork. Should 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 approach 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 stated he saved the island on varied events. Whilst you stroll by Corfu Outdated City, you’ll see extra church buildings. Be sure to go to them as effectively. I’ll not record all of them because the Church of St. Spyridon is crucial. Proceed as much as the brand new fort.
The brand new fort
The title 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’ll wander round and climb to the highest. You’ll have a gorgeous 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. You probably have time left, you possibly can go both purchasing, cease on the seashore or simply have a drink at a terrace and watch folks stroll by.
Angelokastro
Angelokastro fort is a gorgeous Byzantine fort simply north of Paleokastritsa. It dates to the 13th century and is construct on prime of a rock. The fort is a destroy however loads of partitions and stays of a church are left. You’ll should park your automotive on the base of the rock and climb up in about 20 minutes. On a transparent day you possibly can see the entire island of Corfu. Angelokastro fort is for certain on of the highlights of this Corfu itinerary.
Paleokastritsa Monastery
Simply above the seashore of Paleokastritsa you can find a monastery with the identical title: 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. While you go to, be certain that to decorate acceptable. The church is gorgeous as are the gardens. Within the small museum you will note varied necessary Byzantine icons. After visiting the Paleokastritsa Monastery be certain that to stroll a couple of meters uphill and take the trail to the highest of a rock. You’ll have splendid views from there.
Paleokastritsa Seaside
Paleokastritsa Seaside is a gorgeous seashore on the north western coast of Corfu. The proper spot for water actions and rest. There are many bars and eating places as effectively. Sufficient to do for a full day or, for those who’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 effectively. Half a century in the past the small city had over one thousand inhabitants. The world is a superb place to make a hike and revel in a scrumptious lunch at one of many eating places. I extremely advocate going for those who go to Corfu. So be certain 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 possibly can see Albania throughout the waters as effectively. 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 beautiful coastal city in North Corfu. The city is value including to a Corfu itinerary if in case you have the time. I visited late afternoon after exploring the northern a part of the island. It has a fort which is good, however the very best half is the harbor with its many eating places. In fact, 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 accommodations seashore to loosen up. Should you go to the island to spend extra time at seashores per week is definitely stuffed as effectively. Let’s see which island I’ll go to subsequent 12 months. Perhaps Rhodes?
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