The Ionian island of Corfu, a jewel of Greece, enchants its visitors with a symphony of lush green landscapes, azure seas and historical wonders that tell stories of times gone by. It is an oasis of beauty and cultural richness that leaves unforgettable impressions in the hearts of those who visit it. From the winding alleys of Kerkyra’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, to the majestic fortresses that proudly guard its history, to the idyllic coves and beaches that invite you to linger, Corfu is an island that welcomes everyone with open arms.
In this article, we will take you on a journey to the most beautiful sights of Corfu, where the echo of antiquity meets the vibrancy of the present, creating an unparalleled beauty that is second to none. Immerse yourself with us in the fascinating world of Corfu, where every corner and every street has a new story to tell.
Achilleion
This palace is only seven kilometers away from the capital Corfu. It was built in 1890 by the Austrian Empress Elisabeth. After various changes of ownership due to wars and leases, it has belonged to the Greek state again since 1994.
It is considered the main attraction in Corfu. The level of awareness was also greatly increased again in 1994, as the EU summit was held there.
If you think you know this building from a James Bond movie, you are absolutely right. In 1980, scenes from the film were filmed in the casino and the terrace of the building.
Nowadays, you can not only see the building in films, you can also start a tour yourself. As part of a guided tour, you have the opportunity to look into every single room. Here you learn a lot from the times of Sissi. With about 10 euros entrance fee you get a lot on offer. After the tour, you still have the opportunity to use the garden for a short walk and put yourself in the role of Sissi or Wilhelm II for a moment.
Current information: Since October 1, 2022, the Achilleion has been completely closed due to extensive renovation work until further notice, probably in 2026.
Angelokastro Fortress
This fortress in the northwest of the island served as an important defensive structure of the island many years ago. It is assumed that this building was built between the 5th and 7th centuries.
In the 19th century, the fortress was finally abandoned. It is falling apart, but many walls can still be admired. So you can see the round tower well. The citadel and the wall paintings in the chapel are also mostly well preserved.
Today you can make a nice hike to this fortress. The high position of Angelokastro also brings with it a unique view over the sea with the bay of Paleokastritsa. In good weather, you can also see far over the beautiful land of the island.
If you don’t want to go up on foot, you can park your car in the parking lot of the ruins. From here it takes about a 10-minute walk to the interior of the fortress. It is advisable to plan the inspection before 5 p.m., as the ruins will be closed afterwards. Here there are only small costs of about 2€ for the viewing.
Cape Drastis
At the northwesternmost point of the island of Corfu is an absolute natural attraction. Cape Drastis is an area of gigantic cliffs made of white limestone. Here the camera should not be forgotten.
Postcard-like photos can be taken at the upper vantage point. This plain can be easily traveled by car. A parking lot is available and the way there is well signposted.
If you want to refresh yourself in the wet cool, you should dare the approx. 15-minute tour on foot down to the bay. There, the crystal-clear water is already waiting and invites you to swim. Also highly recommended are the boat tours that start from this bay. Here you can get a view from the water to the cliffs for relatively little money, 10 to 15 € for about 45 minutes.
Vlacherna Monastery and Mouse Island
The monastery adjacent to the Analipis peninsula is worth a visit. This was built around the 17th century. Covered with red bricks, it is a real eye-catcher
To get from the mainland to the peninsula, it is best to take the car. Because there are no sidewalks on this path. Once there, you can stroll down the narrow footbridge to the monastery. The visit to the monastery is free of charge.
Even in front of the monastery you have a great view of the bay and the associated small mouse island. If you also want to explore it, you can take a small boat tour from the monastery. The trip costs about 3€. The island is very small. You walk around in a relaxed 10 minutes.
Back on the Analips peninsula, you can visit one of the beautiful cafés. Even Sissi liked to sit here back then. Today you have a unique view of the airport from there and can watch the huge machines take off and land.
Paléo Períthia
This is a true museum village dating back to the 14th century. The town in the northeast of the island was once very busy. It was used for agriculture. But when the fishing brought in more money, the locals left their homes.
Now there are 130 houses here that want to be explored. You can do this on your own or book a guided tour.
The houses are fine to look at. They are all built in the Venetian style and suggest that wealthy people once lived here.
In the meantime, some life is coming back to the village. So it is diligently restored and a classic Greek tavern attracts with great food.
The way there can be conquered by car. But if you enjoy hiking in beautiful nature, you can also master the route that way. This is especially worthwhile because there are still beautiful spots with unique views on the trip itself. It is advisable to wear sturdy shoes, as the paths and roads are not very well developed.
