Corfu: Top 13 attractions of this fabulous island

Old Town of Corfu

A city where British and Italian architectural styles intertwine, the capital of the Ionian Islands, Corfu Town, or, as it is commonly known, – Kerkira. This amazing city is unlike any other in Greece, and we recommend starting your exploration of the island here.

Kerkira is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But the real feeling tourists get is a magical symbiosis: it seems as if you are in England, Italy, Greece, and France all at once. For many centuries, the city was torn between the influence of these countries, and each ruler sought to leave their mark here. An interesting fact is that there is an entire street in Corfu Town that is an exact copy of the French Rue de Rivoli.

Palace of Saints Michael and George

You will find this location in absolutely every tourist guidebook about Corfu.

The palace was built by the British in the early 19th century over a period of five years. The castle is made of limestone brought from Malta. Initially, the building was intended to be the home of the British High Commissioner, Sir Maitland. However, it later became the property of the Greek royal family. Currently, the castle houses a museum of Asian art. There are about ten thousand exhibits here.

Achilleion Palace

Another landmark is Achilleion Palace. It was built by Elisabeth of Austria, better known in Greece as Empress Sisi. During her long journey through Europe at the end of the 19th century, she visited Corfu. She felt that this was the place where she could find peace of mind. Sisi, having begun the construction of the palace, decided to dedicate it to her favorite hero, Achilles. This is how Achilleion came into being.

She designed every corner of the palace and the park herself. Inside the palace, there was not even a hint of pomp and luxury. It was more like a house built with great love and taste than an imperial palace. The exterior and interior of the palace were later changed by the next owner. Despite the changes, it has not lost any of its appeal and is still one of the city's landmarks.

Cathedral of Saint Spyridon

The patron saint of the island, Spyridon Trimythous, holds a special place in the hearts of Greeks, especially the residents of Corfu. The modest-looking church named after this saint is hidden in the web of narrow medieval streets of the city, but everyone knows the way to it. Pilgrims from all over the world flock to the incorrupt relics of Saint Spyridon, and legends about his miracles of healing and helping people continue to this day.

Mount Pantokrator

Pantokrator is the highest mountain on the island of Corfu. Its height reaches 906 meters above sea level. Active travelers often choose this peak for hiking. At the top of the mountain is a monastery, founded in 1347.

In clear weather, you can see not only the distant Greek islands from the top of the mountain, but also the territory of neighboring Albania and Italian lands. At the top, there is a telecommunications station and a café where you can have lunch and relax after the climb.

You can book a hotel in Corfu with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

Archaeological Museum

The best place to visit in Corfu for history buffs. The complex was built in the mid-20th century. The museum was built to house numerous archaeological finds from the Temple of Artemis (previously, the exhibition was located in one of the island's schools, but there was not enough space for it).

Banknote Museum

The Banknote Museum's collection includes an almost complete collection of Greek banknotes from 1822 to the present day, amounting to about 2,000 items. In addition to Greek currency, the collection also includes examples of the single European currency, the euro, which replaced the Greek national currency, the drachma, and which Greece, along with other European countries, adopted in 2002.

The museum's collection is considered one of the most comprehensive of its kind in the world.

Paleokastritsa

Even the Greeks themselves consider Paleokastritsa to be the most attractive landscape on the island. The waves of the Adriatic Sea have carved out numerous grottoes and caves, hidden from view by secluded beaches, while the sheer cliffs overlooking the coast appear completely inaccessible. The history of this place is rich in events, as it stood in the way of those seeking quick profits.

That is why all the local villages climbed up into the mountains. It is easier to defend against invaders and pirates from high, inaccessible places. Even the Orthodox church of the "Life-Giving Spring" monastery is perfectly "camouflaged," even though it stands on the highest cape. Military history is now a thing of the past, and today Paleokastritsa is home to hotels with luxurious views, beaches, and marinas for pleasure yachts.

Mouse Island

A few kilometers from Corfu lies a wonderful little island called Mouse Island. The narrow rocky isthmus leading to the Vlacherna Monastery closely resembles a mouse's tail in shape. The monastery complex occupies almost the entire island, with the chapel and white church of the Virgin Mary occupying a central place.

This place is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts. Every angle offers a unique shot. It is no surprise that images of Mouse Island adorn every tourist brochure and appear on all kinds of souvenirs.

The Halkiopoula lagoon, where exotic species of migratory birds nest, is a beautiful sight. It is worth coming here especially to see how divine everything looks at sunset!

Paleo Fourios Fort

The ancient fortification was built by the Venetians. The Greek authorities renovated it many years ago, and today it is considered a landmark of Corfu.

Various celebrations and mass events are organized here. Visitors to the fortress are greatly impressed by its powerful walls and the panoramic views from the top. Keep in mind that the climb to the top is quite difficult. Therefore, it is better to start your journey in the morning, before the sun gets too hot.

Channel of Love

If you want to add a little romance to your trip, include a visit to Sidari in your itinerary. Here you will findthe famous Channel of Love, a luxurious beach where thousands of young people from all over the world come every year because of a belief that says: if a couple in love swims across the channel holding hands, they will remain inseparable forever. The channel is a small stretch of water running between rocks with an arch in the middle and ending in a 20-meter-long beach.

Spianada Square

In the island's eponymous town, in its center, is the largest square in Greece, built in the 19th century next to an ancient Venetian fortress, which is also an interesting attraction in itself.

Spianada Square is an area of picturesque green trees and beautifully trimmed shrubs, unique attractions, and a favorite place not only for locals but also for tourists. The square is divided by a street into two halves: Ano Plateia and Kato Plateia (Upper and Lower Squares).

Kaiser William II Observatory

The observation deck is located near the village of Pelekas on the cliffs. In the past, German Kaiser Wilhelm II often came here on vacation, which is how this place got its name.

The views from the platform are breathtaking: green Ropa, east and west Corfu, the coast of Albania, and the peak of Pantokrator. If you want to take incredible photos or simply enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature, be sure to visit this place.