A guide to things to do in Corfu

A fortified cityscape

The capital city of Corfu Town is a maze of old streets and charming authentic Corfiot culture. Above all this stands the Old Venetian Fortress, a beautiful structure which withstood three sieges from the Ottoman Empire. Today it’s open to the public with options to take part in a guided tour, telling you all the exciting stories the Fortress played a key role in.

The best view on the island

Climbing the mountain roads of Pelekas you’ll reach Kaiser’s Throne, a lookout spot that was Kaiser Wilhelm II’s favourite summering spot in the early 1900s. From here you’ll not only get some of the most incredible views of Corfu, but you’ll also be able to sit at the Sunset restaurant and watch the day draw to a close like never before. The sun going down in Corfu is a spectacular affair, and this is the best place to watch it from.

Feel like royalty

Another of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s stomping grounds is Sissi’s Palace in Achilleon. This extravagant white-columned palace is home to some of the best artwork in Corfu – grand oil paintings and marble sculptures complete with brass shields and swords. Now a museum, there’s access to both the palace and its beautiful grounds for just eight euros.

Barter with the locals

Corfu Town’s old district is made up of winding alleys and snaking side streets, which are all brimming with market traders and authentic tavernas. This gives tourists and travellers two opportunities for haggling with the natives – either for a cheaper price at the stalls or a free starter at the tables.

Explore the water kingdom

Aqualand, Corfu’s best waterpark, is located in Aghios Ioannis which is one of the most loved resorts on the island. Although all-day entry is available, the park also offer three-hour tickets which are half price in case you’re not in it for the long haul. Try the Black Hole, many say it’s one of the best waterslides in Europe.

The channel of love

Located in Sidari, Canal D’Amore is a feat of nature in the form a water-filled channel through solid rock in the coastal cliffs. Clear aquamarine water flows through the middle, meaning its one of the best locations on the island for snorkelling. With sunbeds to hire on the beach and a small line of tavernas to feed your hunger, you can sit back, relax and watch the thrill-seekers throw themselves from the cliffs into the briny deep.

Plane spotting at the monastery

The Vlacherna Monastery is the charming white-washed sanctuary that appears on all the Corfu postcards. Jutting out into the sea on a long walkway, you’ll have to tread carefully so you don’t get caught by the spray of the sea on the way out. But once you’re there it’s completely worth it. This ancient spot has a view of Mouse Island out to sea, and the peace and quiet of the place is only interrupted by planes which fly close overhead.

If you’ve got an interest in marine life, Corfu has its very own aquarium which is to be found in Paleokastritsa. Ideal for adults and kids alike, you can actually get up close to George the Iguana, who lets you feed him if he’s in the mood to play. If not, you can always hold the snakes instead!

If you’ve got an interest in marine life, Corfu has its very own aquarium which is to be found in Paleokastritsa. Ideal for adults and kids alike, you can actually get up close to George the Iguana, who lets you feed him if he’s in the mood to play. If not, you can always hold the snakes instead!

Mountain biking

Ride through small villages, historic streets, and the gorgeous Corfu countryside on a mountain bike excursion. You can discover why they call it the ‘Emerald Isle’ by journeying through some of the most gorgeous backdrops the Greek Islands have to offer.

There are plenty of spots around the island where you can rent a bike, and some will even take you on guided tours, stopping along the way at quaint village pubs for tapas and drinks.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding in Corfu has become a time-honoured tradition, and is a fantastic way to take in some of the island’s stunning sights.

Professional riders will lead you on a tour through woods, meadows, villages and olive groves, letting you fully immerse yourself into the views of Corfu’s mountains and expansive coastlines. Whether you’re an avid rider or this is your very first time on a horse, there are trails available for a range of experience levels.

Scuba diving

The water around Corfu is perfectly clear and makes an ideal spot for scuba diving enthusiasts. Dive centres are available all around the island and teach about health and safety before guiding you through your one-of-a-kind scuba diving experience.

There’s much to explore underwater in Corfu, from coral reefs to caves with open roofs to bright and colorful fish and even a few octopi.

Corfu is also home to several shipwrecks that you can scuba dive around including a World War II steamship and the British minesweeper HMS Regulas that was sunk by a mine in 1945.

Fun 4x4 tours

Experience some off-roading with a four wheel drive across the island. These private tours give you an up close and personal adventure of Corfu, taking you on unseen scenic routes and over rocky terrain regular cars couldn’t withstand.

Instead of the average bus tour, stopping and letting people on and off along the way, four wheel drive tours take you exactly where you want to go, and the private aspect means you can even make a pit-stop for drinks.

Watersports

Watersport enthusiasts get ready, Corfu’s world-renowned beaches are the ideal stomping ground for a little sand and surf. Corfu has everything covered in the watersports department, with a massive range of activities to check out.

Learn how to waterski, wakeboard, paraglide, kite surf, and even jetski. All around the island you’ll find watersport equipment rentals as well as facilities that will teach you how to have fun and stay safe out on the water.

For a more laid-back approach in the ocean hire a banana boat or rent inflatable towables.