Corfu is a Greek island within the Ionian Sea and a well-liked vacation vacation spot. Its coast is dotted with stunning seashores and resorts from finances to upscale. In case you are interested by an energetic or cultural vacation you don’t want to fret as Corfu has sufficient to see and do for you as properly.
Corfu was my first publish pandemic vacation spot for a purpose. 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 by way of Athens meant it could be 4 flights and near sufficient miles to maintain my standing. I at all times hop to one of many Greek islands to do these flights and on the identical time go to some UNESCO World Heritage Websites.
All of the locations of curiosity on Corfu might 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 most effective issues to do and see in Corfu however first I share my Corfu itinerary.
Corfu itinerary
Corfu is a moderately massive 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 overlaying all of the sights in three days, however you are able to do all of them in two as properly. For those who simply have two days mix day 2 and three.
Should do Corfu day journey #1: Previous Corfu day journey
For those who simply need to get out at some point, then you could go to Previous Corfu together with the Achilleion Palace and Vlacherna Monastery that are situated close to the city. Probably the most environment friendly manner is to begin early (8-9 AM) on the Achilleion Palace and as soon as completed persevering with to Vlacherna Monastery. Ensure to hop to Pontikonisi as properly. Now proceed to Previous 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 & Seashore
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 performed when it’s cool. Proceed to Paleokastritsa which is a 20–30-minute trip south. It’s a stupendous seashore to loosen up the remainder of the day however don’t overlook to go to the monastery on the prime of the rocks.
Corfu day journey #3: Previous Perithia, Cape Drastis and Kassiopi
First head to Previous Perithia within the morning. It’s an previous, principally abandoned, village on Mount Pantokrator. Go for a hike and end again in Previous Perithia for lunch or proceed on to Cape Drastis. There you may have lunch as properly, loosen up on the seashore, do a ship trip alongside the cliffs, or go snorkelling. Within the afternoon proceed to Kassiopi for a stroll within the harbour and dinner.
For those who mix day 2 and three into one then drive on this order: Paleokastritsa Monastery (no time for seashore), Angelokastro, Cape Drastis, Previous Perithia (lunch right here first then hike) and end in Kassiopi.
High issues to do and see in Corfu
Now, let’s have a more in-depth have a look at the highest issues to do and see in Corfu which might 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 identify suggests, based mostly on historical Greek fashion. Decorations in and across the palace are principally associated to Achilles, from which the identify is derived. At my time of go to, sadly, the higher two flooring have 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 have been superb as properly. The inside is additional full of 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’ll be able to’t miss that one, it’s large! I discovered the doorway price of 10 euro fairly steep, however the place is just superb.
Vlacherna Monastery
The Vlacherna Monastery is one among Corfu’s icons. It’s a monastery on a small island linked with a walkway to the shore. The place can be nice should you like aircraft 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 a lot 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 may go to the courtyard and the small chapel with has an icon of the Girl of Vlacherna. Earlier than you go, ensure that to hop to Mouse Island as properly.
PRO-TIP: When you drive again up cease at one of many eating places/bars for an amazing view of the monastery under. There you may see the sharp distinction between the white monastery and the blue sea.
Pontikonisi
Pontikonisi Island (Mouse Island) is a should go to should you’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 massive cypress timber. First monks arrived within the 10th century and the chapel was constructed within the 11th century. Effectively price spending half an hour on this idyllic island.
Corfu Previous City
Corfu Previous City is a UNESCO World Heritage Website 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 manner round city. I parked on the harbour and new fort. There’s rather a lot 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 Previous City is sufficient however you may as well 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 go loads of different nice spots as properly like gardens, squares and different church buildings.
Archaeological Museum of Corfu
The Archaeological Museum of Corfu has an amazing show of archaeological finds. It’s best to go to if you wish to be taught concerning the historical past of the island. Because it’s situated simply exterior of Corfu Previous City, I like to recommend visiting it early morning when it opens earlier than exploring the city itself. There’s parking on the corniche and the streets across the museum.
The Previous 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 an important position within the Ottoman sieges. The Ottomans conquered a lot of the island, however the previous fort of Corfu fell by no means of their palms. You’ll be able to stroll by the assorted components of the forts in about 60-90 minutes relying on what you need to see. There’s a small museum and a church as properly. The latter, the Church of Saint George, dates from British rule and appears like a Greek temple. I do suggest climbing to the highest for a powerful 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 below British rule. At present it homes the Museum of Asian artwork. For those who’re into artwork it is 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 good place for a espresso. It was constructed by the French and a part of the Corfu Previous City UNESCO inscription. After a espresso begin wandering the streets in Corfu Previous City and make your method to the brand new fort.
Church of St. Spyridon (Áyios Spyrídon)
The Church of St. Spyridon (Áyios Spyrídon) is a should see in Corfu Previous 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 numerous events. When you stroll by Corfu Previous City, you’ll see extra church buildings. Ensure to go to them as properly. I’ll not record all of them because the Church of St. Spyridon is a very powerful. Proceed as much as the brand new fort.
The brand new fort
The identify New Fort is deceptive because the fort is only a bit newer because the Previous 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 stupendous view there over the pink terra cotta roofed metropolis.
Strolling from the Previous Fort to the New Fort will cowl all main sights in Corfu Previous City. There are extra locations of curiosity simply exterior of the previous city which I’ve listed individually on this Corfu itinerary. In case you have time left, you may go both procuring, cease on the seashore or simply have a drink at a terrace and watch individuals stroll by.
Angelokastro
Angelokastro fort is a stupendous 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 may see the whole 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 will discover a monastery with the identical identify: Paleokastritsa Monastery. It is likely one of the foremost 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. If you go to, ensure that to decorate applicable. The church is gorgeous as are the gardens. Within the small museum you will note numerous necessary Byzantine icons. After visiting the Paleokastritsa Monastery ensure 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 Seashore
Paleokastritsa Seashore is a stupendous seashore on the north western coast of Corfu. The proper spot for water actions and leisure. There are many bars and eating places as properly. Sufficient to do for a full day or, should you’re like me, to have a chilly beer and proceed additional.
Previous Perithia
Previous 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 properly. Half a century in the past the small city had over one thousand inhabitants. The realm is an excellent place to make a hike and luxuriate in a scrumptious lunch at one of many eating places. I extremely suggest going should you go to Corfu. So ensure 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 may see Albania throughout the waters as properly. 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 stunning coastal city in North Corfu. The city is price including to a Corfu itinerary when you have the time. I visited late afternoon after exploring the northern a part of the island. It has a fort which is sweet, however the most effective half is the harbor with its many eating places. In fact, go for fish which is contemporary!
Though I solely spend 3 days on Corfu, I believe this Corfu itinerary contains all of the locations of curiosity. I even had a few hours at my motels seashore to loosen up. For those who go to the island to spend extra time at seashores per week is definitely crammed as properly. Let’s see which island I’ll go to subsequent yr. Perhaps Rhodes?
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