Information
City: CorfuCountry: Greece
Continent: Europe
Corfu, Greece, Europe
Overview
Corfu sits in the blue sweep of the Ionian Sea, a favorite among Greece’s islands, with hills draped in olive groves, a storied past, and a mix of Italian, British, and French touches woven through its streets.Corfu greets you with cobblestone streets in its old town, golden stretches of sand, and rolling green hills, offering everything from wandering museums to lounging by the sea.Corfu’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, charms with its Venetian-style facades, pastel walls catching the afternoon sun, and a maze of narrow alleys that beg to be explored.The town winds like a maze of cobbled streets lined with cozy shops, lively cafés, and inviting restaurants, leading to landmarks such as the Liston Promenade-shaped after Paris’s Rue de Rivoli-the broad Spianada Square, largest in Greece, and the Old Fortress, where the breeze carries the scent of salt from the sea far below.Corfu’s past weaves together Greek, Venetian, French, and British influences, creating a vibrant cultural tapestry-you might hear church bells ring beside a square lined with Venetian arches.The island has long held strategic importance, and you can still see it in the weathered stone forts and graceful old courtyards that echo each era it has passed through.You’ll see the Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria-better known as Sisi-with its marble statues gleaming in the sun, and the Museum of Asian Art, home to a rare and fascinating collection from across the East.Corfu’s known for its gorgeous beaches, where soft sand meets crystal-clear water and the shore is framed by hills covered in deep green pines.Beaches like Paleokastritsa, Sidari, and Glyfada draw crowds for their clear water, warm sand, and the thrill of water sports.Near Sidari, the Canal d’Amour is known for its striking rock formations and a local legend claiming that couples who slip through its narrow, sun-warmed channel will soon be wed.Corfu bursts with life-lush hillsides dotted with cypress trees, silver-green olive groves, and meadows bright with wildflowers.The island’s made for adventure-you can hike winding trails, cycle past salt-scented cliffs, or wander through quiet paths under the pines.The Corfu Trail winds across the island, leading hikers past turquoise coves, over rugged mountains, and through quiet, sunlit villages.Mount Pantokrator promises a tough climb to Corfu’s highest peak, where the wind smells faintly of pine and the view sweeps in every direction across the island and the shimmering Ionian Sea.In Corfu’s hills and along its coast, you’ll find charming villages where whitewashed houses line narrow stone lanes, offering a true glimpse of traditional Greek life.Paleokastritsa, home to a quiet monastery and cliffs that drop into turquoise water, ranks among the most beautiful villages.At the island’s northern tip, Kassiopi welcomes you with quiet harbors, weathered fishing boats, and the crumbling stones of its ancient ruins.Villages like Agios Matthaios and Benitses draw fewer tourists, giving you a real taste of Greek life-fresh bread from the corner bakery, and neighbors greeting you in the street.Corfu’s food tells its history, blending Venetian, Italian, and British touches with the warm, familiar taste of Greek dishes-like a plate of moussaka brightened by a hint of cinnamon.The island’s best-known flavors range from sofrito-beef simmered in wine, vinegar, and garlic-to pastitsada, a rich pasta with tender meat, and bourdeto, a fiery fish stew that smells of the sea.Brought over from China in the 19th century, the kumquat is another local favorite, often finding its way into sweet liqueurs and thick, golden jams.Corfu’s dotted with historic monasteries and ancient stone churches, places where candlelight still flickers against cool marble walls.Perched high on a hill with the sea glittering far below, the Monastery of Paleokastritsa stands as one of the island’s most important landmarks.The Vlacherna Monastery sits on a tiny islet just off Corfu Town, its white walls gleaming against the blue of the Ionian Sea.The island’s dotted with Byzantine-era churches and small stone chapels, their faded frescoes whispering its deep religious roots.Corfu’s cultural calendar bursts with life, from summer music in the town square to lantern-lit celebrations in the cool winter air.Easter in Corfu stands out as a highlight, with brass bands leading vibrant processions and bursts of fireworks lighting the night sky over Corfu Town.The Corfu Carnival bursts to life with parades, glittering masks, and lively performances, weaving local customs together with the color and pageantry of Venetian style.Beyond its golden beaches, Corfu invites you to dive into adventure, from skimming the waves in a kayak to catching the wind on a board or exploring coral gardens beneath the surface.Warm, crystal-clear waves wrap around the island, inviting you to snorkel among bright coral reefs, explore shadowy marine caves, and drift over the silent hulls of old shipwrecks.Corfu greets you with easy smiles and the scent of fresh bread drifting from a café, a place where warmth and welcome feel like second nature.The people on the island greet you with easy smiles and love showing guests their traditions, from music in the square to the scent of fresh bread cooling in the sun.In Corfu, you might share grilled sardines at a small taverna, chat with a friendly shopkeeper, or join the crowd at a lively festival-and in those moments, visitors often feel deeply part of the community.Why visit Corfu?Here, sunlit olive groves meet Venetian fortresses, weaving history, stunning scenery, and rich traditions into a destination that has something for every kind of traveler.You might wander through Corfu’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, feel the warm sand between your toes on a quiet beach, savor dishes rich with local flavor, or hike under the shade of olive trees in its green hills-whatever you choose, the island offers something you’ll remember.
Landmarks in Corfu
