Things to Do on Corfu Island, Greece

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If you think Greek islands, your mind probably goes straight to Santorini, Mykonos, or another well-known island in the Aegean. While those are must-dos in your lifetime, after sailing the western side of Greece a couple summers ago, we’re much more partial to the Ionian Islands. They’re just as stunningly (if not more) beautiful, much less touristy, and less crowded.

Our group sailing trip on board the Aegeotissa II set sail from the island of Corfu for a 7-day adventure visiting Paxos, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaca, and Lefkada. Most of our friends arrived a couple days early to Corfu so we could explore before boarding the boat. With only about a day and a half to spend on the island, here are our recommendations for the top things to do on Corfu:

Top Things to Do on Corfu Island

Wander Old Town Corfu & explore the old Venetian Fortress.

If you’re visiting Corfu Island, chances are you’ll be staying in old town. One of the most popular activities is exploring the fortresses. There are two in Corfu: Old Venetian Fortress and New Venetian Fortress. But “new” is a relative term because even the new fortress with construction starting in 1576.

If climbing isn’t your thing (or if it’s the middle of summer like it was when we visited), you may just prefer to wander the streets of old town. There are many restaurants, cafes, shops, cocktail and wine bars to stop in. Liston is the most popular promenade in old town.

If you prefer to learn some history while exploring, you may also want to consider booking a tour.

Spend the day at a beach club.

With water as crystal clear as Corfu’s, spending a day at the beach should be a given. There are several beach clubs within a 30 minutes ride from old town Corfu. We chose Verde Blu and it was such a relaxing day. Spritzes delivered to our chairs. Delicious lunch under the pavilion. Refreshing dips in the Ionian. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!

Sip local wine at the source.

Corfu Island is home to a handful of vineyards and many including Goulis, Theotoky, Ambelonas, and Pontiglio have tasting rooms open to the public. Our group had booked a full day tour of the island with plans to stop at several of these, but it turned out that day was a holiday and most were closed. The only winery we got to visit was Goulis which has a small tasting room just off the main room.

Hike to the top of Angelokastro Castle.

Angelokastro Castle, or Angel’s Castle, is located near Palaiokastritsa village and visiting this byzantine-era castle is one of the top things to do in Corfu. There are several routes you can hike to the top with varying degrees of difficulty, but we did the hike that starts at the ticket office and car park. There is a small entrance fee that can be paid at the ticket office before you head up the stone pathway to begin the incline to the top.

It only takes about 15 minutes to the top, but it is mostly in direct sunlight. Be sure to bring water and sunscreen with you! Once you make it to the top, you’re rewarded with dramatic views of Corfu Island and the Ionian Sea beyond. Once you get back down from the top, take a break at the taverna for snacks or a drink.

Keep an eye out for peacocks.

Before you head up the hike Angelokastro Castle, keep your eyes peeled for peacocks. They were showing off for us right at the bottom of the stairway near the ticket office.

Enjoy cocktails or a dip at La Grotta Beach Bar.

View of the mountainside from La Grotta Lounge, Corfu Island, Greece

La Grotta Beach Bar is one of the most well-known spots for cocktails, music, and a view on Corfu Island. You can also take a dip in the turquoise water within the cove, or watch people jump from the cliff. I think it’s worth visiting for the experience, but I will say we didn’t receive the best service. Prices are more on the touristy side (cocktails ranging around €14-16).

Eat gelato.

Yes, yes, we know you can do this anywhere. But there’s just something about eating gelato on a hot summer day while roaming the streets of an ancient city. Plus, everyone needs a cool down in the middle of summer.

Other notes and things to do on Corfu Island:

Where did we stay? With more than 20 of us in our group, we couldn’t all stay together before boarding the boat. WC and I, and two friends, stayed in a rental apartment in old town, Casa di Kaparetto. It was perfect for what we needed with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and air-conditioning. It also had some other helpful amenities including a washing machine and full kitchen.

With just two days before our boat departed, we only got to scratch the surface of Corfu island. Here are a handful of other things to do in Corfu that we didn’t get the chance to do:

Porto Timoni Beach and viewpoint
Sunset at Loggas Beach and 7th Heaven Cafe
Paleokastritsa Beach & Paleokastritsa Monastery
Canal d’Amour viewpoint
Veranda Taverna for sunset dinner
Corfu Donkey Rescue
Take a ferry to Albania
Take a day cruise to Paxos
Kaiser’s Throne in Pelekas
Visit a museum (choices include Museum of Asian Art, Byzantine Museum of Antivouniotissa, Archaeological Museum)

Need more Greece inspiration?

Check out these blog posts to help you plan your trip:

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