Corfu Greece: what to see and do
Venetian, French and British influences come together in Corfu's culture. Its mountain villages number more than two hundred.
Things to do in Corfu
Kanoni is said to owe its name to a pair of French cannon placed there in 1798. In front of Kanoni, south of Corfu town, stands the Holy Monastery of Vlacherna, dating from the 17th century. At Paleokastritsa monastery, a small museum displays icons from the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine periods alongside other religious relics.
A half-day guided tour of Corfu focusing on history and highlights lasts 4 hours and 30 minutes. It includes a professional local guide, transport, guided visits to Paleokastritsa, Pelekas, Kanoni and Corfu Old Town, and free time in the Old Town for shopping and tasting local products.
Corfu Old Town
UNESCO added Corfu Old Town to its World Heritage List in 2007. According to UNESCO, the design of Corfu's defences expresses the island's distinct identity. During British rule, from 1815 to 1864, work to modernise the fortifications involved removing several Venetian structures. World War II bombing badly damaged the Old Fortress, particularly its Venetian buildings.
The Corfu Old Town walking tour with a licensed local guide lasts 2 hours. It includes a licensed professional guide, admission to the Old Fortress and historical commentary at the stops.
Castles in the countryside
Three Byzantine castles survive in the Corfu countryside: Angelokastro, Kassiopi and Gardiki. Venice took control of Angelokastro and the rest of Corfu in 1386. On the eastern edge of Angelokastro, the church of Agia Kyriaki is carved into the rock. Gardiki Castle lies southwest of Corfu town; it was constructed after 1214 and abandoned when the Venetians occupied Corfu in 1386.
Palaces and museums
Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sissi, and Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany both lived at the Achilleion palace. At Mon Repos, Sir Frederick Adam, the British Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands, built a villa between 1828 and 1831. The Palace of St Michael and St George was built from 1819 by the architect George Whitmore. Panagia Antivouniotissa church houses the Byzantine Museum of Corfu; the church probably dates from the late 15th century.
A private Corfu tour featuring Achilleion and the Old Town lasts 5 hours and 30 minutes. Included are a private air-conditioned vehicle, a professional driver-guide with local knowledge, a customisable itinerary and a stop at a local deli to taste regional products.
Food and local products
Pastitsada is a Corfiot beef dish served at celebrations and formal dinners, with a tomato sauce spiced with a mix that often includes cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and cumin. Sofrito pairs thin fried beef slices with a white sauce made with garlic, parsley, white pepper, white wine, salt and vinegar, accompanied by rice or mashed potatoes. Olive monoculture, introduced under Venetian rule, has continued on Corfu.
The small-group guided Corfu tour with food and culture lasts 4 hours. It includes a licensed professional guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, tastings of olive oil, wine, ouzo, limoncello and kumquat, a visit to Paleokastritsa Monastery and free time in Corfu Old Town.
Sailing on the Ionian Sea
The Corfu BBQ boat tour on the Ionian Sea with locals lasts 7 hours and 30 minutes. It includes a boat trip with a local crew, coastal sailing, swimming stops in selected bays and a BBQ lunch featuring local food.
Frequently asked questions
When did Corfu Old Town become a World Heritage Site?
Corfu Old Town joined the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007.
Which Byzantine castles survive in the countryside?
The countryside's surviving Byzantine castles are Angelokastro, Kassiopi and Gardiki.
Where is the Byzantine Museum of Corfu?
The museum occupies Panagia Antivouniotissa church, probably built in the late 15th century.
Who lived at the Achilleion palace?
Its residents included Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sissi, and Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.
What is pastitsada?
Pastitsada is a Corfiot beef dish with a tomato sauce spiced with a mix that often includes cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and cumin, served at formal dinners and celebrations.
