Corfu sights and travel tips

What should you definitely have seen on your Corfu trip? TUI employee Melanie shares her tips and experiences with you.

One of the arguments that convinced me about this beautiful island was the short flight time from Hanover. In about two and a half hours I can finally feel the sand under my feet again and hear the sound of the sea.

Corfu, the second largest of the Ionian Islands, whose shape is reminiscent of a mermaid, not only convinced me on my first visit, but apparently also numerous other tourists who flock to the Mediterranean year after year. The travel season from May to September is particularly popular, as the temperatures then lie between a pleasant 25 and 31°C.

In addition to shady olive and lemon groves, more than 30 types of orchids and small dwarf orange trees (kumquats) thrive here, from whose fruits the traditional kumquat liqueur and jam are made.

The Austrian Empress Sissi also appreciated this summer resort and had a palace built in the Pompeian style on her favorite island, the Achilleion. From here you can enjoy a wonderfully wide view of the old town, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

If you also want to follow in the footsteps of James Bond and follow in the footsteps of Roger Moore, you are well advised to visit the filming locations of the classic “For Your Eyes Only”. The locations for this were next to the Achilleion, the old town, the esplanade and the old fortress of Corfu Town. As well as the monastery of Vlacherna at Mouse Island, the bay of Kalami and the village of Pagi in north-west Corfu.

Corfu Sights: Tips for your vacation and my personal highlights

Corfu town

In Corfu Town, also called Kérkyra, you will find everything from shopping to culture and culinary delights. After a walk through Venetian-style alleys, a visit to the old and new fortress and shopping for souvenirs in “The Bazaar of Corfu Old Town”, I recommend the Aegli restaurant, which serves upscale Greek cuisine. Maybe there is still some time to visit the Asian Museum.

My personal tip: Visit Yannis!

Yannis and his family have been running a workshop for 27 years, turning the wood of centuries-old olive trees into kitchen tools, toys, pens and lots of other beautiful things. You can find the workshop on the main road that leads from Corfu town to Paleokastritsa. From there just follow the signs.

The Mouse Island

A visit to Mouse Island, which is the symbol of Corfu, is a must on your itinerary. From San Rocco Square in Corfu Town, you can take a bus to Kanoni Peninsula. Here you have to get off at the “Kanoni” stop. The Mouse Island, with the beautiful Vlacherna Monastery, can be reached by fishing boat for little money.

Paleokastritsa

In Paleokastritsa, one of the most beautiful places on the island, you will find a small beach with crystal clear water, a promenade with restaurants, and the Byzantine monastery, which is high above the sea with an overwhelming view and a Mediterranean herb garden. Or you can take a boat tour to the Blue Eye. The sight of the grotto with its two chambers and the water shimmering intensely in different shades of blue is really impressive. Don’t forget your bathing suit!

Tip: In the evening, take a boat trip from Paleokastritsa Beach to the La Grotta Beach Bar with panoramic views built on a rock and enjoy refreshing cocktails and snacks here at sunset.

A heart for animals?

Then combine your trip with a detour to “Corfu Donkey Rescue”. The donkey farm is about 8 kilometers away from the monastery of Paleokastritsa and is a special place for all big and small animal lovers. It provides shelter for more than 500 abandoned or abused donkeys, dogs, chickens and rabbits. If you want, you can take a donkey for a walk. From June the farm is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Best travel time for the Corfu
10 must-do things in Kefalonia
Kefalonia Travel Guide: Tips, places to visit, beaches