17 best things to do in Corfu

Corfu sits off Greece’s western coast, just a short stretch from Albania—only about a mile at the closest point. Around 100,000 people live here year-round, and the weather is what you’d expect in the Mediterranean—long summers, mild winters, and lots of sunny days.

The island is small enough to explore without much planning. Driving from one end to the other takes less than two hours, so even if you’re only here for a few days, you can cover a lot of ground. You’ll find everything from busy cafés in Corfu Town to quiet villages tucked into the hills. Here's our pick of the best things to do in Corfu.
 

1. Glyfada Beach

Glyfada is one of the better beaches on Corfu’s west coast and one of the best beaches in Greece. It’s a long stretch of sand with decent access and steep cliffs behind. The water’s clear and shallow near the shore and usually good for swimming. That said, there can be a bit of a current at times, so it’s worth paying attention if you’re not a strong swimmer.

There are sunbeds, umbrellas, and a handful of tavernas right on the beach where you can grab grilled fish or something simple to drink. You’ll also see people jet skiing or paddleboarding, especially during high season.

In July and August, it can get packed, so try going early in the day or later in the afternoon if you want a bit more space. Sunsets are nice here too, with a clear view out west.
 

2. Campiello district, Spianada Square, and Liston Promenade

If you’re wandering around Corfu Town, the Campiello district is where you’ll probably want to start. This is the old part of town, full of narrow alleys, pastel buildings, and little balconies with flowers spilling over the railings. It feels more like a neighborhood than a tourist zone, even though it’s right in the center.

From there, you’ll end up in Spianada Square, which is unexpectedly huge and usually has people lounging around or playing cricket (a leftover from British rule). It’s good for a breather if you’ve been walking around for a while.

Next to the square is the Liston Promenade, a well-known walkway with arches that were modeled after a street in Paris. There are cafés all along it, and it’s a great place to sit down for a coffee or a glass of kumquat liqueur. This is a common route for the evening passeggiata.

3. Angelokastro fortress

Angelokastro is a fortress built high up on a cliff on Corfu’s northwest coast. It dates back to the Byzantine period and was a key defensive lookout point for centuries. These days, it’s mostly in ruins, but there’s still a lot to see—and the views alone are why this is one of the best things to do in Corfu. 

The hike up takes about 45 minutes and goes through olive groves and brushy terrain. It’s not too difficult, but it’s uphill most of the way, so you’ll want decent shoes and a bottle of water. 

Once you reach the top, you can walk along the old stone walls and cisterns, step into the little cave church, and look out over the coastline. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Albanian mountains in one direction and out across the Ionian Sea in the other.
 

4. Kaiser's Throne sunset

Kaiser's Throne is a viewpoint just above the village of Pelekas, named after Kaiser Wilhelm II, who used to come here for the view during his visits to Corfu. It’s about 900 feet (270 meters), and from there you can see both the east and west sides of the island at the same time.

It’s a great place to be around sunset. The light moves across the hills and olive groves, and you get those gradual color shifts in the sea and sky as the sun goes down. There are small tavernas nearby where you can sit and watch with a drink .

Even in the middle of summer, it’s usually not too busy, but it’s still a good idea to get there 30–45 minutes before sunset to settle in. The view changes quickly once the sun starts to drop, and it’s easy to lose track of time once you’re up there.

5. Achilleion Palace

Achilleion Palace was built in the late 1800s for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who had a strong interest in Greek mythology—hence the name, inspired by Achilles. The building is full of neoclassical details, with sculptures, murals, and decorative touches throughout. The gardens are also tiered and open out toward the sea.

After Elisabeth’s death, Kaiser Wilhelm II used it as his summer residence, and later on, it was converted into a military hospital during World War I. If you’ve seen For Your Eyes Only, you might recognize parts of it from the film. If you’re into old buildings and a bit of backstory, it’s worth a visit. 
 

6. Paleokastritsa Beach and Monastery

Paleokastritsa sits on Corfu’s northwest coast and is known for its mix of small beaches and rocky coves backed by steep cliffs and olive groves. There are a handful of beaches here—some quieter, others more built up with places to rent kayaks or book boat tours into the nearby caves.

Above the bay is a working monastery that dates back to the 13th century. It’s still active today, with a few monks living on-site. Visitors can check out the small museum, walk through the courtyard, and get a nice view from the gardens. 

Spending a day here is one of the best things to do in Corfu. It’s easy to get to by car or bus, and there are plenty of places nearby to grab lunch or take a break between the water and the walk up to the monastery.

7. Corfu Shell Museum in Benitses

In the quiet fishing village of Benitses, there’s a small shell museum that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. It was started by Napoleon Sagias, a diver who spent years collecting shells, fossils, coral, and all kinds of ocean oddities from around the world.

The place feels personal—like someone’s passion project that just got bigger over time. Inside, you’ll find everything from giant triton shells to preserved sea creatures and delicate nautilus shells. It’s not a huge museum, but there’s a lot packed in, and it’s surprisingly engaging once you start looking around.

It’s a good stop if you’ve got kids with you or if you’re curious about marine life. Also handy on days when it’s too hot or rainy to hang out at the beach. This is one of the best things to do in Corfu. It’s a quick visit, no fuss, and genuinely interesting
 

8. Archaeological Museum

Right in Corfu Town, this museum pulls together some of the island’s most important ancient finds. The centerpiece is a massive stone pediment from the Temple of Artemis that dates back to 580 BCE— one of the oldest stone temple pieces still around and worth seeing up close

The rest of the museum walks you through different parts of Corfu’s history. You’ll find pottery, statues, burial relics, and everyday tools that trace life on the island from ancient Greek times through the Roman period. The layout is clear, the displays are well-labeled in English, and it doesn’t take long to walk through—so it’s an easy addition to your day in town.

It’s a good stop if you’re already in town or want to break up a day of walking with something indoors. Not too big, so it doesn’t take more than an hour or so unless you like to read every panel. You’ll leave with a better sense of how deep Corfu’s roots go.

9. The Canals and Tavernas of Lefkimmi

Lefkimmi is tucked away in the south of Corfu and feels like a different world compared to the island’s busier resorts. It’s built around a narrow canal, and the pace here is slow. You’ll see Corfiots chatting outside their houses, fishing boats tied up along the banks, and quiet streets with little traffic.

If you’re looking to skip the tourist crowds, this is a nice change of pace. This is the kind of place where you wander around a bit, then sit down for a long meal at a family-run taverna by the water. The grilled octopus is a local favorite.

If you’re there on a Saturday, the morning market is worth checking out. It’s a great place to try homemade wine, pick up some olives, or just chat with people who live here.
 

10. Mon Repos Palace

Mon Repos is just a short walk from Corfu Town, surrounded by a quiet park filled with old olive trees and tall palms. 

The mansion was built in the 1830s for the British Lord High Commissioner, and it’s also where Prince Philip was born. The neoclassical mansion still has much of its original charm, with period furnishings and portraits, and it’s open to the public.

Inside, there’s a small archaeological museum with items from ancient Corfu, including finds from nearby ruins. It’s not a huge collection, but it’s well laid out. You’ll see pieces from ancient temples nearby, plus displays on local daily life through the centuries.

The grounds are worth exploring too. There’s a path through the woods that leads to the remains of a Doric temple from around 700 BCE, and if you keep going, you’ll eventually reach the water. A few small coves along the coast are good for a quick swim. Try going in the morning—it’s one of the best things to do in Corfu.

11. Paxos/Antipaxos Trip

A boat trip to Paxos and Antipaxos is a good way to change pace for the day. These small islands south of Corfu feel a bit more laid-back, with far fewer visitors and slower rhythms. Boats leave regularly from Corfu Town and take you along a scenic route past limestone cliffs and turquoise inlets.

Paxos has rolling hills thick with olive trees and a quiet harbor town, Gaios, where you can stop for lunch or a coffee. Antipaxos, smaller and uninhabited, is known for its clear water and sandy beaches—Voutoumi and Vrika are the main ones. 

It’s worth packing your snorkel gear, since the underwater visibility is excellent. Many boat tours also swing by the Blue Caves. It’s one of the best things to do in Corfu, even if you (like many) just stay on the boat and swim off the deck near shore.
 

12. Beach at Issos and the Sand Dunes of Korission Lagoon

Issos Beach is on the southwest coast of Corfu, next to Korission Lagoon. It feels a bit more remote, with nothing built up around it. The beach is long, sandy, and backed by high dunes shaped by the wind. You can climb them for a wide view over both the sea and the lagoon.

The lagoon itself is part of a protected area and attracts a lot of birds—sometimes flamingos, especially during migration seasons. It’s shallow and calm, and there’s a forest of cedar trees nearby that’s good for shade if you’re staying a while.

The wind can pick up in the afternoons, which is why you’ll see windsurfers and kiteboarders out. There’s usually plenty of space to spread out, even in summer. Late afternoon is a nice time to come, especially if you want to walk the dunes or see the way the light shifts across the sand.

13. Old and New Fortresses of Corfu Town

The two big fortresses in Corfu Town are hard to miss—and they’ve been part of the island’s defense for centuries. The Old Fortress sits right on a rocky outcrop by the sea. It started as a Byzantine structure, but the Venetians made it what it is today. On the other side of town, the New Fortress was added in the 1500s to deal with the growing threat of Ottoman attacks.

You can walk around both on your own. There’s plenty to explore—old stone tunnels, big open lookout points, and a few small exhibits inside. The views over the water are especially good from the higher points. It’s usually pretty quiet earlier in the day or later in the afternoon, and the light is better then, too.
 

14. Horseback riding in the Ropa Valley

If you’re looking to get away from the beach for a bit, the Ropa Valley is a peaceful, green stretch of countryside in central Corfu. It’s a good area for riding—open meadows, olive groves, and quiet trails that take you through parts of the island you wouldn’t see otherwise.

There are a few small stables around the valley that run guided rides for all levels. Some routes go past farmhouses or through shaded woodlands, and depending on the season, you might pass fields of wildflowers or see local wildlife.

Shorter rides are available for beginners or families with kids, while longer treks can take you deeper into the hills. It’s one fo the best things to do in Corfu to spend a few hours outdoors, and it’s especially good if you’re looking for something quiet.

15. Vlacherna Monastery

Vlacherna Monastery is that small white church you see on postcards—it’s on a little islet near Kanoni, connected to the mainland by a narrow walkway. It’s a small, whitewashed chapel with a tiled roof and a bell tower—simple but striking, especially with the sea all around and Mouse Island just behind it.

The inside is quiet and modest, with a few old icons and candles, but the setting is what makes this place memorable. You’ll often see people sitting on the causeway watching the planes fly low overhead as they land at the nearby airport—it’s one of the few places where that’s actually part of the charm.

Even if you’re just passing through, it’s worth a short stop. Mouse Island is just across the water, and you can take a little boat over if you're curious, but even just standing on the causeway gives you a full view.
 

16. Hiking the Corfu Trail sections between Liapades and Lakones

This stretch of the Corfu Trail takes you through some of the island’s most scenic inland terrain. It’s a 3-mile (5 km) walk between the villages of Liapades and Lakones, winding through old olive groves, rocky paths, and wild, herbal-scented hillsides. The route isn’t too difficult, but there are some inclined areas—enough to get your heart going without being overwhelming if you have a little experience.

There’s a steady climb as you near Lakones, and from up there you get clear views over Paleokastritsa Bay. You can make out the coves and inlets below, and the water changes color depending on the light. The Bella Vista viewpoint is near the top—it’s a good place to catch your breath and just take it in for a few minutes.

Along the way, you’ll pass crumbling stone presses and quiet farm buildings, some still in use, others slowly fading into the landscape. In spring the wildflowers are everywhere, and in autumn the temperatures tend to be a bit more comfortable for hiking. Bring enough water, and expect some loose rock and dirt underfoot. It’s one of the best hikes in Greece.

17. Try kumquat liqueur or Corfiot specialties

Corfu’s food has a different character than what you’ll find on the mainland. A lot of that comes from its history—it was under Venetian, French, and British rule at different points, and that influence shows up on the plate. 

One thing you’ll see everywhere is kumquat liqueur. The fruit came over from Asia in the 1800s and has since become something of a local symbol. The liqueur is sweet and citrusy, and you’ll find it in all kinds of versions, from tiny souvenir bottles to jams and candies.

Local dishes are worth trying too. Pastitsada is a spiced meat dish—usually beef or rooster—served with pasta. Sofrito is thin-sliced veal cooked in a garlicky wine sauce. Bourdeto is a fish stew that’s heavy on pepper. You’ll see these at traditional tavernas around the island, especially inland, where the menus tend to be more straightforward and locally rooted.

If you’re around during a village festival, that’s a good time to taste a bit of everything.