The Greek Island Of Corfu: Best Things To Do When In Corfu

The Greek island of Corfu, located amid a chain of islands in the Ionian Sea, is a blue-water paradise known for its beautiful beaches, sun-bleached buildings, small lanes, and Byzantine architecture.

There are two major tourist seasons, April and May, and September and November, however due to its Mediterranean location, there is no poor time to come.

Most visitors make it a point to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf while also making time to explore the numerous historical monuments, natural, and cultural attractions. Here are the top things to do in Corfu.

1. Private Tours Of The Achilleion Palace And Other Places

Customized personalized tours that meet travelers’ schedules and interests are generally the most memorable.

From the Achilleion Palace and Corfu’s charming old-world towns to the Monastery of the Virgin Mary and traditional eateries and taverns, this itinerary has something for everyone. Half-day to full-day tours include round-trip transportation from your hotel or cruise ship at the port.

Before booking, contact the tour operator for a customized itinerary here.

2. Antipaxos and Paxos Blue Caves Boat Cruise

Boat tours from Corfu offer a different viewpoint on the island’s attractions. The blue caves of Paxos, known for their clean water, spectacular rock formations, and monk seal colony, are well worth visiting.

The tours feature bilingual guides, stops at traditional towns, postcard-like beaches, and on-board food and refreshments.

Guided and free time please guests. If booked, transportation to and from your Corfu hotel may be included.

3. Paleokastritsa 6-Hour Scooter Tour

For thrill-seekers who prefer more exciting activities than most tours, Vespa cruising around Corfu is a memorable way to spend the day. The six-hour tour begins with a safety briefing, guide introduction, and course description on the beautiful island.

Guests can choose from several scooters based on age, size, and riding ability and then explore Greek history and mythology. Paleokastritsa and Angelokastro’s Byzantine castle are highlights.

4. Private Sailing Yacht Cruise

Private yacht tours are a fantastic opportunity to see and experience Corfu. Considering everything they have to offer, the majority of them are surprisingly reasonable.

This excursion might last anywhere from four to eight hours in the middle of the morning. It includes sightseeing and activity time, making it suitable for a wide range of clients.

Participants will cruise down the coast, past old strongholds and isolated bays, stopping at a variety of gorgeous islands for time to rest, swim, sunbathe, and snap photographs. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages are provided, but you must bring sunblock and a beach blanket.

5. Tour the Corfu Fortress

Corfu, located on the island’s central east coast, across the strait from mainland Greece and Albania, has spectacular natural beauty and warm year-round weather, making it a popular destination for tourists wishing to escape the colder areas of the world during the winter.

This walking tour focuses on notable buildings, interesting local lore and history, and interesting people.

Guests will explore cobblestone alleyways, wander through bright plazas, and visit the residences of prominent modern and historical figures with their guide.

Other tour highlights include City Hall, the Ionian Parliament Building, the Jewish District’s synagogues, and the Old Fortress.

6. Open-Top Bus Tour in Old Town Corfu and Kanoni

This open-top bus tour of Old Town Corfu and Kanoni is ideal for people who want to witness unimpeded views of the city and breathe in fresh sea air without exerting too much energy.

Audio tours in eight languages are provided for overseas guests. Guests can choose to leave the ship and explore the stops that interest them, or to stay on board and relax at those that do not.

To name a few, tour sites include the cruise ship port, the convent at Vlaherna, beaches, fortresses, ambassador’s houses, and the Paleopolis remains and archaeological site at Kerkira.

7. Tour Corfu’s Old Town At Night 

Corfu is magnificent during the day, but many agree that it becomes unearthly at night. This four-hour night tour includes transportation to and from your accommodation, a local guide, and a quick tour of the town’s most famous sights.

Corfu’s Old Town has old fortresses, beautiful architecture, isolated squares, and tiny staircases that evoke bygone ages.

Visitors will see the Church of Saint Spyridon, shop at merchants and artists, and have a meal and drink.

8. See Best of Corfu By Touring Paleokastritsa Bay

Corfu’s weather can be extremely hot during the summer. Though there are many scooter, strolling, and open-air bus trips available, enclosed and air-conditioned cars are frequently the best option for those who prefer not to battle the elements.

This half-day private tour allows participants to select their start time and pick-up location, as well as the activities they wish to participate in.

The picturesque hilltop palace and gardens of Achilleion, as well as Kanoni and the postcard-like beach of Paleokastritsa, are perennial favorites.

Guests at Paleokastritsa can relax and swim or enjoy a short boat to the area’s blue water caves.

9. Ghost Stories and Legends Tour

This two-hour ghosts and legends tour is perfect for horror fans interested in the island’s dark side.

The trip begins when most tourists are asleep in their hotel beds and covers topics most other excursions avoid.

Ghost and Legend tour visitors will explore off-the-beaten-path areas of town with their educated guide, learn about intriguing true and mythological mysteries and tales, and feel goosebumps that daytime tour guests never will.

Tours start in central Corfu but don’t include food, beverages, or tips.

10. Corfu Town Walking Tour

Many visitors walk around Corfu, which has a plethora of historical structures, stunning natural features, and diverse food.

This three-hour morning and afternoon guided walking tour highlights what makes Corfu so appealing. Some tours stop at colonial-era palaces and fortifications and cover history, culture, and food.

A traditional Greek breakfast and lunch will be served, along with yogurt, olive oil, ginger beer, local honey, and sofrito.

11. Olive Oil Experience at the Governor’s Olive Mill

Your olive oil experience tour begins with a guided walk through ancient olive groves after a short, scenic drive from Corfu.

The island’s excellent soils have grown olives for millennia. Besides viewing them up close, guests will learn about the Governor’s mill’s history, what makes the growing circumstances so ideal, and taste a range of products.

Tours include light meal, local wines, oils, and olive products, which combine well. Early booking is recommended for mid-morning three-hour tours.

12. Corfu Food Tour

Tradition and modernity blend well in Corfu’s food. This three-hour walking tour is the best way for true gastronomes to enjoy it.

Your cuisine tour will begin at some of the island’s best-kept secrets after meeting your local guide.

Guests will sample local favorites and learn about their history, how they’re made, and why they’ve been Greek dining staples for so long.

Guests can also meet artisans, merchants, and restaurateurs while avoiding the crowds at popular sights.

13. Hop-on Hop-off City Sightseeing Bus Tour

These two hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tours are perfect for independent Corfu visitors.

Two 60- and 90-minute routes to Kanoni and Achillion are available. Tickets let guests see what they want at their own leisure and include eight-language audio guides.

Old Town, the Old and New fortifications, and the Palace of St. Michael and St. George are tour highlights. Guests can appreciate the architecture, enter sites, visit museums, or relax at a street-side café or bar.

14. Private Tour of  Kanoni

This private minibus tour takes you to Corfu’s most famous sights and historical sites.

Achilleion Palace, Old Town’s Kanoni Quarter, and Mouse Island from above are highlights. Wander through tranquil gardens, admire ancient Greek statues and art, and tour powerful emperors’ chambers within the palace.

Visitors to Kanoni on the west coast will enjoy spectacular Aegean vistas and traditional coastal towns and stop at a charming café for a drink before continuing on to other sights. Hotel pick-up and drop-off included.