Best Guide To Things To Do in Corfu, Greece for Families

Corfu, Greece holds a special place in my heart as one of the enchanting Greek islands we visited during our honeymoon. This picturesque destination offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for travelers seeking an authentic Greek experience. Here’s a glimpse into our memorable day in Corfu, along with some helpful tips for fellow explorers.

Corfu, the second-largest of the Ionian Islands and a unesco world heritage site, is a treasure trove of attractions waiting to be discovered. The beautiful island of Corfu offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty on the Ionian Sea. From ancient fortresses offering panoramic views to charming streets and alleys winding through the city, Corfu provides travelers with an authentic Greek experience and is definitely worth visiting on your Greek island tour. The island’s compact size and well-connected transportation options make it easy to navigate, and visitors are encouraged to embrace the leisurely pace, sample local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re interested in historic landmarks, inviting beaches, or simply soaking up the island’s charm, Corfu, Greece promises a memorable and enchanting experience for all who visit.

During our visit, we chose to immerse ourselves in the local charm by strolling through the charming cobblestone streets and alleys that wind their way through the city. Along the waterfront, we marveled at the vibrant colors of the buildings and savored the unhurried pace of life in Corfu. The bustling markets, quaint shops, and inviting cafes beckoned us to indulge in the simple pleasures of Greek island living.

Things to Do in Corfu, Greece

Visit the Fortresses. One of the highlights of our visit was exploring the ancient fortresses that dominate the island’s landscape. The Old Fortress, perched majestically atop a mountain, offers panoramic views of the city and the sparkling sea. Meanwhile, the New Fortress, with its stunning waterfront location, provides insight into the island’s rich history. 

Explore the Old Town of Corfu. 

You could walk around the town yourself or book a tour. We usually like to stroll and get to know a city on our own rather than booking a tour, but I would prioritize based on the amount of time you have in the Corfu town. 

Have a beach day. There are a few beautiful beaches in Corfu, each one with incredible views and amenities. 

• Faliraki Beach / Alekos Beach – the nearest beach with clear blue waters to Corfu town. There are usually options for sunbeds and umbrellas and many nearby restaurants and cafes. 
• Paleokastritsa Beach – crystal clear turquoise water, water sports rentals, and tour options to see Nausicaa’s Cave and the famous Blue Caves. 30-minute drive from Old Town. 
• Agios Gordios Pagon Beach – a great option for a large beach, plenty of space to rent cabanas or beach chairs, wade in the clear water, and then grab lunch at one of the many restaurants. One-hour from Old Town. 

Take a boat tour. You could visit the Paxos Antipaxos Blue Caves or book a sunset boat ride to see the Corfu old town by sea. 

 

Travel to Canal D’Amour. This area not only has breathtaking beaches but also incredible views and caves to explore. 

Tour the Corfu Museum of Asian Art which houses over 10,000 artifacts donated to the museum. 

Visit the Church of Saint Spiridon and walk up the highest bell tower in the Ionian Islands. 

Take a food tour to learn about the nearby olive groves, taste incredible Greek cuisine, and experience the Old Town with a local guide. 

Go for a hike or mountain bike ride. Near Corfu, there are several mountainous areas with incredible views and climbing opportunities. Some will take you to the sandy beaches mentioned above, and others will lead you to great views. 

• Mount Pantokrator loop
• Afionas – Porto Timoni 
• Cape Drastis Loop
• Paleokastritsa Monastery is a short walk to a beautiful view and monastery building 

Visit the Achilleion Palace and gardens. The Palace is currently undergoing renovations but the gardens are beautiful and worth a visit if you are looking for another activity. 

Visit Old Perithia. It is a well-preserved town and the oldest of Venetian origin on the island. The town is beautiful to see and truly historical. This is a great option if you are interested in a ghost tour for a unique experience! 

See the beautiful facade of the Palace of St. Michael in the old town.  

See the Vlacherna Monastery, one of Corfu’s most iconic and photographed points. It’s been used by many film producers and has a unique location directly above the sea. 

Getting Around Corfu

Navigating Corfu, Greece is a joy in itself, with its compact size and well-connected transportation options. While buses are available for getting around, we opted to explore the city on foot, allowing us to savor every moment and take in the sights and sounds at our own pace. Walking from the waterfront to the heart of the city was a delightful way to soak up the local atmosphere and stumble upon hidden gems along the way. 

The Hop-on Hop-off bus tour is a great option if you want to see the popular sights in a short amount of time. 

To get to places on the Corfu Island outside of the old town, I would suggest booking a tour or renting a car. 

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

For those planning a visit to Corfu, Greece here are a few helpful tips to enhance your experience:

1. Embrace the leisurely pace: Corfu embraces a relaxed way of life, so be sure to allow yourself the luxury of taking it slow and savoring every moment.

2. Sample local delicacies: Indulge in authentic Greek cuisine at the charming tavernas and eateries scattered throughout the city. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the island’s renowned olive oil, cheeses, and liqueurs, which are often available for sampling at the local shops.

3. Immerse yourself in the culture: Take time to engage with the friendly locals, wander through the vibrant markets, and soak up the island’s rich cultural heritage.

4. Determine your priorities: it’s impossible to see everything even though it’s a small island so make sure you focus on what’s important to you! I would focus on seeing one of the best beaches and wandering old town Corfu if you only have a day. 

Our day in Corfu, Greece left an indelible mark on us, and I hope that this glimpse into our experience inspires you to embark on your own adventure in this captivating Greek island paradise. Whether you’re drawn to its historic landmarks, inviting beaches, or charming main streets, Corfu promises a delightful tapestry of experiences that will linger in your memories for years to come.