Corfu: green and full of variety

7-11 minuten

I’ve completely fallen in love with Corfu. This beautiful Greek island has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that captures your heart right away. The locals truly live outdoors. You’ll see them drinking coffee at neighborhood bakeries and greeting everyone who walks by with genuine smiles. Every time I look at the ancient olive trees, the tall cypress trees reaching for the sky, and the winding roads that lead to spectacular viewpoints, I feel an instant happiness wash over me. I must admit, navigating those narrow roads sometimes makes me feel more like a rally driver than a tourist! Along the coastline, you can spend endless hours sitting at a taverna, enjoying delicious local food while taking in the breathtaking scenery all around you. This island has completely won me over, and I’m excited to share my favorite places, travel tips, and must-see attractions with you.

Corfu town (Kerkyra): a living museum

The main town of Corfu is like a living maze where even the most reliable GPS gets confused. Every wrong turn leads to another charming square where the enticing aromas of fresh coffee and local delicacies tempt you to stop “just for a quick break” – which inevitably turns into an hour of people-watching and relaxation. The Liston Promenade is perfect for enjoying a traditional Greek salad while observing the colorful parade of locals and tourists passing by. Before you know it, you’ll feel inspired to climb up to the impressive Old Fortress. About halfway up, you might question your fitness level and wonder if you should have spent less time enjoying Greek pastries, but I promise the panoramic view from the top rewards every drop of sweat. The New Fortress has a completely different feeling. Like walking onto a movie set where you half-expect to bump into pirates or musketeers around any corner. The whole town has such a wonderful, timeless charm. I love it!

Kanoni & Mouse island: corfu’s picture-perfect spot

When you visit Kanoni, prepare for your phone to run out of storage space from taking so many photos. The picturesque white monastery of Vlacherna, connected to the mainland by a narrow walkway, looks like it was designed specifically for Instagram. Nearby sits Mouse Island (Pontikonisi), which according to local legend is actually Odysseus’ ship turned to stone by the sea god Poseidon. While these sights are impressive, the real highlight comes unexpectedly. While enjoying a cold Mythos beer on a terrace, planes fly incredibly close overhead as they approach the nearby airport. The proximity creates an exciting spectacle you won’t experience anywhere else in the world. “Plane-spotting with a cocktail in hand” quickly becomes your new favorite vacation activity.

Agios Gordios: a lovely beach village on the west coast

In the beach town of Agios Gordios, even the strictest healthy lifestyle takes a well-deserved vacation. During sunny days, you can relax completely on a comfortable sunbed with the sea stretching out before you. As evening approaches, the village transforms into something magical. The setting sun paints the water in warm shades of orange and pink while everything settles into a peaceful rhythm. Everything except your senses, which remain fully awake to absorb all the beauty around you.

During my stay, I chose Hotel Alonakia, a cozy family-run establishment perched on a hillside offering spectacular dual views – rugged mountains on one side and a vast, sparkling bay on the other. The homemade food served here tastes authentically Greek and delicious, while the refreshing pool provides the perfect retreat after a day of exploring the island’s treasures.

For evening entertainment, The Lemon Tree is absolutely worth visiting. They serve creative cocktails with unexpected twists in a fun atmosphere with music spanning decades from the ’50s until today’s hits. The staff is genuinely friendly and knowledgeable about their drinks. When you’re ready for a special dinner, Madison Garden offers excellent cuisine in a beautiful garden setting where every detail has been thoughtfully arranged. The mood lighting, comfortable seating, and artfully presented dishes create a memorable dining experience. My evening there was made even more special by a stunning blood moon hanging in the night sky – truly magical! Of course, Agios Gordios has many other welcoming tavernas serving traditional Greek food, from fresh village salads and creamy tzatziki to juicy souvlaki and generous mixed grills that satisfy any appetite – simply irresistible for food lovers.

Paleokastritsa & Golden Fox Viewpoint

Paleokastritsa on the west coast showcases nature at its absolute finest. The area features crystal-clear blue bays where you can easily spot fish swimming below, impressive rock formations that create a dramatic landscape, and a peaceful monastery overlooking this paradise. Here you can rent a small boat to discover hidden caves and secluded beaches that aren’t accessible by land. In the afternoon, take the winding road up to the mountain village of Lakones. The drive includes many sharp turns and narrow passages, but each bend reveals increasingly beautiful views – eventually leading to the famous Golden Fox Viewpoint. Standing there looking out over the bays, forests, and endless blue Ionian Sea stretching to the horizon, you might find yourself wondering: “Could I possibly live here?” Because honestly, if this isn’t paradise on earth, I don’t know what is.

Afionas & Porto Timoni

The charming village of Afionas sits on the northwest coast, featuring narrow streets winding between traditional houses decorated with colorful flowers. From this elevated position, many tavernas offer spectacular panoramic views while you dine. Afionas marks the starting point for one of the island’s most talked-about walks – the path to Porto Timoni. You’ll likely begin this walk feeling enthusiastic and energetic, especially after a local resident tells you with a suspicious smile that “it’s just a short distance.” After working up quite a sweat, you’ll understand why he smiled – the somewhat challenging path feels more like a proper hike than a casual stroll. But when you catch your first glimpse of Porto Timoni, you’ll stop in amazement: two perfectly formed bays side by side, separated only by a narrow strip of land, with crystal-clear waters on both sides. It’s a unique natural formation that few places in the world can match. Just remember to start early in the day, bring plenty of water, and wear proper walking shoes – it requires some effort but delivers an experience you’ll never forget.

Driving: exciting but amazing

Renting a car on Corfu is definitely recommended, despite the island’s notoriously narrow roads. I personally found driving here exciting and fun! The roads wind through ancient olive groves, along mountainsides offering spectacular views, and through tiny villages where your car mirrors barely clear the whitewashed houses on either side. While occasionally nerve-wracking, these driving challenges are part of what makes exploring Corfu special. These winding roads lead to hidden gems and viewpoints you’d never discover otherwise, and the thrill of taking a random turn only to find yourself facing a breathtaking vista is something truly special. Driving here offers freedom, unexpected discoveries, and pure enjoyment of the journey itself.

Empress Sissi’s summer palace

The Achilleion is the summer palace that once belonged to Empress Sisi of Austria. While the interior is currently under renovation, the gardens more than make up for it. You wander among the statues of Achilles, feeling like a Greek goddess yourself—until you nearly trip over your own feet and almost topple a centuries-old sculpture. Oops … From the terrace, the view stretches over a coastline so stunning you can understand why Sisi sought refuge here: peace, beauty, and vistas that make you drift away for a little while.

Southern Corfu: nature and tradition

Southern Corfu reveals a completely different character compared to the rest of the island. Lake Korission forms a significant natural wetland where pink flamingos and numerous other bird species make their home. Nearby Halikounas Beach, where the sea meets the lake, features impressive dunes and a long stretch of sandy shoreline that makes you feel wonderfully removed from the busier tourist areas. The southern villages each have their distinct personality and charm. In Lefkimi, time seems to have slowed down considerably – a small canal runs through the village, traditional cafés serve strong Greek coffee, and quiet streets preserve authentic Greek daily life. You might even try striking up a conversation with one of the many local cats, only to receive a look suggesting you’re perhaps the strangest tourist they’ve encountered! Meanwhile, Benítses has successfully transformed from a simple fishing village to a vibrant destination with an attractive harbor area. Here you can order a refreshing drink at a waterfront taverna before spending time enjoying the clean beach and inviting sea.

Practical tips for your Corfu trip

The ideal time to visit Corfu is during spring (April-June) or early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are pleasantly warm but not scorching, and the island displays its lush green vegetation. The local cuisine will challenge any diet plans but absolutely delight your taste buds with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. After a week of indulging, you’ll have consumed so much tzatziki that you’ll probably carry the scent of garlic with you long after returning home – consider your colleagues and family warned!

Bottom Line: Corfu has it all

Corfu surprises and delights at every turn with its diverse landscapes, friendly people, and rich cultural heritage. Though you’ll only experience a fraction of what this magical island offers during a single visit, that glimpse is more than enough to know you’ll want to return. Perhaps next time with improved fitness for climbing those fortress stairs and definitely with an extra suitcase for all the irresistible olive oil, honey, and other local products you’ll inevitably want to bring home!