Corfu

Corfu: The Emerald Isle of Greece
📍 Location: Ionian Islands, Greece 🇬🇷
🏝️ Best for: History, lush landscapes, castles & stunning beaches

🌟 Why Visit Corfu?
✔️ One of Greece’s greenest islands – thanks to winter rains 🌿
✔️ Rich history – from Byzantine churches to Venetian castles 🏰
✔️ UNESCO-listed Old Town – a stunning blend of Italian, French & British influences 🏛️
✔️ Incredible beaches – from golden sandy shores to dramatic cliffs 🏖️
✔️ Fantastic food & wine – unique local dishes & Corfiot vineyards 🍷

🏛️ Top Attractions in Corfu
1️⃣ Corfu Old Town – A UNESCO Gem 🏛️
✔️ A mix of Venetian, French & British architecture
✔️ Narrow cobblestone alleys (Kantounia) perfect for strolling
✔️ Highlights: Liston Promenade, Spianada Square & Saint Spyridon Church

🎟 Free to explore
⏳ Best time to visit: Morning or sunset to avoid crowds

2️⃣ The Old & New Fortresses of Corfu 🏰
✔️ Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio) – Built by the Venetians in the 15th century
✔️ New Fortress (Neo Frourio) – Offers amazing panoramic views of Corfu Town

🎟 Ticket: ~€6 per fortress

3️⃣ Achilleion Palace – The Palace of an Empress 👑
✔️ Built in 1890 for Empress Elisabeth of Austria (“Sisi”)
✔️ Neoclassical design with stunning gardens & statues of Achilles
✔️ Breathtaking views over the Ionian Sea

🎟 Ticket: €10

4️⃣ Paleokastritsa Monastery & Beach 🌊
✔️ One of the most scenic spots in Corfu
✔️ 13th-century monastery perched on a hill with stunning sea views
✔️ Visit the golden-sand beaches & hidden caves nearby

5️⃣ Kanoni & Mouse Island (Pontikonisi) ✈️
✔️ Famous for its postcard-perfect views of planes landing over the sea
✔️ Home to the Panagia Vlacherna Monastery
✔️ Short boat trip to Mouse Island (~€2.50)

6️⃣ Angelokastro – A Castle in the Clouds ☁️
✔️ A Byzantine fortress sitting at 305m above sea level
✔️ Epic views over the Ionian coastline
✔️ Short hike up (~20 min walk)

🎟 Ticket: €3

🏖️ Best Beaches in Corfu
🌊 Paleokastritsa Beach – Stunning blue waters & caves
🏝️ Porto Timoni – Hidden twin beaches, a must-visit for hikers
🐚 Glyfada Beach – Long sandy beach with beach bars
🌿 Issos Beach – Wild, untouched & backed by sand dunes
🏖️ Agios Gordios – Perfect for relaxing & sunset views

🍽️ What to Eat in Corfu?
🍖 Pastitsada – Beef or rooster slow-cooked in rich tomato sauce & served with pasta
🐟 Bourdeto – Spicy fish stew with red pepper & tomato
🍋 Sofrito – Slow-cooked veal in a garlic, wine & vinegar sauce
🍷 Kumquat Liqueur – Sweet local drink made from tiny oranges
🍮 Sykomaida – Traditional fig cake with spices

Top Restaurants & Tavernas:
✔️ Rex – Traditional Corfiot dishes in the heart of Old Town
✔️ Avli – Seaside taverna with fresh seafood
✔️ Taverna Tripa – Famous for its family-style Greek dining

🏨 Where to Stay in Corfu?
🏡 Luxury:
✔️ Ikos Dassia – 5-star all-inclusive beachfront resort
✔️ Corfu Imperial – Private beaches & top-notch service

🏡 Mid-Range:
✔️ Mayor Pelekas Monastery – Beachfront stay with breathtaking views
✔️ Ariti Grand Hotel – Close to Kanoni & Corfu Town

🏡 Budget:
✔️ The Pink Palace – Backpacker-friendly hostel & beach hotel
✔️ Bella Vista Beach Hotel – Cozy & affordable

🚆 How to Get to & Around Corfu?
✈️ Corfu International Airport (CFU) – Direct flights from Europe
⛴️ Ferries from Greece & Italy – Regular services from Igoumenitsa, Patras & Venice
🚗 Car Rentals – Best for exploring the island at your own pace
🚌 Public Buses (Green & Blue Buses) – Cheap & efficient way to get around

🏆 Why Corfu is a Must-Visit
✔️ A unique mix of Greek, Venetian & British influences 🏛️
✔️ One of the greenest & most beautiful Greek islands 🌿
✔️ A perfect blend of history, beaches & nature 🏖️
✔️ Delicious food, warm hospitality & breathtaking sunsets 🌅