Corfu Attractions - Top 10 Most Popular Sights

The Greek island of Corfu is located in the Ionian Sea off the coast of Greece. Throughout its vibrant history, Corfu has been ruled by many different nations. This diversity is reflected today in the island's complex culture. Its charm goes well beyond that of a simple beach holiday.

Here we have summarized the 10 most beautiful sights of Corfu for you.

The view from the Kanoni viewpoint, at the tip of the Análipsis Peninsula not far from Corfu Town, is one of the best and most famous on the entire island. From up here, you can see the two small islands of Vlacherna and Pontikonissi, which means Mouse Island in English.

From Cannons and Mice

The viewpoint owes its name to a cannon that was left here by the British during the Napoleonic Wars when they had to flee from the French. The Mouse Island is named for its shape, which from above resembles a mouse.

An Abandoned Monastery

On Mouse Island, there is only a small chapel from the 12th century. The second island, Vlacherni, is home to a whitewashed monastery. It is now empty, but the associated church can be visited or used for prayers. While you can take a ferry to Mouse Island, Vlacherni is connected to Corfu by a pier.

Address: Kanoni Paleopolis 163 Kerkira 491 00

The nearly 200-year-old palace complex was built in neoclassical style. Originally, it was a private residence built by a British Lord High Commissioner. It only came into the possession of the Greek royal family in the mid-19th century.

Following the Footsteps of Noble Inhabitants

In the 1990s, nearly three decades after the last Greek king went into exile, Mon Repos Palace was taken over by the Greek state. A few years later, it opened as a museum. The exhibits include archaeological finds and information about ancient Corfu, as well as paintings and furniture that give visitors insight into the life of former palace inhabitants.

Park with Ancient Temple

Although the gardens associated with the palace are partially overgrown, a small walk is worthwhile. For example, you can find the remains of the ancient Hera Temple here.

Did You Know? Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and husband of British Queen Elizabeth II, was born in this estate.

Address: Dairpfela 16 Kerkira 491 00

Located in the northeast of the island, this abandoned village is now a museum village. The approximately 130 houses in Venetian style testify to the past life on Corfu.

When a Village is Forgotten

Paléo Períthia traditionally relied on agriculture. However, as fishing became significantly more lucrative, the residents increasingly left the place, moving, among other places, to the newly founded Néa Períthia on the coast. The last inhabitants left the village after World War II.

New Signs of Life

Falling into oblivion had its good sides as well, for Paléo Períthia did not fall victim to the construction and concrete boom of the 1970s and 1980s. However, some dilapidated houses are now being restored, while staying true to the Venetian style. Additionally, several restaurants, an artist's studio, and a guesthouse have settled in the village.

St. Spyridon Church is located in the old town of Corfu. It is dedicated to Saint Spyridon, a Cypriot martyr and the patron saint of Corfu, whose remains it houses. These have been on the island since the mid-15th century, when a local priest acquired the relic.

A Church for the Saint

The St. Spyridon Church was built in the 16th century to house the remains. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the interior was embellished in the style of the Ionian School of Painting. This includes the ceiling paintings featuring icons inspired by western models.

Miracles and Veneration

Time and again, Saint Spyridon has reportedly performed miracles throughout the centuries. Not least for this reason, he is celebrated four times a year with a procession through the city. Additionally, believers visit the saint's sarcophagus in the church daily, sometimes donating beautifully decorated silver oil lamps that hang over his grave.

Address: Filarmonikis 19 Kerkira 491 00

When on holiday in Corfu, beach fun should not be missed. One of the most beautiful beaches on the island is located in Paleokastritsa. It consists of six bays, all of which gently slope into the water. The sheltered location ensures mild waves.

Starting Point for Exploring the Coast

From Paleokastritsa, you can enjoy wonderful boat tours along the surrounding steep coast. During this time, you can explore hidden caves or visit even more beaches that can only be reached from the water and are therefore relatively deserted.

Tip: Most tourists gather in the main bay below the monastery. In the other bays, you will find more solitude.

Attention Sissi fans: Achilleion Palace was built by Empress Elisabeth in the late 19th century. She also gave it its name, inspired by the Greek hero Achilles, whom she admired.

The History of the Palace

After Sissi's death, German Emperor Wilhelm purchased the estate as a summer residence. Following the end of World War I, it transferred into the possession of Greece. It was eventually converted into a museum. A visit also includes a walk in the beautifully designed garden, which once stretched down to the water.

The Byzantine Museum in Antivouniotissa displays Corfu and Cretan artworks. These mainly include Byzantine-style icons dating back to the 15th century. Corfu was an important center for the production of such icons for several hundred years.

Museum with a Church Atmosphere

The building that houses the Byzantine Museum was once a church. This creates a fitting frame for the exhibition, as all the over one hundred icons were collected from Corfu's churches. A tour of the museum is atmospherically accompanied by soft Byzantine church chants.

Address: Arseniou 25 Kerkira 491 00

This massive fortress complex has a long history. The first fortress was built by the Byzantines. In the 16th century, it was expanded by the Venetians, of which only the outer wall remains today. The building inside the fortress was constructed in the 19th century by the English. Here you can trace several epochs of Corfu's history.

Current Use

If you wish to learn more about the fascinating past of the fortress, be sure to visit the museum inside the complex. In the gate building, there is also a small exhibition featuring mosaics from the early Christian basilica of Paleópolis. St. George's Church, whose facade is meant to resemble a Doric temple, is also worth a visit.

Built on an Island

The Old Fortress was built on an artificial island in front of Corfu Town. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Due to this unique location, the fortress offers a great view over the city.

The shallow Korission Lake was created by the Venetians as a protection against increasing marshland. At the same time, they wanted to enable fish farming. To this day, the clear waters of Korission Lake attract numerous fish. It is separated from the sea by only a thin strip of sand and dunes.

Diverse Flora and Fauna

In addition to the fish, you will encounter many different bird and butterfly species in this nature reserve. With a bit of luck, you may even see flamingos or turtles that call the dunes and reeds around the water home. The idyllic scene is completed by white lilies and various orchid species that grow along the shore.

The Esplanade in Corfu Town serves as the central meeting point for both locals and visitors. During the day, the Corfiots play cricket on the shady green areas, and in the evenings, the vast area is great for strolling. Join the crowd and take part in the social life on the island.

The Esplanade is Thanks to the Military

Once, the houses of the town reached to the Old Fortress by the water. The military, however, was not satisfied with this. In the event of a siege, the line of fire had to be clear, so the houses were simply demolished. The green area was later used as a drill ground until it eventually became a public park.

Surrounding the Esplanade

To the west of the esplanade, houses from the 19th century still stand, which are still inhabited. Beneath their arcades, there are numerous cafés. There are also some fountains and monuments in the park, including one commemorating the unification of the Ionian Islands with Greece in 1864.

The Greek island offers you a beach holiday with beautiful beaches and nature reserves, along with plenty of culture, historical sites, and interesting museums. Thus, there is something for everyone when traveling to Corfu.