The "Emerald Isle" of legend and historic times, Corfu has been endowed by Nature with idyllic landscapes, enchanting coves, sprawling sandy stretches, and verdant forests of pine and cypress trees. Archaeological sites, medieval castles, Byzantine monasteries and churches, absorbing museums, and superb architectural elements in Corfu's capital and traditional villages inland complete the picture. Together with its flawless tourism infrastructure, the island has acquired a cosmopolitan profile that has made it known throughout the world.
Corfu's capital is a beautiful city that goes by the same name as the island. Palia Poli (Old City) was built during Venetian rule between two fortresses and has a romantic ambience: pedestrian promenades, lovely squares, neoclassical buildings, churches, and historical monuments. Nea Poli (New City) has an excellent city plan and stretches behind Palia Poli.
No amount of talk will ever prepare you for how much you can see and visit when in Corfu: Greek Orthodox and Catholic churches, the Jewish Synagogue, the Old Fort, the Central Public Library, monuments, palaces, the Academy of Ionia, Ionia House, the New Fort, the Vido, the site of the windmill, the park of Mon Repo, Kanoni, the Monastery of Virgin Mary of Vlacherna, Pontikonisi, the Museum of Antivouniotissa and its collections, and Liston Square built during the Napoleonic period are but a few of the attractions of the town of Corfu. Visitors wishing to enjoy a dip in Corfu's crystal-clear waters can do so at the nearby locations of Anemomilos, Mon Repo, and island of Vidos.
Aghios Georgios in Argyrades is a preferred tourist resort with lots of fascinating sights such as Lagoudia, the tiny isles near Cape Konsta; the area of Issus with its cedar forest, dunes, and sandy beach and Korission Lake, a wetland that is the habitat of rich flora and fauna. If you find yourself near the villages of Armenades and Pagoi, in the location of the Aghios Georgios summer resort with its sandy beach and intense blue waters, set out for a visit to the villages of Afionas, Prinilas, Argos, and Kastellani, and to Timoni Bay.
At the beach of Aghios Gordios (aka Ay Gordis) don't miss the awe-inspiring Ortholithi, an impressive vertical cliff rising out of the sea. Starting at Aghios Mattheos, one of inland Corfu's most scenic villages, visit the Monastery of Pantokrator and get rewarded with a breathtaking view of the area; the haunting holm-oak forest of Prinodasos; Grava Cave where traces of human habitation, tools, and animal bones dating back to the Paleolithic Era have been found and the villages Paramonas and Prasoudi which are two, popular tourism destinations.
From the holiday resort of Aghios Stefanos, visit the nearby village of Avliotes and two of the Diapontia rock isles, Diaplo and Diakopo. From Alykes, a beach whose clear and pollution-free waters have been awarded the blue flag, visit the nearby villages of Potamos and Evropouli. Equally picturesque are the traditional villages of Ano Pavliani and Kato Pavliani, offering a unique view of the surrounding area. Your exploration of the area should include Ano Garouna, one of Corfu's oldest villages. A drive on the mountain route Ano Korakiàna-Sokraki-Zygos will take you through verdant vistas. A stop at Ano Korakiàna is a must: one of Corfu's oldest and most historic villages, it has 37 churches and a long musical tradition. If you're lucky you'll get to hear choirs singing to the accompaniment of mandolin music. From the inland village of Argyrades, visit the beachfront villages of Boukari and Petritis. Stop at the coastal village of Arillas, a popular tourism destination, and take a small boat to the islands of Krabi and Varkoules.
Acharavi is a tourist resort spread on a flat area. Its popularity is not unwarranted: its sandy, golden beach, crystal-clear, shallow waters, lush greenery, full tourist amenities, and numerous dining alternatives are hard to resist. From there, Antinioti Lagoon is quite near: a wetland of unbelievable beauty and the habitat of the endangered Lutra-lutra otter species, it is part of the Natura 2000 Network of protected wildlife habitats. Another fascinating excursion will take you to the tranquil, uninhabited islets of Spyridonisia. Moreover, drive to the Heritage-Protected village of Old Perithia, where its cobblestone streets and magnificent old houses will take you back to the times when Perithia was an affluent community. Equally worthwhile, is a drive to Episkepsi, a scenic, traditional village amphitheatrically built on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator.
Your driving agenda should also take you to the picturesque village of Gastouri with its narrow alleys, exquisite examples of the region's traditional architecture, and ambience of yore. From there, you can opt for a number of must-visit sights such as the Achilleion Palace of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) of Austria, the Vassilakis Distillery, and the villages of Aghioi Deka and Aghios Prokopios. In the area of Glyfada, a traditional settlement and popular tourist resort, visit the Monastery of the Virgin Mary Myrtiotissa. Gouvia is a bustling tourism destination as well. While there, make a visit to the 18th-c. Venetian Arsenal and Shipyard with its arched docks and imposing gate. If you want to see what the villages of Corfu actually looked like back in the early 20th century, do visit Danilia Village, a perfect replica of a Corfiot settlement of the 1930's. You will be charmed! Between Gouvia and Ipsos, you'll find Dassia, a popular resort, with hotels for every taste, and a narrow but long beach ideal for swimming.
Dafnila and Kommeno are beautiful tourist areas where large hotels nestle within a verdant setting. Ermones, a small cove between imposing hills, is a preferred tourism destination. While there, roam about Ropa Valley. Once a lake, it has been drained and is now a significant wetland, the habitat of numerous species of wildlife, and an important farming hub with extensive plains and crops. The villages of Giannades, Marmaro, and Kanakades are also quite close. Kavos and its signature nightlife is a favorite haunt of the young and a bustling tourist resort with a sprawling sandy stretch. At Kavos, Asprokavos Cape will impress you with its distinctive white, rocky terrain.
Once there, visit the area Mikro Nisi, a scenic bay with a sandy beach; and the villages of Neochori, Paleochori, and Kritika. One of your drives should definitely include Cassiopi, a cosmopolitan resort and port which includes the regions of Aghios Stefanos, Sinion, Vourlia Bay (Avlaki), and the small isle of Peristeri. At Kato Garouna (alt: 200 m), you'll see some superb examples of traditional architecture, while at Lefkimmi, you'll get away from the crowds and have chance to explore its rich, artistic tradition.
Kontokali and Mesogi are cosmopolitan tourist centers. A picturesque creek runs through Mesogi. From Mesogi, drive to the villages of Aghios Dimitrios, Chlomos and Chlomatiana. When in Moraitika, a modern resort with numerous hotels and rental rooms built around a natural bay, visit the village of Episcopiana on the hill above Moraitika, which is the birthplace of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of Modern Greece. Other locations of interest are Benitses, Nisaki, Kalami, Perama, Perivoli, Pirgi, Roda, Acharavi, Sidari, and Ipsos: they may have an extensive and cosmopolitan tourism infrastructure but they are set in areas of unique natural beauty which are worth visiting.
Another driving destination is Paleokastritsa: the drive itself takes visitors past stunning bays and verdant vistas, while Paleokastritsa, despite its cosmopolitan profile, retains its traditional charm and character. Starting at Paleokastritsa, drive to the villages of Doukades, Liapades, Lacones, Makrades, and Krini. On your way to Paleokastritsa, don't miss out on a visit to the Mavromatis distillery where you can sample all that the distillery produces, from kumquat (Corfu's renowned local liqueur) to traditional "spoonful preserves", wine, and ouzo. In Perama, drive to the Lagoon of Chalikiopoulos which, despite the intense human presence around it, still remains one of Europe's most significant wetlands. From Perivoli, a tranquil village which has retained its quaint charm and traditional architecture, visit the picturesque village of Vitalades and Gardenos, a major tourism destination where steep mountains meet sandy beaches.
If you’re looking for spectacular, fairytale sunsets drive to the village of Peroulades and head for the cliffs of Logas Beach where the view of the sinking sun will take your breath away. Sinarades, set on the hills embracing Aghios Gordios is another village where visit-worthy sights abound: View Petrino Pigadi, the old well built with local fieldstone; Gialiskari Bay; and Aerostato, a location high above the beach with magnificent view of Aghios Gordios. Atop Mount Pantokrator, at the village of Strinilas, the old monastery of Ipsilos Pantokrat awaits you. Apart from Vidos and the Diapontia islands, other small isles you can visit are Ereikoussa, Manthraki, and Fanos.
If you’re looking for local, Corfu products your choices are almost endless: locally made kumquat liqueur and preserves; ouzo, nougat bars, jams, pottery, textiles, and wood-carved souvenirs. Corfu is also renowned for its cuisine which leaves no visitor unmoved: pastitsada, a casserole featuring shoulder or leg of veal and pasta; sofrito, a mouthwatering dish of pan-seared beef cooked in a white wine, vinegar, and garlic sauce; bourdeto, fish cooked in a sauce of tomatoes, garlic, onions, and fiery peppers; beef liver cooked in a wine and fennel sauce; and rabbit or hare stew. Corfu’s international and cosmopolitan profile has paved the way for the appearance of fusion cuisines which feature such meats as wild boar, ostrich, and deer. Whatever your culinary preferences may be, Corfu awaits you to win you over.