The top things to do on Corfu: Fill your days with palace tours, kumquat tastings, and more
Dreaming up a trip to Corfu, Greece? You have good taste. This Ionian island off the eastern coast of Greece’s mainland is overflowing with possibilities to make your trip one for the books.
With a Venetian Old Town steeped in history, breathtaking beaches that invite long ocean dips, and a culinary scene that’s all its own, Corfu is an island with endless possibilities. Luckily, our experts at Go Ahead Tours have visiting this lush Greek isle down to a science. Your Corfu checklist should include visiting the Neoclassical Achilleion Palace, sampling products made of the island’s sour specialty: kumquats, enjoying a day at Paleokastritsa Beach, and more. To help you plan your ideal trip to Corfu, here are our expert recommendations for the top things to do during your stay on Corfu Island, Greece.
Explore Corfu’s Venetian Old Town
What makes Corfu Old Town a must-visit destination
For travelers on our Greece’s Ionian Islands: Athens, Kefalonia & Corfu tour, Corfu’s pastel-tinted Old Town is where the island’s story first unfolds. A UNESCO-listed blend of Venetian, French, and British influences, the town’s vibrant buildings and winding lanes are a true joy to explore. Between tucked-away beaches, impressive squares, and a historic old fortress, Corfu Old Town is the kind of destination that quickly captures your heart—and it’s one of the reasons we dubbed Corfu one of the top undiscovered Greek islands waiting to be explored.
The best things to see and do in Corfu Town
- Liston Promenade: This lively, Parisian-feeling street is home to French-inspired arcades, charming cafes, and superb people-watching opportunities.
- Spianada Square: One of Europe’s largest squares is right in the middle of Corfu Town. Lush and vibrant, it’s a spectacular place to take a stroll.
- Venetian architecture: This Greek isle is unlike the others thanks to its multicultural history—and you’ll notice the difference right away thanks to the colorful facades and iron balconies that give Corfu Town its distinct charm.
- Local shopping: The town’s narrow streets are home to a bustling bazaar, which is the perfect spot to pick up artisan goods and traditional Greek souvenirs.
Visit the Achilleion Palace
What makes Achilleion Palace a can’t-miss itinerary stop
Built as a grand retreat for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the Achilleion Palace blends real royal lore with mythic drama. Expect Neoclassical elegance, statues honoring the hero Achilles, and terraced gardens overlooking the Ionian Sea. When you visit on our Corfu tours, you’ll learn how it’s a site where European history and Greek legend intersect.
Highlights of Achilleion Palace
- Neoclassical architecture: Grand columns and a stately design reflect the palace’s role as a 19th-century royal retreat for Empress Elisabeth (often known as “Sissi”).
- Statues and art: Empress Elisabeth’s vision was to adorn the palace with striking sculptures of her favorite hero, Achilles, and other mythological figures. While you can’t currently see all the collected works inside the palace due to restoration work, there are more than enough beautiful statues in the gardens to showcase the empress’s vision.
- Palace gardens: Manicured terraces, Mediterranean blooms, and scenic coastal views make every moment here aesthetically divine.
- Historical significance: The palace is a standing representation of the layered European influences that are present around the island—and on your visit, you’ll get to learn about it all.
Discover the Paleokastritsa Monastery
What makes the Paleokastritsa Monastery special
Perched high above Corfu’s cerulean bays, the Paleokastritsa Monastery has stood the test of time since the 13th century. The sanctuary, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, pairs sweeping Ionian views with deep spiritual roots, inviting visitors to wander through flower-filled courtyards, admire Byzantine icons, and soak in the deep spiritual history. Ask your Tour Director to help you plan a visit during your free day on our Greece’s Ionian Islands: Athens, Kefalonia & Corfu tour.
Things to experience at the Paleokastritsa Monastery
- Cliffside location: Feast your eyes on the dramatic views of turquoise bays from the monastery’s breathtaking perch above the sea.
- The museum and gift shop: View rare Byzantine-style icons and historic treasures that offer a glimpse into the centuries of history within the walls.
- Peaceful atmosphere: The tranquil courtyards and beautifully tended gardens around the monastery are perfect for those mindful, take-it-all-in moments.
- Photo opportunities: The panoramic ocean vistas and whitewashed architecture will make your camera roll glow.
Relax on the best beaches on Corfu
Why Corfu’s beaches can’t be skipped
Corfu’s coastline is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. It’s the type of scenery that makes you never want to put your camera down—there’s something new to capture at every turn. Think: cliffy coves, wide golden sands, and hidden turquoise inlets surrounded by olive groves. Whether you’re after buzzy beach bars or blissful quiet, the crystal-clear waters and ever-changing scenery make every beach feel like a new discovery—and our Corfu tours give you a full free day to soak it all in.
Corfu beaches you have to visit
- Paleokastritsa Beach: Towering cliffs and turquoise waters make this one of Corfu’s most breathtaking seaside spots. Be sure to visit on your free day on our Greece’s Ionian Islands: Athens, Kefalonia & Corfu tour.
- Glyfada Beach: Golden sands, easy amenities (sunbeds and umbrellas, anyone?), and a laid-back vibe make this scenic beach beloved by families and sunseekers.
- Sidari Beach: Shallow waters and sculpted rock formations frame the famed Canal d’Amour at this beach. (Legend has it that if two people swim together here, they’ll fall in love!)
- Secluded coves: Quiet, off-the-map hideaways where olive-dotted hills meet glassy Ionian waters lie all across the island (and they’re just waiting to be discovered).
Taste traditional Corfiot cuisine
What makes Corfu’s culinary scene unique
Meals on Corfu are a reflection of the island’s rich history: Greek roots with a generous splash of Italian influence. When you visit on our Grand Tour of Greece: Athens, Corfu & Santorini, you’ll quickly see how the island’s culinary scene differs from the rest of the country. Expect fragrant spices, slow-simmered sauces, and seafood pulled fresh from the Ionian Sea—like bourdeto, the island’s traditional spicy fish stew. Whether you’re digging in at a rustic village taverna or dining at a waterfront table at sunset, every bite tells a story (and invites you into it).
Must-try foods and dining experiences
- Kumquat products: Kumquats were imported to this Ionian island from China in the 1800s, and they have become synonymous with Corfu over the years. Sample marmalades, liqueurs, and more made from the rare, sour citrus fruit.
- Sofrito: Tender veal in white wine and garlic, this meal is a Venetian-inspired classic rich with Corfiot flavors.
- Fresh seafood: Life on island time usually means sensational seafood dinners, and Corfu’s no different. Enjoy grilled fish, octopus, and calamari—often caught that morning.
- Pastitsada: This hearty pasta dish topped with warmly spiced meat sauce is a beloved staple at festive family tables.
- Local tavernas: Locales like Tripa Tavern (one of our favorite unique places to visit in Greece) are Corfiot institutions. This one in particular has hosted a few celebs over the years, like Aristotle Onassis and Jane Fonda. Spend an evening dining on local cuisine and soaking up the good vibes on our Corfu tours.
Wander through Corfu’s charming villages
Why visit Corfu’s villages
Beyond the sought-out beaches and UNESCO-listed Old Town, Corfu’s smaller villages reveal a more peaceful side to the vibrant island. On your free day on our Greece’s Ionian Islands: Athens, Kefalonia & Corfu tour, consider heading into the Island’s verdant hills for tranquil Ionian vistas, lingering in the quiet squares where locals go about their days, and settling into tavernas that feel like someone’s home. It’s here—far from the crowds—that Corfu’s true heart is on display.
Corfiot villages worth exploring
- Pelekas: Perched high above the sea, this hilltop village pairs picturesque stone lanes with spectacular sunset views.
- Kassiopi: This sunny harbor town is home to Byzantine castle ruins—plus several can’t-miss waterfront tavernas to round out your visit.
- Lakones: Tucked into the mountains, Lakones is legendary for its postcard-worthy panoramas of Paleokastritsa Beach’s turquoise coves.
- Benitses: This laid-back coastal village blends old-world charm, a quaint harbor, and a soothing seaside rhythm.
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Experience Corfu’s vibrant culture and traditions
Can’t-miss cultural experiences to seek out on Corfu
On Corfu, culture isn’t something you just witness—it’s something you experience. Join us on our Greece’s Ionian Islands: Athens, Kefalonia & Corfu tour to meander along pastel-hued Old Town streets, linger over meze at a family-run taverna, and listen to the sounds of live bouzouki (that’s a famous Greek string instrument) spilling into the night. From Venetian musical celebrations to Orthodox Easter traditions, this island invites you to step right in and live like a local.
Corfu’s cultural highlights
- Philharmonic bands: Time your visit to align with a festival, parade, or Easter celebration to witness an impressive brass band fill the Old Town streets, which is a Corfiot tradition.
- Religious festivals: Festivals and holy days occur often on Corfu—practically every week during the summer, in fact. These Orthodox processions reflect the island’s deep spiritual roots.
- Local specialties and crafts: Sip kumquat liqueur, savor local olive oil, and browse beautifully handmade ceramics to find that made-for-you souvenir.
- Art and museums: Explore museums and galleries spotlighting Corfu’s layered past and local talent, like the Solomos Museum or the Museum of Asian Art.
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