Whether you're after a relaxing holiday where sunbathing tops your priorities, or you'd rather explore the area's rich history, you'll never be short of things to do in Corfu. A trip to the Greek island can uncover everything from hiking, waterparks and scuba diving to sleepy villages and museums. Here's an insider's guide to some of the best sights and experiences that should be on your list of things to do in Corfu.
Kérkyra town
Located halfway down the island's east coast, is the historic Corfu Town (also called Kérkyra). Stroll down its winding lanes packed with restaurants, bars and shops and visit some of Corfu Town's many museums and churches. Take a trip to the Byzantine Museum of Antivouniotissa that's full of unusual pieces from the 15th to 18th centuries, or stop by the excellent Asian Art Museum, the only one of its kind in Greece. Your Corfu things to do list should also include a trip to the Venetian-built 14th century Paleó ' Froó úrio (Old Fort). You can only visit some of this huge site, but the superb views will more than make up for it.
Paleokastritsa Monastery
Just one look at the Theotókos monastery in Paleokastritsa and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with tourists. From its pastel-hued exterior and breathtaking coastal location, this 13th century building is pretty spectacular. And did you know there are around half a dozen monks still living here today?
Canal D'Amour
In the popular resort of Sidari you’ll find a bunch of coastal sandstone cliffs, whose unique shape was caused by years of erosion. The Canal d'Amour remains its most famous, but its rocky arch has since crumbled. If you're looking for love, legend states that a swim through the turquoise-blue channel will help you find it. There are plenty of small coves nearby too, that are ideal for sunbathing or snorkelling.
The Corfu Trail
If you've got sturdy lungs and love going for long walks (and we really do mean long!), then the Corfu Trail is for you. Covering 136 miles from one end of the island to the other, this challenging route can take around 8 to 10 days to complete. As you set off on the waymarked trail, expect to take in a variety of landscapes from lagoons to towering summits. Just remember to pre-book your accommodation, and don't forget your bug repellent! There are highlights along the track which are worth exploring by car or bike if you don't have the time to walk.The ruined monastery of Panagó a Arkoudó la and the Arkoudó la beach are two of its most beautiful stops.
Dive sites
Corfu is known for being one of the best places in Greece to scuba dive, with dive sites around Paleokastró tsa, Othonó, and the Paxó islets, as well as the northeast coast. Explore Paleokastró tsa and you'll take in the scenic canyon, sea cave and schooling barracuda. Head to the dive site at Othonó to swim among its pair of wrecks and cave, while two more caves and a 40-metre wreck are waiting for you at Paxó. On the northeast coast, popular Agnó Reef has another 40-metre deep wreck, soft coral and fireworms. New to diving? Then, add a PADI-approved class to your list of Corfu things to do?
Day trips
There's plenty of not-to-be-missed day trips in Corfu too. Take a boat to Ágii Sarandë in Albania and wander around the nearby Roman ruins of Butrint, or book an excursion to Paxos and Andó Paxi, two small islands to the southeast. With so much to see, we're sure you'll never run out of things to do in Corfu!
