Corfu’s best spots for sustenance, stays, sea, and sunsets ‑ an anti‑tourist‑trap list, based on June ‘22
LOGISTICS
GETTING THERE:
While you can fly to Corfu, we decided to road trip from Athens and drove via Meteora / Metsovo / Ioannina. It’s a really beautiful trip and happy to share info if requested.
GETTING AROUND CORFU:
Corfu is quite a large island and having a car is quite handy to travel around more freely. One con to that is continuously looking for parking in the old town – which can be solved by staying in the area and walking to the hub.
WHERE TO STAY:
We opted to stay in Eleousis by the newer town via Booking.com (just a more cost effective find and had a kitchen to cook ourselves) but if you find a spot with parking in the Old Town, it’s probably more convenient and in the buzz.
EAT
Truthfully, because we rented an apartment with a fully equipped kitchen, we ate most of our meals at home, and took snacks to the beach etc. But because it’s a rule (that we have unanimously instated on greek holidays) to try a gyro and gelato at every destination, here are the best of both that we can across:
Papagiorgis, gelato
This family-run gelateria in the old town has some of the most unusual flavours I have come across – from the local kumquat, to honey walnut and milka chocolate, every one we tried was delicious!
Taverna Nino, gyro
We asked MULTIPLE locals and all of them said Taverna Ninos was the best place to go. Mainland is definitely better for gyros than the islands, but this place was decent and quite cost effective.
EXPLORE
Porto Timoni, nature beach
OKAY SO: this is a breathtaking and incredible place, arguably one of the most beautiful places I have had the opportunity to visit.
BUT no one warned us about the hike down. Like most beaches in Corfu, it’s a rugged walk to get there, but this one was a lot longer and on slippery broken steps going downhill. Make sure you come prepared with the correct shoes, enough food and water because there isn’t a place to buy from at the bottom, but also don’t pack too much because it’s a bit of a trek…
In terms of the ascent, I saw a man break his flip flop and he had just started the walk back up. We were with my gran, who had championed the trek down, but opted to catch a boat back to the ‘mainland’ beach (around €30 each one way, and they’ll bus you back to the car park).
🏆 most beautiful and rugged beach
La Grotta, cliff-diving bay
If you love cliff diving, or living vicariously through the adrenaline addicts, this is an awesome spot. The water is also beautiful and the beach bar hiddled in the rocks plays awesome music
🏆: best beach for the vibe
Paleokastrica, calm pebble beach
Calm pebble beach with beautiful surrounds. The little cafe on the top right corner is a bit touristy but was a perfect spot to enjoy a drink and game of tavli.
🏆: best water to swim in
Kanal de Amore, unusual beach
This canal was formed by water eroding at the sandstone, moulding small caves and canals. It’s another great spot for cliff diving and attracts a few of the competitive locals too. The name does come from a legend of love (so you will see lots of couples, obvs) but it really is a lovely space.
🏆: best mix of adrenaline and unusual
Sidari, rustic beach
It’s a bit of a walk down and the road is quite dusty, but this little cove is immersed in nature and so peaceful. It’s a small beach and there is a tiny stall for cool drinks, but rather come prepared with snacks or just for a short beach hopping visit.
🏆 most unusual beach
Nissaki, convenient beach
We came across this beach by accident on our last day on the island. For such a small bay, it’s quite an ‘organised beach’ with chairs/umbrellas, free parking and a taverna on the water. There’s also a little platform to dive into the water (bonus).
🏆 most convenient but quaint beach
Old Fortress, monument
This World Heritage Site is located by the Old Town – from a more architectural and aesthetic perspective, the walk along the moat and to the Parthenon-like building is quite beautiful and has panoramic views of the Ionian sea. If you tap on my post below, you’ll also hear the sounds of the sparrows that circle over quite oven in summer.
Liston, old town
The beautiful series of arches is so iconic to the Italian influenced old town – lit up and always buzzing with life, it’s a wonderful thing to witness in the main town.
Agios Spyridon, church
In the center of the old town is a a tribute to the island’s patron saint.
Paleokastritsa, monastery
The monastery of the Holy Theotokos is one of the oldest religious sites in Corfu and a very beautiful spot to see. It’s hard to articulate on here, but it’s a lovely place to visit 🤍
Angelokastro, monument
One of the most important Byzantine castles in Greece offers the most insane views of the island. The road leading to the castle passes through Krini, and a series of narrow sharp turns (fr). To get from the parking to the fort, you’ll need climb up flights stairs – definitely worth the views!
Achilleion, palace
Unfortunately, I did’t get to visit this spot (yet) but it was on my list and looks beautiful. Just sharing because I think it could be worth your time!
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