Corfu Uncovered: Ionian Magic from Sea to Summit

🌍 Why Visit Corfu?

Corfu (Kerkyra) is unlike anywhere else in Greece. Shaped by Venetian, French, and British rule, it’s a tapestry of influences wrapped in olive groves, beaches, and warm island hospitality.

Expect:

• Vibrant Old Town streets & hidden alleys

• Crystal-clear coves & long sandy beaches

• Mountain villages with heart and history

• A cuisine that fuses Greek soul with Italian flair

🏖️ Top Things to Do in Corfu

1. Wander Corfu Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Lose yourself in pastel facades, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and cobbled lanes that feel more Naples or Florence than Athens.

• Visit the Liston promenade, inspired by Paris’ Rue de Rivoli

• Climb the Old Fortress for panoramic views

• Grab a freddo at Kafeneio 91 in Campiello

2. Swim at Paleokastritsa

An iconic bay ringed by green cliffs and turquoise water. Rent a kayak or take a boat to nearby caves.

📍 Don’t miss the Byzantine Monastery above the beach—it’s serene with killer views.

3. Explore the Achilleion Palace

Once the summer retreat of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, this neoclassical mansion is filled with mythological murals and manicured gardens.

🎫 Go early to avoid crowds and enjoy the palace in peaceful morning light.

4. Beach-Hop Along the West Coast

• Glyfada: Golden sand and beach bars

• Agios Gordios: Stunning cliffs, relaxed vibe

• Porto Timoni: Twin beaches only reachable by hike or boat

• Issos Beach: Wild dunes meet the Ionian Sea

5. Visit Mount Pantokrator & Traditional Villages

Drive up to the highest point on Corfu (906m) for epic views of Albania and the Greek mainland.

• Explore Old Perithia, a semi-abandoned stone village frozen in time

• Have lunch in Liapades or Doukades, where the menus change daily and the food is pure comfort

6. Take a Boat to Paxos & Antipaxos

A dreamy day trip to nearby islands with white cliffs, blue caves, and beaches that rival the Caribbean.

✅ TraveLab Experience: Private Ionian Cruise – Swim in sea caves, taste local wines, and visit hidden bays

🧭 Unique TraveLab Experiences on Corfu

• ✅ Olive Oil Tasting + Grove Tour – Walk centuries-old olive fields and learn the island’s liquid gold story

• ✅ Cooking with a Corfiot Yia-yia – From sofrito to pastitsada, cook family-style in a traditional home

• ✅ Private Old Town Architecture Walk – Venetian arches, British gardens, and local secrets with a historian

• ✅ Sea Kayak Sunset Paddle – Quiet coves and clifftop views ending in golden-hour bliss

🍽️ What to Eat in Corfu

Corfiot cuisine is rich, spiced, and influenced by its Italian past. It’s comfort food meets Mediterranean flair.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Pastitsada – Slow-cooked beef in spiced tomato sauce, served with thick pasta

• Sofrito – Sliced veal in garlic-white wine sauce

• Bourdeto – Spicy fish stew with red pepper

• Kumquat liqueur – The island’s quirky, citrusy signature spirit

🍽️ Eat at Avli in Corfu Town, To Kyma in Benitses, or Taverna Elizabeth in Doukades for authentic flavors.

🏨 Where to Stay in Corfu

💎 Luxury

• Domes Miramare (Moraitika) – Adults-only beachfront elegance

• Corfu Imperial (Kommeno) – Classic, opulent, and family-friendly

🌟 Boutique & Mid-Range

• Siora Vittoria (Corfu Town) – Heritage mansion in the heart of Old Town

• Ikos Dassia – All-inclusive done right with refined style

💰 Budget-Friendly

• The Pink Palace (Agios Gordios) – Iconic backpacker favorite with a beach party vibe

• Bella Venezia Hotel – Elegant yet affordable, near Corfu Old Town

🛍️ What to Buy in Corfu

• Kumquat products – Liqueurs, marmalades, and candies

• Corfiot olive oil

• Handmade lace & textiles

• Local ceramics

• Soap from olive oil & herbs

🚗 Getting Around Corfu

• Car rental is best for seeing the whole island (roads are curvy but doable)

• Local buses connect Corfu Town to major resorts and villages

• Taxis can be limited in remote areas—use apps like “iMove Corfu” for booking

• Scooters/ATVs are fun for coastal exploring, but not ideal for longer distances

🧭 TraveLab Tip: Plan 2–3 base towns for your stay—Corfu Town + a beach town like Paleokastritsa or Agios Gordios gives you both culture and coast.

📅 Best Time to Visit Corfu

• 🌸 Spring (April–June): Lush landscapes, blooming flowers, fewer crowds

• ☀️ Summer (July–August): Peak beach season, lively nightlife, book ahead

• 🍂 Fall (Sept–October): Warm water, harvest vibes, slower pace

• ❄️ Winter (Nov–March): Quiet and authentic, but many tourist spots close

🌿 Best all-round time? Mid-May to early July or September—ideal balance of weather and calm.

❓FAQs About Corfu

Q: Is Corfu more relaxed or lively?

Both! It’s perfect for relaxed beach escapes, romantic town stays, or adventure-filled itineraries.

Q: Can I island-hop from Corfu?

Yes—Paxos, Antipaxos, and even Albania (day trip to Saranda) are all possible!

Q: Is Corfu family-friendly?

Very much so. Safe beaches, gentle water, and friendly locals make it a hit with families.

Q: Is English spoken widely?

Yes—Corfu’s international history means English is widely understood, especially in hospitality and tourism.

🏁 Corfu Is a Love Story of Land, Sea & Soul

Corfu is an island that’s elegant without being snobby, charming without trying too hard, and full of secrets if you know where to look.

It’s an Ionian fairytale—a place where empires once strolled and now you can too, espresso in hand, breeze in your hair.

📩 Let TraveLab Design Your Corfu Experience

From boutique stays and boat rides to food trails and olive groves—we craft custom Corfu itineraries that go deeper, slower, and better.

🌊 Ready to write your Ionian chapter? Message us and let’s make it magical.