Corfu: the green island in the Ionian Sea
Corfu is different from most Greek islands. Instead of parched hills and little white houses you'll find olive groves, cypresses and forested mountains, Venetian fortresses and Italian architecture. The sea is turquoise and the beaches are tucked into coves below cliffs. Corfu is a green island I like to return to.
- Canal d'Amour – rock channels at Sidari 39.796° N, 19.698° E
- Porto Timoni – double beach 39.712° N, 19.659° E
- Paleokastritsa – coves, a monastery and Angelokastro castle 39.673° N, 19.709° E
- Pantokrator – highest mountain, 906 m 39.747° N, 19.871° E
- Kassiopi – fishing village 39.787° N, 19.923° E
- Kerkyra – UNESCO old town 39.624° N, 19.922° E
- Mouse Island – Pontikonisi and Vlacherna 39.590° N, 19.924° E
Kerkyra: the old town
The island's capital is a UNESCO site. Narrow kantounia alleys, Venetian houses with shutters, two fortresses and the Spianada square, one of the largest in Europe. Under the Liston arcade you drink coffee as in Paris, because the French built it. Corfu was under Venetian rule for hundreds of years and never belonged to the Ottomans, which is why it looks so Italian.
Paleokastritsa
Several coves of turquoise water below forested cliffs on the west coast. On the hill above them stands the Panagia Theotokos monastery. From the viewpoint by the village of Lakones you can see all the coves at once: ideal at sunset. Small boats run from Paleokastritsa to sea caves.
Porto Timoni: the double beach
My favourite place on Corfu. Two beaches on a narrow isthmus, one on each side, with turquoise water. From the village of Afionas a path leads down in about 20–30 minutes. The most beautiful view is from above, from the path or from a drone (if allowed).
The Canal d'Amour
Sandstone rock formations at Sidari in the north of the island, with channels of clear water between them. Legend says that whoever swims through the channel will find the love of their life. At sunset the rocks turn gold.
Angelokastro and Pantokrator
Angelokastro is a Byzantine castle on a rock above the sea that was never taken. Pantokrator (906 m) is the island's highest mountain. A road leads to the summit, and on a clear day you can see Albania and mainland Greece.
Mouse Island and the Achilleion
South of Kerkyra lies little Mouse Island (Pontikonisi) and the Vlacherna monastery on an islet joined by a causeway. Planes take off from the airport right above them: a popular spot for photos. Nearby is the Achilleion palace, built for the Austrian empress Sisi.
When to go to Corfu
- May and June: a green island, flowers, warm sea and fewer people.
- July and August: hot and crowded.
- September and October: warm sea and calm; the olive harvest starts later in autumn.
Corfu is less dry than the other Greek islands, so it rains now and then, which is also why it's so green.
Faq
What is the most beautiful beach on Corfu?
To me, Porto Timoni near Afionas. The coves at Paleokastritsa, Agios Gordios and Rovinia are popular too.
Do I need a car on Corfu?
Yes, if you want to explore the island. Buses run, but the most beautiful places are off the main routes.
When is the best time for a holiday on Corfu?
May, June and September: warm sea, pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
