16 Best Things to Do in Corfu, Greece: Ultimate Guide

Corfu’s emerald hills, cliff-backed coves and Venetian charm make it one of Greece’s most captivating islands. After eight visits and countless swims, hikes and road trips, here’s a refreshed, easy-to-use guide with practical tips, beautiful spots, and ways to experience the island beyond the resorts.

When to Go

Early to mid-June and early September are the sweet spots: expect around 25–30°C, calmer beaches, warm evenings and a lively but not packed vibe. The sea is reliably swimmable and most places are open.

April–May and October can be great value with quieter trails and towns, though you risk cooler days and occasional rain. By mid-October, many tavernas wind down for the season. July–August brings heat and peak pricing; go then only if you love a buzz and don’t mind crowds.

Where to Stay

For dramatic scenery, clear bays and easy boat access, Paleokastritsa is hard to beat. It’s quieter than party resorts and ideal for swimming, snorkeling and coastal walks.

If you prefer a livelier base, try Sidari. For a classic village feel and great beaches: Kassiopi, Agios Georgios (west), or Ipsos. If all-night clubbing isn’t your thing, skip Kavos.

Getting Around

To see more than the main resorts, rent wheels. A small car or scooter lets you reach hilltop villages, olive-grove lanes and hard-to-access beaches. Public buses connect key routes (like Paleokastritsa–Corfu Town), but schedules are limited for remote spots.

Best Things to Do in Corfu

1) Wander Corfu Town (UNESCO)

Start in the old town’s Venetian lanes: peeling shutters, bougainvillea-draped balconies and café-lined squares. It’s atmospheric in any weather—browse boutiques, sip a coffee in the Liston, and get wonderfully lost.

2) Swim at the Island’s Prettiest Beaches

Corfu’s coves are famously clear and inviting. In Paleokastritsa, try Agios Spyridon, Ampelaki and Agios Petros. Beyond, don’t miss Loggas Beach (great for sunsets) and big, beautiful Agios Georgios in the northwest.

3) Chill at La Grotta

Set into cliffs in Paleokastritsa, La Grotta is a dreamy swim-and-sip spot: rock platforms, snorkeling, and an evening glow when lights shimmer across the water. Arrive early in summer to snag a good perch.

La Grotta Beach (Tripadvisor)

4) Explore by Scooter

Pack a towel, water and curiosity, then meander through Lakones and other hillside villages. Stop at viewpoints above Paleokastritsa and over Agios Georgios—some of the island’s best panoramas are roadside surprises.

5) Hire a Self-Drive Boat

A classic Corfu day: rent a small boat, putter along the coastline and anchor off hidden coves you can only reach from the water. Bring a picnic, reef-safe sunscreen and plenty of drinking water.

6) Take a Day Trip by Sea

Fancy a change of scene? Boat trips to Paxos and Antipaxos (including the Blue Caves) are popular, as are day excursions to mainland Greece or nearby Albania. It’s an easy way to expand your itinerary without changing bases.

7) Sunset Hour at Loggas Beach (Peroulades)

“Sunset Beach” earns its nickname nightly. Grab a seat with a view, watch the cliffs glow gold and pink, and linger after the sun dips—twilight here is magical.

8) Visit Paleokastritsa Monastery

Perched above the bay, this peaceful monastery offers cool courtyards, bougainvillea-tangled nooks and knockout views. Dress modestly; wraps are sometimes provided at the entrance.

9) Climb to Angelokastro

This 13th‑century Byzantine fortress rewards a short uphill walk with far-reaching coastal vistas. Go on a clear day, wear sturdy shoes and bring water.

10) Make a Splash at Aqualand

Slides, lazy rivers and plenty of pools—great fun for families or anyone craving a playful break from the beach. Note that outside food/drink isn’t allowed.

11) Step into Village Life in Doukades

Just inland from Paleokastritsa, Doukades feels timeless—stone lanes, a leafy square and a trio of homely tavernas. Go in the evening to soak up local life over slow-cooked Corfiot dishes.

12) Try an Adrenaline Pick

Corfu’s coastline is made for adventure. Think paragliding over Kontogialos Beach, parasailing off Dassia, SUP and kayaking in calm bays, or a beginner scuba session in Kontokali Bay.

• Tandem paragliding (Manawa)
• Parasailing in Dassia (Manawa)

13) Corfu Aquarium (Paleokastritsa)

Perfect for a cloudy day or families with curious kids. You’ll find local marine life and reptiles with short guided talks. It’s compact, informative and easy to combine with a beach stop nearby.

Corfu Aquarium (official)

14) Kaiser’s Throne (Pelekas)

One of the island’s widest panoramas—fields, villages and sea in every direction. Pair it with a meal or sundowner at a nearby viewpoint.

15) Taste Corfu in a Taverna

Order a spread and linger. Must-try dishes include:

• Beef Stifado (slow-braised with onions)
• Sofrito (veal or chicken in garlic-wine sauce)
• Bekri Meze (wine-infused pork bites)
• Souvlaki (skewers from the grill)

16) Join a Retreat or Guided Walk

Corfu’s laid-back rhythm suits yoga, hiking and wellness. Look for small-group retreats or self-guided walking packages if you want structure without crowds.

Accommodation Snapshot

• Budget: Simple studios or family-run hotels in Paleokastritsa, Ipsos or Agios Georgios.
• Mid‑range: Small apartments with kitchenettes and sea-view balconies are widely available across the island.
• Luxury: Full‑service resort hotels (Paleokastritsa and Dassia areas) with pools, private platforms and easy sea access.