Top 5 things to do in Corfu

Corfu, our heartland, is where it all began for CV Villas and as a celebration of our most popular destination, we share our top 5 things to do:

1. Hire a boat and explore the coastline 

If you’re staying near the coast, a boat trip is a wonderful way to spend a day. Did you know that in Corfu and some other Greek Islands you can hire any boat up to 30hp without the need for a licence? 

Here at CV we can arrange private boat hire for you and your friends or family to set sail and explore the stunning northeast coastline. Arrange to take a day trip with a skipper, then simply sit back and relax. Enjoy drinks and snacks, or even a barbecue at sea; with a tailor-made boat trip guests can decide where and when they’d like to stop at seaside tavernas and secret swimming coves.

Explore tiny, white shingle coves in Nissaki and picturesque bays of Kaminaki and Agni, while not forgetting the beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay of Kalami. Here is where Lawrence Durrell found to be his favourite spot to focus on his writing and where ‘The White House’ is perfectly preserved.

The pebble beach in Kerasia may appeal to guests looking to escape the crowds and Kassiopi is ideal for discovering hidden beaches, while Agios Stephanos harbour is a great place to moor your boat and wander on foot to nearby villages. 

Find out more about boat hire in Corfu. 

2. Visit Corfu town

A trip to Corfu is not complete without a visit to the capital. Corfu Town is a picturesque UNESCO world heritage site halfway down the east coast, home to some magnificent architecture, narrow winding lanes and plazas filled with bustling bars and cafes.  

The country has been left with a unique cultural and architectural heritage as prior to the French, Russian, and British rulings, Corfu was under Venetian rule between the 14^th and 18^th Century and buildings from this era can still be found all over the island, but particularly in Corfu Town. The Old and the New Fortresses are worthy of a visit both for their historical context and superb views overlooking the island and out to sea, while the Town Hall is equally impressive. 

Strolling through Corfu Town is a nice way to spend an afternoon; Campielo is the oldest district, Ovriaki is the old Jewish quarter, and Spianada Square, located in front of the Old Fortress, is the largest square in Greece, where festivals and parades happen throughout the year. 

The town is also home to no less than 39 churches! We wouldn’t say it’s necessary to visit each and every one of them, but one small yet particularly impressive example is the church of Saint Spyridon.

3. Day trip to Paxos and Anti Paxos 

Accessed only by boat, the island of Paxos still remains beautifully unspoiled, with rolling olive groves, tiny coves and dramatic rocky cliffs. A hydrofoil boat trip from Corfu to Paxos, takes just 1 hour, while options by ferry take no more than 2, making it the perfect place to visit for just a day. 

From the main port of Gaios there are also a number of boats making trips onwards to Antipaxos, the tiny little sister island of Paxos where the crystal clear waters could be easily mistaken for the Caribbean Sea.

Split your time between the two islands, spending a lazy morning winding down in Paxos, wandering through the streets, stopping only to browse boutiques or to have a drink in a café in the shade. Hop on a boat to Antipaxos, stop for lunch and on your way back visit the Blue Caves, before heading back to Corfu in the late afternoon.

Find out more about Paxos

4. Visit Old Perithia 

Old Perithia is an ancient village filled with wildflower meadows, sometimes referred to as the island of Corfu’s best kept secret. Learn about the history of Corfu in a village encircled by 8 churches, nestled beneath the island’s highest mountain, Mount Pantokrator.

With cobbled streets and beautiful countryside views, Old Perithia was once a hideaway from pirate attacks; here you can step back in time with a walking tour, then relax in one of the tavernas for a traditional home-cooked meal.

5. Find a Greek night in a local taverna

Live like a local and visit a taverna on Greek night. Expect to experience lots of excitement including traditional Greek dancing, singing and live music creating a fun-filled atmosphere, sometimes together with the smashing of plates! 

Entertainment will of course be accompanied by wonderful Greek cuisine served throughout the evening, with fresh salads, halloumi, grilled meats and homemade wine regularly on the menu.

If you're feeling inspired to visit this wonderful island and all it has to offer, take a look at our collection of villas in Corfu.