Overview
Part of the Ionian chain, about 300 mi/475 km northwest of Athens, Corfu is one of Greece's most beautiful islands. Once renowned for its notorious nightlife (which is now mainly confined to rowdy Kavos on the south coast), it has rich scenery, numerous cypress and olive groves, rugged mountains, splendid hidden coves, and miles/kilometers of sandy beaches (the one at Paleokastritsa is the most scenic).
Highlights include a boat ride into the green and blue grottoes, visiting the monastery, and wandering the narrow alleys of Corfu Town (also referred to as Kerkyra). The town has a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere: Walk through the Venetian quarter, shop for silver or sit in one of the numerous outdoor cafes.
Visit the island's proudest possession, the church of Agios Spiridon, which holds the remains of Corfu's patron saint. The gaudy Achillion Palace (4 mi/6 km south of Corfu Town) was built by Elizabeth of Austria in honor of her favorite Greek hero, Achilles.
The ferry from Igoumenitsa takes only two hours to reach Corfu (compared with seven hours for the boat from Patras), but the cross-country drive from Athens to Igoumenitsa is fairly grueling, though you could break the journey at Delphi along the way. It's also possible to fly to Corfu with frequent daily departures.
Sightseeing
Corfu is a cosmopolitan seaside destination with a multicultural heritage, where picturesque villages give place to dense forests. The island has been invaded by the Venetians, the British and the French, all of which have exercised great influence on both the architecture and the cultural identity of the island and its locals. The Corfu Old Town has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Take a walk on the Liston, the main promenade of the island, which ends up at Spianada square. This is the central square and meeting point in Corfu. The Old Fortress (Palio Frourio) and the New Fortress (Neo Frourio) offer magnificent views and are of great architectural interest.
Also worth visiting are the picturesque villages Old Perithia and Pelekas, the small island of Pontikonisi and the bay of Paleokastritsa. Enjoy the magnificent view to Pontikonisi Island and the Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna from Kanoni.
Nightlife
Dining
The local cuisine is based on the Mediterranean diet, but has been strongly influenced by the Venetians. Visitors should not miss the famous local dishes
pastitsada (rooster or veal cooked with fresh tomato, onion, cinnamon and thick spaghetti) and
sofrito (veal with white sauce, pepper and garlic). Drink
tsitsibira, made with lemon juice, natural lemon oil, grated ginger, water and sugar, and taste kumquat (a citrus fruit) in many variations: as a spoonable dessert, liquor or marmalade.
Most restaurants are concentrated in Corfu Town.
Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of dinner for one, not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than 15 euros; $$ = 15 euros-30 euros; $$$ = 31 euros-50 euros; and $$$$ = more than 50 euros.
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