9 of the Best Things to do in Corfu
Secluded coves lapped by azure-blue waters, villages cosseted by cypress trees, fragrant olive groves, and long summer days set to the music of dragonflies and cicadas - it can only be Corfu.
But recent decades have seen tourism threaten this fertile, sun-drenched idyll; too many visitors can spoil the magic.
However, with a little effort, you can still find the peaceful, natural beauty that made Gerald Durrel's My Family and Other Animals such a success - a book that, for many Brits, put Corfu on the map.
The island offers a wealth of things to do and see. Here are 9 of the very best...
Explore Corfu Town
With Venetian-style buildings, quaint alleys and no fewer than two fortresses, Corfu Town deserves at least an afternoon of your time.
In mid summer, this UNESCO-listed settlement is best enjoyed early in the morning, or, better still, just before sunset (both periods offering respite from the intense heat).
The Venetians were top dogs here from the 14th to 18th centuries, resulting in some wonderful architecture.
Add excellent restaurants and affable locals and you'll likely visit this pretty, laid-back town more than once.
Visit the James Bond monastery
Vlacherna Monastery is located on an island connected to the land by a bridge.
This iconic structure was used in the 1983 James Bond film, For Your Eyes Only. It wasn’t one of the best Bond flicks, but it was a great tourist ad for Corfu.
The chapel was constructed in the 1600s, and the whole complex was originally a nunnery.
Today, Vlacherna Monastery is a very peaceful place, enveloped by cypress trees and patrolled by amiable dogs and cats.
Arguably besting Vlacherna in terms of its view, Paleokastritsa monastery is perched high above the gas-blue Aegean sea, encompassed by steep cliffs and charming covers.
The above two sites are among more than 250 churches, chapels and monasteries on Corfu.
Rent a boat
Perhaps surprisingly, you don’t need a boat licence to hire a vessel of under 30 HP while on Corfu (or any other Greek island!).
Renting a boat gives you the freedom to stop off at any cove that takes your fancy, or simply weigh anchor for a swim.
Renting a boat in Corfu is arguably the quintessential Aegean experience - and affords the best views of the fabulous coastline.
Numerous boat hire firms operate in Corfu, and the rental process is generally straightforward; sign the document and leave the deposit (usually between $500 and $1,000).
Canal d’Amour in Sidari
The Canal d’Amour - or love canal - is one of the best known attractions on Corfu.
This natural canal is quite unlike its man-made counterparts - it's quite short for a start, and there's a tiny beach at the end of it!
Like many other natural bays and inlets, Corfu's Love Canal is perfect for swimming, as it is shallow and safe from currents.
There aren't many ideal sunbathing spots - but that doesn't stop most visitors from trying!
If you're based in nearby Sidari, you may be tempted to visit this magical place more than once.
Corfu olive oil tasting tour
Olive oil is integral to Greek cuisine - you'll see a bottle taking centre stage on every family (and restaurant) table.
It's also critical to the Corfu economy (alongside tourism).
To get a taste of how olive oil is made, why not book an olive oil tasting tour?
These trips include snacks to enjoy with the various olive oils, and water.
You may think the premium oil you buy back home is among the very best - but that belief will evaporate once you try this stuff!
High-end extra virgin olive oil is often slightly fruity or herby, and won't sting your throat like some lesser oils.
It's also possible to take a scooter olive oil tour - so you can enjoy the incredible Corfu views under your own steam, while enjoying the fragrant beauty of the olive groves and the company of genial Greek farmers.
Visit Mr Honey's bee shop
Mr Honey's bee shop doesn't sell bees - but it does sell a wide range of honey, pollen, royal jelly and beeswax - all made in Corfu.
Mr Honey's real name is Panagiotis Vasilakis. He ditched his high-pressure job in Athens to pursue beekeeping on Corfu - a way of life he knew nothing about!
You can visit Panagiotis and learn about the honey production process.
Both Hippocrates and Aristotle believed honey offered impressive health properties - so do pick up a few jars to accompany your olive oil stash!
Be a donkey shelter volunteer
Why not spend some time helping at the local donkey sanctuary?
Corfu Donkeys takes care of injured or abandoned donkeys, giving them a peaceful, dignified retirement.
The shelter welcomes volunteers of all stripes to help out with cleaning, feeding and general care. This could be a fantastic option if you're staying on Corfu for a month or more - and you love animals.
Explore Corfu by scooter
If the coastline is best explored by hire-boat, the glorious hinterland is best explored on two wheels.
It's the preferred mode of transport for many locals - but do take care as the Greek driving style can appear impatient or overly assertive to the average Brit!
You have two scooter hire options: day hire by yourself (about $35); or a 3-hour tour (around $55).
The former gives you the freedom to explore the island's many attractions as you wish, while the tour offers a more social experience and ensures you see the must-visit locations.
Join a sailing tour
If taking command of your own boat sounds too stressful, join one of the many sailing tours around the island.
Most tours take in the fabulous Antipaxos, Paxos, and/or Sivota Islands, and involve taking in the splendid scenery, swimming in placid coves, and enjoying food and wine onboard.
A sailing boat tour is also a great way to make new friends during your Corfu trip (although it’s a far cry from an 18-30s cruise!).
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