Corfu Tourism Information
Corfu (Kerkya) , Ionian Islands, Greece .

Corfu is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, the second largest of the Ionian Islands located on the north part of the Ionian Sea in the entrance of Adriatic Sea facing Albania. It is the second largest island after Kefalonia and covers an area of 590 square km and a coastline of 215km. It is a part of the Corfu Prefecture with 16 municipalities, 12 on the island and Ereikoussa, Mathraki, Othonoi and Paxoi which are separated islands. It has a population of 100,000 inhabitants from which about 30,000-35,000 live in the capital called Corfu (Kerkyra) and is the main port. The town of Corfu is a delight to explore; it is built between two fortresses with numerous French and Italian buildings, a maze of elegant narrow streets and its beauty hasn’t been unnoticed by the film industry. Because of the Mediterranean climate and the rainfalls during the winter Corfu is not only one of the greenest Greek islands but also one of the greenest Mediterranean islands covered with over 3million olive trees, verdant vegetation and wild plants. The island is mountainous with Mount Pantokrator the highest point with an altitude of 905mt and the second Stravoskiadi with an altitude of 851mt. The name Corfu means ‘city of the peaks’ and comes from the Greek word ‘Koryphai’ denoting the two peaks of the fortresses that enclose the city. Corfu was the first island that opened its doors to tourists attracting thousands of visitors every year and that’s why the tourist infrastructure are very good and provide quality services to everybody. Shopping is excellent for all tastes and all shorts of sports for the family. There is an 18 holes gulf course, cycling, horse riding, two large water parks and much more. The island of the natural beauty, the island with tradition to music and dance, the Countess of the Ionian Sea will leave the visitor with unforgettable memories. It is a paradise on earth, combining traditional and cosmopolitan elements; the island of ancient Faiakes will satisfy even the most demanding visitors.

The first Greek inhabitants who arrived at the island came from Eretria and Evia (770-750BC) to be followed by the Corinthians (735 BC) who built the ancient city and the acropolis which exist until today. Because of its splendid commercial position between Greece and the West it became a great commercial power with a powerful navy and Colonies. It gained its independence from the Corinthians but in the following years it was in the middle between the two powerful states of the time Athens and Sparta. In the Hellenistic period Corfu was attacked by many sides.

According to the Greek mythology the Greek name Kerkyra comes from the nymph Korkyra whom Poseidon the god of the sea abducted her and gave her name to the island. Korkyra gradually evolved to Kerkyra. They had a child they called Faiakas after whom the inhabitants were called Faiakes and the island refers to as the island of Faiakes.

Odysseus the famous Homeric hero landed exhausted on the island of Faiakes after many adventures and found the best hospitality. Nausica, the daughter of King of Faiakes Alkinoos, found him and brought him to the palace. It was his last stop before he reached his final destination, Ithaki, with the help of Faiakes. In Homer’s Epic the inhabitants of Corfu and their ancestors are present as a very democratic society with a powerful navy.

1. Town of Corfu: Corfu is the capital and the main port of the island and also one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. The town’s architecture has a touch of Venetians, English and French. It is a glamorous town of unique beauty, a maze of narrow streets dominated by the 16th century fortress. The town is full of magnificent palaces, elegant buildings, Byzantine churches, impressive Venetian castles and French designed squares. It is divided into the new and the old city. In the old town with the traditional cantons there are historical buildings like the Ionian Academy, founded in 1808 by Ioannis Kapodistrias the first governor of independent Greece, and the Town hall that was used as a lyrical theatre then as a Town hall and today is housing the National Bank of Greece. The visitors can admire the palace of St. Michael and St. George built in 1824 during the British occupation, a glamorous monument used as the residence of the Commissioner then as the residence of the Greek Royal family and today is hosting the Asian museum and the municipal gallery; One of the most impressive places is the Spianada square (the largest square in Greece) designed by the French and planted with many flowers and trees. Inherited by the English the square was the only place in Greece to host cricket matches; in the western side of Espianada square is the Liston, an elegant building built by the French Emperors according to the Rue de Rivoli in Paris as a meeting point of the aristocrats. Today the Liston hosts many luxurious cafes and restaurants and during the night the characteristic spot lights create an astonishing picture; facing the Liston is the Old Fortress built on an artificial island with an impressive architecture and many significant monuments to be seen. It was constructed in 1588 and had four gates and two peaks (korifes) and that is why the island is called Corfu; the New Fortress (The Fortress of Agios Markos) is a large complex of fortifications on the hill of Agios Markos close to the old harbour of the town. It was built by the Venetians between 1572 and 1645 and it was completed by French and English. Famous architectural characteristic were the archways that used as a shelter during the WWII and the two gates that are very well preserved until today with the emblem of the winged lion of St. Mark; the square of the Saints where three of the most important churches are located, the church of St. Spiridon, the church of the blessed Virgin and the church of St. John; the historical church of Saint Spiridon built in 1589 is dedicated to Agios Spiridon who is the patron Saint of the island and he is related to many miracles. His relics, brought from Constantinople on the 12th of September are carried through the streets of the town. The church is a basilica with the highest bell tower of all the churches in the island (there are more than 800) with a unique red dome and clock similar to Saint George in Venice; of a great importance is the Archaeological Museum where the visitor can admire findings from Palaiopolis and from other archaeological sites of the island, the museum of Asian art, the Numismatic museum, the museum of Solomos (the national Greek poet) housed in the beautiful house where he lived most of his life.
The New city is a typical modern city that deserves to be seen. The old and the new town have many commercial shops and many amusements such as cinema, theatres, clubs, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

2. The Achillion Palace: it is located in the village of Gastouri about 10 miles south of the city. It was built by the Empress of Austria, Elizabeth of Bavaria, known as Sissy (her life became a movie with Romy Schneider). It was a woman obsessed with beauty and after the loss of her son in Mayerling in 1889 she decided to build a palace as a summer retreat. The location of the palace was of extreme beauty overlooking at the Corfu coast below and providing a view of the green hills and the Ionian Sea. The Empress was captivated by Greek mythology and made Achilles, the powerful mythical hero, the central theme naming the palace after him. There are paintings and statues of him inside the palace and in the imperial gardens as well as other Gods and Goddesses and the 9 musses. Visitors can admire the marble statue of dying Achilles in the gardens wearing just a cloth and a helmet, trying to pull out the arrow from his hill and looking up in the sky asking for help from his mother Thetis who was a Goddess. In the main hall a huge painting of triumphant Achilles carrying the dead body of Hector of Troy and parading it outside the walls of Troy. Empress Sissy was assassinated in 1898 in Geneva at the age of 60 and the palace was deserted until 1907 when it was bought by Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. The Kaiser made changes to the landscape of the gardens and he also constructed a bridge, known as Kaiser’s Bridge, arching over the road so that he could access the beach straight from the gardens of the palace. The bridge’s central section was demolished by Germans during WWII. The palace was the birthplace of Prince Phillip of England. Its exquisite beauty has been immortalised in James Bond movie ‘For your eyes only’. The palace was eventually acquired by the Greek State and until recently was used as a Casino but today is used as a museum.

3. Corfu Palaiopolis:  is the ancient city of Corfu located in the estate of Mon Repos south of the modern city. Palaiopolis means ancient town and it is believed to have been erected during the 8th century BC and the fortifications during the 4th century BC. The fortifications were designed by very skilful architects in a very strategic position. The harbour of Alkinoos was in the north with a single tower on the fortifications overlooking at the entry of the harbour, Mon Repo in the east, the Lagoon of Chalkiopoulos in the west and ancient Agora (market) where the bay of Garitsa is today. In the area of Garitsa many vestiges of tombs from the Archaic and classical periods have been discovered with the most famous the monument of Menekratis. During the British Protectorate part of the Doric Temple in Kardaki collapsed because of bad weather conditions and revealed the first antiquities. Later excavations revealed part of Agora, the Christian basilica of Saint Kerkyra and recently the Roman baths, the stone pavement in Agora and the dockyards of the harbour of Alkinoos.

4. Mon Repo: is located where the old city used to be south of the capital built in 1831. At first it was used as a residence of the English Commissioner and then it became a summer residence of the Greek Royal family. The views at Mon Repo are stunning overlooking at the ruins of Palaiopolis and there is also a nice beach at the area. In the surrounding area excavations brought to light the altar of the Goddess Diana and the Temple of Aesculapins.

5. Pontikonisi: is a small but very green island that has become the trademark of Corfu. The small Byzantine church of Pantokratora was built in the 13th century. The white stone stairs that lead up to the monastery if seen from distance look like a mouse’s tail which gave its name to the island (Pontikonisi=mouse island). According to mythology Pontikonisi is the stone that God Poseidon through at Odysseus’s ship, destroyed it and Odysseus ended up in Phaiakes Island. Another myth says that Poseidon transformed Odysseus’s ship into the island of Pontikonisi.

6. Kanoni: it is a very famous area situated south of Palaiopolis. Kanoni owns its name to the canon (kanoni in Greek) that still stands in the circular terrace left by the French. In front of Kanoni lies the monastery of Vlacherna linked to mainland by a cement dock and from there one can visit Pontikonisi. The wonderful view from the terrace inspired the painting ‘The Island of the dead’ by the German painter Becklin. Today at the area of Kanoni there are many luxurious hotels.

7. Aggelokastro (Angel Castle): is a Byzantine fortress located opposite Palaiokastritsa at an altitude of 330m. It was built in the 13th century and legend has it that his founder was looking for the highest and steepest rock to build it when he came across Aggelokastro. The purpose of the castle was to protect the inhabitants from pirates and Venetians. Aggelokastro served as the capital of the island and the Governor lived there. Inside the castle ruins of chambers can be seen and a church build in a dark cave dedicated to Archangels Michael and Gabriel inside of which is a beautiful fresco of Virgin Mary.

8. Aqualand: is located in Agios Ioannis and is one of the most impressive water parks in Europe. The construction of the park started in 1995 by companies that have completed projects like Disney Parks and Universal Studios. Every season new attractions are completed for the maximum joy and entertainment of the visitors.

9. Antinioti Lake: is a wonderful area located between the beaches of Acharavi and Kassiopi of great ecological interest. It is the home of 95 species such as reptiles, mammals, amphibians and rare birds. This biotope is a protected area where the sweet warm water meets the salty water, a special place for romantic walks.

10. Corfu Golf Ermones: is a great Golf course of 18 holes located in a spectacular landscape in the beautiful Ropa Valley in Ermones. The magnificent surroundings and the well thought hazards and the excellent weather throughout the year have spread the reputation of the golf course and golfers come from all over the world to try their skills. The golf course has an excellent clubhouse and a restaurant that makes it ideal for a day out and organised numerous competitions for those who wish to play

The celebration of Easter in Corfu is a unique experience celebrated very differently from the rest of Greece. People from all over Greece gather in Corfu for the Holy week a time of fasting and church services for the Christian Orthodoxies waiting for the Resurrection. In Corfu the celebrations are so different because of the combination of many thinks coming together; it’s not only Christian faith and the influence of the presence of St. Spiridon but also the philharmonic bands, the pagan traditions, the Venetian influence and the spring atmosphere. During Good Friday at the parade of Epitaphios (the funeral of Christ) the philharmonic band and choir lead the parade. On the first Resurrection in the morning of Holly Saturday Corfiots throw out of their windows pots to the streets below in the old city known as the custom of ‘pot throwing’. The Resurrection is like a festival in Corfu taking place in Spianada square with the presence of the Bishop, philharmonic orchestras, thousands of people and the sky enlightened by the fireworks. On Easter morning the celebrations continuing with more parades and feasts.

The island of Corfu has some of the finest beaches in the Ionian Sea. It provides unique beaches with sandy bays, deserted bays and crystal clear waters. Some of them have turned into resorts with all sort of facilities and some of them have been awarded with the Blue Flag for the clear waters. The island of Corfu also has some very picturesque villages.

North west
Sidari used to be a small fishing village but today is a popular holiday resort located 35 km from Corfu. Sidari is packed with restaurants, bars and clubs offering a vivid nightlife. There are three sandy beaches, ideal for families as the waters are shallow, organised with water sports facilities. To the west is the famous Canal d’amour an area of sandstone cliffs and channels that can be reached by natural paths and ladders and legend has it that if a couple swim in these waters they will be together for ever. Despite the mass tourism the village keeps its unique character and that makes it suitable for all ages and tastes.
Roda is a modern beach resort located 26 km from Corfu that has know a rapid development and has become very popular with families as the sea is very calm and the beach is very long. Along the beach there are hotels, tavernas and bars and from the jetty at one end of the beach boats leave for daily excursions to Othonoi, Erikousa, and Mathraki. There are also organised trips to inland Corfu and Mount Pantokrator.
Acharavi beach is the continuation of Roda a 3km sandy beach very similar to Roda
Arillas is a long quite beach between two peninsulas protected from the winds 36km from Corfu. It is ideal for families and lovers looking for relaxation and privacy. The beach is awarded with the Blue Flag, the sand is gold and some water sports can be found. There are all types of accomodation.  
Agios Georgios is a delightful resort situated 40 km from Corfu in a quiet bay surrounded by a beautiful valley. The beach has been awarded with the Blue Flag for the emerald clear waters. The beach is 6km long and sandy ideal for children, water sports are available and tavernas and few bars. Agios Georgios is known for its tourist friendly atmosphear.

North east
Agios Stefanos is a small resort located 43km from Corfu. It is a picturesque fishing village with a small beach, very clean waters and jetties in the water for sunbathing. The place is quite lively during the day but quiet during the night. The background is very green and opposite is the coast of Albania.
Kassiopi is a picturesque village at the feet of Mount Pantokrator 35km from Corfu. There are all the types of accommodation, tavernas, cafes and bars. There are a number of beaches that are very crowded with all the facilities from sun beds to waterskiing with pebbles and many coves to explore. Nearby are the remains of a Byzantine fortress worth seeing.
Kalami is a wide pebble beach with flat stones 30km from Corfu. The scenery inspired the English author Lawrence Darrell to write his novel ‘Prospero’s cell’. It is the perfect place for those who wish to relax and ideal for children as the waters are shallow. The area offers plenty of bars restaurants and accommodation.
Nissaki (meaning little island) is a beautiful resort at the feet of Mount Pantokrator that has a romantic atmosphere unspoiled by tourism, 21km from Corfu. It has a number of beaches that are really small coves with crystal clear waters making it idyllic for scuba diving and daily excursions for those who own a private boat. The beaches of Barbati and Kaminaki can be reached on foot and traditional villages are in the surrounding area. Regular buses depart from Nissaki to Ipsos, Corfu and Kassiopi.
Barbati is a beautiful long pebble beach awarded with the Blue Flag for the cleanliness of its waters 22km from Corfu. At the background is Mount Pantokrator and the beach is reached by a very steep road. There are many hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes at the area that gets very crowded.

Central Corfu
Dasia is a tourist resort with large hotel complexes on the east of the island 10km from Corfu. The beach (Blue Flag) is long with pebbles and clear shallow waters. On the beach all facilities are available and many watersports. In Dassia afternoons are relaxed with few bars and a variety of restaurants. There are regular buses to Corfu and plenty of taxis for those who want to explore the area. A nice golf course and a pony trekking centre can be found. Dasia is an excellent resort for everybody.
Ipsos is a very busy resort famous for its nightlife 15km from Corfu. The beach is narrow and long with pebbles awarded with the Blue Flag for its cleanliness with many watersports. There are many British like pubs and clubs and good time is guaranteed.
Gouvia is a small sheltered beach with a famous marina filled up with impressive yachts and boats 7km from Corfu. Gouvia provides everything to the visitor from a selection of restaurants and bars to watersports and boat hiring facilities.
Paleokastritsa is the most famous village of the island 25km from Corfu on the west coast. There are six sandy and pebble beaches surrounded by forests and a number of rocky coves (ideal for diving) in the azure waters creating breathless scenery. It is famous for the cool deep waters with the amazing colours and the exploration of the sea cliffs and caves is a must either by hiring a boat or just snorkelling. There is plenty of accommodation, tavernas and bars in the area and many boat trips. For daily excursions are Lakones and other inland villages for traditional Greek atmosphere, Aggelokastro and Theotokos monastery.
Glyfada is one of the most popular beaches of the island on the west coast 16km from Corfu. It is very crowded but because is very long there is space for everybody. It is famous along young people as many bars are on the beach and a beach volley tournament takes place every summer. The beach is at the feet of Pelekas village (famous for its sunset), the tree covered cliffs fall into the crystal clear waters (Blue Flag) and the sand is gold. It is well organised with water sports and facilities. Ermones Golf course and Aqualand are found nearby.
Myrtiotissa was characterised as ‘the loveliest beach in the world’ by the English writer Lawrence Darrell because of its idyllic surroundings. The beach remains unspoiled by modern civilization. It is next to Glyfada beach and is unofficially a nudist beach. The nature is wild as the rocky promontories stretch into the emerald waters in both sides of the beach ideal for snorkelling. Above the beach is the monastery of Myrtiotisa from where the views are stunning.
Agios Gordis is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the island located on the west coast 15km from Corfu. Its characteristic is the imposing rock in the sea on the left hand side of the beach. At the peak of the mountain the views of the beach are exceptional and unforgettable. Watersports and other facilities are available as well as few wonderful beach bars on the 1km sandy beach. There is a frequent bus to Corfu town.
Other beaches like Yaliskari, Pelekas, and Kontogialos on the west coast are more quiet resorts with excellent waters preferred by the hippies during the 60’s for the natural beauty.

South Corfu
Benitses is a picturesque fishing village that has been transformed to a very well organised tourist resort 13km south of Corfu. The beach is narrow with sand and pebbles but is very popular because of the clear waters (Blue Flag). The village, that has kept its authenticity, and the beach are well organised with accommodation, watersports, boat hire facilities, a variety of restaurants and bars. There is also a Shell museum that exhibits shells, corals, shark teeth and various fish.
Moraitika is a traditional Greek village in front of a scenic beach 20km south of Corfu. Its name originates from the first inhabitants who came from the Peloponnese region (known as Morias). The village offers tranquillity and relaxation to its visitors but also a cosmopolitan nightlife. In Moraitika there is a long sandy beach and few others secluded smaller beaches ideal for swimming and scuba diving (a Diving Centre can be found). There are top quality tavernas serving the very best of local cuisine and seafood delicacies prepared with extreme care from the local chefs.
Messonghi is a sister resort to Moraitika separated from it by the Messonghi river. Before the merge it used to be a sleeping village but today has gained popularity as an excellent holiday destination. There are many options for daily excursions to Corfu town, Aqualand or other boat trips.
Kavos is a busy lively resort with along sandy beach located 30km from Corfu. It is ideal for those who seek noise, wild nightlife and extreme sports. There are more than 80 bars, tavernas serving British menus and traditional Greek places tend to extinct. In the surrounding area there are old villages, castles and coves to be explored, regular bus connection to Corfu town and boat trips to many places such as Praga, Paxoi, Antipaxoi and others.
On the south east coast are places like Agios Mathaios and Paramonas beach which are ideal destinations for those who choose peach and tranquillity in a natural environment and a friendly atmosphere.

Corfu is a few nautical miles from the port of Igoumenitsa and the harbour of Patras. There is an everyday ferry connection from Igoumenitsa to Corfu town and two types of ferries are available: the open ferry with the duration of 1hour and 40 min. and the larger ferry take about 1 hour. The Corfu lines are Kerkiraikes grames and Kinopraxia lines. From Igoumenitsa there is a ferry to the southern part of Corfu to the port of the village of Lefkimi and it takes about 1 hour to get there. Daily ferry departures from the port of Patras to Corfu town with the Italian bound ferries (Minoan Lines, Superfast Ferries, Anek Lines, Ventouris ferries, Agoudimos Lines) with the duration of 6 hours on to the port of Ancona, Bari, Britizi, Venice and Trieste.
KTEL operates daily services to provide transport to most of the beaches and villages of Corfu.