Corfu stands like a sentinel of the Ionian Sea harbouring Venetian fortresses, towering mountains and the ancient palace of St. Michael and St. George. Best known for its beaches, quaint villages, olive groves and first-rate diving spots, Corfu is one of the best off-the-beaten-path islands in Greece.

Things to do

Pastel-washed cottages and old-fashioned village squares define the old quarter of Kerkyra, which is worth an afternoon of strolling in itself. You can explore the old palace and visit its museums, including the Museum of Asian Art, jam-packed with thousands of artefacts. On the edge of Kerkyra, the 16th-century fortress of Palaio Frourio showcases elaborate mosaics and icons inside the Byzantine Museum.

Cruise along the island’s perimeter to find west-coast beach towns such as Agios Stefanos and the ever-popular Glyfada Beach, about 17 kilometres from Corfu Town. You’ll find it easy to walk the long sandy strips dotted with enchanting rock formations and ringed by popular cafes, pubs and hotels. Are you a scuba diving aficionado? Stick to the north-east coast islets such as Othoni, Paleokastritsa and Paxi.

For striking views, you can climb a portion of the Corfu Trail along Agii Deka, one of the island’s highest peaks. On the northern tip of Corfu, sandstone cliff formations such as Canal d’ Amour add intrigue to the resort town of Sidari, home to seafood tavernas serving delicacies such as local Mylokopi fish and fresh Amvrakikos Gulf prawns.

Getting around

The main town and resort areas of Corfu tend to be compact and pedestrian-friendly. Public buses operate regularly from Corfu Town and to the airport and ferry docks. On the island, taxis, rental cars and mopeds are the best ways to explore the area.