Culture & History
Corfu Town (Kerkyra) Thanks to its strategic location in the Mediterranean, the island of Corfu has attracted the interest of numerous conquerors over the centuries, who have left their mark on both the city plan and the architectural character of the town of Kerkyra. Tourists are captivated not by the buildings themselves, but by their overall appearance and their atmosphere, which can be enjoyed after sunset. It will be an unforgettable experience to spend hours wandering through a veritable labyrinth of narrow streets, discovering holiday mementos. The most fascinating and oldest district of the old town is called Campiello, where you can stroll through narrow streets lined with tall buildings, buy local products in old cellars, and admire a Venetian fountain, a stone staircase, cobbled squares, and hidden courtyards.
The fortresses of Corfu form the boundaries of the capital: the old fortress to the east, the new fortress to the west. In the past, the two fortifications were united by the walls, allowing the inhabitants to live safely. The Old Fortress is located opposite the Esplanada and is impossible to miss. Cross the seawater canal (Contrafossa) to enter the rampart complex. The canal was dug by the Venetians in the 16th century and was intended to secure the fortress. The fortress walls date back to the Venetian period – in some sections, they already require support from steel structures. Most of the buildings within the walls were built later under British rule. The Church of Agios Georgios, for example, was built around 1830 as a garrison church for the English and resembles a temple rather than a church. Concerts are often held in the large forecourt during peak season. Be sure to visit the highest point of the fortress, which offers the most beautiful views over Corfu.
The New Fortress was formerly closed to the public (military zone). Today it is open for tours. From there, you can watch the airplanes gliding in – an impressive sight. From the very top, you have the most beautiful view of the old town. The city ramparts were built in 1576 (construction began). The New Fortress was completed in 1645. It is said to have a dense network of underground passages and to have been connected to the Old Fortress. A visit is worthwhile just for the beautiful view of Corfu Town and the old harbor. The entrance gate to the New Fortress is reached via Odos Solomou.
Kanoni, on the peninsula of the same name, or rather the district of Kerkyra, is a good place to linger. Above the airport runway, you can stop off at the Kanoni Café and get a close look at the planes performing their difficult maneuvers at the small Corfu airport. The view from the jetty below the café is even more spectacular. Ideally, you should park on the opposite side of the peninsula and cross the stone walkway. Here you can visit and photograph the most common postcard motif of Corfu - the Mouse Island of Pontikonissi and the Vlachherna Monastery (out of use) in front of it. Not far away you will also find the women's monastery of Agii Theodori, next to it the rare excavations of the Temple of Artemis, the ruins of the early Christian church and, opposite this, the castle of Mon Repos. On Kanoni you will discover the first Kerkyra, or more precisely "Paleopolis".
The British Cemetery is a special place of tranquility in Corfu Town – atmospheric and almost romantic. A visit is especially recommended for plant lovers. Orchid enthusiasts recommend a visit in March/April. It's a blessing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while in the shady, almost park-like grounds. Gravestones from the colonial era, simple graves from the German occupation – many inscriptions tell of personal stories. Many works of stonemasonry can be admired. Take a stroll through the park and enjoy the views. With a little luck, you might even see Greek tortoises, which have made their home here.
Achilleion - Sissi's summer residence is an imposing palace near Gastouri, built by the Austrian Empress Elisabeth between 1890 and 1892. Particularly impressive are the lovingly landscaped gardens and the magnificent palace rooms, as well as the numerous statues and sculptures, such as the nine Greek muses and, of course, the bronze statue of the namesake and Homeric hero "Achilles." An absolute must for culture and garden lovers!
Ruins of Angelokastro - This defensive fortification, located in a strategic, difficult-to-conquer position on the northwestern tip of the island, with excellent influence over the southern Adriatic, played a significant role in the island's fate and development for many centuries. The ruins are reached via numerous stone steps, always with a view of Paleokastritsa below. Historically, it's a very interesting place, but an absolute must for nature and view lovers. Those who dare can sit on the rocks at the summit, dangle their legs 300 meters above the sea, and enjoy the unobstructed view of the Adriatic. With a little imagination, on a clear day, you can even glimpse Italy.
The Monastery of Paleokastritsa (Agios Spyridon) was first built in the 13th century. Admission is free. The monastery consists of two levels, with only the monks' quarters being restricted. The lower level is a garden with stone arches, resembling a tunnel. There are some benches and a shop selling olive oil, olives, and kumquat liqueurs made by the monks. In the shop, you can also see authentic olive presses. On the upper level, there is a small courtyard with a fountain, a church, and a museum with icons and books. For visitors who dress promiscuously, there are shawls for their shoulders and legs at the entrance. According to locals, anyone who throws coins into the fountain will one day return to the island.
The mountain village of Chlomos is worth a visit for the magnificent views alone. Even on the approach, there are magnificent views of the Korission Lagoon. Here, you'll often find mountain bikers who start from the coastal village of Agios Georgios Argirades and embark on the scenic ride to Chlomos. It's worth exploring the alleys of the old village on foot, slowly making your way uphill to the Church of the Archangels. From the upper edge of the village near the church, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Corfu's southeast coast. From here, you can gaze over the rooftops of the mountain village and enjoy the best panoramic views. For refreshments, two tavernas and a café-snack bar offer excellent panoramic views.
Of course, we can't forget our beautiful, traditional mountain village of Pentati. Perched high above the Ionian Sea, it offers breathtaking views of the coast, the Ortholithi rock, and stunning sunsets. Surrounded by olive groves and lemon trees, the small village, with its narrow, winding streets and traditional stone houses, invites you to take a stroll through history. Pentati was founded several centuries ago by fishermen and farmers who settled here because of its sheltered location above the coast. Even today, the tranquility and authenticity of old Corfu can be felt – a place where time passes more slowly.
Very close by, in the region around Agios Gordios and Sinarades, international celebrities such as actress Angelina Jolie and musician Bruce Springsteen have also secured holiday villas, making the area an insider tip.
Pentati is ideal for anyone who wants to experience authentic Greece – with a touch of exclusivity and a deep breath of history.
Corfu Town (Kerkyra) Thanks to its strategic location in the Mediterranean, the island of Corfu has attracted the interest of numerous conquerors over the centuries, who have left their mark on both the city plan and the architectural character of the town of Kerkyra. Tourists are captivated not by the buildings themselves, but by their overall appearance and their atmosphere, which can be enjoyed after sunset. It will be an unforgettable experience to spend hours wandering through a veritable labyrinth of narrow streets, discovering holiday mementos. The most fascinating and oldest district of the old town is called Campiello, where you can stroll through narrow streets lined with tall buildings, buy local products in old cellars, and admire a Venetian fountain, a stone staircase, cobbled squares, and hidden courtyards.
The fortresses of Corfu form the boundaries of the capital: the old fortress to the east, the new fortress to the west. In the past, the two fortifications were united by the walls, allowing the inhabitants to live safely.
The Old Fortress is located opposite the Esplanada and is impossible to miss. Cross the seawater canal (Contrafossa) to enter the rampart complex. The canal was dug by the Venetians in the 16th century and was intended to secure the fortress. The fortress walls date back to the Venetian period – in some sections, they already require support from steel structures. Most of the buildings within the walls were built later under British rule. The Church of Agios Georgios, for example, was built around 1830 as a garrison church for the English and resembles a temple rather than a church. Concerts are often held in the large forecourt during peak season. Be sure to visit the highest point of the fortress, which offers the most beautiful views over Corfu.
The New Fortress was formerly closed to the public (military zone). Today it is open for tours. From there, you can watch the airplanes gliding in – an impressive sight. From the very top, you have the most beautiful view of the old town. The city ramparts were built in 1576 (construction began). The New Fortress was completed in 1645. It is said to have a dense network of underground passages and to have been connected to the Old Fortress. A visit is worthwhile just for the beautiful view of Corfu Town and the old harbor. The entrance gate to the New Fortress is reached via Odos Solomou.
Kanoni, on the peninsula of the same name, or rather the district of Kerkyra, is a good place to linger. Above the airport runway, you can stop off at the Kanoni Café and get a close look at the planes performing their difficult maneuvers at the small Corfu airport. The view from the jetty below the café is even more spectacular. Ideally, you should park on the opposite side of the peninsula and cross the stone walkway. Here you can visit and photograph the most common postcard motif of Corfu - the Mouse Island of Pontikonissi and the Vlachherna Monastery (out of use) in front of it. Not far away you will also find the women's monastery of Agii Theodori, next to it the rare excavations of the Temple of Artemis, the ruins of the early Christian church and, opposite this, the castle of Mon Repos. On Kanoni you will discover the first Kerkyra, or more precisely "Paleopolis".
The British Cemetery is a special place of tranquility in Corfu Town – atmospheric and almost romantic. A visit is especially recommended for plant lovers. Orchid enthusiasts recommend a visit in March/April. It's a blessing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while in the shady, almost park-like grounds. Gravestones from the colonial era, simple graves from the German occupation – many inscriptions tell of personal stories. Many works of stonemasonry can be admired. Take a stroll through the park and enjoy the views. With a little luck, you might even see Greek tortoises, which have made their home here.
Achilleion - Sissi's summer residence is an imposing palace near Gastouri, built by the Austrian Empress Elisabeth between 1890 and 1892. Particularly impressive are the lovingly landscaped gardens and the magnificent palace rooms, as well as the numerous statues and sculptures, such as the nine Greek muses and, of course, the bronze statue of the namesake and Homeric hero "Achilles." An absolute must for culture and garden lovers!
Ruins of Angelokastro - This defensive fortification, located in a strategic, difficult-to-conquer position on the northwestern tip of the island, with excellent influence over the southern Adriatic, played a significant role in the island's fate and development for many centuries. The ruins are reached via numerous stone steps, always with a view of Paleokastritsa below. Historically, it's a very interesting place, but an absolute must for nature and view lovers. Those who dare can sit on the rocks at the summit, dangle their legs 300 meters above the sea, and enjoy the unobstructed view of the Adriatic. With a little imagination, on a clear day, you can even glimpse Italy.
The Monastery of Paleokastritsa (Agios Spyridon) was first built in the 13th century. Admission is free. The monastery consists of two levels, with only the monks' quarters being restricted. The lower level is a garden with stone arches, resembling a tunnel. There are some benches and a shop selling olive oil, olives, and kumquat liqueurs made by the monks. In the shop, you can also see authentic olive presses. On the upper level, there is a small courtyard with a fountain, a church, and a museum with icons and books. For visitors who dress promiscuously, there are shawls for their shoulders and legs at the entrance. According to locals, anyone who throws coins into the fountain will one day return to the island.
The mountain village of Chlomos is worth a visit for the magnificent views alone. Even on the approach, there are magnificent views of the Korission Lagoon. Here, you'll often find mountain bikers who start from the coastal village of Agios Georgios Argirades and embark on the scenic ride to Chlomos. It's worth exploring the alleys of the old village on foot, slowly making your way uphill to the Church of the Archangels. From the upper edge of the village near the church, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Corfu's southeast coast. From here, you can gaze over the rooftops of the mountain village and enjoy the best panoramic views. For refreshments, two tavernas and a café-snack bar offer excellent panoramic views.
Of course, we can't forget our beautiful, traditional mountain village of Pentati. Perched high above the Ionian Sea, it offers breathtaking views of the coast, the Ortholithi rock, and stunning sunsets. Surrounded by olive groves and lemon trees, the small village, with its narrow, winding streets and traditional stone houses, invites you to take a stroll through history. Pentati was founded several centuries ago by fishermen and farmers who settled here because of its sheltered location above the coast. Even today, the tranquility and authenticity of old Corfu can be felt – a place where time passes more slowly.
Very close by, in the region around Agios Gordios and Sinarades, international celebrities such as actress Angelina Jolie and musician Bruce Springsteen have also secured holiday villas, making the area an insider tip.
Pentati is ideal for anyone who wants to experience authentic Greece – with a touch of exclusivity and a deep breath of history.
Nature & Views
Agios Gordios Beach - Our "local beach" in Agios Gordios has a lot to offer. Reachable in just under half an hour via an adventurous and not entirely safe jungle path, or in just a few minutes by car, you'll find a beach that's partly sandy, partly pebbled, and partly rocky. Parking, especially during the season, is only available in a paid parking lot at the beginning of the shopping street or, with a bit of luck, free parking in front of the shops. The small street is home to many bistros, souvenir shops, small supermarkets, car/scooter/quad rental stations, as well as a few tavernas and bars. The beach promenade itself also has several tavernas, all with sea views and especially recommended at sunset.
If you walk about 15 minutes to the right from Agios Gordios Beach, you'll come to the Black Rocks – large boulders on the beach, a quiet stretch of beach known for its more liberal bathing culture. There, you can also explore a stranded, old, and, above all, rusty refugee boat at your own risk.
Fieroulas Beach - Pentati Beach is less of a beach than a cove for small fishing boats and a quick dip in the cool water. Locals also come here for a siesta to cool off; tourists are rare because there are no food or drink options - but here you'll find peace and quiet!
Paramonas Beach is one of the smaller and less touristy sand/pebble beaches on Corfu. There's a snack bar, a few loungers, and a few pedal boats for rent. Especially in high season, this is precisely why it's still quiet and not as crowded as, for example, Paleokastritsa.
Spiros Beach and the coves of Paleokastritsa: Corfu's most beautiful, small sand/pebble beach, with magical turquoise waters and many small coves only accessible by boat, which you can rent from the captain (see below). During high season, it's better to rent a boat and explore the surrounding bays, as you'll hardly find space or peace on the beach itself. This visit can easily be combined with some culture – Angelokastro and the monastery are just a few minutes away by car.
Halikounas Beach: A long and wide sandy beach in the southwest of the island, unusual for Corfu, ideal for walking. Very popular with kite surfers, as it's particularly windy in the afternoons. Other fun sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, boating, and even horseback riding are also available here. Behind the beach is a lake, also known as the Korission Lagoon, a national nature reserve that provides a habitat for more than 120 bird species. In October, you can even spot numerous flamingos here.
Notos Beach in southern Corfu is a hidden gem that captivates with its Caribbean flair and wild, unspoiled nature. The small beach is nestled in a lush green garden landscape with olive trees, cypresses, and fragrant herbs – nature here almost reaches the water. An idyllic hiking trail runs along the coast, offering breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and leading to small, secluded coves. Notos is the perfect place for anyone seeking peace, nature, and true island magic – far from the hustle and bustle.
Kaiser's Throne: An impressive vantage point with a 360° view of Corfu's east coast, including the capital, the airport, and even Albania. Access by car through the small mountain village of Pelekas. It's a good stopover on the way to Achilleion Palace, a palace built in the reign of Emperor Sissi.
Cape Drastis is one of the most beautiful natural monuments on Corfu and forms the northwesternmost point of the island. The spectacular white limestone rock formations rise majestically from the turquoise sea and are a popular photo subject for Corfu vacationers. The path to the viewpoint is a bit strenuous for inexperienced hikers, but doable. The cape itself is private property and can unfortunately only be admired from a distance. Also in the north, on the rugged cliffs, is 7th Heaven.
Mount Pantokrator is the highest mountain on Corfu (approx. 910 m). It is located in the northeast of the island and is a popular hiking destination for active vacationers. From the summit, which is accessible via a paved road, there are magnificent views of Albania and the Greek mainland on a clear day. There is also a 17th-century monastery there, which is inhabited during the summer months. The Greek Orthodox church is open to the public during the day. A striking structure on the summit is the radio tower, a freestanding steel truss structure.
Culinary & Nightlife
Nearly all taverns and bars offer not only good food and drinks but also great views and natural experiences – here is a small selection of our favorite locations:
Chris Place (Sofia's) Here, our good friend Sofia and her son cook the most delicious moussaka in the world and many other typical Greek delicacies. It's open all day and is less than a 5-minute walk from the villa. The rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of the bays to the west.
Angela's Here, you can peek into the kitchens with the chef and create your own meal from the daily specials... Of course, the grilled food is always fresh, and the salad comes straight from the garden next door. The view of the enchanting bay of Agios Gordios can be admired here while you eat. Watching the resident turtles is a pleasant pastime before dinner. If you're missing a snack for cooking in the villa, are craving something sweet in front of the TV, or have run out of cigarettes, you'll find what you're looking for in Makis's mini-market at Angela's.
Fieroula This tavern joined the ranks of the long-established taverns only in 2023. The food here is also very good, but stands out from the others due to the modern style of the location and the culinary approach. The view, like all restaurants in Pentati, is amazing!
Lemon Tree Super cocktail bar on the beach mile of Agios Gordios, which in the evening impresses locals and tourists with colorful lights, good music and, above all, delicious drinks.
Romantic Palace One of many good restaurants directly on Agios Gordios Beach with fresh organic produce from their own gardens, very friendly service and, of course, the best view of the sunset over the Adriatic Sea.
The ARK is also located on Agios Gordios Beach. The milkshakes are especially recommended on a hot beach day, and the sun lounger is practically free. As with most beaches on Corfu, the same applies here: anyone who consumes something can use the hotel's loungers and parasols.
Alobar A small snack bar right on Agios Gordios Beach, but far from the beach loungers, it's quiet and relaxed. Often, many wild cats are lounging around here, enjoying the sun. A great place to stop for a snack or a freshly squeezed orange juice during a stroll along the beach.
Botigis Grill House Taverna is a small, rustic taverna in Sinarades, less than 15 minutes by car from Villa Olivia. Here, you'll enjoy typical Greek delicacies prepared by our good friend Maria and her husband. The house cake for dessert alone is worth the visit.
Kato Garouna Grill Similar to a German kebab restaurant, this restaurant offers delicious grilled specialties to take away or eat on the terrace. We recommend the grilled platter with all kinds of meat, fries, and salad, or simply a gyro pitta to go. Everything is just as delicious, but much cheaper than in the tavernas or on the beach.
Located directly on the idyllic Paramonas Beach, the SUNSET offers authentic Greek cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Fresh fish, traditional meze, and local specialties are lovingly prepared here. The warm hospitality and stunning views of the turquoise sea make every visit a special experience. Ideal for a leisurely lunch after the beach or a romantic dinner at sunset.
La Grotta Bar in Paleokastritsa is a snack bar nestled in the middle of a cliff. There, you can relax to chilled music, sip a cocktail, and watch the cliff divers in their daredevil moves. Of course, you can also take a quick dip (1m board) into the water yourself or simply use the ladder to climb in. You won't find a beach or peace and quiet here, but you will have plenty of fun and adrenaline rushes. You can also rent a boat there, but it's cheaper and better to do so at the port of Paleokastritsa (from the captain). The bar itself is down some stone steps into the gorge, and in high season it can get very crowded, especially in the afternoon when the sun comes around the corner.
7th Heaven With a skywalk high above the sea and swing seating on the cliffs in the north, perfect for sunset after visiting Cape Drastis.
Tours
Of course, every vacationer has their own ideas about how to spend their time on Corfu, but we'd still like to give you a few tips on which (day) tours we think are absolutely worth it. To keep this short, we'll only give you a few basic facts; you're welcome to contact us for more detailed information about each tour.
Private boat/Kayaking tour along the west coast
Off the coast of Pentati lies the small rocky island of Kyra Dikea, which is surrounded by numerous local legends. Its name means "the just lady" – a silent guardian in the Ionian Sea, a mesmerizing sight, especially at sunset. The moment you dock, you might think you're in Thailand, it's so exotic. The island also features a tiny chapel and a swinging tree.
The tour continues past coves where water trickles from the high cliffs, where you can observe mountain goats, and explore smaller caves, including those with bats, where you can swim, snorkel, and even dive.
Adventure Trail from Pentati to Agios Gordios Beach (20-40 minutes depending on fitness level)
The direct footpath to Agios Gordios Beach offers picturesque views of the bays, the Ortholithi bird cliff, and, of course, the beach itself. The path is mostly unpaved and at times not entirely safe, but definitely worth the adventure!
Mountain Hike to the Monastery
The Monastery of Prophet Elias and Estavromenos is located 5.5 km from Villa Olivia, on the summit of a lush mountain near the villages of Ano and Kato Pavliana. From there, visitors can enjoy impressive panoramic views of surrounding villages such as Pelekas, Korakiana, Agios Mattheos, as well as the Korission Lagoon and beaches such as Paramonas and Agios Nikolaos. The ascent to the monastery leads along picturesque paths lined with olive groves and Mediterranean vegetation. Visitors should also bring water and sunscreen, especially during the summer months, as there are no rest stops along the way. Every year on July 20th, the Feast of Prophet Elias is celebrated here, an event that attracts numerous worshippers and visitors. Near the monastery there is also an observation post for the summer months, which is used for early fire detection.
Boat Trip to Paxos & Antipaxos
The tour usually starts in the morning from Corfu Town or Lefkimmi and heads south along the picturesque south coast. After about 1.5 to 2 hours, you'll reach the small, green island of Paxos, where you can stroll through charming harbor towns like Gaios – an ideal spot for a coffee by the water or a stroll through narrow streets lined with boutiques and taverns. A highlight of every tour are the imposing Blue Caves on the west coast of Paxos – the boat takes you directly into the bright blue rock formations. Afterwards, the tour continues to the neighboring island of Antipaxos, famous for its Caribbean-clear waters. Here, there's usually a swim stop at beautiful bays like Vrika or Voutoumi Beach, ideal for swimming or snorkeling. Many tours also include the opportunity to spot dolphins along the way, with the chances being particularly good between May and September – especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the marine mammals are particularly active. Especially in high season you should book early - here is the contact information for Theodoros Kavvadias +30 694 7247519, who offers the tour from Lefkimmi.
Activities
Sources: www.corfu.de, www.wikipedia.org, www.korfu-griechenland.net, www.korfu-kerkyra.eu, www.griechenland.de, www.imcorfu.gr
There are countless opportunities for activity on Corfu. We'd be happy to share our contacts and recommendations with you. If you've had a great experience, found a great guide, or made a contact that's not listed here, please share it with us.
Rent a quad/scooter in Agios Gordios - Agios Gordios Bike Rentals offers all kinds of fun vehicles for rent. A day trip through Corfu with the fresh sea air in your face is a truly special experience. However, from my own experience, I'd like to point out: Many roads on Corfu are unpaved, have no lane markings, and are sometimes very slippery due to falling olives – so please be extremely careful on steep curves and rocky slopes.
Motorboat rental in Paleokastritsa - Capitano boat rental in the harbor (a former long-distance crew captain who speaks Greek, English, and Italian). Various engine sizes are available, depending on your budget...but the best prices in the area for superb boats. NOTE: When renting a boat in Greece, be sure to check for required safety equipment, such as sufficient high-visibility vests and emergency lights—there are police checks, and you'll be charged for any violations. The captain always has everything you need on board!
Paragliding in Glyfada - Corfu Paragliding is run by a pilot with many years of experience, ensuring you feel safe and have fun. The flight itself lasts 15-20 minutes and you fly over Glyfada Beach or Kontogialos Beach. The meeting point is in Pelekas. On the way, you can make a detour to the Emperor's Throne - see Nature & Views.
Horseback Riding in Halikounas - Halikounas Horses offers a variety of horseback riding opportunities in the area around Halikounas Beach and the Korission Lagoon. You can ride on the beach, take horseback rides through the olive groves, or simply take riding lessons. The horses are lovingly cared for and not exploited for tourism purposes.
Climbing in Stavros, Makrades & Doukades - The Emerald Isle offers not only stunning beaches but also exciting climbing spots for adventure seekers. You'll find impressive rock faces with routes for various experience levels – from relaxed, leisurely climbs to challenging climbs. Surrounded by fragrant pine forests and with sea views, every climb becomes an unforgettable experience.
Climbing in Stavros, Makrades & Doukades - The Emerald Isle offers not only stunning beaches but also exciting climbing spots for adventure seekers. You'll find impressive rock faces with routes for various experience levels – from relaxed, leisurely climbs to challenging climbs. Surrounded by fragrant pine forests and with sea views, every climb becomes an unforgettable experience.