Corfu, known in Greek as Kerkyra, is a lush Ionian island that stands out for its unique blend of Venetian, French, and British influences. Unlike much of Greece, Corfu was never occupied by the Ottomans, which preserved its distinct Western European architectural character and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Historic Landmarks of Corfu Town

The island’s capital is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its narrow winding alleys (kantounia) and grand fortifications.

Old Fortress: a massive Venetian fortification that dominates the eastern side of Corfu Town, offering some of the best panoramic views of the Ionian Sea.

• Houses the Church of St. George, which resembles an ancient Doric temple.

• Features historic military barracks and a lighthouse.

• Hosts various cultural events and concerts in its open spaces.

New Fortress:  built shortly after the Old Fortress to further protect the city, showcasing impressive Venetian military engineering with intricate tunnels and ramparts.

• Provides a stunning vantage point over the Old Town’s rooftops and the harbor.

• Features well-preserved gatehouses with the relief of the Lion of Saint Mark.

Holy Church of Saint Spyridon: Corfu’s most important religious site, dedicated to Corfu’s patron saint whose relics are kept in a silver casket inside.

• Instantly recognizable by its tall, red-domed bell tower, the highest in the Ionian islands.

• Contains exquisite 18th-century ceiling paintings (ourania).

Palaces and Cultural Sites

Corfu’s noble history is reflected in its elegant neoclassical estates and mountain monasteries.

The Achilleion Palace: built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi) as a summer retreat and is dedicated to the Greek hero Achilles.

• Famous for the “Dying Achilles” statue in its lush imperial gardens.

• Showcases opulent interiors filled with neoclassical art and personal artifacts of the Empress.

Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary:  built in Paleokastrita, IT is a peaceful 13th-century complex perched on a cliffside, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise bays below.

• Features a small museum housing Byzantine icons and ecclesiastical treasures.

• Includes a traditional olive oil press once used by the monks.

Castello di Angelokastro:  one of the most important Byzantine castles in Greece, located on a steep hill nearly 300 meters above the sea.

• Served as a critical defensive point against pirate raids for centuries.

• Contains the small cave-church of Agia Kyriaki.

Natural Wonders and Traditional Villages

Beyond the history, Corfu is celebrated for its dramatic coastlines and “ghost” villages in the mountains.

Porto Timoni beach:  a unique double bay where two beaches are separated by a narrow strip of land, creating a spectacular natural landscape.

• Accessible only via a steep hiking path from Afionas village or by boat.

• Excellent for snorkeling due to the crystal-clear, deep waters on both sides.

Kanali tou Erota  (Channel of Love): world-famous geological formation in Sidari with sandstone cliffs and narrow turquoise channels.

• Local legend says that couples who swim through the channel together will stay in love forever.

• Features unique clay-rich mud that visitors often use as a natural skin treatment.

Old Peritheia:  Corfu’s oldest village, a “protected heritage” site nestled in the foothills of Mount Pantokrator.

• Comprised of over 130 stone houses and eight churches, many dating back to the 14th century.

• Home to several traditional tavernas serving authentic Corfiot dishes like Sofrito and Pastitsada.