The Best Corfu Attractions And Places (Useful Visitor Guide)

Corfu, also known as Kerkyra, is the northernmost principal Ionian Sea island and one of the top tourist destinations in Greece. In other words, it features diverse points of interest, tasty cuisine, and nightlife spots throughout the island. And, since there are top Corfu tourist attractions at every step, it offers great sightseeing.

Now, let's dive in and see what Kerkyra tourist points of interest to visit to enrich your stay.

Top Rated Tourist Attractions and Places in Corfu Town

Corfu Town, the island's capital, features museums, churches, and forts. You can find them in mostly pedestrianized Old Town within walking distance from each other.

1. Old Fortress—The Top Attraction of the Island’s Capital

Old Fortress occupies a cape that protrudes into the sea, facing the Greek mainland and Albania. Built on a rocky hill, it dominates the city skyline. Furthermore, two moats spanned with bridges separate the fort from the town. 

But before you cross them, examine unscalable cliffs and adjoined walls rising from the sea.

Getting Into the Stronghold

Next, get through the outer defences (the gate and moats) and enter a tunnel leading to the castle's interior. Along the way, you will pass by a shop and the tiny Old Fortress Museum. Make sure to check it out to learn the history of Kerkyra and see some interesting exhibits, such as icons and mosaics.

Then, you'll pass by two English Barracks wings and see the square Clock Tower to your half-left. If you proceed to your half-right, you'll find an elevated ground displaying old cannons. Behind those stands the Georgian-style Saint George's (Hagios Georgios) Church. 

Next to the church, you can refresh yourself at a cafe with prices on the high side.

Old Corfu Fortress’s Top Point of Interest

However, the central Land Tower is the highlight of the Old Fortress. To climb, you'll need to pass by the Clock Tower and get behind to find a path leading to the fort's highest point. 

As you progress, take a look at the adjacent English Hospital and Sea Tower behind, which are off-limits to visitors. 

From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the town, the sharply rising hills of the island, the sea, and the mainland. Take note of other Kerkyra Town's landmarks, such as the recognizable New Fortress, port, and the Saint Spyridon (Agios Spyridonas) Church. The latter features a Venetian-style tower with a red roof.

Castle Service Info (Tickets, Times, and Visit Duration)

2. Old Corfu Town: An Eclectic Architectural Mix With Shops

Downtown Corfu, featuring a network of bustling paved and cobbled streets meeting each other at strange angles, is also among the top Corfu tourist attractions. Moreover, this UNESCO World Heritage Centre abounds with various stores, bars, eateries, museums, and galleries. You'll find this pedestrian area between Esplanade (the main city square) and New Venetian Fortress, near Old Port.

Downtown Architecture and Top Hotspots

As you go around, admire distinct buildings up to a few centuries old. Some of them feature Venetian style, while others are 19th-century additions. Furthermore, take note of colourful flowers, luxuriant palm trees, and other greenery lining the streets and hanging from structures.

You know what? 

As much as Corfu city centre wins you over with its charm, don't regret the time nor effort to find its main square. Theatre (Dimiarchiou) Square is arguably the most beautiful part of the old town. 

Palms and other trees adorn the square, while vivid flower beds line stairs connecting a few tiers. Yet, Town Hall and SS James and Christopher (Iakovos and Christophoros) Church compete for the title of the top landmark there. You'll know the former by yellow semi-circular arches, while the latter features a crenellated tower.

Furthermore, many church towers rise above other buildings' roofs. But, you should visit one in particular—Saint Spyridon Church. 

Featuring the highest bell tower throughout the Ionian islands, it safeguards the remains of Kerkyra's patron saint. Besides relics, marble iconostasis and the ceiling depicting Saint Spyridon's life are the highlights. 

A Few Words About Downtown Shopping, Dining, and Nightlife

This topic is pretty broad, deserving a separate guide. However, let's say this much for now—you can spend days sightseeing in Old Corfu Town, but browsing stores, cocktail bars, nightclubs, and eateries will take you months.

In short, you can buy everything from a needle to a space shuttle there. Fashionable stores selling jewellery, garments and footwear, shops offering Corfiot liqueur and sweets, and stalls with sundries and souvenirs are omnipresent. 

As for dining, don't worry about staying hungry. In brief, you can choose to eat at affordable Greek fast-food eateries, posh restaurants, or anywhere between.

Finally, nightlife clubs and bars line central thoroughfares but also side streets. In other words, finding a nightlife venue in the Corfu city centre takes less effort than taking a sip of your favourite drink.

To have a cocktail or a coffee at the most popular spot, go to Liston in the northwestern corner of Spianada (Esplanade). 

3. Museum of Asian Art—A Breeze of Orient in the Ionian Sea

Located in a neoclassical palace in the northern end of Spianada Square, the Museum of Asian Arts is the only such in Greece. In front of the building stands a statue of Sir Frederick Adam—a British governor credited for bringing fresh water to the town—in a Roman toga. The museum is another top Corfu tourist attraction, and you should consider a visit whether Oriental art is your passion or not. 

Now, let's get to its collection.

For starters, the collection of the Museum of Asiatic Arts displays exhibits covering almost 3,500 years. Bronze objects from the Chinese Shang period (from around 1,500 to 1,030 BC) are among the oldest artefacts. Then, some other works of art mentioned in chronological order are:

• Clay items from the Zhou period (1046-256 BC) in China
• 12th-century Khmer sculpture from the Angkor period (9th to 15th century AD)
• Sandstone statues and porcelain vases made during the Ming dynasty are on display, too 
• Samurai armour and weapons from the 16th to the 18th century
• Indian wood carvings and statues representing deities, such as Krishna, for example 
• Central Asian textiles, calligraphy works, Buddha statues from Southeast Asia, and more

Museum of Asiatic Art Visitor Info (Prices and Times)

Top Corfu Tourist Attractions and Places to Visit Islandwide

Kerkyra is an exceptional destination for an active holiday. In other words, many points of interest scattered throughout this Ionian island cater to travellers, history buffs, and explorers. In the following, you'll find some top Corfu tourist attractions you shouldn't miss during your trip.

1. Achilleion Palace - A Favourite Monarchs' Residence

Here's a million-dollar question. What Austro-Hungarian Empress Elizabeth (Sissi), German Kaizer Wilhelm II (the one who started WWI), and James Bond have in common? 

The answer is a luxury villa on the Ionian Corfu island paying tribute to Achilles, the main protagonist of the Trojan War.

Wanderer as she was, Sissi came to the island and commissioned the property. The construction started in 1889 and ended in 1891. Wilhelm II came into its possession in 1907. However, the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 prevented him from enjoying the mansion long.

Where Can I Find the Achilleion Villa?

You'll find the palace in Achilleio, south of the island's capital and Perama and north of Benitses.

What Are the Palace’s Highlights and Architecture?

Achilleion is a neoclassical venue set in a lush environment (flowers, palms, and cypress trees) teeming with sculptures. As you enter the complex through an iron gate, examine a few works of art:

• The Musician With the Cymbals is a bronze statue of a joyful youth playing the castanets
• Future Sailor depicts a boy with a sailor's hat sitting on the boat's stern and observing a map

Afterward, you will focus on the front façade of a few-story palace flanked by trees. Doric columns of the portico support the first story's balcony featuring two marble centaurs at the ends. Four bronze muses holding torches with both hands upright adorn the second-floor balconies.

Attention, now!

When you enter the palace's reception room, a monumental stairway, edged with red and white Doric pillars, will be ahead of you. Moreover, take note of statues of Zeus—a god of thunder—and his wife Hera at the staircase's base. 

But that still isn't the best of it.

To find out what that is, take a look at the ceiling and examine The Four Seasons masterpiece.

Also, don't miss the chapel to your right, displaying the Judgment by Jesus wall painting in the vault and Virgin with Child below. 

Furthermore, climb the stairs to continue your tour and observe The Triumph of Achilles—a high-quality oil painting. It depicts Achilles riding a chariot while dragging defeated Hector's body around besieged Troy.

What Are Other Top Things to Do on the Sightseeing Tour?

Finally, take a stroll in the rear courtyard brimming with statues of Greek gods, goddesses, and muses. First, Achilles. Artemis, Aphrodite, Apollo, and Hermes will welcome you at the garden's entrance. Muses Perystile—another Achilleion's top attraction, featuring marble figures—will be next. 

As you proceed, take note of The Wounded Achilles and Achilles Triumphant sculptures. The former represents the dying hero trying to pull Paris's arrow from his heel.

The latter, overlooking the eastern Corfu coastline up to the capital city from a pedestal, portrays the Greek warrior in full might, holding a spear and a shield.

NOTE: Achilles Triumphant is the addition of Kaizer Wilhelm II, who came into the possession of the mansion in 1907. The work of art underlines the German power and their fighting spirit of the time.

While you are about it, approach the balustrade and enjoy the sweeping views. By doing so, you'll mirror the actions of James Bond (Roger Moore) and Melina Havelock (Carole Bouquet) from the For Your Eyes Only film (1981).

Achilleion Service Info (Tickets, Times, and Duration)

Achilleion Palace Opening Hours
Monday to Friday	8:00 to 19:00
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays	8:00 to 14:30

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Achilleion Villa Ticket Prices
Category	Fare	Notes
Full	€10	Adults
Reduced	€8 (€6 for groups over 14 visitors)	Seniors (65+), kids and youths (6–18), students, Greek military servicemen and unemployed citizens, Large-family Status Visitors
Free	/	Visitors with disabilities and their caregivers, leaders of school or info groups, guides, children under 5
Family	€20	Two adults and two children

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Achilleion Recommended Visit Duration
Quick	40 minutes to 1 hour
Standard	1 to 2 hours

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2. Canal d’Amour—Top Natural Tourist Attraction of Corfu

Canal d'Amour (Channel of Love) is a geological formation attracting a lot of attention. Located in Sidari, on the northwestern Kerkyra coast, it consists of a few coves recognizable by rocks with horizontal lines. Also, you can spot small caves dotting the cliffs while swimming or exploring.

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Greenery crowns sandstone rocks sculpted by sea currents and winds that jut into the sea. As a result, coves usually feature calm waters if it isn't windy. You can find a small Blue Flag beach there and enough room for yourself if you arrive early.

Swimming and snorkelling are top activities in Canal d'Amour. Moreover, you ought to check out caves with turquoise waters. 

And, yes—don't forget a tunnel (The Tunnel of Love) in a rock connecting two bays.

Most importantly, bring your sweetheart for a swim in the Channel of Love to stay together forever.

Finally, get refreshments at nearby beach bars.

3. Angelokastro—Best Kerkyra Island Viewpoint

Being hilly, the Ionian island of Corfu boasts many exceptional viewpoints, including:

• Land Tower of Old Venetian Fortress in Corfu Town
• Kaizer's Throne near Pelekas
• Achilleion's garden

But, none of them beats Angelokastro (305 m/1,000 ft) save, perhaps, the summit of Mount Pantokrator (906 m/2,972 ft). You can find an old Byzantine castle from the 7th century near Krini, northwest of Paleokastritsa. 

Little survives today of the island's former capital. As you climb to the clifftop fort, you can see the remaining walls. Once inside, visit the Church of Archangel Michail and a tiny hermitage carved out of the rock featuring an 18th-century wall painting.

However, it is the views why you would like to pay a visit to Angelokastro. Panoramic views extend far, revealing some of the most attractive landscapes of the second-largest Ionian island, such as:

• Paleokastritsa Bay—one of the top Corfu tourist attractions
• The rugged coastline of Corfu's west coast with rocks rising from the sea and sailing yachts
• Mount Pantokrator
• Green hills in every direction
• And steep abysses on the fort's southern and western sides

And that's not all since you'll be able to see:

• Cape Drastis, near Peroulades, in the north
• Corfu Town to the east
• The mountains of mainland Greece
• Albania—Greek northern neighbour
• And more

Angelokastro Visitor Info (Tickets, Opening Hours, etc.)

• Opening hours of the hilltop stronghold are usually between 10:00 and 17:30. Please check before a visit.
• Full-price admission is €2

At the base of the slope leading to Angelokastro, you can find a cafe bar serving reasonably-priced juices, coffee, and snacks. Additionally, views of the Ionian Sea and an adjacent chasm come for free. 

Furthermore, park your car at a small parking lot free of charge. Also, you can buy traditional Corfiot products, such as wine, olive oil, honey, and sweets, at a few stalls nearby.

Top Rated Corfu Tourist Attractions Guide Summary

That's it for now, folks. So, let's sum up what we have elaborated so far:

• First, it's several top Corfu tourist attractions both in the island's capital and islandwide
• Second, a couple of exhibition venues introducing Greek mythology and works of art, religious artefacts, and weapons from Asia
• Third, where to enjoy first-class shopping, dining, and clubbing
• The natural highlight of Kerkyra, too
• And outstanding Corfu viewpoints revealing the island's coastline, inland hills and mountains, and its wider area

However, that's not all. Stay tuned for more, and you'll soon learn where else to seek sightseeing opportunities during your Corfu holiday.

Let us give you a little heads-up, though, of some hot spots we'll describe:

• First off, one of the places will be interesting for fans of animals
• Then, we'll elaborate on the cape we mentioned in this Corfu travel guide
• Also, a few revered sites that have a close relation to the First World War (1914–18) events
• And a vantage point, just in case you haven't had enough of them so far 

In the meantime, check out other Top Travel and Tours' destinations or contact us if we can help you plan a trip.