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Welcome to Corfu, a magical island that will give you many emotions and fun. Whether you are as a couple, with friends or with family, do not be afraid: there really is something for everyone. Obviously, we are in Greece: sun, wonderful beaches and crystal clear water await you every day.
But the sea is only part of what awaits you during a holiday in Corfu. Below are some of the most important places, monuments and attractions on what to see in Corfu during your holiday.
VISIT OF CORFU TOWN
Kerkyra, with its suburbs and its immediate surroundings represents one of the main tourist destinations on the island and throughout Greece. City with a Venetian feel and undoubted beauty, truly enchanting, especially in its old part. A city that preserves the charm of times gone by intact, with its narrow paved streets, ancient buildings, two ancient fortresses and the historic walls that surround it. A city to experience, with its taverns where you can savor the typical cuisine, the cafés and bars where you can spend some time sipping a drink, and the air and scent of the sea that pervades every corner. A city to discover at any time of the day: during the day, in the late afternoon with the light of the sunset which makes it even more magical, or in the evening, completely illuminated.
The historic center has been recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Right here, you will have a lot to see, starting from Campiello, a neighborhood whose name gives a good idea of the Venetian legacy on the city. It is a cluster of rather narrow alleys and tall buildings, including old cellars, small paved squares, hidden courtyards and even a suggestive Venetian well.
Spianáda, is the real beating heart of the city; it is a large square corresponding to the Piazza d’Armi from the Venetian era, now home to parades and numerous demonstrations and events. Here are held concerts of the Philharmonic, the parade of masks at Carnival, cricket matches, and more.
Walking among Corfiot busts and statues, you will come across the splendid Palace Listòn, the most famous of the buildings overlooking the Spianáda, with its arcades that now house many bars and restaurants. The historic palace was built between 1807 and 1814 by Fernando Lesseps, father of the engineer who opened the Suez canal; it was built on the model of the buildings overlooking the famous Rue de Rivoli in Paris. The north side of the Spianáda is closed off by Palea Anáktora, or Old Palace; it is a building, the seat, first, of the British governor of the Ionian islands, and, subsequently, the residence of the sovereigns until 1913.
In the historic center, the splendid Agios Spiridona, an Orthodox church from the 16th century, does not go unnoticed; it is dedicated to the cult of San Spiridone, the local patron saint, whose relics are kept in the building and carried in procession 4 times a year. Splendid church, small and cozy, with paintings and frescoes, and a beautiful bell tower (see photo above). Not to be missed while visiting Corfu.
Paleo and Neo Froúrio, respectively Ancient and New Fort, are the two fortresses, which act as a sentinel to the city. Built in the Byzantine era, and enlarged during the period of Venetian domination, Paléo Froúrio is the ancient fortress on the hill overlooking the sea, overlooking the Spianáda. In summer, it is advisable to venture out in the afternoon, after particularly hot hours; a strenuous climb awaits you walking between the steps. Arm yourself with a lot of patience, especially if you are in the company of children. The effort, however, is worth everything when you are at the top, where a cross is placed, from which you will enjoy an unrepeatable panorama. The entrance ticket costs € 6.00 and is free for children.
Neo Froúrio is the New Fort of San Marco built by the Venetians in 1576 and enlarged in the 19th century by the English and French. It has two interesting entrance portals.
ACHILLEION – SISSI PALACE
About a quarter of an hour away, Achilleion is almost an obligatory stop for those visiting the island. This is the beautiful 19th century palace, built by the will of Queen Elizabeth of Austria, which later became, for a short time, the residence of Princess Sissi (for this reason it is also known as Sissi’s Palace).
The exteriors are beautiful, with a splendid garden, the statue of Achilles, and a wonderful view, while the interiors leave something to be desired, including the (alleged) bedroom of Elizabeth, rather sparse. Overall, however, we would still like to recommend a visit to the structure.
The entrance ticket is €10.00 for adults, but for families there is a great deal to take advantage of for a total of 20 euros (we went in with our 2 children). An audio guide is included in the price. Free admission for children under 5 and invalids.
The site is currently under restoration and some areas are not accessible. For this reason, tickets are sold at a cost of €5 full price. For further information we invite you to consult the official website from this link.
ANGELOKASTRO
Photo ©, Dr.K.
These are the remains of an ancient Byzantine castle, located on a promontory overlooking the sea, in a strategic point from which the entire region and the southern Adriatic could be monitored. Contrary to what one might think, the strong point for which it is worth getting here (a long and endless winding road) is the view and the view of the island: wonderful! A must when visiting Corfu. The structure, generally. it is open every day (except Tuesday), from 10:00 to 17:00, and the price for the visit is €2.00. From the capital, to get there, follow the signs for Paleokastritsa.
AQUALAND CORFU
A beautiful water park, located in the heart of the island, exactly in Agios Ioannis. Easily accessible also by public transport: the number 8 bus arrives from Monday to Sunday, which leaves from the center of Corfu Town, or Piazza San Rocco; alternatively, by car, from the capital, you can arrive in just over 20 minutes, crossing the Epar.Od. Kerkiras-Peleka in a north-western direction.
With over 36 different water slides, 15 adventure pools, hot tubs and many other interesting games, Aqualand is truly the ideal solution for young and old to spend a day full of pure fun. There are areas for all ages, starting from 4-8 years, up to the most adrenaline-pumping attractions for children over 12 years old. Those who visit Corfu with children, should have no doubts, and should go to this water park.
If you are on holiday with children, this water park should not be missed among the attractions of what to see in Corfu. The standard ticket (for ages 12 and up) costs €37. Those over 65, and children between 5 and 11 years old, pay the reduced rate of €27, while entry is FREE for children up to 4 years old. Entrance is rather convenient, however, by choosing the season ticket for the entire season: €90 for adults and €70 reduced.
The park is open from 12 May 2024 to the beginning of October, from 10:00 to 18:00 (for those interested, reduced ticket after 14:00).
For all other information, we invite you to consult the official website from this link.
VISIT CORFU
KAISER’S THRONE
The Emperor’s throne from which to admire the whole island is located in an absolutely unique context and scenery. Kaiser’s Throne, in the past, was the observatory where Emperor William II loved to retire to meditate, enjoying the tranquility and peace that only this place was able to offer.
Located in the small village of Pelekas, on a hill 270 meters high, today it is an idyllic place in which to enjoy a breathtaking view of the island, with the sea visible from both coasts; and, above all, you will be captivated by wonderful sunsets, with the sun going to fall right between the two mountains in the western part of the site. Pelekas, is located less than 15 km west of the capital.
PALEOPOLIS
Paleopolis is an archaeological site surrounded by ancient walls where there are some ruins and historical buildings of the first settlement of the city of Kerkyra, founded by the Corinthians in the seventh century. B.C. It is really a nice walk in the shade of the olive trees, quite relaxing, in peace and tranquility, plane permitting: the site, in fact, is located near the airport, a few kilometers south of the center of Corfu, in the Kanoni peninsula. . Along the way there are several buildings including the Monastery of Santa Eufemia, the open-air theater, the Congress Center, Palazzo Tito, a post-Byzantine church, and, above all, the ruins of a splendid Paleochristian Basilica, dating back to 450 AD. and of a small Doric temple called of Kardakio dedicated to Poseidon or perhaps to Aesculapius. Admission to the site is FREE, except for MON REPOS, a neoclassical style villa built in 1826 by the English governor Frederick Adam for his summer holidays, for a fee it can be visited by 3 pm.
PANTOKRATOR MOUNT
The highest point on the island, about 900 meters high, located north-east of Corfu Town. It can be reached by passing through Ipsos before the intersection with the panoramic road to Barbati, and then with an uphill road, where you cross small villages. Getting to the top is not exactly easy: a winding road full of curves, gravel, and with significant slopes, especially in the last stretch; in any case, it is truly unmissable for all those who arrive on the island, with a wonderful 360-degree view. Especially recommended before sunset, for the magic it can give. On the mountain you can also visit the monastery of the same name, a small Orthodox church in a truly suggestive position. The panorama is only clouded in beauty by the presence of antennas and repeaters. A must when visiting Corfu.
PONTIKONISSI
Pontikonissi, literally is the mouse island, and is one of the most photographed places on the island; a tiny islet, reachable from the center by taking the promenade, Viale Leoforos Dimocratias, until you reach the end of the peninsula that borders the Halikiopoulo lagoon; a narrow pier joins the mainland to this islet in which the small, suggestive monastery of Vlacherna stands out, with its dominant white. It is really impressive.
*All information contained herein, including timetables and prices, is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered official. We always invite you to consult official websites and social channels. Kanoa reminds you that all names and trademarks contained herein belong to their respective owners.