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GREECE – High issues to do and see in Corfu and a Corfu itinerary – Chris Journey Weblog


Top things to do and see in Corfu and a Corfu itinerary

Corfu is a Greek island within the Ionian Sea and a well-liked vacation vacation spot. Its coast is dotted with lovely seashores and resorts from finances to upscale. If you’re serious about an energetic or cultural vacation you don’t want to fret as Corfu has sufficient to see and do for you as properly.

Corfu was my first put up pandemic vacation spot for a purpose. I needed to renew my Star Alliance gold standing. There are many low-cost flights from inside Europe brining 1000’s of individuals to the island, however I select to fly Aegean Airways. From Amsterdam to Corfu through Athens meant it might be 4 flights and near sufficient miles to maintain my standing. I all the time hop to one of many Greek islands to do these flights and on the identical time go to some UNESCO World Heritage Websites.

All of the locations of curiosity on Corfu could be seen in 2 or 3 days and that’s what I did. I didn’t go to loosen up for every week. Let’s discover the perfect issues to do and see in Corfu however first I share my Corfu itinerary.

Corfu itinerary

Corfu is a fairly giant Greek island and driving from south to north simply takes 2 hours. Nevertheless, most if not all locations of curiosity are within the norther half of the island.  I like to recommend masking all of the sights in three days, however you are able to do all of them in two as properly. For those who simply have two days mix day 2 and three.

Top things to do and see in Corfu and a Corfu itinerary

Should do Corfu day journey #1: Outdated Corfu day journey

For those who simply wish to get out at some point, then you have to go to Outdated Corfu together with the Achilleion Palace and Vlacherna Monastery that are situated close to the city. Probably the most environment friendly method is to start out early (8-9 AM) on the Achilleion Palace and as soon as completed persevering with to Vlacherna Monastery. Be certain to hop to Pontikonisi as properly. Now proceed to Outdated Corfu however make a cease on the Archaeological Museum first after which park both close to the harbour of the previous fortress. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the forts, church buildings, and museums.

Corfu day journey #2: Angelokastro & Paleokastritsa Monastery & Seaside

First head to Angelokastro early morning when the temperature continues to be low. The climb as much as the citadel isn’t lengthy however higher carried out when it’s cool. Proceed to Paleokastritsa which is a 20–30-minute experience south. It’s a fantastic seashore to loosen up the remainder of the day however don’t neglect to go to the monastery on the high of the rocks.

Top things to do and see in Corfu and a Corfu itinerary

Corfu day journey #3: Outdated Perithia, Cape Drastis and Kassiopi

First head to Outdated Perithia within the morning. It’s an previous, largely abandoned, village on Mount Pantokrator. Go for a hike and end again in Outdated Perithia for lunch or proceed on to Cape Drastis. There you possibly can have lunch as properly, loosen up on the seashore, do a ship experience alongside the cliffs, or go snorkelling. Within the afternoon proceed to Kassiopi for a stroll within the harbour and dinner.

For those who mix day 2 and three into one then drive on this order: Paleokastritsa Monastery (no time for seashore), Angelokastro, Cape Drastis, Outdated Perithia (lunch right here first then hike) and end in Kassiopi.

High issues to do and see in Corfu

Now, let’s have a more in-depth have a look at the highest issues to do and see in Corfu which are included within the above Corfu itinerary.

Achilleion Palace

The Achilleion is a palace construct by Elisabeth of Austria, or additionally referred to as Sisi, as a refuge after her son died a tragic useless. Its structure is, because the identify suggests, based mostly on historic Greek model. Decorations in and across the palace are largely associated to Achilles, from which the identify is derived. At my time of go to, sadly, the higher two flooring had been closed for renovation. I sadly missed the massive portray of Achilles on the second ground. Nevertheless, the illustrations and sculptures on the bottom ground had been superb as properly. The inside is additional full of gadgets associated to Elisabeth and Franz Joseph II. Don’t miss the backyard for some magnificent views over the island and the statue of Achilles. You may’t miss that one, it’s enormous! I discovered the doorway payment of 10 euro fairly steep, however the place is just superb.

Top things to do and see in Corfu and a Corfu itinerary

Vlacherna Monastery

The Vlacherna Monastery is certainly one of Corfu’s icons. It’s a monastery on a small island related with a walkway to the shore. The place can also be nice when you like airplane watching because it’s proper in entrance of the runway. Not that shut as in St. Maarten although the place you get blown away by planes (learn extra in my Sint Maarten itinerary). Vlacherna (Holy Monastery of Blachernae) dates to the 17th century however served as a nunnery a lot of the 19th and 20th century. A go to doesn’t take lengthy because it’s only a small place which you’ll be able to stroll round. The inside you possibly can go to the courtyard and the small chapel with has an icon of the Woman of Vlacherna. Earlier than you go, be certain that to hop to Mouse Island as properly.

PRO-TIP: When you drive again up cease at one of many eating places/bars for an incredible view of the monastery beneath. There you possibly can see the sharp distinction between the white monastery and the blue sea.

Top things to do and see in Corfu and a Corfu itinerary

Pontikonisi

Pontikonisi Island (Mouse Island) is a should go to when you’re at Vlacherna Monastery. It’s a few minutes by boat which prices a few euro at most. The island is rocky with a tiny monastery on high surrounded by giant cypress timber. First monks arrived within the 10th century and the chapel was constructed within the 11th century. Nicely value spending half an hour on this idyllic island.

Corfu Outdated City

Corfu Outdated City is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and for me personally the rationale to go to Corfu. It’s my aim to see all of the UNESCO websites worldwide. Park both on the previous or the brand new fort and make your method round city. I parked on the harbour and new fort. There’s rather a lot to see because the city dates to the eighth century BC and was additionally dominated for 4 centuries by the Venetians earlier than the French and British took over. Now it’s one of many many Greek islands. Half a day in Corfu Outdated City is sufficient however you may as well simply spend a day there. I’ll checklist the locations of curiosity in strolling order beginning on the previous fort the place I parked. You’ll go loads of different nice spots as properly like gardens, squares and different church buildings.

Top things to do and see in Corfu and a Corfu itinerary

Archaeological Museum of Corfu

The Archaeological Museum of Corfu has an incredible show of archaeological finds. It’s best to go to if you wish to study concerning the historical past of the island. Because it’s situated simply exterior of Corfu Outdated City, I like to recommend visiting it early morning when it opens earlier than exploring the city itself. There’s parking on the corniche and the streets across the museum.

Top things to do and see in Corfu and a Corfu itinerary

The Outdated Fort

Venetians constructed Corfu previous fort within the 15th century on high of stays of an older Byzantine fort. It was constructed to defend the island. The previous fort of Corfu performed a significant position within the Ottoman sieges. The Ottomans conquered a lot of the island, however the previous fort of Corfu fell by no means of their palms. You may stroll via the varied elements of the forts in about 60-90 minutes relying on what you wish to see. There’s a small museum and a church as properly. The latter, the Church of Saint George, dates from British rule and appears like a Greek temple. I do suggest climbing to the highest for an impressive view of Corfu previous city.

Top things to do and see in Corfu and a Corfu itinerary

The Palace of St. Michael and St. George

Subsequent up is the Palace of St. Michael and St. George or additionally referred to as Royal Palace. It was constructed within the early 19th century for the British Lord Excessive Commissioner. At the moment Corfu was below British rule. Right this moment it homes the Museum of Asian artwork. For those who’re into artwork it is a should see in Corfu previous city.

The Esplanade

The Esplanade is simply subsequent to the Museum of Asian Artwork. It’s arcaded Liston with its many cafes is a superb place for a espresso. It was constructed by the French and a part of the Corfu Outdated City UNESCO inscription. After a espresso begin wandering the streets in Corfu Outdated City and make your approach to the brand new fort.

Top things to do and see in Corfu and a Corfu itinerary

Church of St. Spyridon (Áyios Spyrídon)

The Church of St. Spyridon (Áyios Spyrídon) is a should see in Corfu Outdated City. This church dates to the late 16th century and is devoted to Corfu’s patron saint: Saint Spyridon. There are stays of him within the silver sarcophagus. It’s stated he saved the island on numerous events. When you stroll via Corfu Outdated City, you’ll see extra church buildings. Be certain to go to them as properly. I’ll not checklist all of them because the Church of St. Spyridon is crucial. Proceed as much as the brand new fort.

Top things to do and see in Corfu and a Corfu itinerary

The brand new fort

The identify New Fort is deceptive because the fort is only a bit newer because the Outdated Fort. Corfu New Fort dates to the twond half of the 16th century and was construct by the Venetians. The Fort is empty, and you may wander round and climb to the highest. You’ll have a fantastic view there over the crimson terra cotta roofed metropolis.

Strolling from the Outdated Fort to the New Fort will cowl all main sights in Corfu Outdated City. There are extra locations of curiosity simply exterior of the previous city which I’ve listed individually on this Corfu itinerary. If in case you have time left, you possibly can go both purchasing, cease on the seashore or simply have a drink at a terrace and watch folks stroll by.

Top things to do and see in Corfu and a Corfu itinerary

Angelokastro

Angelokastro citadel is a fantastic Byzantine fort simply north of Paleokastritsa. It dates to the 13th century and is construct on high of a rock. The fort is a wreck however loads of partitions and stays of a church are left. You’ll need to park your automobile on the base of the rock and climb up in about 20 minutes. On a transparent day you possibly can see the whole island of Corfu. Angelokastro citadel is for positive on of the highlights of this Corfu itinerary.

Top things to do and see in Corfu and a Corfu itinerary

Paleokastritsa Monastery

Simply above the seashore of Paleokastritsa you can see a monastery with the identical identify: Paleokastritsa Monastery. It is without doubt one of the essential monasteries of Corfu and thus a should add on a Corfu itinerary. It dates to Byzantine time (early 13th century), however most present buildings are from the 18th century. Once you go to, be certain that to decorate applicable. The church is gorgeous as are the gardens. Within the small museum you will notice numerous essential Byzantine icons. After visiting the Paleokastritsa Monastery be certain that to stroll a number of meters uphill and take the trail to the highest of a rock. You’ll have splendid views from there.

Top things to do and see in Corfu and a Corfu itinerary

Paleokastritsa Seaside

Paleokastritsa Seaside is a fantastic seashore on the north western coast of Corfu. The proper spot for water actions and leisure. There are many bars and eating places as properly. Sufficient to do for a full day or, when you’re like me, to have a chilly beer and proceed additional.

Outdated Perithia

Outdated Perithia is a ghost city in northern Corfu. Though, it was a ghost city, as there are a number of eating places now and a visitor home as properly. Half a century in the past the small city had over one thousand inhabitants. The world is a superb place to make a hike and revel in a scrumptious lunch at one of many eating places. I extremely suggest going when you go to Corfu. So be certain that to incorporate it in your Corfu itinerary.

Top things to do and see in Corfu and a Corfu itinerary

Cape Drastis

Cape Drastis is in north Corfu and an ideal spot to spend a full day. It has lovely seashores, crystal clear water for snorkeling, you are able to do boat journeys and extra. On a transparent day you possibly can see Albania throughout the waters as properly. As I used to be on a schedule, I solely had time to go searching, however I do remorse not having extra time right here!

Top things to do and see in Corfu and a Corfu itinerary

Kassiopi

Kassiopi is a stunning coastal city in North Corfu. The city is value including to a Corfu itinerary when you have the time. I visited late afternoon after exploring the northern a part of the island. It has a fort which is sweet, however the perfect half is the harbor with its many eating places. After all, go for fish which is contemporary!

Top things to do and see in Corfu and a Corfu itinerary

Though I solely spend 3 days on Corfu, I feel this Corfu itinerary contains all of the locations of curiosity. I even had a few hours at my accommodations seashore to loosen up. For those who go to the island to spend extra time at seashores every week is well crammed as properly. Let’s see which island I’ll go to subsequent 12 months. Perhaps Rhodes?

Keep tuned for extra tales and subscribe to the publication or comply with CTB on social media (Fb, Twitter, Instagram together with Instagram tales; on all social media you’ll find CTB @christravelblog) to get up to date info.

Did you go to Corfu too or do you’ve gotten questions? Please depart a remark on the backside of the web page. Love to listen to from you!



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