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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 funds to upscale. If you’re keen on 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 submit pandemic vacation spot for a motive. I needed to renew my Star Alliance gold standing. There are many low-cost flights from inside Europe brining hundreds of individuals to the island, however I select to fly Aegean Airways. From Amsterdam to Corfu by way of Athens meant it could 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 might be seen in 2 or 3 days and that’s what I did. I didn’t go to loosen up for per week. Let’s discover the very best issues to do and see in Corfu however first I share my Corfu itinerary.

Corfu itinerary

Corfu is a reasonably giant Greek island and driving from south to north simply takes 2 hours. Nonetheless, most if not all locations of curiosity are within the norther half of the island.  I like to recommend protecting all of the sights in three days, however you are able to do all of them in two as properly. Should you 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: Previous Corfu day journey

Should you simply wish to get out in the future, then you could go to Previous Corfu together with the Achilleion Palace and Vlacherna Monastery that are positioned close to the city. Essentially 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 that to hop to Pontikonisi as properly. Now proceed to Previous Corfu however make a cease on the Archaeological Museum first after which park both close to the harbour of the outdated fortress.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 completed when it’s cool. Proceed to Paleokastritsa which is a 20–30-minute trip south. It’s a lovely seaside 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: Previous Perithia, Cape Drastis and Kassiopi

First head to Previous Perithia within the morning. It’s an outdated, principally abandoned, village on Mount Pantokrator. Go for a hike and end again in Previous Perithia for lunch or proceed on to Cape Drastis. There you’ll be able to have lunch as properly, loosen up on the seaside, do a ship trip alongside the cliffs, or go snorkelling. Within the afternoon proceed to Kassiopi for a stroll within the harbour and dinner.

Should you mix day 2 and three into one then drive on this order: Paleokastritsa Monastery (no time for seaside), Angelokastro, Cape Drastis, Previous 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 take a look at the highest issues to do and see in Corfu which might be 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 lifeless. Its structure is, because the identify suggests, based mostly on historical Greek type. Decorations in and across the palace are principally associated to Achilles, from which the identify is derived. At my time of go to, sadly, the higher two flooring have been closed for renovation. I sadly missed the large portray of Achilles on the second flooring. Nonetheless, the illustrations and sculptures on the bottom flooring have been wonderful as properly. The inside is additional stuffed with 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’ll be able to’t miss that one, it’s big! I discovered the doorway price of 10 euro fairly steep, however the place is solely wonderful.

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

Vlacherna Monastery

The Vlacherna Monastery is considered one of Corfu’s icons. It’s a monastery on a small island linked with a walkway to the shore. The place can also be nice should you like aircraft 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’ll be able to go to the courtyard and the small chapel with has an icon of the Girl of Vlacherna. Earlier than you go, make sure 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 important view of the monastery beneath. There you’ll be able to 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 should 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. Properly value spending half an hour on this idyllic island.

Corfu Previous City

Corfu Previous City is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and for me personally the explanation to go to Corfu. It’s my aim to see all of the UNESCO websites worldwide. Park both on the outdated or the brand new fort and make your method round city. I parked on the harbour and new fort. There’s quite a bit 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 Previous City is sufficient however you can even simply spend a day there. I’ll listing the locations of curiosity in strolling order beginning on the outdated 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 important show of archaeological finds. It’s best to go to if you wish to study in regards to the historical past of the island. Because it’s positioned simply outdoors of Corfu Previous 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 Previous Fort

Venetians constructed Corfu outdated fort within the 15th century on high of stays of an older Byzantine fort. It was constructed to defend the island. The outdated fort of Corfu performed an important function within the Ottoman sieges. The Ottomans conquered a lot of the island, however the outdated fort of Corfu fell by no means of their palms. You’ll be able to stroll by way of 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 advocate climbing to the highest for a powerful view of Corfu outdated 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. At present it homes the Museum of Asian artwork. Should you’re into artwork this can be a should see in Corfu outdated city.

The Esplanade

The Esplanade is simply subsequent to the Museum of Asian Artwork. It’s arcaded Liston with its many cafes is a good place for a espresso. It was constructed by the French and a part of the Corfu Previous City UNESCO inscription. After a espresso begin wandering the streets in Corfu Previous City and make your option 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 Previous 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. Whilst you stroll by way of Corfu Previous City, you’ll see extra church buildings. Be certain that to go to them as properly. I’ll not listing all of them because the Church of St. Spyridon is a very powerful. 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 Previous 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 lovely view there over the purple terra cotta roofed metropolis.

Strolling from the Previous Fort to the New Fort will cowl all main sights in Corfu Previous City. There are extra locations of curiosity simply outdoors of the outdated city which I’ve listed individually on this Corfu itinerary. When you’ve got time left, you’ll be able to go both purchasing, cease on the seaside 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 lovely Byzantine fort simply north of Paleokastritsa. It dates to the 13th century and is construct on high of a rock. The fort is a destroy however loads of partitions and stays of a church are left. You’ll must park your automotive on the base of the rock and climb up in about 20 minutes. On a transparent day you’ll be able to 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 seaside of Paleokastritsa one can find a monastery with the identical identify: Paleokastritsa Monastery. It is among the principal 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. If you go to, make sure that to decorate acceptable. The church is gorgeous as are the gardens. Within the small museum you will notice numerous necessary Byzantine icons. After visiting the Paleokastritsa Monastery make sure that to stroll just a few 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 lovely seaside on the north western coast of Corfu. The right spot for water actions and rest. There are many bars and eating places as properly. Sufficient to do for a full day or, should you’re like me, to have a chilly beer and proceed additional.

Previous Perithia

Previous 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 luxuriate in a scrumptious lunch at one of many eating places. I extremely advocate going should you go to Corfu. So make sure 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’ll be able to 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 beautiful coastal city in North Corfu. The city is value including to a Corfu itinerary if in case 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 very best half is the harbor with its many eating places. After all, go for fish which is recent!

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 consists of all of the locations of curiosity. I even had a few hours at my resorts seaside to loosen up. Should you go to the island to spend extra time at seashores per week is well crammed as properly. Let’s see which island I’ll go to subsequent yr. Possibly Rhodes?

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



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