Ionian Islands · The Venetian garden of the Ionian
Corfu
Corfu pairs a lush green interior and cliff-backed beaches with a pastel capital shaped by Venetian, French and British rule. We design private Corfu itineraries around the old town, the vineyards and distilleries, and the spectacular northwest coast.
Corfu is the definition of a Hellenic hotspot. From the rugged cliffs of its northern coastline to the pastel-hued architectural diversity of its capital, the island wears its layered history openly, with a culture that reflects periods spent under Venetian, French and British rule.
The island the Greeks call Kerkyra
In English we call the island Corfu, a name that might derive from koryphi, meaning peak, going back to the 7th century, when the Byzantine empire built a castle on a summit near Corfu Town. To the Greeks, though, the island is Kerkyra, named after a nymph, daughter of the river god Asopos. According to the myth, Poseidon fell in love with Kerkyra, carried her off to a then unnamed island, and gave the place her name.
Explore Corfu
Corfu is far more than a beach destination, although it does have more than its fair share of stunning beaches too. A local saying warns that if you visit Corfu, you will never leave it. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Canal d’Amour
A sight for those looking to fall in love, or to stay in love. According to legend, if you swim through the Canal d’Amour, a sea tunnel at Sidari on the north coast, you will find eternal love.
Mouse Island from Kanoni
Legend has it that this little island is the petrified ship that carried Odysseus back to Ithaca, his home port. The view from Kanoni, just south of Corfu Town, is one of the island’s classic postcards.
Ermones Beach
According to the myth, this west coast beach is where princess Nausicaa, daughter of King Alcinous, found and rescued Odysseus after his shipwreck. It remains a beautifully atmospheric place to swim.
Pairing Corfu
Corfu combines naturally with the rest of the Ionian: Paxos is a short hop south, and Lefkada and Zakynthos extend the route. For fellow foodies, Sifnos and Crete carry the culinary thread across the Aegean.
Known first-hand
Our best picks on Corfu
- Best Bar Seventh Heaven
On the cliff edge at Peroulades in the island's northwest, where the panoramas over Loggas Beach are taken in from rope and wood swings. The hunt for Corfu's best beach bar is no easy feat; after much market research, La Grotta in Paleokastritsa comes runner up.
- Best Dining The Venetian Well
A Corfiot institution in a romantic small square in Corfu Town, set beside an actual Venetian well. It serves a gourmet twist on Corfiot specialties, a cuisine where Greek staples meet Venetian, French and eastern influences left by centuries of changing rulers.
- Best Wine Nicoluzo Estate
Corfu is not famous for wine, yet wine is an essential ingredient in most of its dishes. Owner Nicoluzo forages through fields and woods for long lost endemic grape varieties and is currently the only person cultivating several of them. Genuinely exciting.
- Best Beach Paleokastritsa
Six stunning bays surrounded by olive and cypress trees, below the monastery of the same name. Perfect for an afternoon of swimming or lazing on the sand, with tavernas close by including Akron Beach Bar, an excellent spot for a meal.
- Best Local Specialty Lazaris Distillery
Corfu's kumquats arrived via the spice trade and now hold PDO status, cultivated mainly in the north of the island. Rarely eaten raw, the fruit becomes liqueurs and artisan sweets at Lazaris, the perfect sweet gift to take home.
- Best Activity Ambelonas Vineyard
Twenty minutes from Corfu Town, and far more than a vineyard and restaurant with panoramic views. Owner Vasiliki Karounou revives the cooking secrets of previous generations in the Zeus of all Corfiot cooking courses.
Corfu has an international airport (CFU) with seasonal direct flights from many European cities, plus year-round ferries from Igoumenitsa on the mainland.
Design
Design your experience
Tell us the occasion, the season and who is coming. One of our Epicureans will come back with a first sketch of Corfu, and will tell you if another island suits your dates better.