Corfu is the definition of ‘Hellenic Hotspot’. From the rugged cliffs of its northern coastline, its rich culture reflecting periods spent under Venetian, French, and British rule, to the pastel-hued architectural diversity of its capital.
In English, we call the island Corfu. The name Corfu might be derived from the word koryphi, meaning “peak” and could go back to the 7th century when the Byzantine empire built a castle on a summit near Corfu Town. But, to the Greeks, the island is known as Kerkyra, named after a nymph who was the daughter of the river god Apsopos. According to the myth, Poseidon fell in love with Kerkyra, kidnapped her and took her to a hitherto unnamed Greek island and offered her name to the place. If you’re interested in Corfu, you like to consider the rest of our Ionian Island Destinations, such as Lefkada and Zakynthos.
Corfu is far more than a beach destination (although it does have more than its fair share of stunning beaches too). According to a local saying: if you visit Corfu, you will never leave it… Don’t say we didn’t warn you! If you have any questions about our Corfu holidays, please get in touch.
A sight to visit if you are looking to fall in love/stay in love. According to the legend, if you swim through the Canal d’Amour in Corfu, a sea tunnel in Sidari, you will find eternal love.
Legend has it that this little island is the petrified ship that had taken Odysseus back to Ithaca, his home port.
According to the myth, this was the beach where princess Nausicaa, the daughter of King Alcinous, found and rescued Odysseus when he was shipwrecked.
The hunt for Corfu’s best beach bar is no easy feat. There are so many to choose from and so much natural beauty to appreciate when you finally arrive. After much market research, La Grotta in Paleoikastritsa comes runner up to Seventh Heaven. Located on the northwest of Corfu, it has everything you can wish for in a bar. Located on the edge of the cliff in Peroulades, the panoramas from the rock cliffs on Loggas Beach are spectacular from the bar’s rope and wood swings. Seventh Heaven is a must visit on any trip to Corfu.
Corfiot cuisine is an exciting fusion of different flavours. Traditional Greek dishes have a strong Venetian influence but spices from the east, cooking methods from France and remnants of British occupation have all left their mark on the island’s food. The result is that not only can you find the usual Greek staples in Corfu, you can also sample a wide array of exciting dishes. Venetian Well in Corfu Town is a Corfiot institution and a must do as you travel Corfu. Situated in a romantic small square next to a, yep you guessed it, Venetian well, this is an excellent restaurant offering a gourmet twist on Corfiot specialties.
Corfu is not a Greek island famous for wine but, even so, they do make wine in abundance and use it in the vast majority of their meals. It’s an essential ingredient! At Nicoluzo`Estate, Nicoluzo, the owner, is on the hunt to find traditional endemic grape varieties that have been lost over the years. This involves a lot of foraging on his hands and knees in fields and woods in order to find grapes to work with in order to create exciting wines. Currently, he is the only person using and cultivating several ‘long lost’ Corfiot grapes and we think that’s pretty exciting!
Dubbed the Grand Lady of the Ionian, Corfu is famous for its green interior, picturesque capital and numerous sights. But what would an island truly be without its beaches? Luckily, in Corfu, you’re never too far from a fabulous beach! While you’re in the area visiting the Monastery of Paleokastritsa, make sure to check out the beaches and town of Paleokastritsa. There are six stunning bays here, which are surrounded by olive and cypress trees. This is the perfect spot for spending the afternoon swimming, or just lazing on the beach. You’ll find numerous tavernas and restaurants here as well, including nearby Akron Beach Bar, which is an excellent place for a meal.
We can wax lyrical about all the dishes you must try in Corfu, from ‘Sofrito’ to ‘Noumboulo Fumicado’. However, if you are looking for a sweet gift to take home with you, perhaps consider paying a visit to Lazaris Distillery and learning about Corfu’s connection with kumquats. Kumquat is a citrus fruit with origins in China, Japan and other South Asian countries. It made its way to Corfu as a result of the spice trade and now has a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and is mainly cultivated in the north of the island. The fruit is not usually eaten raw but is turned into delicious liqueur and artisan sweets.
There is no shortage of wonderful things to do on the Greek island of Corfu, from sightseeing to boat trips. If you are a fellow foodie, perhaps consider paying a visit to Ambelonas Vineyard (20 minutes from Corfu town), which is far more than just a vineyard and restaurant with panoramic views. Owner Vasiliki Korounou has a passion to bring back the cooking secrets of previous generations and has put together the Zeus of all Corfiot cuisine cooking courses! For more great Greek foodie experiences, you might also like to check out our Sifnos Holidays and our Crete Holidays.
Would you like to find out more about this destination or speak with one of our Epicureans about the best options in Greece? Reach out to one of our experts who can tailor an unforgettable experience that will be the envy of your friends.