Sun, Sea, and Souvlaki

Praised by Homer in The Odyssey and celebrated by Shakespeare as the setting for The Tempest, today Corfu is famous for its cerulean beaches and Canal d'Amour — unique rock formations in Sidari (20 miles from Corfu Town) that create a tunnel leading to the beautiful Ionian Sea. Greek mythology proclaims that once you swim through this passage to open water, eternal love awaits. And while your motivation for a Corfu escape may be romantic or not, the island is equally enchanting for all types of travelers.

On the Menu

Jumpstart your morning with an espresso while soaking up Old Town history at a cozy café along Liston Arcade, then stroll through the open-air food markets. Corfu locals are fiercely proud of their culinary culture; as such, enjoying local products, pier-to-plate seafood, and traditional Greek cuisine should top your Corfu itinerary. Located in the village of Doukades, Elizabeth’s Taverna specializes in such local fare such as sofrito (pan-fried beef in a parsley and garlic sauce, sautéed with wine). In Corfu Town, Rex (on buzzy Kapodistriou Street) features traditional pastitsada (beef or rooster casserole with pasta) and other classic Corfiot recipes. Klimataria taverna is known for its succulent bianco, a fish-based dish. At Taverna Agni, a family-run beachside restaurant on Agni Bay, the catch of the day is always grilled to perfection. Wine lovers must visit Ambelonas Estate to sample Corfiot wine produced with the skopelitiko and kakotrigis varietals, while the on-site olive oil and wine museum is equally impressive. At Lazaris Distillery & Artisan Sweets you’ll find local kumquat liqueur, along with other delicacies like mandolas and ouzo. And for a fancier evening on the town, Botrini’s brings lauded Michelin-starred gastronomy to the Ionian Coast.

Art + Architecture

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Corfu’s Old Town is where kings, countesses, and noblemen and women once traversed its cobblestone streets. Neoclassical mansions have been well-preserved and are among the most intriguing places to visit in Corfu. Wonder the labyrinth of the island’s narrow alleys and then visit Kanoni to admire the 17th-century Vlacherna Monastery, one of the most photographed sites on the island. Housed in a 15th-century church, the Antivouniotissa Museum features religious works representing six centuries of Ionian artistic expression. And if a culture buff, explore the Solomos Museum, Kapodistrias Museum, and Banknote Museum. Lastly, swim like a royal in the historical baths of Mon Repo's Palace.

Best Beaches

The beaches of Corfu are delightfully unspoiled. On the west coast, unwind at Agios Georgios Pagon, out-of-the-way Ermones, striking Paleokastritsa, and the shores of Glyfada. If venturing along the east, you’ll discover laidback Barbati, and Dassia, a tiny beach ranked among the island’s finest stretches of sand. If you’re after wildlife viewing, flamingos and migratory birds pass through the Alikes salt pans and Korission lagoon. And when staying at The Club's villas, you can easily venture to the chic Akron Beach Club, known for a stylish pool and amazing restaurant.

All’s an Adventure

Water ski in Gouvia Bay or go paragliding over Dassia Beach. Scuba divers prefer Paleokastritsa, where Achilleon Diving Center offers diving in a sheltered bay with mesmerizing sea life. If hiking is more your speed, the Corfu Trail, Erimitis path, and the route to Pantokrator Mountain will all help you work up an appetite. Korission Lagoon is a natural wetland area, with Chalikounas Beach to the west and the crystal-clear Issos Beach to the south. Arrange for a private sailboat or yacht charter to admire the coastal scenery from the Ionian Sea and the quiet bays of Koloura or Agni. Cruise to Antipaxos island and explore the majestic Blue Caves, only accessible via boat.