Nature & Culture: Your Guide to Exploring Corfu
Only a handful of places on Planet Earth offer such a beautiful mix of natural and cultural sights as Corfu. It’s a jewel in the Ionian Sea. From amazing vistas on mountain tops or golden beaches all the way to the UNESCO sights and unbelievable local tavernas, Corfu has something for every type of traveller. Our guide should help out anyone who’s thinking about exploring Corfu.
How to get around the island?
Getting around Corfu can be a tad tricky. Yet, that’s only applicable if you’re not prepared.
Walking is only an option in Corfu Town and a few other towns and villages. Exploring the island by foot is not recommended due to its size and hilly terrain. In addition, there aren’t that many pathways for pedestrians.
Everyone would recommend one of these 3 options:
- Rent a scooter
- Rent a car
- Go by bus
A rental car allows you to get around most comfortably, but parking is tricky, and decent driving experience is recommended.
Scooters, on the other hand are a more adventurous experience, with less comfort but more freedom on the narrow, winding roads.
Public transport on the island is decent but can be massively late due to huge streams of tourists. Pick your poison!
Where to stay?
When it comes to accommodation, a hotel and villa are the best choices.
Corfu might be one of the handful of places where a private villa is the better option for what you get at the price you pay. Due to Corfu’s affordability and incredible vistas, booking a villa gives you privacy and breathtaking views from bedrooms and once-in-a-lifetime memories.
Amberton Hotel Group has 7 villas on the West Coast. Villa Maria is a newly built four-bedroom property with a luxurious design nestled in the most beautiful parts of the island. Besides 5 bathrooms, you’ll be able to soak in the 14×4 meter infinity pool or enjoy a tanning session. When you’re enjoying the sun, surrounded by ancient olive trees, it doesn’t get more Mediterranean than this.
Best nature spots to see
Even though it isn’t the grandest of islands in size, the diverse landscapes make it a paradise for hiking, exploring and just people who appreciate nature.
One of the must-visit spots is Paleokastritsa. The village is Europe-famous for clear blue waters and tall cliffs. The area is perfect for a boat tour or snorkelling. You can even rent a boat without a license!
For those who enjoy hiking, the Corfu Trail is a 137-mile (220 km) route which you want to remember. Get through all the types of island’s terrain and really get familiar with it.
Furthermore, you have plenty of beaches as well as Antipaxos and Paxos islands that are a delight to see from the water.
One more natural highlight is Mount Pantokrator, Corfu’s highest peak. Is the climb worth it? Only if you enjoy amazing panoramas.
Best Cultural Sites
Corfu also has numerous cultural landmarks. We’ll make a short list to help you out with the crème de la crème:
- Kerkyra or Corfu Town is the capital. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Narrow cobblestone streets feel more Italian than Greek but that’s because there are Venetian-style buildings all over the place. Corfu Town also has Old Fortress and the Museum of Asian Art.
- Achilleion Palace – once home to Empress Elisabeth of Austria, is a must for those who enjoy culture, history and beautiful surroundings.
- Finally – Old Perithia. This tiny, remote mountain village is halfway abandoned but feels so unique that it’s hard to describe.
