Corfu beaches and what to see

Corfu beaches and what to see in the greenest of the Ionian Islands, ideal destination for holidays between nature, discovery, fun and good cuisine.

Corfu what to see

Corfu city

Corfu city is an architectural jewel of Venetian style, with beautiful palaces, squares and coffee. Protected by a system of fortifications declared World Heritage by UNESCO, it is worth a visit.

After visiting the ancient fortress symbol of Corfu city, head towards the Spianada, the largest square in the Balkans, which is also the center of the city, surrounded by beautiful French architectures of the 19th century. Although the most representative building is the Saint Michael George Palace, built during the British occupation in the northern part of the Spianata.

Another attraction of Corfu is the numerous churches. The most impressive is the cathedral of San Spiridone, the patron saint of the island, whose relics are preserved inside. The vertiginous bell tower of the church is certainly reminiscent of Saint George of the Greeks, in Venice. Four processions are held every year (the Palm Sunday, at Easter, on 11 April and the first Sunday of November) during which the body of San Spiridone is carried through the streets of the city, accompanied by the music of the city philharmonic: a really suggestive spectacle.

The Achilleion

A short distance from the capital is the Achilleion, a fabulous residence built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the famous Sissi, for its summer holiday. Do not miss the visit of the sumptuous neoclassical building dedicated to the legendary Achilles, surrounded by a wonderful garden of Mediterranean essences and enriched by columns, statues of philosophers, gods and mythological heroes, where it will seem to immerse you in the splendor of the ancient Greece.

The Achilleion is the main, but not the only, attraction of Gastouri, the picturesque village lying on the slopes of Mount Agioi Deka. Walking through its streets you will discover other ancient dwellings with facades enriched by coats of arms, verandas, characteristic portals and cured courtyards, alternating with taverns and cafeterias.

Corfu beaches

If you want to discover the authentic face of the northernmost of the Ionian Islands, then head to the south of the island, which preserves beautiful beaches, pristine landscapes and charming villages.

Like Boukari and Petriti, fishing villages where to stop for a very fresh fish peel in the taverns on the marinas, observing the way of fishing boats. In the hinterland, surrounded by centuries-old olive groves, there are ancient villages such as Klomos, with traditional houses painted in bright colours and a panorama ranging from the coast to the extreme south of the island.

Old Venetian houses built up by each other for defensive purposes make Argyrades one of the most characteristic villages. It is nestled in green hills, but its beach, Aghios Georgios, is one of the most beautiful Corfu beaches, with calm and low waters ideal for children's games, on which the Blue Flag, guarantee of attention to the environment.

More wild, the nearby Issos is a long stretch of red sand with large dunes among the oldest in the Mediterranean, which invite you to a walk in a particularly suggestive landscape, so much to be nicknamed "the Sahara of Corfu".

Lake Korission

Behind it lies the water mirror of Lake Korission, the largest lagoon in Corfu. An area of extraordinary natural value, with a rare forest of cedars where orchids and wild lilies bloom, habitat for various species of birds, where it is possible to spot herons, cormorants and flamingos.

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The elegant birds with pink feathers are frequenters also of the ancient salts at the gates of Lefkimmi, which rises in a fertile plain of olive trees and vineyards.

Walking through the centre are elegant Venetian-style buildings, but also monasteries and churches of various eras, reminiscent of the ancient origins of the city, dating back to the Byzantine period. The atmosphere is lively also for the presence of the port, and there are taverns and restaurants where to taste local specialties such as bourdeto, spicy fish soup typical of Corfu. In the village of Melikia, near Lefkimmi, visit the church of Agios Isavros to admire the magnificent frescoes that decorate the interior.

The centre of entertainment and nightlife is Kavos, in the extreme south of the island: it is the beach of fun, water sports day, DJ sets and parties by the sea until dawn.

Benitses

The coast of Benitses, south of the capital, is among the most fascinating of Corfu. It has always been a destination for an elite tourism, attracted by enchanting landscapes, traditional villages surrounded by greenery and a clear and transparent sea as few.

Famous for its nightlife, Benitses is one of the most vibrant tourist resorts on the island of Corfu, with a marina frequented by yachts and fishing boats and an animated seafront full of locals, bars and good restaurants. Do not miss the opportunity to taste some typical specialities of the rich Corfiota cuisine, such as Pastitsada. It is a tasty and substantial dish of pasta seasoned with a sauce of chicken or chicken cooked in a sauce with a mix of spices, which are the secret of the particular taste of this traditional recipe.

If you prefer fish, you only have the embarrassment of the choice between the various recipes based on the day fish of this pristine sea. The waters that cares about the beaches of Benitses and the nearby village of Agios Ioannis Peristeron are among the clearest and cleanest of the coast and for this reason they can enjoy the Blue Flag. The sea generally calm and the seabeds that gently decay are ideal for families with children. However, there is no shortage of opportunities to practice water sports or take short excursions in the hinterland, where there are quiet traditional villages between the green.