Corfu
Photo: IOANNIS SAKKOS / Pexels
The Verdict
The Ionian island with the most character and history — choose it for green landscapes and a Venetian old town, not for bare Cycladic white.
Why go
For the UNESCO-listed Venetian old town, the Pontikonissi view, British and French layers of history, and lush olive-grove countryside.
Understand the place
The greenest and most Italian of the Ionian islands — a Venetian old town, olive groves, and a long, layered history.
Where to swim
Beaches
What to eat & drink here
Food & drink
Pastitsada
Rooster or beef stewed in tomato sauce with spetsieriko spice mix, poured over thick pasta. Corfu's Venetian-Ionian hybrid, built for slow Sunday lunches.
“Venetian elegance meets Ionian spice in a bowl of pure comfort.”
Bourdeto
Scorpion fish cooked in a punchy red sauce loaded with cayenne pepper. Corfu's fiery proof that Greek cooking isn't only lemon and oregano.
“A spicy, fiery fish stew that proves Greek food isn't just lemon and oregano.”
The old world
History & archaeology
The Old Fortress
The Venetian citadel on its own promontory east of Corfu Town, separated from the old town by a moat and a sea channel.
“Climb it for the view back over the old town, not for the ruins. The walk up is the point.”
Achilleion Palace
An empress's summer villa above Gastouri, built for Elisabeth of Austria and later used by the Kaiser, with formal gardens and a wide view of the island.
“Kitsch imperial villa, genuinely good gardens. Worth an hour if you are already passing; not a reason to cross the island.”
Beyond the built
Outdoors & nature
Towns & villages
Booking links
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Plan this trip
Greece Field Guide helps you decide. When you're ready to arrange it, take your saved places to an itinerary.