Posted by The best highlights & tips for 2026 🇬🇷🌿
The island of Corfu is one of Greece’s most diverse islands: green, steeped in history, Mediterranean, and incredibly charming. The island blends Venetian architecture with Byzantine history, British influence, and Greek joie de vivre – all surrounded by turquoise waters and lush nature. 🌊🌿
Whether you stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, climb ancient fortresses, visit opulent palaces, or discover secluded coves – Corfu is full of sights that will captivate every visitor.
Here you’ll find the best highlights and destinations on Corfu – from world-famous attractions to true hidden gems. 🇬🇷
🏙️ 1. Corfu Town Old Town (Kerkyra) – UNESCO World Heritage Site
📍 Location: East Coast
⭐ Tip: Best explored on foot
The Old Town of Kerkyra, the capital of Corfu, is an absolute must-see for every visitor. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, it impresses with a fascinating blend of Venetian, French, and British influences.
Narrow streets, colorful facades, charming squares, and elegant arcades make a stroll through the Old Town a journey through history. Particularly worth seeing are Liston Boulevard, Spianada Square, the Cathedral of Agios Spyridon, and the many small boutiques and cafés.
💡 Tip: Plan at least half a day for the Old Town – it’s most beautiful in the early evening as the sun slowly sets.
🏰 2. Old Fortress of Corfu – A Viewpoint Steeped in History
📍 Location: East Coast, Corfu Town
⭐ Tip: Be sure to visit the viewpoint at the summit
The Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio) dates back to the 16th century and was built by the Venetians to protect the island from attack. Today, it is one of the island’s most important historical landmarks.
From the fortress’s highest point, you’ll have a spectacular view of Corfu Town, the coastline, and the Ionian Sea. Inside, you can explore the remains of barracks, churches, and walls.
💡 Tip: Visit in the morning or just before sunset – it’s not so hot then, and the view is especially beautiful.
🏯 3. New Fortress – Venetian Power at the Harbor
📍 Location: Corfu Town
⭐ Tip: Combine it with a stroll through the city
The New Fortress (Neo Frourio) was built in the 16th century to further protect the city. It towers above the old harbor and also offers impressive views of the city and the sea.
Inside, you’ll find old casemates, tunnels, and exhibition rooms dedicated to military history. The fortress is less crowded than the Old Fortress – a real insider tip for history buffs.
💡 Tip: Especially beautiful at sunset – the view of the harbor is spectacular.
👑 4. Achilleion – Empress Sisi’s Palace
📍 Location: Gastouri, about 10 km south of Corfu Town
⭐ Tip: Visit early in the morning or in the afternoon
The magnificent Achilleion Palace was built at the end of the 19th century for Empress Elisabeth of Austria (“Sisi”) and is one of Corfu’s most famous landmarks.
The palace is dedicated to Greek mythology, especially the hero Achilles, and is adorned with numerous statues, frescoes, and works of art. The beautiful garden overlooking the sea is one of the most romantic spots on the island.
💡 Tip: Book a guided tour – it offers fascinating insights into the Empress’s life.
Also of interest are our pages about bus connections on Corfu and ferries to Corfu from the mainland and other islands. [wp-osm id=2]
🏝️ 5. Kanoni & Mouse Island (Pontikonissi) – Photo Opportunity No. 1
📍 Location: South of Corfu Town
⭐ Tip: Especially beautiful at sunset
The view of the tiny island of Pontikonissi (“Mouse Island”) with the Vlacherna Monastery in the foreground is Corfu’s most famous photo opportunity. From the terrace in Kanoni, you have the best view of this postcard-perfect scene – including planes taking off and landing directly over the monastery.
💡 Tip: A short footpath leads to the Vlacherna Church – definitely worth a visit!
The best beaches on Corfu
🏞️ 6. Angelokastro – The “Angel’s Castle” high above the sea
📍 Location: Near Paleokastritsa
⭐ Tip: Bring sturdy shoes – the climb is worth it!
The Byzantine fortress of Angelokastro sits spectacularly atop a rock 300 meters above the sea and is one of the island’s most impressive historical sites.
The climb takes about 15–20 minutes, but is quite manageable. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the west coast and the Ionian Sea.
💡 Tip: Especially beautiful at sunset – the view is unforgettable.
🌿 7. Paleokastritsa Monastery – Spiritual Peace with Sea Views
📍 Location: Northwest Coast
⭐ Tip: Combine with a beach day
The 13th-century Panagia Theotokou Monastery in Paleokastritsa sits atop a hill offering stunning views of the bays of Paleokastritsa. The complex is small but atmospheric, featuring colorful gardens, ancient frescoes, and a small church.
💡 Tip: Shoulders and knees should be covered – it’s an active monastery.
🪸 8. Lake Korission & Halikounas – A Natural Paradise in the South
📍 Location: Southwest Coast
⭐ Tip: Birdwatching & Walks
Lake Korission is a vast lagoon in southern Corfu and a paradise for nature lovers. It’s home to many bird species, including herons, flamingos, and cormorants. The adjacent sand dunes and the kilometer-long Halikouna beach are perfect for walks, picnics, or swimming.
💡 Tip: Come early in the morning or in the evening – that’s when the wildlife is particularly active.
🏔️ 9. Pantokrator – Corfu’s Highest Mountain
📍 Height: 906 m
⭐ Tip: Breathtaking panoramic views of the island
Mount Pantokrator is Corfu’s highest point and offers spectacular panoramic views of the island, the Ionian Sea, and even as far as Albania. A small monastery and a viewpoint stand at the summit.
💡 Tip: If you’re feeling energetic, you can hike to the top – there are several well-marked trails. Alternatively, a road leads almost to the very top.
Also, check out our page on hiking in Corfu for many great hiking suggestions.
🏘️ 10. Ancient Villages & Mountain Villages – Experience Authentic Corfu
📍 Tip: Particularly worth seeing: Lakones, Old Perithia, Pelekas
Besides the major tourist attractions, it’s often the small, hidden villages that make Corfu so special.
🏡 Lakones: High above Paleokastritsa with breathtaking views
🏡 Old Perithia: An abandoned mountain village from the Middle Ages – now partially inhabited again
🏡 Pelekas: Famous for its sunsets and charming tavernas
💡 Tip: A rental car or scooter is essential here – many of these villages are difficult to reach by bus.
🧭 Tips for your sightseeing day in Corfu
🕐 Start early: Many attractions are less crowded in the morning, and the light is better for photos.
🚗 Renting a car is worthwhile: Many highlights are located off the main roads.
🎟️ Combination tickets: Combination tickets are often available for fortresses or museums – cheaper than individual tickets.
📷 Plan your visit for sunset: Many sights are particularly impressive in golden light.
🏁 Conclusion: Sightseeing in Corfu – History, Nature & Mediterranean Charm 🌿✨
Corfu is much more than just a beach island – it’s a fascinating travel destination full of history, culture, nature, and atmosphere. From the magnificent Achilleion Palace to the winding streets of the old town of Kerkyra and the breathtaking views from Angelokastro or Pantokrator – a highlight awaits around every corner.
And the best part: many sights can be perfectly combined with beach days or excursions. Corfu is an island where you can discover something new every day – and one that will definitely captivate you.