Corfu, the Island of History, Cypress Hills and Blue Coves
The lively Ionian island of Corfu ("Kerkira" in Greek) is a popular destination for thousands of visitors yearly. It is a favourite destination among us, the Simplybook team, as most of us seem to return again and again to Corfu for our holidays.
The Venetian town, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, will take you back to a history of conquerors, battles and flourishing civilisations. Outside the city, various well-organised resorts are ready to receive visitors who enjoy the Ionian sea and sun. If islands had a taste, Corfu would taste like "kumquat", a fruit of the citrus family, with a relaxing and cheerful aroma used in cooking, desserts and the local liqueur.
Rent a car in Corfu and drive to …
Corfu city, 4 km north of the airport
Corfu city, with its Venetian fortresses and cobbled streets, is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as an architectural example of outstanding universal value in its authenticity and integrity. You can admire this living museum by walking in the maze-like streets, the central Spianada square, one of the largest in the Balkans, and enjoy the view walking up the fort battlements. Then, travel back in time by visiting the Archaeological museum, housing in its collection the famous Gorgon pediment, a well-preserved piece of Archaic sculpture, and the Antivouniotissa museum with Byzantine and post-Byzantine artefacts.
The Old Town of Corfu is a living museum of a history of conquerors, battles and flourishing civilisations. Photo by Robin, licensed.
Palaiokastritsa, 26 km northwest of Corfu town
Drive 26 km northwest of Corfu city to Paleokastritsa, a well-known resort with six small bays of fine sand and crystal waters, ideal for water sports and diving. From Paleokastritsa, drive to the villages of Krini and Lakones with the 18th – 19th-century houses to enjoy the view from above. Then, take a boat trip to discover the nearby isolated beaches.
Palaiokastritsa, with the six coves and crystal water, is 26 km northwest of Corfu town. Photo by TassosKessaris, licensed.
Canal d' Amour coves, 36 km northwest of Corfu town
36 km northwest of Corfu city is the Canal d' Amour, a beautiful beach on the west side of Sidari. Impressive rock formations carved by wind and sea, caves, coves and crystal waters make Canal d'Amour a place you should not miss. However, as there is only a narrow sandy beach, be prepared to lay your towel on the rocks, and why not, jump straight to the sea! This is one of the most popular beaches on the island, so it's a good idea to make sure you get there early in the morning.
The famous coves of Canal d' Amour, 36 km northwest of Corfu Town. Photo by Dr.K, licensed.
Sandy beach of Agios Gordios, 19 km southwest of Corfu town
19 km southwest of Corfu city, Agios Gordios is a small resort with a long sandy beach. It is located on the west coast and offers beautiful sunsets from the beach or the local tavernas. Here you can try the traditional kumquat, the local fruity liqueur. Well organised, with a diving centre, water sports, sunbeds and beach bars, Agios Gordios can be pretty busy. However, walk to the far end on the right, and you will usually meet fewer people.
Sandy beach of Agios Gordios, 19 km southwest of Corfu town. Photo by Kritzolina, licensed.
Do you want to learn more about Corfu? Find here Steph's detailed guide for the beautiful Ionian island!
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Featured image by Marc Ryckaert (MJJR), licensed.