Greek Isle Gem: Discover the Charm of Corfu

• Corfu Town: This is most likely where you’ll arrive, and it is not your typical Greek town. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of Venetian-style streets and local charm. Spend your time wandering and getting lost in the maze of lanes filled with restaurants, bars, boutique shops, and little surprises around every corner. Highlights include the Esplanade, the Orthodox Saint Spyridon Church with its relics, the Venetian Old Fortress, and the narrow lanes of the Jewish Quarter lined with pastel houses. By night, the town comes alive along the waterfront and in the pedestrian streets—plenty of bars, tavernas, and live music everywhere.

• La Grotta: Are you looking for crystal-blue waters, a cliffside bar, and total relaxation? Then add La Grotta to your list. This hidden cove sits at the base of a cliff, and once you hike down the stairs, you can settle in for the day. From March to October, La Grotta Bar is open with a €25 minimum spend per person. We did this, and it meant we had a table and umbrella for the entire day. If you’re staying for a while, €25 is honestly easy to spend on their delicious food and cocktails. You don’t need to spend anything to swim there, but you’ll need to find space on the rocks if you plan to stay—and in peak summer, that space gets very limited. Also, fair warning: the water is cold… even in the middle of summer!

• Agios Spyridon Beach, Palaiokastritsa: This is one of Corfu’s most beautiful spots, with emerald coves, crystal-clear water, and limestone cliffs. The centerpiece is the sweeping cove with its golden sand and pebbly beaches, framed by dramatic sea caves you can explore by boat or kayak, and the nearby Byzantine Paleokastritsa Monastery and panoramic ocean views. The area is famous for its snorkeling and swimming opportunities, especially around the grottoes, while the freshwater springs and lush olive groves add a lush, verdant backdrop. Access is straightforward from Corfu Town by road, with a scenic drive that’s well worth the effort. The village itself has a cluster of tavernas, cafés, and shops, plus several viewpoints for sunset photos. In peak season, it can be busy, so consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon, and plan time to hike the nearby hill routes for even more spectacular overlooks.

• Ampelaki Beach, Paleokastritsa: This is a small, sun-soaked spot tucked beneath the dramatic cliffs, perfect for a quiet swim and a short, scenic scramble. Getting there is easiest by car or scooter: drive to Paleokastritsa and follow the signs down to the beach area, then take the short, steady descent to the sand and pebbles (watch your step). What to do: take a refreshing dip in clear turquoise water, snorkel around the coves, soak up the views from the cliff paths, and grab a bite at a tidy tavern above the beach after your swim. You can hire watersports and go snorkeling. To find Ameplaki Beach, take the road to the left-hand side of Hotel Apollon, where you’ll see a blue sign that says ‘Ambelaki Beach’.

• Porto Timoni In Afionas: This is probably one of the more popular beaches to visit in Corfu, but I want to warn you—getting to this beach is not for the faint of heart. There is a rocky hike downhill for about 20–30 minutes to reach the beach. Make sure you wear proper shoes to do this. Do not wear flip-flops or sandals. Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen. You can park in Afionas village for cheap. If you are in the peak months (June–August), try to go early in the morning because the midday sun is harsh and this is a small beach and can fill up very quickly. The hike overall is not that hard, but if you have any mobility or balance. On your return, visit The Grill for some delicious Greek food and Anafoufou for cocktails and rooftop sunset views

Other beaches I recommend

• Astrakeri Beach: A long, quiet stretch of soft sand great for swimming and relaxing without crowds. It’s easy to reach by car, and there are a few tavernas along the beach if you want a simple lunch by the water.

• Avlaki Beach: A peaceful and pristine pebble beach with calm, crystal-clear water perfect for swimming. You can visit by car and rent sunbeds, or grab a spot on the pebbles and enjoy the quiet atmosphere.

• Liapades: A small, charming beach surrounded by cliffs and emerald water, great for swimming and paddleboarding. It’s accessible by road, and you can also rent a boat from here to explore nearby hidden coves.

• Rovinia Beach: One of the most beautiful hidden beaches on the island, with turquoise water and dramatic white cliffs. Reach it by a short hike or by boat from Liapades for a more relaxed arrival.

• Engagement Bay (Kassiopi): A tiny, romantic cove known for its crystal-clear water and dramatic rocks—perfect for a quiet swim. It’s a short walk from Kassiopi, making it an easy stop while exploring the town.

• Kalami Beach: A lovely pebble beach with calm, deep-blue water and plenty of tavernas right on the shore. It’s easily accessible by car, and sunbeds are available if you want to spend the whole day there.

• Σαγράδο (Sagrado): Cute spot with a relaxed vibe. Great for a casual meal after wandering around town.

• Skalinada Restaurant: Traditional Greek dishes in a cozy setting. It feels like one of those places you stumble into and end up loving.

• Klimataria “Bellos:” A local favorite for homestyle Greek cooking. Simple, warm, and very authentic.

• Diporto: Charming taverna serving hearty classics. Perfect if you want something comforting and genuinely Greek.

• Castello: A lovely spot with a mix of Greek and Mediterranean dishes. Good atmosphere and great for a slow, easy dinner.

• Ampakas Mezedopoleio: Traditional meze in Corfu Old Town. Great variety, great flavors, and a really local feel.

• A Mano: Delicious Italian food right in Corfu Old Town. Super popular for pasta lovers—easy, reliable, and tasty.

• Brisk Restaurant (“Greek Creative Cuisine”): A culinary experience in Corfu Old Town. More modern, and experimental, but still rooted in Greek flavors.

• Nikos Family Restaurant: Very popular, so expect lines at peak dinner time. Classic, tasty Greek food that feels home-cooked.

• The Grill: A perfect stop after hiking to Porto Timoni. Simple, authentic Greek grill dishes that hit the spot when you’re starving.

• Naok Azur: A chilled bar with beautiful views over the sea. Great spot to unwind with a drink as the light changes.

• La Veranda di Corfu: Another amazing place for sunset. Big views, easy vibes, and perfect for an evening drink.

• Ananfoufou: A cute bar with fantastic sunset views, especially nice if you’re coming back from the Porto Timoni hike and want something refreshing.

• Imabari Seaside: A luxury seaside bar open until 2 am, known for its signature cocktails and occasional live music. You can book a lounger or a table for the day if you want the full experience.

• Callao: Located at Kalami Beach, serving good cocktails and Mediterranean bites. Great place to chill by the water.

• Vertigo Sky Bar: If you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious, this hotel’s rooftop opens at 7 pm and comes with panoramic views that feel very “holiday mode activated.”

• Tierra del Fuego: A laid-back beach club that’s perfect for spending the whole day relaxing, swimming, and sipping chilled drinks.

You must know the types of food to try during your stay in Greece. If you have been before, you may already know, but here are some of my favorite traditional Greek dishes to try:

• Souvlaki

• Seafood: Try any and all fresh seafood dishes.

• Gyros

• Greek salad

• Muscle saganaki

• Cheese saganaki

• Tzatziki and pita bread

• Anything feta, especially baked feta!

• Mousaka

• Pastitsio

• Dolmades

• Spanakopita

• Potatoes

• Stuffed peppers

• Meatballs

• Loukoumades

• Baklava

• Fresh yogurt with honey and walnuts