Restaurants

Venetian Well

In the back streets of the Old Town (Campbeelo) this charming restaurant/wine bar provides a variety of European dishes. There is a different menu each night, making it a popular venue for regular visits.

Where: Corfu Town

Dionysos Taverna

A typical Greek restaurant looking out over theAgios Georgios Bay. Sit back, relax and unwind whilst drinking an ice cold beer listening to your host, Tasos. Delight in the food on offer including many typical Greek dishes like grilled feta, fried sardines and spinach pie to start followed by melt in the mouth lamb dishes for your main course.

Where: Barbati Road 

Island Hopping

Island Hopping

Corfu is well-placed for island hopping and the attractions on neighbouring Ionian Islands, such of Erikoussa, Kefalonia, Othoni and Zakynthos (Zante), are really too close to be ignored. Sami, on the island of Kefalonia, is one of the island’s busiest ports after Corfu town itself, although has become most famous for being used as a film location in Captain Corelli’s mandolin.

Activities

Best for history

Corfu Town

Corfu Town, Kerkyra in Greek, is one of the most interesting towns in Greece. The old town is full of elegant churches, narrow streets and small squares as well as the old fortress built to defend the townsfolk from marauders.  Those who have been to other Greek islands will find the architecture somewhat surprising with its Venetian, French and British influences. Apart from architectural style, the British also brought cricket to the island and it is played to this day on the cricket green opposite the Liston, a French building, on the esplanade. It is very pleasant to stroll around the esplanade among the well laid out gardens and listen to one of the island’s brass bands playing in the elegant bandstand.  There are many fine buildings including the San Giacomo theatre built in stone in the style of the Italian Renaissance, the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, now a museum and gallery and the Maitland Rotundra with Doric columns, built when Corfu was under British rule.

Best for people-watching:

Spianada Square

As you stroll through Spianada Square in Corfu Town, one of the biggest squares in Europe, you might notice a circular building with Ionian columns. Built in 1816, this is a memorial to the British Lord High Commissioner Sir Thomas Maitland. Or a tall pink-orange corner building nearby: the Ionian Academy, Greece’s first University, founded in 1808. You may take a photo of the ornate music pavilion, where the local Philharmonic Orchestras – there are more than 40 – perform. On the other hand, you might miss all of these, caught up in simply enjoying the hustle bustle of life in the ‘Esplanade’. Make like a local and grab a seat in one of the many cafés, order a frappe and watch the world go by. It’s the perfect way to get a feel for the place.

Where: Centre of town

Best sunset views:

Kaiser’s Throne

Pelekas village is situated 13km from Corfu Town, proudly standing on a 270m-high hill. As well as being an access point for some of the great beaches nearby, including Flyfada, Pelekas and Myrtiotissa, the higgledy piggledy village boasts plenty of authentic cafés and restaurants, as well as a sweet, pink church. It is for the views, though, that most people make the pilgrimage here. Follow the sign to ‘Kaiser’s Throne’, which will lead you to some ramparts and a café. It is from here that you’ll be able to take in a stunning 360º view of the island and beyond. The lookout point was a favourite of Kaiser Wilhelm II and it’s not hard to see why. Hang around till sunset and see the sky light up with a thousand hues of red, orange and gold. The stuff of holiday brochures.

Where: Pelekas village

Corfu Nightlife

Bars and Clubs

The main areas for nightlife are in Ipsos, Acharavi, Kavos and Benitses.  There are bars and clubs for every taste. Rock, soul, trans, ethnic, underground and Greek music can be found in bars with gardens, balconies, palm trees and people everywhere.  Kavos has more than 80 bars and at least four clubs and is a favourite with 18-30’s- groups/hen and stag parties.  The main club Futures plays host to some first-class gigs and UK promoters. If you prefer it a little more relaxed then you’ll love Atlantis chill-out bar, right on Corfu Kavos beach... the only place to watch the sunrise.