Corfu
TEXT. MANUELA BLISSE & UWE LEHMANN
Green, greener, Corfu. Or Kerkyra in Greek. The second largest Ionian island, located off the coast of northern Greece and Albania, has nothing in common visually with other well-known Greek islands such as the Cyclades or Crete. Where the latter draw their charm from their barrenness, Corfu is lush. The vegetation shows its most beautiful Mediterranean side, with olive trees, vineyards, citrus fruits, acacias, kumquats and dwarf orange trees, which are characteristic of the island and also of Corfiot cuisine. Of course, this is only possible because there is more rainfall than in other regions of the country. Nevertheless, the summers are sunny and warm and offer perfect vacation weather until late in the fall.
Despite some differences, there are of course also many similarities with other islands. These include, for example, the typical Greek hospitality and love of children that can be experienced everywhere on Corfu. The Corfiot cuisine presents itself, also due to the delicious
kumquat dishes, is quite unique. Typical tavernas can also be found everywhere. In Corfu Town there are also "Estiatorios", upscale restaurants. And of course, like almost all islands, Corfu has numerous beautiful beaches ranging from pebble to fine sand. Corfu was already a popular destination for celebrities and aristocrats at the end of the 19th century. For example, Corfu was the favorite island of Empress Sisi, who had a palace, the Achilleion, built here - or rather converted from an existing villa. The location and the palace are really beautiful and should not be missed if you are on the island.
Island with history
The British also have a special relationship with Corfu to this day, as can be seen from the many British tourists. In the mid-19th century, the British ruled over the Ionian Islands until they joined Greece after the London Agreement in 1864. This was effectively a gift from the Empire to the new Greek king. In addition, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Consort of the late Queen Elizabeth II, was born in Corfu, at Mon Repos Castle, in 1921. Today, the castle houses a museum on the history of Corfu.
The capital, then as now, was Kerkyra, also known as Corfu Town. In the UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital, Italian, French, Greek and British influences come together to form an exciting mix. The old town with its narrow, lively streets, pretty squares, numerous small stores, cafés and restaurants attracts numerous visitors. But the imposing Venetian fortresses, the old harbor, the town hall built in 1663 under the Venetians, the Spianada, the largest town square in Greece, and the interesting museums are also worth a visit. The scenery is particularly picturesque at night - a visit with a dinner in a good seafood restaurant by the sea is a wonderfully romantic experience that you can indulge in more than once.
Corfu is not particularly large, just over 60 kilometers long and less than ten kilometers wide at its widest point. The luxury hotels are almost all located on the east coast, not too far from the capital. Some five-star hotels even offer a boat shuttle - the most pleasant way to visit Kerkyra. Many of the luxury hotels were built in the 1970s and have been brought up to date in recent years. They are located on the east coast because, on the one hand, the short distance to the city and airport was favorable, but above all because the sea and the weather on the Corfu Strait, which separates the island from the mainland, is calmer than on the open west coast. On the other hand, you have to put up with the occasional airplane taking off and landing.
About the strait: In the north, Corfu is only separated from the Albanian coast by a narrow strait of just under two kilometers. Here you will also find numerous beautiful beaches and small, uncrowded villages - perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. Although there are hotels as well as apartments and guesthouses, you won't find any luxury houses here. However, you can still discover some enchanting bays in the north, without sun loungers and without tavernas, which can only be reached on foot. But of course, there are also beautiful beaches with typical rustic tavernas right by the sea, such as Paleokastritsa on the northwest coast. The village consists of two peninsulas and five bays and impresses with its impressive rocky backdrop, green vegetation, turquoise waters and beautiful beaches. You can also explore numerous grottos and caves from here by boat.
The south is also worth a visit, because even in the high season you can still find quiet corners with a varied landscape and long sandy beaches. The region's extensive sandy beaches begin at the northern end of the Korission lagoon. The most famous is called Chalikounas Beach - and is considered the hotspot for kitesurfers on the island. It stretches along the narrow spit to Lake Korission. South of the lagoon, Issos Beach is another kilometer-long sandy beach that stretches to the northern end of the pretty coastal village of Agios Georgios. Gardenos Beach to the south of Perivoli is also very beautiful, an extensive sandy beach that stretches for miles below the cliffs. At the small fishing port of Perivoli, you should stop off at the Aristos taverna. It serves very good fish, but traditional Corfiot dishes are also on the menu. There is also a beautiful view of the fishing boats and the mainland opposite.
Excursions to the north and south are generally quite easy to do from all of our tested hotels with a rental car, sometimes even as a half-day excursion. Cabs and guides with vehicles tend to be more expensive than in Greece. In general, the price level is somewhat higher compared to Crete.
Lage
Sie liegt vor der Balkanhalbinsel, getrennt durch die Straße von Korfu von der bis zwei Kilometer nahen albanischen Küste.
Fläche
rund 585 Quadratkilometern
Bevölkerung
100.854
Sprache
Griechisch
Größte Stadt
Corfu
Hauptstadt
Corfu
Religion
Greek Orthodox
The best of three worlds
Corfu's kitchens traditionally rely on classic dishes from mainland Greece, which are combined with
Italian and Turkish influences. The result: a Mediterranean melange,
that tastes of the sea, but also of lamb and the island's herbs.
Good food and drink are very popular on Corfu. The Ionian island is a real pleasure island. Of course, Corfiot cuisine is primarily Greek, but it is also characterized by Turkish, Italian and Mediterranean influences. Olives and wine in particular are local products of the highest quality - and of course the kumquat, a kind of dwarf orange that is characteristic of Corfu. Being an island, fish and seafood naturally also play a major role.
Greek classics such as tzatziki, farmer's salad, souvlaki or moussaka are present in Corfu's tavernas and estiatorios (restaurants). The same goes for mezes, typical small starters such as skordalia (mashed potatoes with garlic), taramasalata (fish roe salad) or tyropitakia (cheese and puff pastry pockets), which are placed in the middle of the table for sharing. The traditional national dish of Corfu is pastitsada: succulent beef or chicken cooked in a hearty, spicy and cinnamon-y tomato sauce. It is usually served with polenta or pasta. The dish was originally brought to Corfu by the Venetians. Another typical local dish is sofrito, veal in a wine sauce with garlic and white pepper. You can taste the Italian influence in the pasta dishes. In the coastal town of Arilles in the northwest of Corfu, the "pasta festival" takes place at the beginning of June, where prizes are awarded for the best sauce. Octopus is also very popular, both as a salad and grilled or cooked in a wine sauce. Speaking of wine: Corfiot wines are less well known, but the island is a certified wine-growing region with numerous first-class wineries and produces excellent white wines from the Assyrtiko grape. But one of the best beers also comes from Corfu. The craft
beer brewery "Corfu Beer" was founded in Arillas in 2006 and brews specialties such as the Red Ale Special or the Ambrosia Weiss in addition to the classic pilsner.
Toula's Seaside
Upscale restaurant directly on Agni Beach. Excellent fish, top seafood, but also lamb. Also a nice bar with good cocktails.
www.toulaseaside.com
Spianada meats & greens
A great combination of meaty and vegetarian dishes. Good steaks from the charcoal grill according to the motto "farm to table". Nice vegetable dishes, good atmosphere, friendly service.
www.spianada.gr
Venetian Well
Romantic restaurant in the old town of Corfu Town, directly on the Venetian city wall with a view of Krementis Square. Modern, sophisticated Greek fine dining with multi-course menus, amuse bouche, pre-dessert, wine pairing, etc.
www.venetianwell.gr
The White House
The restaurant has been around since 1935 and is a guarantee for excellent fine dining on Kerkyra - not least thanks to star chef Lefteris Lazarou. "Dine like the Durrels" is the motto, and so there are some of British writer Lawrence Durrell's favorite dishes.
www.thewhitehouserestaurant.gr
Ambelonas Restaurant & Winery
According to the motto "Wine. Gastronomy. Culture", guests at Ambelonas, located in the heart of Corfu
Ambelonas offers traditional dishes with regional, seasonal ingredients and a modern touch. It also serves good, house wines.
www.ambelonas-corfu.gr
Etrusco
For the eleventh year in a row, Etrusco was voted the best Greek restaurant in 2023. In the idyllic village of Kato Korakiana, Corfiot-Italian star chef Ettore Botrini combines traditional Greek, Corfiot and Italian dishes in a creative and delicious way.
www.etrusco.gr
Aegli
One of the best and oldest restaurants in the old town of Corfu Town, located on the charming Liston Square. Very nice ambience, pleasant atmosphere, good food. Run as a family business in the third generation.
www.aeglirestaurant.gr
A Mano
Don't want it to be Greek for once? A Mano probably has the best pizza in Corfu Town. Also good pasta and friendly, fast service.
www.pizzeria-a-mano.business.site
Oi Oraies Benitses
Very popular, pleasant restaurant in the picturesque village of Benitses. Serves contemporary Mediterranean-Greek cuisine. Octopus and fish dishes are particularly recommended.
www.oioraiesbenitses.gr
The Village Taverna
Greek restaurant and wine bar in Marathias. Traditional recipes with a contemporary twist. Tasty fish and meat dishes, organic vegetables and herbs.
www.thevillagetaverna.gr
Arriving Direct flights to Corfu (Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport - abbreviation CFU) are available from April/May to October
from most German airports as well as from Austria and Switzerland with numerous airlines such as Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss Air, Eurowings, Easyjet or Ryanair. If you want to visit Corfu out of season, you have to choose the year-round connection via Athens with Aegean Airlines. The flight time from German airports is approx. 2 to 2.5 hours. The airport is located just a few kilometers outside the capital Kerkyra (Corfu Town).
As on the whole island, public buses run from the airport. Cabs are rather expensive by Greek standards. Many hotels also offer a bus or boat shuttle to Corfu Town.
Corfu can also be reached by ferry from Italy (e.g. Bari, Brindisi) and from Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland.
Climate & travel time
The season on Corfu lasts from around mid-April to October. In July and August, daytime temperatures are usually above 30 degrees and the water temperature is 25 degrees. In June and September, the average temperatures are 27 degrees during the day and 21 and 23 degrees at night - these two months are therefore also considered the ideal time to travel. Most of the rain falls from November to March, it practically never rains in midsummer and occasionally in early and late summer. July has the most hours of sunshine with twelve hours a day. In contrast to the Cyclades or parts of Crete, the wind on Corfu tends to be a gentle breeze - and not a problem.
Sightseeing
Corfu Town
Called Kerkyra in Greek.
The capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Particularly worth seeing is the old town with its narrow, lively streets, a pretty main square with cafés and small boutiques, the Venetian Town Hall and the Old and New Venetian Fortresses. Liston is the most beautiful and busiest street in Corfu Town. The buildings, which today house numerous cafés and restaurants, date back to the time of the French occupation of Corfu.
Achilleion
Austria's Empress Sisi came to Corfu for the first time in 1861 - and fell in love with the island. From 1888 to 1891, she had a run-down villa converted into a Pompeian-style palace. She named the palace Achilleion after her favorite Greek hero Achilles. Sisi's white marble palace with a magnificent garden is located on a hill about seven kilometers outside of Corfu Town.
Vlacherna Monastery and Mouse Island
Vlacherna Monastery is one of the most popular photo motifs on Corfu. The romantic, white church from the 17th century is located on a small headland, picturesquely surrounded by the turquoise blue sea. A boat takes you from here in just a few minutes to the picturesque Mouse Island off the airport runway - another popular photo opportunity.
Angelokastro
The mighty fortress on the north-western tip was one of the island's most important defenses and is now one of the top sights. The sight of the castle, which is located on the coast high up on a mountain, is impressive from the moment you arrive. The inside of the fortress is also worth seeing.
Emperor's Throne
Kaiser's Throne is located above the tranquil village of Pelekas on the west coast of Corfu. The viewpoint on a rock with a panoramic view was discovered by Kaiser Wilhelm II, who often vacationed on Corfu and bought Sisi's Achilleion. It is said that he particularly appreciated this place and used it as an observatory for his sky observations, among other things. Shopping Corfu is not necessarily a hip shopping island, but the old town of Corfu Town is a good place for a little shopping spree. There are nice boutiques, jewelry stores, ceramics stores, craft stores and numerous art galleries. In keeping with British tradition, there is even a Marks & Spencer store.
Olive products are worth buying, as are kumquat specialties (dwarf oranges are one of Corfu's products) and wine.
Sweet 'N Spicy Bahar Shop
Quaint store in Corfu Town, where everything revolves around spices and related products, including Greek spice mixes, Greek sauces and dried Greek truffles.
www.sweetnspicy.gr
Meandros Gold
Very good jeweler in Acharavi in the north of the island. Large selection in different styles, many handmade pieces of jewelry, good service.
www.meandrosgold.eu
Patounis Soap Factory
The traditional soap factory has been producing high-quality soaps by hand from local olives since 1850 and is well worth a visit.
www.patounis.gr
Tsami Ceramics
In the village of Gastouri, not far from Achillion, Tsami Ceramics produces beautiful, high-quality plates, bowls, vases, dishes and decorative objects, following a 7,000-year-old tradition.
Hotels
