Remote beach at Erimitis
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Secrets of Corfu and Hidden Gems for Curious Travelers

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Corfu is a wonder of an island. If you’ve never explored it, it’s high time you did. Its golden beaches and salty sea make Corfu one of the most visited islands in Greece.

Once you travel here, chances are you won’t want to return home anymore—a feeling many travelers experience.

Corfu’s Tasteful Cuisine

Sofrito
Sofrito

Greece has long been known for its tasty foods and fresh ingredients. Corfu’s extensive cuisine includes Greek foods with authentic local twists. Some of the island’s best dishes include Sofrito, Bourdeto, and, of course, olives. Sofrito is cooked veal with parsley, garlic, and wine, while Bourdeto is a spicy fish stew with red pepper. Both are must-tries.

The olives are exceptional too, coming from centuries-old trees. The Dafnis family produces some of the best-tasting olive oil, which is perfect when paired with a fresh salad, Feta cheese, and a sprinkle of Himalayan salt—light, smooth, and flavorful.

If you want something sweeter, try Corfu’s kumquat. Originally from China, it was introduced to Greece in the 19th century by Middle Eastern settlers. Served with Prosecco, it makes an ideal aperitif.

The Best Island Escape Tours

If you plan to stay longer in Corfu, explore its surroundings. Popular destinations include Vatos village, the beaches of Ermones, Corfu Town, and Old Perithia. Paleokastritsa Beach is a sacred and spiritual hub worth visiting.

For hiking or biking enthusiasts, trips to Kavos, Arkoudilas Beach, the Halikounas dunes, or Alonaki Bay are highly recommended. Kanouli Beach is perfect for nature lovers. The Corfu Trail spans the island in a 10-day trek, passing tiny villages, olive groves, and scenic trails.

Of course, there are some must-see highlights on the island—you won’t regret discovering these exquisite sites.

The Small Isolated Beaches South of Paleokastritsa

Rovinia Beach Corfu
Rovinia Beach Corfu

Paleokastritsa is an area of exceptional natural beauty, home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Many are isolated due to high cliffs along the coast. Liapades, Povinia, Limni, Iliodoros, Paradise, Stelari, Chomi, and Giali are just a few examples. These sand-and-pebble paradises are accessible by small boats from Paleokastritsa. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit them.

The Old Fortress and the Old British Hospital in Corfu Town

Corfu Guide: Esplanade square and the Old fortress
Corfu Guide: Esplanade square and the Old fortress

The fortress with a long history and the abandoned British hospital are surrounded by mystery and rumors of horror.

Read more about Corfu’s historical sites here.

The Achilleion Palace in Gastouri Village

Benitses – Achilleion from Agioi Deka
Benitses – Achilleion from Agioi Deka

The Achilleion Palace was built by Empress Elizabeth of Austria, known as the sad Queen Sissy. It is located at the edge of Gastouri village, 6 miles from Corfu Town.

Myrtiotissa Nudist Beach in Western Corfu

Mirtiotissa is a small, remote sandy beach on the west coast of Corfu. Since the 1960s, it has been the only beach on the island where nudism is officially tolerated.

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, it is reached by a steep path or by sea. It is small and secluded, separated from Glyfada Beach by a thin but high rock.

Liston in Corfu Town

To the north, left of Esplanade Square, lies the popular pedestrian area of The Liston with its French-style buildings, modeled on Paris’ Rue de Rivoli. Built in 1807 to house the French army, the arcades (called “Volta” locally) were historically exclusive to the nobility. Today, the arcades are bustling with cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Mon Repos Estate Palace in Corfu Town

Mon Repos Palace is a neoclassical building on the east side of Paleopolis, inside the ancient city. Built in 1830 by British Commissioner Sir Frederick Adam, it sits at the start of the Kanoni peninsula next to the ruins of Paleopolis.

The Diamond Beaches of the Erimitis Area

Arias Beach at Erimitis Corfu
Arias Beach at Erimitis, Corfu

Erimitis, on the northeastern tip of Corfu near Albanian shores, stretches from Agios Stefanos in the east to Kassiopi in the north. This unspoiled paradise has small coves and beaches separated by promontories, most accessible by sea. Some examples are Avlaki, Vouvalomantria, Vrachli, Tzoufakia, Arias, Akoli, Vromolimni, Kaminakia, Korfovounia, Aspalathras, and Xylokeratia. Pebble beaches with very little sand boast crystal-clear waters.

The Medieval Abandoned and Reborn Village of Perithea

Perithea is an abandoned medieval village below Pantokrator peak, on a 400-meter-high plateau. Curious about how a “dead” village can be reborn? Then visit Perithea.

Abandoned old school in Perithea
Abandoned old school in Perithea

The restored stone houses now host restaurants offering local specialties, especially lively on weekends.

The Traditional Village of Nymfes, Named After the Mythical Nymphs

This village in northwest Corfu is ancient, untouched by tourism, and named after mythological Nymphs. Explore authentic life and customs in Nymfes.

Waterfalls in Corfu Nymfes
Waterfalls in Corfu Nymfes

The majestic waterfalls and surrounding landscape still echo the myths of the Nymphes. For a more personalized experience, consider a private tour or an olive oil tasting. Shore excursions are also available—read reviews carefully before booking.

Conclusion

Visit Corfu for unforgettable experiences, amazing trips, and outstanding cuisine. Pack your sunglasses, towels, and bathing suits—bonne voyage!

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