Corfu (Kerkyra), one of my ABSOLUTE favourite places on earth – and I’m not just saying that. I spent 3 months living and volunteering on the west coast of the island right when the Russia/Ukraine war had started. Those three months in Corfu were the best (and most dramatic) three months of my entire life – so far.

Unlike the famous islands like Santorini and Mykonos, Corfu is located off Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea. The island provides a stunning green landscape, crystal clear seas and crazy hot weather in the summer.

Even though I spent 3 months on this island, I never got bored. Believe me, there’s always something to do, always more places to see. Below are the best things to do in Corfu – from my own experience and recommended from the friends I met whilst there!

1. ATV tour

You can rent your own ATVs in many of the tourist towns in Corfu. It’s basically your own mode of transport! You’re your own guide, spend the day travelling the whole island.

There is also an ATV tour provided by The Pink Palace hostel where a tour guide will lead you and the rest of the group on a journey to many beautiful parts of the island. The tour provides you with a packed lunch and water that they carry for you to the scenic picnic spot hallway through your adventure.

You MUST KNOW that before you even pay, the instructor will get everyone to do a test lap in the hostel carpark to make sure you can safely operate the vehicle. I know this because I in fact DID NOT pass this test. This was my job on the island – to socialise with ATV tour guests and give them a good experience – and I couldn’t even ride one myself. I did however get to ride on the back of the instructor’s ATV so I’m sure if you aren’t confident with operating one yourself, they will let you do the same!

2. Explore old Corfu Town

There is plenty of things to see in the island’s capital. Make sure to visit the old fortress, which is basically an open-air museum with a great viewpoint at the top.

My favourite thing was just strolling around the streets where they have the cute little shops full of foods, souvenirs, and trinkets. You will notice that they sell ouzo (a Greek alcohol) and kumquat liqueur in almost every store – they both have a very interesting taste to them and are definitely worth trying.

Corfu town also has a museum of Asian art and amazing views of the clear waters from outside the building.

3. Take a day cruise through the Ionian islands

You will see the most beautiful Greek island towns and exotic turquoise waters on this cruise. I don’t usually like spending money on a tour, but I had no regrets with this one.

A full day cruise to the Blue Caves, Paxos, and Antipaxos. Your day starts off with jumping onto a large boat along with many other travellers, getting views of coastal cliffs and beaches heading out to sea. They take you to the blue caves, where the boat gets up real close – and if you’re right at the bow you get to see what it’s like inside. You then stop at Paradise beach in Antipaxos to dive off the boat, snorkel and swim around in the crystal clear waters. You then have free time to explore the coastal village of paxos, each some lunch and enjoy the amazing views.

Make sure you get enough rest the night before this tour because it is a very packed 8 hour day.

4. Experience Corfu nightlife

Let me tell you, I was not a partier before I moved to Corfu – I barely even drank alcohol. Let’s just say I was a different person by the time I left the island.

Corfu town nightlife is concentrated in the bars, and you can spend the night bar hopping all through the town, until the clubs open at 11.

54 Dreamy Nights, this place holds so many memories for me its insane. This the main nightclub in Corfu town where I spent almost every Saturday night dancing and singing my heart out. Even though majority of people at this club are Greek locals, the club’s music will play popular songs (In English) that both the tourists and locals know and love. 54 Dreamy Nights is at its best around 1am so just hang around the local bars with your friends until then.

You can find great nightclubs in many parts of the island like Kavos, Paleokatritsa and plenty other coastal tourist destinations. 

5. Spend the day at Aqualand waterpark

Located in Agios Ioannis, this waterpark is perfect for families, kids but also thrill seekers. It has everything from giant slides, wave pools, rafting, baby pool, video arcade, spas, shopping, and many places to eat.

If you buy tickets online its cheaper than at the front desk – around 20 to 30 euros for the whole day. Even cheaper if you choose a half day.

Aqualand is open from 10am to 5pm but if you want a half-day ticket you can visit from 2pm to 5pm. This waterpark is ONLY OPEN from May to October for the summer season.

6. Spend the day at Paleokatritsa

Even though I visited this beach town many, many times taking hostel guests on tours, I still cannot properly pronounce the name. it truly is a beautiful destination. It holds multiple beaches, a monastery, aquarium and many cute shops. You can easily waste the whole day chilling at the beach bar, swimming or exploring.

7. Have a beach day

There are plenty of beaches in Corfu where you can spend the day. Here’s a list of the top beaches on the island:

  • Sidari beach
  • Agios Gordios beach
  • Kassiopi beach
  • Canal d’amour beach
  • Porto timoni twin beach

8. Visit the Corfu Donkey Rescue

You can visit this animal protection organisation to see and feed the cute donkeys and other animals! They are open every day of the year from 10am to 4pm. You can donate if you want or even adopt a donkey to help them out.

9. Go for a hike

Corfu is such a lush green island, so go for a hike, walk through the endless olive trees, and see great views from above. Here are some popular hikes on the island:

  • From Agios Gordios to Pentati
  • Palea Peritheia
  • Lakones
  • Corfu town

10. Day trip to Albania

Greece’s neighbouring country, Albania, is so naturally beautiful. Some people actually think that Corfu is part of Albanian because the island’s location is just a small ferry ride from the port of Agios Saranda in Albania.

You can see the ancient Greco-Roman ruins and Ali Pasha castle in this coastal Albanian town. Spend some free time to stroll Saranda, sightsee and enjoy the amazing beaches before your ferry ride back to Corfu at the end of the day.

11. Go paragliding

Corfu has great green landscapes that are amazing from a ‘birds-eye-view’. You go on a tandem glider with a professional as they show you the sights from above for a 20 minute thrilling ride.

Corfu is an island for everything – adventure, relaxing and partying.

If you want to know where to stay, eat and more Corfu related information CLICK HERE to check out my Corfu folder.

Comment and let me know if you’ve done any of these activities in Corfu, or if there is anything I missed – I would love to do something new next time I visit the island.

Enjoy your holiday, happy travels 🙂