Karl WP Beyer - Highlights outside of Corfu
- The top sights in Kerkyra (Corfu Town)
- Old Town of Corfu – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Spyridon Square and the Church of Saint Spyridon
- Orthodox Church of St. Basil and St. Stephen
- Church of St. John the Baptist
- Vlacherna Monastery & Mouse Island
- Ruins of the Basilica of Paleopolis
- Mon Repos Palace
- Church of the Holy Apostles Jason & Sosipater
- Anemomilos – Windmill of Garitsa
- Old Venetian fortress
- New Fortress
- Loggia San Giacomo – the Old Town Hall
- Catholic Cathedral of St. James & St. Christopher
- Metropolitan Church of the Virgin Mary Spiliotissa
- Conclusion: Kerkyra – A paradise for history and culture lovers
The 593-square-kilometer Greek island of Corfu captivates with a fascinating blend of ancient history, Venetian flair, and Mediterranean landscapes. Kerkyra (Corfu Town) in particular—with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town—is a popular destination for cruise passengers. But the surrounding area also has much to offer.
Corfu - hillside development near Kanoni
In this article we present the most beautiful sights in and around Kerkyra: ideal destinations for day trippers, cruise ship guests and Corfu fans.
Highlights outside of Corfu
Achilleion Palace – the summer residence of Empress Sisi
Visitors should not miss the magnificent Achilleion Palace, located just ten kilometers south of Corfu, which was built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria between 1890 and 1892. Surrounded by extensive gardens with sculptures, the palace is one of the island's most important sights.
Other destinations in the area
Paleokastritsa – Monastery and coastal romance
On the west coast, Paleokastritsa enchants with turquoise waters, hidden coves, and the Theotokos Monastery. From its clifftop, stunning views of the Corfu coastline open up.
Angelokastro – the Castel Sant’Angelo above the sea
High above the sea near Krini sits the ruins of the Byzantine fortress of Angelokastro. The castle was spectacularly situated, held a difficult position to capture, and offered impressive views over the island's west coast.
Korission Lake – lagoon idyll in the south
In the south lies the Korission Lagoon with dunes, flamingos (depending on the season) and miles of sandy beaches – a paradise for nature lovers.
Kassiopi – fishing village with history
The charming harbor town in the northeast attracts visitors with its ancient fortress, cozy taverns, and authentic island flair—perfect for a half-day trip.
The top sights in Kerkyra (Corfu Town)
The island's capital, Corfu Town (Kerkyra), is rich in attractions. For day visitors arriving by ferry or cruise ship, the visit can be quite challenging due to the sheer number of attractions. In such cases, we recommend a customized and well-structured program to experience as many of Corfu's highlights as possible within a few hours. Below are our top destinations, all of which are worth a visit:
Old Town of Corfu – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Corfu's old town presents itself to visitors as a labyrinth of alleys, colorful facades, small churches, and hidden squares. The architecture was successively influenced by the former ruling Venetians, the French, and the British. Corfu's old town is lively, charming, and steeped in history. Cafés, boutiques, and historic buildings invite you to stroll.
Spyridon Square and the Church of Saint Spyridon
The island's most important church, it is said, houses the relics of the patron saint Spyridon—an icon of the Orthodox faith. Legend has it that Spyridon saved the island of Corfu from plague, famine, and even an Ottoman siege. The frescoes and iconostasis are impressive examples of Greek church art.
Orthodox Church of St. Basil and St. Stephen
The church, built in the late 16th century by combining two previous buildings, is a jewel in Corfu's old town, combining history, art, and social engagement. The Venetian Orthodox style of the church and the impressive icon collection make it an interesting stop for visitors interested in art and culture. The iconostasis is considerably younger, dating from 1837.
Corfu - Church of St. Basil and St. Stephen
Corfu - Church of St. Basil and St. Stephen - Iconostasis
Church of St. John the Baptist
This small church is one of the oldest in Corfu. Quietly located on M. Theotoki Street, it offers a peaceful atmosphere and an ornate interior. In the past, it was the site of important Orthodox ceremonies.
Corfu - Church of Saint John the Baptist
Vlacherna Monastery & Mouse Island
From the Kanoni viewpoint – named after an old cannon – you can see the Vlacherna Monastery in the water, accessible via a footbridge, and the green Mouse Island (Pontikonisi) – one of the most photographed places in Greece.
Corfu - Kanoni Viewpoint
Corfu - Mouse Island
Ruins of the Basilica of Paleopolis
The remains of the 5th-century early Christian basilica near Mon Repos Park bear witness to the island's long religious tradition. The ruins are an important monument of early Christian architecture and are part of Corfu's cultural heritage.
Corfu - Ruins of the Basilica of Paleopolis
Mon Repos Palace
Once a summer residence of the British and later the Greek aristocracy, this mansion was the birthplace of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Consort of Queen Elizabeth II of England, in 1921. Today, it houses a small museum dedicated to the history of the ancient city of Paleopolis.
Church of the Holy Apostles Jason & Sosipater
This little-known but important cross-domed church from the Byzantine period is dedicated to two saints who once came to Corfu from Palestine. Their tombs are located here. Built around 1000 AD, the church is a place of quiet worship.
Anemomilos – Windmill of Garitsa
A romantic spot for strolls along the bay with views of the Old Town and the Old Fortress. The restored windmill is considered a symbol of the Garitsa district.
Corfu - Windmill of Garitsa
Old Venetian fortress
From the windmill, a two-kilometer-long path along the waterfront promenade leads to the Old Venetian Fortress. This imposing 15th-century fortress is located on a peninsula in front of the Old Town.
Corfu - Old Venetian Fortress - Museum
Corfu - Old Venetian Fortress - Museum
Once a protection against Ottoman attacks, it now houses a museum, a library – and the neoclassical
St. George's Church
Built by the British in the 19th century, it resembles an ancient temple. Today, it is used as a concert venue.
New Fortress
Despite its name, it also dates back to Venetian times. The "New Fortress" towers over the harbor and offers a unique view of the city and the sea. It is a place for history and architecture lovers.
Corfu - New Fortress
Loggia San Giacomo – the Old Town Hall
A baroque gem from the Venetian era, once a theater and meeting place for the nobility. Today, civil weddings are held here.
Corfu - Loggia San Giacomo
Catholic Cathedral of St. James & St. Christopher
The cathedral is the religious center of the Catholic community of Corfu. The cathedral houses the tomb of Saint Arsenius and was the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Corfu.
Corfu - Cathedral of St. James & St. Christopher
Corfu - Cathedral of St. James & St. Christopher
Metropolitan Church of the Virgin Mary Spiliotissa
Consecrated in 1577, this cathedral houses Byzantine icons and the relics of Saint Theodora of Augusta, a 9th-century Byzantine empress. Its Byzantine and Ionic icons are famous. The church is an important site for Orthodox believers.
Corfu - Metropolitan Church of the Virgin Mary Spiliotissa
Conclusion: Kerkyra – A paradise for history and culture lovers
Whether on your own or as part of a guided tour, the sights in Corfu and the surrounding area offer the right experience for every taste – especially for cruise guests with little time but a great desire to explore.
July 2025