Corfu our Barefoot Package
Old Town of Corfu
The Old Town of Corfu is is one of the most charming and romantic places in Greece and is also known for being a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has this accolade because of the stunning Venetian architecture and Byzantine art and history. By walking around the streets you can see the Venetian influences and you will be amazed of the beautiful buildings everywhere. The town was built between two fortresses which makes it wonderful to walk it.
Spianada Square
The Spianada square is one of the first thing you can see in the Old Town of Corfu island. It is the largest square in Greece and it is said to be the largest square in the Balkans, covering an area of 42,000 sq.m. with a perimeter of about 950 meters.
The square took its name from the Italian verb “spianare” (level) and very rightly so, since in 1576 the Venetians began the demolition of the houses in front of the Old Fortress, aiming at improving the defensive potential of the island. The French later on planted trees, creating the liveliest meeting point of modern life, combining it with the important events of the island.
The address is Viktoros Dousmani 70, Kerkira 491 00.
Liston Street
Liston is the name of a pedestrian street and district in the western edge of Spianada square. It was constructed during the French rule in the Ionian Islands (1807–1814) imitating the Rue de Rivoli.
It is one of the most popular sites in the city, with numerous coffee spots and restaurants. Liston is where Corfu citizens meet during their social outings since it was created. The famous Epitaph procession on Holy Friday, one of the traditional customs of Corfu Easter also takes place there. The cobbled Liston is also the main entrance to the narrow alleyways of Corfu’s Old Town, making it wonderful to walk.
Old Fortress
The Old Fortress of Corfu is one of the most impressive fortifications works in Europe. It stands on the eastern side of the town, on a rocky peninsula that gets into the sea.
Venetians separated the promontory from the rest of the city of Corfu by creating the Contrafossa as part of their defensive plans, a moat which is a sea channel connecting the Gulf of Corfu to the North with the Bay of Garitsa to the South, converting the citadel into an artificial island. This fortress is called Old in contrast to the New Fortress (of Saint Mark), that was also built to protect the town from enemies and pirates.
The opening hours are daily from 08:00a.m. – 08:00p.m.
The address is Corfu 491 00.
The Palace of St. Michael & St. George - Asian Art Museum
The Palace of St. Michael & St. George is the largest and the most significant building of the Ionian State period, which started in 1815 and ended in 1864 when the Ionian Islands were unified with the rest of Greece.
It was built at the request of the then British Lord High Commissioner, Sir Thomas Maitland, to become his own luxurious residence and to house the High Commissioner’s administrative headquarters, which was until then located in the Old Fortress. Today it houses the Museum of Asian Art and the Municipal Art Gallery.
The opening hours are daily from 08:30a.m. – 03:30p.m., Tuesday closed.
The address is Palea Anaktora, Kerkira 491 00.
Achilleion Palace
The Achilleion palace was built in Corfu for the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi, after a suggestion by the Austrian consul Alexander von Warsberg. Elisabeth was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of her only son, Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria, and a year after his loss she had this summer palace built as a refuge.
While you are visiting the palace you will see the Huge Statue of Achilles in the Garden of the palace. The palace is a treasure of cultural elements with Ancient Greek inspired masterpieces which decorate the place, so a visit while you are here at Easter time is a must!
The address is Achilleio 490 84.
For the Beach Lovers, a must seen List of Ionian Beaches
- Paleokastritsa beach is a curved beach for swimming & canoeing, which is bordered by rocky cliffs with caves accessible by boat. Paleokastritsa is arguably the most famous picturesque village of the island of Corfu located 23 km northwest of Corfu Town. The word Paleokastritsa literally means old fortress, witnessing the existence of such a castle on the rocky cave where now stands the Monastery of the Virgin. This cosmopolitan resort stretches along a coastal road around stunning bays and a picturesque harbor where the excursion boats depart for the nearby and isolated beaches.
- Glyfada beach is one of the most popular beaches of the island, Glyfada is located 15.5 km west of Corfu Town. It is awarded with the Blue Flag for its crystal-clear waters while the large surface of soft sand is surrounded by trees-covered cliffs and imposing rocky formations. The beach offers a wide variety of beach facilities like sunbeds and umbrellas, water sports facilities, shops and taverns. Glyfada attracts mostly young crowds, and it is usually busy. Glyfada is one of the best examples of the island’s sandy beaches.
- Halikounas beach is a nice alternative beach for peaceful holidays with sand dunes and wonderful crystalline waters which guarantee a fun swimming experience. It lacks any kind of tourist facilities thus it almost looks deserted. In case you don’t want to be at the centre of attention, there are some nice and isolated spots on either side of the beach for total privacy. Halikounas is ideal for those who love water sports as well. A road separates the beach with the famous Lake Korission, one of the main attractions of the area which is the home for numerous endangered bird species. It is nestled in the midst of green rolling hills where one comes across verdant olive groves, citrus orchards and beautiful vineyards.
- Barbati beach is resting on the edge of gentle hills sprawling away from the dominating presence of Mount Pantokrator. Barbati does not fall short of impressing and thrilling anyone who visits. It lies within a wildly verdant area, situated 19 km north of Corfu Town. It lies around the natural bay, one of the most impressive beaches of Corfu hugged by the lush green forests and verdurous hills. The beach itself is quite inviting for its crystalline waters and the white shiny pebbles.
Scuba diving in Corfu for beginners
An introduction to the fantastic sport of scuba (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving on a course that includes an open water dive and may count towards a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver qualification. The diving school is located in Paleokastritsa, on the West Coast of Corfu, which has some of the best dive sites in Greece.
Upon arrival you will be introduced to your PADI instructor and given all necessary diving equipment and shown how to operate it. You will be given a thorough introduction to scuba diving before you enter the water, after which you will be ready to start your dive.
The course duration is two hours, of which 40 minutes will be spent underwater.
Kitesurfing
Transportation in air-conditioned car with a driver to the kite surfing club and return. Kite, board and harness rental for 2 hours. An experienced Kite surfer knows that this is the fastest growing, extreme water sport and it has been said that anyone who tries kite surfing once will never go back to any other water sport!
The combination of water and air creates a sensation that is 3 dimensional, the added power of the pull of the kite is what makes kite surfing such an adrenalin rush. This is an opportunity to take a day out and try it in Corfu. Located at Halikounas beach on the Southwest coast of Corfu, the kite surfing station is ideally situated to catch the side shore. Northwest winds along the mile long sandy beach that will ensure optimum conditions for an experienced kite surfer.
Olive Oil Experience - The Governor's Olive Mill
In this tour you will have the chance to admire the untouched olive area and meet the resident olive expert in the groves. You will hear the story of the oldest olive variety in the world. Experience being an islander yourself.
When you arrive at the mill, enjoy the “taste like a pro” program to learn how the production is made, combining tradition with the latest technology. Later on, learn how to taste and recognize high-quality olive oil just as the professionals do. During the program, enjoy some olive delicacies with a local wine. At the end of the tour you will be awarded a certificate of participation.
The opening hours of Governor’s Olive Mill are Monday – Saturday from 9:00a.m. – 09:30p.m. and Sunday from 09:00a.m. – 05:00p.m.
The address of Governor’s Olive Mill is Agios Mattheos, Corfu 490 84.
Corfu Winery Tour with Wine Tasting at the Theotoky Estate
If you are a fan of organic wine and wine-tasting, this tour is for you! Visit this boutique vineyard and taste their delicious wines. You will visit a lovely estate in the Corfiot countryside and get to know the process of the wine and olive oil making from the collection of the grapes and olives, until the final product.
Then a tour of the winery facilities and cellar will take place with a detailed description of the wine and olive oil production. The tour concludes with a tasting of the Estate’s wines.
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, with tour guide. There is transportation with additional cost.
The opening hours of Theotokis Estate are Monday – Saturday from 10:30a.m. – 05:00p.m., Sundays are closed.
Theotokis Estate’s address is Koilada Ropa, Giannades, Corfu, 491 00.
Village of Afionas
The village of Afionas is one of the most beautiful villages in Corfu and a popular place to visit thanks to its dramatic location on the top of a hilly coastal headland with incredible views on either side. Porto Timoni beach which is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island, is located near the village of Afionas. In fact, it consists of two different but equally beautiful beaches that are separated by a strip of land, resulting in a unique formation that resembles a tombolo beach.
The village of Afionas is located in Ag. Georgios, Corfu, 490 81.
Paxos – Antipaxos Blue Caves day Tour from Corfu
Paxos is a verdant island with turquoise waters, picturesque villages, imposing cliffs and fantastic beaches. It is the smallest of the Ionian Islands and is located 7 nautical miles to the south of Corfu. The capital of Paxos is Gaios, an attractive port naturally protected by the two islets of the Panagia and Agios Nikolaos. The Blue Caves are widely considered among the Ionian Islands’ top natural attractions, but their remote shoreline location makes visiting independently a challenge.
On this tour, reach the caves with ease, with a round-trip transportation from your hotel which is included. With your guide to lead the way, you also take in top sites of interest including the peaceful village of Lakka, the soft-sand beaches of Paxos, and the island of Antipaxos. On Antipaxos there are vineyards producing an exceptional red wine and the renowned exotic beaches Vrika and Voutoumi.
New Fortress
Corfu has another fortress, the New Fortress. It is a Venetian fortress built on the hill of St. Mark in Corfu in stages. The original architect of the fort was the military engineer Ferrante Vitelli.
The current buildings which exist within the fortress were built by the British during their rule of the island. You will find the entrance at the end of a small hill and there is a small Catholic church adjacent to the entrance.
The opening hours are daily from 08:30a.m. – 03:30p.m., Tuesday closed.
The address is El. Venizelou 13, Kerkira 491 00.
Church of Agios Spyridon
While you are in Corfu island you should visit the Church of Agios Spyridon. It is a Greek Orthodox church located in Corfu, Greece with a single-nave basilica and a bell tower which is the highest in the Ionian Islands. It is the most famous church in Corfu, built in the 1580s and houses the relics of Saint Spyridon.
The opening hours are daily from o7:00a.m. – 08:00p.m.
The address is Saint Spyridon 32, Corfu 49100.
Village of Benitses
Not so far from the main town of Corfu, there is a nice, small fishing village, the village of Benitses. It is a charming combination of mountains and sea, just 15 minutes away from the town of Corfu. Benitses boasts a wonderful yacht harbour (Marina), a sandy beach, hotels nearby and restaurants, ready to satisfy even the most demanding guest.