With its golden sands and crystal clear waters, you’d be forgiven for wanting to spend every minute of your Corfu holiday on its many sun-drenched beaches. However, once you tear yourself away from the island’s tranquil shores, you’ll find that there’s an awful lot more waiting to be discovered.
The island of Corfu, the most northerly in the Ionian archipelago, is rich in history, culture and nature. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the activities you can get involved in on your Corfu holiday, from horseback riding in the Erimitis nature reserve to boat tours to idyllic bays.
Corfu Holidays: 7 Outdoorsy Activities to Try
1. Explore Corfu’s interior by bike
It’s not easy to drag yourself away from Corfu’s unbelievable coastline, but with so much waiting to be discovered in the island’s interior, you’ll be well rewarded if you do. According to the luxury villa rental company The Thinking Traveller, one of the best ways to explore the rugged terrain, olive groves and medieval towns is undoubtedly by bike.
They recommend you leave the beaten track and, instead, explore authentic Corfu. There you’ll be able to discover old villages with family-owned restaurants serving traditional food and find a spot to rest among the shady olive groves.
The forest tracks of the Pantokrator mountain range provide challenging routes if you’re happy to exert yourself, while the island’s many paths and flower-bordered donkey tracks allow you to explore at your own pace if you prefer.
2. Sample Corfu’s famous olive oil
Despite being just 64km long and 32km wide, Corfu is known around the world as a leading producer of olive oil. In fact, there are more than four million olive trees on the island, some of which are 500 years old.
Some of the most famous olive oil producers on the island, including The Governor, Mavroudis and Theotoky Estate, offer tours of their ancient groves and mills, along with tasting sessions that allow you to sample their finest extra virgin oils. You’ll enjoy the oils paired with traditional delicacies such as feta, handmade crackers and local wine, and learn about the health benefits of this delicious oil.
Source: Greeka
3. Set sail to blue lagoons and nearby islands
No matter how hard you resist, you’ll always be dragged back to the serenity and beauty of Corfu’s coastline. Undoubtedly the best way to explore the idyllic bays and nearby Ionian islands is by boat, and there’s certainly plenty to see.
The picturesque islands of Paxos and Antipaxos are a short sail away (just over an hour). On the small island of Paxos, you’ll find picture-postcard scenery with clear aquamarine seas and pebble beaches that must be seen to be believed. Once you’ve finished exploring, you can take in the views at a seafront taverna while enjoying some souvlaki or other delicious and traditional Greek cuisine.
Just 7km across the Ionian Sea is the neighbouring island of Antipaxos, which is famed for its sandy beaches with shallow, crystal clear waters. That makes it an absolute must for an afternoon swim.
There’s also plenty you can explore by boat on Corfu itself. A boat trip around the north of the island will reveal some hidden inlets and idyllic bays that will take your breath away. In the northeast, Kerasia Beach, Agni Beach and Avlaki Beach are must-sees, while in the northwest, Paleokastritsa and Angelokastro Castle are cultural attractions away from the shoreline.
4. See Corfu on horseback
For Corfu holidays that dreams are made of, mount a horse and get an entirely new perspective. You can ride through the island’s untouched forests and over sand dunes or gallop across some of the secret beaches of Corfu. There are many different horseback tours on the island, so whether you’re new to the saddle or a more experienced rider, you’re sure to find something that suits you.
Source: Matt Barrett’s Greece Travel Guide
5. Explore the old town of Corfu (Kerkyra)
No holiday to Corfu is complete without an amble around the pedestrian-only streets of the old town of Corfu. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the eighth century BCE and centres around three forts, designed by renowned Venetian engineers, that were used to defend the maritime interests of the island against the Ottoman Empire.
During your stroll, there are a few sights that you should be sure to take in before you take a seat in the neoclassical old quarter for a well-earned drink, including the Statue of Georgios Theotokis, the Liston, Spilias Square and Saint Spyridon Church.
Source: Food Fun Travel
6. Gorge on Corfiot cuisine
Corfiot cuisine or, in other words, the traditional food of Corfu is some of the best you’re likely to experience anywhere in Europe. If impossibly fresh seafood and veal are two of your favourite ingredients, then prepare to be spoiled. Some of the traditional dishes of Corfu that you can’t miss include:
- Sofrito – Thin slices of veal fried with a white wine sauce served with chips or mashed potatoes
- Patitsada – A delicious casserole dish consisting of pasta and veal or beef that’s cooked with chilli peppers, garlic, onions, wine, cloves, olive oil, cinnamon, fresh tomatoes and grated kefalotyri
- Savoro – A spicy sauce that is paired with fried fish and is made using high-quality olive oil, laurel, raisins, garlic and rosemary; definitely one for the seafood lover
Source: Greeka
7. Watch the sunset at Loggas Beach
Loggas Beach is considered to be one of the best spots to watch the sunset on the island. Whether you descend to the narrow beach, take a spot on one of the towering cliffs or perch in the clifftop taverna, you’re sure to enjoy a memorable evening on your Corfu holiday.
Stay Safe During Your Corfu Holiday
We’re all itching to start travelling again, and as some European countries begin to open up to tourism, you must be aware of the rules that apply in your country of departure and arrival. That will help you to stay safe, protect the people around you and enjoy a wonderful Corfu holiday. Here’s more information about how to travel safely in COVID times.
