What to see in Corfu by car – route, photo, description, map
The fertile island of Corfu impresses with its captivating beauty of diverse nature. Picturesque resort corners offer tourists the opportunity to combine a beach holiday with exciting walks and sightseeing of significant sights. The cultural heritage of the region is of historical value for humanity. Planning an independent trip around the island will answer the question – what to see in Corfu by car.
Benefits of car rental
Traveling around the island of Corfu by car promises tourists a lot of unforgettable experiences. In order to make your vacation more extravagant and comfortable, you should use the services of car rental. The main advantage of an independent trip is independence from excursion routes, mobility of movement, free access to attractions and the ability to view exotic places in a short time.
Corfu is full of numerous picturesque villages filled with a special original atmosphere. Renting a car will allow vacationers to get to the most secluded corners dominated by bewitching landscapes. Making a route from north to west, and then to the south, tourists will be saturated with views of a variety of natural landscapes that can be admired for as long as you like.
gouvia
The modern resort of Gouvia occupies the east coast of Corfu. The once prosperous Venetian harbor, and now a cozy and lively village, is located eight kilometers from the capital of Kerkyra. This picturesque area attracts tourists with its magnificent nature: green hills, sheer cliffs, olive groves, lush forests and the azure waters of the Ionian Sea.
In Gouvies, you can have a great time both on sandy and pebbly, clean, well-maintained beaches. Fans of outdoor activities can enjoy all kinds of water attractions that will bring a lot of positive emotions. Luxurious yachts and ships are moored in the calm bay. The tourist village has preserved many historical sights.
Among them, the majestic arches of the Venetian shipyard stand out, where various ships were built and repaired at the beginning of the 18th century. A small snow-white church rises on the shore of the bay. Numerous ancient Greek taverns warmly welcome visitors.
Ipsos
Along the amazing two-kilometer pebble-sand beach, which extends near the main highway, is the village of Ipsos. It is framed by mountain ranges, the slopes of which are covered with the emerald green of centuries-old olive groves. Orange and lemon trees fill the air with amazing citrus scents.
Despite the small territory, Ipsos has a developed infrastructure. There are hotel complexes, a bank branch, a shopping center, supermarkets and rental offices of any type of transport. The magnificent coastal strip brought special popularity to the resort. For the cleanliness of the sea bay and comfortable conditions for staying on the coast, the well-maintained beach was awarded the Blue Flag.
At the disposal of tourists are water attractions and sports grounds, taverns and bars, discos and restaurants. The beach area is divided into sectors so that lovers of calm swimming and sunbathing do not experience discomfort from the neighborhood with supporters of active noisy recreation.
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Kalami
One of the most secluded and quiet places on the island of Corfu is the original town of Kalami. It is located 30 kilometers north of Kerkyra. The natural landscapes of the region amaze with their beauty and well-groomedness. The coast of the resort is shaped like an amphitheater, which is fenced on both sides with rocky ledges. High hills with lush green vegetation protect the Kalami coastline from cold winds and big waves of the azure Ionian Sea.
In Kalami, travelers can enjoy a quiet and relaxing holiday in the bosom of pristine nature, away from the hustle and bustle of megacities. The crystal clear bay and picturesque landscapes attract a considerable number of holidaymakers. Leaving the car in the free public parking, tourists can take a walk to the nearby beaches.
A breathtaking panoramic view opens from the hills to the natural harbors, surrounded by relic pines and spruces. Guests are provided with a wide range of marine entertainment: water skiing and catamarans, yachting and boat trips, swimming with a mask and flippers. On the shore there are taverns, bars and shops.
Acharavi
The village of Acharavi is located on a small flat area surrounded by mountain ranges. A wonderful resort corner is buried in the greenery of pomegranate, almond and orange trees. Along the long coast, washed by the warm waters of the Ionian Sea, lies the central street with all kinds of hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops and entertainment venues.
The main place of attraction for tourists is the seven-kilometer beach covered with golden sand and small pebbles. It has everything you need for a complete and first-class holiday. The beach is equipped with resort accessories: sun loungers, shady canopies, showers and changing rooms. In coastal taverns, you can taste local cuisine and quench your thirst with soft drinks.
Pantocrator
One of the most popular attractions in the northern part of Corfu is the majestic Mount Pantokrator. Its height is about 900 meters above sea level. From the top of the mountain range, there is an amazing panoramic view of the surroundings of the island, the azure sea bay and the nearby coast of Albania. The viewing radius exceeds 130 kilometers. Climbing Pantokrator will leave vivid and memorable impressions of the trip.
A narrow winding road with steep ascents leads to the highest point of Corfu. Having overcome a difficult and long path, tourists will face stunning landscapes, as well as see a telecommunications tower and an ancient monastery. The monastery, which has survived to this day, was built in the 17th century. The monastic buildings are made of gray stone without architectural frills. Of interest is the temple of the monastery. Its walls and ceiling are painted with colorful frescoes.
Perisia
At the foot of the mountain ranges lies the semi-abandoned village of Perisia. This oldest settlement on the island of Corfu was founded in the 14th century. The village served as a safe haven from the raids of sea pirates. From here, the sea bay is perfectly visible, while Perisia itself cannot be seen from the coast. Here, history lovers can feel the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Ancient buildings and churches have been preserved in the alpine village. Many buildings have long since turned into ruins.
But against the backdrop of picturesque landscapes, there are special sensations of delight. Tourists will pass dilapidated dilapidated houses with boarded up shutters and collapsed roofs. The ancient masonry of houses has sprouted with shrubs and trees. Walking along deserted paths among abandoned buildings, guests of Perisia suddenly discover numerous taverns. The small local population of the village is mainly engaged in sheep breeding and beekeeping.
Cedar
A picturesque winding highway running through the green hills will lead auto travelers to the popular resort of Sidari. This is a lively corner where the main street runs along the coast with eateries, bars, nightclubs and taverns. Olive groves, oak forests and cypress plantations along the alleys grow on the territory of the region.
Cozy bays with snow-white beaches and turquoise sea bays are a valuable natural asset of Sidari. The attention of numerous tourists is attracted by the unique coastline, framed by high sandstone capes. Bizarrely shaped rock formations as a result of weathering have created a unique and amazing landscape.
Sandstones stretching into the sea for 300 meters form a narrow channel between them. The coastline is replete with grottoes and miraculous sculptures, washed out by water from soft rock. The beach area is filled with all the resort attributes. Tourists are offered a wide range of entertainment for every taste. These are water sports, boat trips, diving and much more.
Paleocastric
The expressive pearl of Corfu is the village of Paleokastritsa, located 25 kilometers from Corfu. The resort area is famous for its magnificent landscapes, admiring which leaves an indelible impression. Sheer cliffs descending to the turquoise bays of the Ionian Sea create a cascade of cozy bays with golden sandy beaches.
The slopes of the mountains are covered with dense and lush coniferous vegetation, which creates a delightful picture for connoisseurs of bewitching nature. The resort has a developed hotel infrastructure. There are excellent restaurants and taverns serving traditional Greek dishes. Vacationers can go on a boat trip along the coast, indented by majestic rocky cliffs.
On the top of one of the hills of the village rises the active male monastery of Teotoku, founded in the 13th century. On the territory of the Lavra there is a museum exhibition of icons adorned with precious stones and Orthodox church attributes. From the observation deck of the monastery garden, a wonderful view of the vast expanses of the boundless sea and the cliffs rising up opens up.
Lacones
Having parked the car in Paleokastirica, travelers can go on a hiking expedition towards the village of Lacones. It is located at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level. The fascinating route runs through olive groves, flower gardens, wooded areas and a rocky gorge. Having reached the goal, tourists will appear before the labyrinths of narrow streets. Numerous ancient buildings are literally scattered along the slope, immersed in the greenery of Mediterranean vegetation.
Roads along the houses built in the XVIII-XIX centuries lead to the central square of the village. Of particular value is the observation deck of Lacones. From the highest point, enchanting landscapes and an excellent panorama of the sea bay with rocky bays open up. From here you can see the beautiful monastery of Paleokastirica, surrounded by green hills.
Angelokastro
At the top of the sheer cliff of the resort coast of Paleokastritsa, there is an expressive monument of medieval architecture – the Byzantine castle of Angelokastro. The height of the cliff on which the fort rises is about 300 meters above sea level. The once impregnable fortress, built in the 13th century, occupied a strategically significant position for many centuries.
It served as a defense of the island of Corfu from pirate raids and steadfastly withstood the assaults of enemy invaders. The fortification was a fortified citadel with powerful walls, loopholes, towers and underground passages. Today the castle is in a dilapidated state. Tourists can take an interesting walk through the territory of Angelokastro.
Here you can see water tanks, ruins of buildings and towers, as well as two ancient chapels with frescoes and icons. From the walls of the fortress, stunning views of the turquoise-blue sea, hills with emerald greenery and the coast of Corfu open up. Independent tourists can get to the castle by car along a narrow serpentine. There is parking at the foot of the cliff. A gentle stone staircase leads through olive groves to the main gate of the fortress.
Agios Georgios (west)
The resort village of Agios Georgios occupies the northwestern part of the island of Corfu. The Greek resort corner is ideal for those who appreciate a quiet and secluded holiday among the pristine delightful nature. There are no significant attractions and noisy entertainment venues, which allows tourists to fully enjoy the tranquil environment on the delightful coastline. The long coast of the resort is covered with golden velvet sand.
The beach is surrounded by green hills and pine groves. The emerald bay of the Ionian Sea impresses with its crystal clearness and transparency. The descent into the water is gentle. Sandy seabed without a single stone. Tourists are offered sun loungers and sun umbrellas, as well as opportunities to do all kinds of water sports. Lovers of a secluded quiet holiday can settle down on the “wild” parts of the coast, where there are no beach paraphernalia. Guests of the beach can use the services of a tavern and a cafe.
Afionas
Worth a visit is the picturesque village of Afionas, located on the edge of a rocky promontory on a small peninsula on the northwestern coast of the island. The village was built in such a way that amazing landscapes open up from all its sides. The azure sea bay, green hills and majestic rock formations give the region a unique charm.
Afionas welcomes its guests with a labyrinth of narrow streets with romantic courtyards literally immersed in flower gardens. The snow-white facades of ancient stone houses are decorated with window shutters and blue-colored doors. There is a chapel on the main square of the village. One of the picturesque paths leads to a double bay with turquoise bays.
Benitses
The town of Benitses is surrounded by majestic mountains, sprouted with dense vegetation. Tourists flock here to take a break from the hustle and bustle. The resort has a developed infrastructure. Cozy streets are full of shop windows and signs of shops, restaurants and supermarkets. Hotels and guest houses lined the embankment. The local pebble beach has been awarded the Blue Flag award for its crystal clear sea bay and cleanliness of the coast.
The coastline is landscaped with all the attributes of a comfortable stay. In Benitses, you can appreciate the exhibits of the Maritime Museum, which contains an impressive collection of shells, stuffed animals of various inhabitants of the underwater world, fossils and corals. The ruins of ancient Roman baths dating back to the 3rd century BC have been preserved on the territory of the resort.
Connoisseurs of works of sculptural and artistic art are advised to visit the Achilleion palace complex. It is located in the vicinity of the village, which will not be difficult to reach by car. In the halls of the palace, paintings and sculptures are exhibited, which represent the plots of myths about the famous heroes of the Iliad. Luxurious interior elements attract attention: painted ceilings, graceful flowerpots and Doric columns. The mansion houses rare pieces of furniture and jewelry from the 19th century.
Mesons
Mesongi village greets its guests warmly. The resort occupies a flat area dotted with olive groves and other Mediterranean plants. The Greek town is a quiet place where there is everything you need for a harmonious and comfortable stay. The village has hotels, bars, taverns and various shops. The wide sandy beach is the main asset of Mesonga. The coastline has been awarded the UNESCO Blue Flag and has a developed infrastructure.
Long shallow water and a gentle descent into the water allow young and adult vacationers to enjoy swimming in the warm aquamarine bay. The entertainment program includes: water skiing and catamarans, banana boat rides, boat trips, diving. Four kilometers from Mesonga are the ruins of the ancient Byzantine fortress of Gardiki. The octagonal building with mighty fortifications dates back to the 13th century. Of interest are the ruins of the citadel and the remains of a stone chapel.
Lefkimi
Lefkimi is a fertile flat pearl in the southern part of Corfu. A trip to this city provides tourists with the opportunity to get acquainted with the traditional Greek way of life. Here you can feel the unique colorful atmosphere of the picturesque quarters with ancient stone houses and ancient churches. Cedar forests and olive groves create life-giving coolness on a hot day. Narrow quiet streets are dotted with orange trees and fragrant flower gardens.
A narrow channel passes through Lefkimi, connecting the lake with the Ionian Sea. Cozy taverns are located along it, where hospitable hosts treat their visitors with homemade dishes of national cuisine. Walking around the city, travelers can see several ancient temples. The church of Aiy-Anariiri attracts attention with two high towers of bell towers. Of interest is the majestic orange dome of the shrine of Agios Arsegnos.
Cavos
At the southern tip of Corfu is the popular resort of Kavos. It occupies a moderately hilly area surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Rocky coastlines, olive groves, coniferous and citrus trees make an indelible impression. The region is aimed at lovers of active pastime and daring nightlife. There are many clubs, bars, restaurants and discos here. Incendiary parties are held at prestigious dance floors with the participation of world-famous DJs.
Kavos does not have historical and cultural attractions. The highlight of the resort is a long and narrow sandy strip. It lasts for several hundred meters and ends in countless wild bays. The central part of the beach offers vacationers all kinds of water attractions. The popularity of Kavos is favored by the warm, shallow bay of the Ionian Sea.
Agios Georgios (south)
The resort town of Agios Georgios is famous for its wide beach lined with velvety sand. It is spread between two rocky capes 30 kilometers south of Kerkyra. The village is popular with families with children, couples and lovers of a relaxing holiday. There is a wide selection of star hotels. There are many bars, taverns and various shops.
First of all, auto travelers are advised to go to the coast, washed by the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea. The coastline was awarded the Blue Flag honorary symbol. Vacationers have access to a set of developed beach infrastructure: sun loungers, umbrellas, changing rooms, showers and water attractions. After swimming in the aquamarine bay and sunbathing, tourists can enjoy culinary delights at one of the local traditional restaurants.
Lake Corisson
The program of an exciting car trip around the island of Corfu should include a visit to Lake Korisson. You can get to it by car if you drive about 30 kilometers southwest of the capital Corfu. The picturesque freshwater area is separated from the sea bay by a narrow sandy strip. The reservoir with its surroundings is an amazing ecosystem. Velvety dunes, local flora and fauna create wonderful conditions for a walk in the bosom of pristine nature.
The shores of the lake are covered with cedar and juniper forests, as well as thickets of various wild plants: dense herbs and shrubs. An amazing corner is chosen by white herons, pink flamingos, ibises, ducks, turtles and lizards. On the sandy spit between the sea and the lake, there is a beach area where tourists can enjoy a secluded vacation. Swimming is allowed only in the azure sea bay. It is forbidden to take water procedures in the lake.
Agias Mateos
A special atmosphere of antiquity dominates in the small mountain village of Agias Mateos. The village is surrounded by dense forest and stands on a hillside. Here, time seems to have stood still, which allows tourists to feel the original way of life of the local population. The narrow streets are densely built up with old houses. From all corners of the village you can see from afar the high bell tower of the church, which symbolizes the centuries-old spiritual heritage of the local population. Residents of Agias Mateos sell various organic products of their own production. These are jam, honey, dried fruits, jams, olive oil and homemade preserves.
The village is framed by a calm coastal strip, where there are no crowds of vacationers, making noise and creating fuss. The magnificent beach is covered with soft white sand. The entrance to the emerald sea bay is quite gentle. Travelers are advised to stay on the coast until sunset. At this time, delightful evening pictures of pacifying landscapes appear. The sun setting below the horizon paints the area in pink hues.
Pelekas
At an altitude of 270 meters above sea level is the traditional Corfiot village of Pelekas. It occupies a picturesque green valley near one of the numerous hills of the island. In this small town, tourists can fully get an idea of the national color of Greece and feel the spirit of sunny Corfu.
There are no historical sights here, but a walk along the snow-white paths of narrow streets with ancient stone houses and small chapels will not leave anyone indifferent. The village of Pelekas has gained wide popularity due to the observation deck – “The Throne of the Kaiser”. It was a favorite place of the German Emperor Wilhelm. He regularly came here to climb to the top of the cliff and admire the amazing panorama of Corfu.