Top 5 Must-See Places to Discover in Corfu

With its colourful villages, turquoise coves and UNESCO-listed Venetian heritage, Corfu is one of the most attractive Greek islands in the Ionian Sea.

Affordable and easily accessible from across Europe, the island appeals equally to travellers seeking authenticity and buyers looking for a second home in Greece.

From idyllic beaches and characterful villages to hidden gems, here are five essential places to discover the full diversity of the island.


1. Corfu Town, Venetian elegance
2. Paleokastritsa, between cliffs and crystal-clear waters
3. Kassiopi, the discreet charm of the north-east
4. Inland villages, another side of Corfu
5. Paxos and Antipaxos, the must-do excursion

1. Corfu Town, Venetian elegance

It is impossible to visit Corfu without wandering through its capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cobbled streets, colourful façades, centuries-old palaces and lively squares create a refined setting where it is a pleasure to get lost.

Highlights of Corfu Town:

• The Old Town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its maze of cobbled alleys and shaded squares.
• The Liston and Spianada Square: elegant arcades inspired by Paris's Rue de Rivoli line the largest square in the Balkans.
• The Old Fortress: built and later reinforced by the Venetians, it offers one of the finest panoramic views over the town and the Ionian Sea.
• Kanoni and the Vlacherna Monastery: located just a few minutes from the centre, this iconic site offers the famous view of Pontikonissi (Mouse Island).

Beyond its historic charm inherited from four centuries of Venetian rule, Corfu Town also attracts those wishing to enjoy island life all year round thanks to its shops, restaurants and infrastructure. Properties located within the Old Town or on the surrounding hillsides remain particularly sought-after.

Expect to pay around €300,000 for a house requiring renovation, while renovated homes in the historic centre or residential districts generally range between €400,000 and €800,000, with exclusive properties commanding considerably higher prices.
 

2. Paleokastritsa, between cliffs and crystal-clear waters

Located on the west coast, Paleokastritsa offers some of Corfu's most spectacular scenery. Its coves, surrounded by lush cliffs and sometimes accessible only by boat, are among the most beautiful in Greece.
 

Highlights of Paleokastritsa:

• The Monastery of Paleokastritsa: perched on a rocky promontory, this 13th-century Orthodox monastery offers magnificent views over the Ionian Sea and houses a small museum of religious artefacts.
• The sea caves: accessible only by boat, the famous Blue Caves are among the region's must-see attractions.

Highly popular with holidaymakers, this area also attracts buyers looking for a sea-view villa in an unspoilt natural setting. The property market mainly consists of villas with swimming pools, traditional stone houses and hillside properties overlooking the bays. Renovation projects start at around €300,000, while sea-view villas generally begin at approximately €700,000, with exceptional properties comfortably exceeding €1 million.
 

3. Kassiopi, the discreet charm of the north-east

Once a fishing village, Kassiopi has become one of the island's most desirable addresses while preserving its authenticity despite growing popularity among international visitors. With its charming harbour lined with tavernas, crystal-clear waters and elegant atmosphere, Kassiopi perfectly embodies the Mediterranean lifestyle. Among its greatest assets are its proximity to some of Corfu's most beautiful coves and its spectacular views towards the Albanian coastline.
 

Highlights of Kassiopi:

• Kassiopi Harbour: the heart of the village, lined with tavernas, cafés and boutiques where visitors can enjoy a typically Mediterranean atmosphere.
• Kassiopi Byzantine Castle: perched on the hillside, it offers superb views over the village and the Albanian coast.
• Boat excursions: ideal for exploring secluded north-eastern coves accessible only by sea.
• Bataria, Kanoni and Pipitou beaches: small pebble coves renowned for their transparent waters, perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Particularly popular with international buyers, north-eastern Corfu mainly features contemporary villas with pools, renovated traditional houses and prestigious sea-view properties. It is one of the island's most upscale property markets: while entry-level properties start at around €400,000 to €500,000, sea-view villas frequently exceed €1 million. Prime waterfront properties can reach several million euros.
 

4. Inland villages, another side of Corfu

Far from the lively coastline, Corfu's countryside reveals a more authentic island, with rolling green hills, centuries-old olive groves and traditional villages. These preserved localities provide an opportunity to discover Corfiot heritage, a slower pace of life and spectacular views over the Ionian Sea. It is the ideal escape for those wishing to experience a more confidential side of Corfu.
 

Highlights of Corfu's countryside:

• Bella Vista viewpoint in Lakones: located in the nearby village of Lakones, this viewpoint offers one of the finest panoramas over the bays of Paleokastritsa.
• The central square of Doukades: surrounded by traditional houses, old cafés and tavernas, it perfectly reflects the authentic atmosphere of this Corfiot village.
• The Venetian houses of Old Perithia: founded in the 14th century on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator, this restored village showcases traditional Corfiot architecture in a timeless setting.
• The hiking trail from Spartilas to Mount Pantokrator: particularly popular with walkers, it crosses olive groves and forests before reaching the summit, which offers spectacular views over Corfu and Albania.
• Pantokrator Monastery: located at the summit of the mountain of the same name, this historic site offers one of the island's most impressive viewpoints.

Property in inland Corfu mainly consists of traditional stone houses, village homes requiring renovation and properties surrounded by olive groves. Prices are generally more affordable than on the coast. Renovation projects can be found from around €150,000, while renovated properties with land usually range between €300,000 and €600,000 depending on location and views.
 

5. Paxos and Antipaxos, the must-do excursion

From Corfu harbour, numerous excursions allow visitors to reach Paxos and Antipaxos in less than an hour. Renowned for their translucent waters and preserved landscapes, these small islands offer a timeless escape.
 

Highlights of Paxos and Antipaxos:

• Gaios Harbour in Paxos: the island's capital, this charming harbour lined with colourful houses, cafés and tavernas forms the lively heart of Paxos.
• The Blue Caves on Paxos's west coast: accessible only by boat, these impressive marine caves are among the most spectacular natural sites in the Ionian Sea.
• The village of Lakka: located in northern Paxos, this small harbour surrounded by turquoise waters is famous for its idyllic setting and sheltered beaches.
• Voutoumi Beach on Antipaxos: with its white sand and turquoise waters reminiscent of the Caribbean, it is considered one of Greece's most beautiful beaches.
• The vineyards of Antipaxos: the almost uninhabited island is known for its small vineyards producing local wines in an unspoilt environment.

Due to the scarcity of available properties, Paxos boasts one of the most exclusive real estate markets in the Ionian Sea. The market mainly comprises traditional stone houses, sea-view villas with swimming pools and character properties surrounded by olive trees. Entry-level houses are generally priced between €350,000 and €500,000, while the budget for a sea-view villa often exceeds €1 million.
 

Want to extend the experience?

For many visitors, discovering Corfu acts as a turning point: a few holidays on the island are often enough to inspire a second-home project in the Ionian Sea.

Whether you are looking for a traditional village house, an apartment in the Old Town or a sea-view villa, Corfu offers a wide range of properties suited both to holidays and to a second-home project in Greece.


Discover all real estate listings in Corfu on Meretdemeures.com:




These articles may also interest you:
Top 10 destinations for unforgettable holidays in Greece
Top 5 Ionian Islands to visit during your holidays in Greece
Buying a house in Greece: practical guide and advice
Buying an island in Greece: everything you need to know