Sun, beach and delicious cocktails – that just sounds like the perfect summer vacation, right? Whether in Holland, Malta or a vacation in Italy by the sea – after more than a year of the Corona pandemic, we are all longing for a little break and a few days away from stressful everyday life. Greece is also one of the most popular travel destinations for Germans and attracts thousands of tourists every year. The good news is that the beautiful country has no longer been considered a risk area since June 20th, so nothing stands in the way of our beach vacation. For example, would you like to go on a Corfu vacation? The intoxicating mix of picturesque villages, paradisiacal beaches, beautiful nature and historical monuments make the island one of the most beautiful places in Greece. Whether you are a beach holidaymaker or a culture lover – everyone will find their holiday happiness on Corfu! Pack your swimming trunks quickly, because below we will introduce you to the most beautiful places and beaches!
Is a vacation in Greece possible in 2021? These rules apply to tourists
Exciting cities, interesting sights, wonderful weather and beautiful beaches – it’s not without reason that Greece is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Germans. Although the nationwide incidence is higher than the corona incidence in Germany, the Robert Koch Institute no longer classifies the entire country as a corona risk area. The travel warning against non-essential trips has now been lifted and a Corfu holiday is possible again as long as you follow the rules. In general, proof of a negative PCR test, full vaccination or recovery is sufficient to enter the country.
However, the number of infections in Greece has increased significantly in recent weeks and the Delta variant has been detected in Crete. The Greek government responded to this with new restrictions and extended the nighttime curfew until July 12th. If you have booked a package tour and want to be on the safe side, it is best to choose one of the tour operators’ flex tariffs. Although you pay a little more, you can cancel your holiday free of charge at short notice if the Corona situation is too uncertain for you. You should note these entry requirements for Greece:
- As last year, all holidaymakers must register on the Civil Protection Authority website at least 24 hours before the trip and fill out the “Passenger Locator Form” online.
- Bars, clubs and restaurants are only allowed to open with capacity rules and seating is mandatory.
- A mask requirement applies in closed rooms as well as on buses, trains, taxis and on ferries.
- Historical monuments and archaeological sites are open and only groups of a maximum of 20 people are allowed to enter.
- Events (concerts, festivals and theaters) may take place with a maximum of 50 percent capacity and with seating.
When is the best time to travel to Corfu?
Corfu is both the seventh largest island in Greece and the second largest of the Ionian Islands and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to its vegetation, Corfu is also known as “the greenest island in Greece”. The Mediterranean climate makes Corfu the perfect destination for a sunny and relaxed beach holiday. In the months of July and August the temperatures are around 32 degrees and you can expect around 12 hours of sunshine per day, but also the most visitors. So September would be the best time for anyone who wants a quiet family vacation.
The most beautiful beaches for the perfect Corfu holiday
Corfu has been nominated several times for the World Travel Award as a destination with the most beautiful beaches and that doesn’t surprise us. Beautiful bays and fantastic beaches with crystal blue water stretch along the over 200 kilometer long coastal landscape, which always provide unforgettable memories. In contrast to the rest of the Greek islands, the beaches of Corfu are surrounded by greenery. Whether with family, friends, great beach bars or something more secluded – the island has something to offer for every type of beach! Since the beaches in the north have shallow water, they are ideal for a Corfu vacation with the children. And all party lovers will get their money’s worth in the very south!
Kavos Beach, south coast
Anyone who goes on holiday to Corfu can look forward to numerous great beaches with turquoise water. Our first tip fulfills this idea directly and is located in the south of the island. Kavos Beach is located approximately 50 kilometers from Corfu Town and is one of the most visited and active beaches on the island. With its numerous bars, taverns and beach clubs, Cavos Beach is an absolute party mecca and is particularly popular with younger tourists. But the beach has much more to offer than just parties and enchants visitors with excellent views of mainland Greece and the mountains. A water park and numerous water sports activities provide more variety and if you want to really relax in between, you can treat yourself to a massage directly on the beach.
Paradise Beach
The name of the beach already tells us what awaits us there. Picturesque, with large cliffs, crystal clear waters and pebble beaches – Paradise Beach is an absolute dream location and perfect for anyone looking for a beach that is simply different from the others. However, Paradise Beach is completely isolated from civilization and can only be reached by boat. Although it is a popular Corfu holiday destination, there is enough space so it doesn’t get too crowded even in high season. It is also important to know that Paradise Beach is not very developed for tourism and there are no lifeguards, toilets, cafes or restaurants.
Canal d’Amour Beach is an absolute must for your Corfu vacation
Pure romance! If there is one beach that you should definitely visit on your Corfu vacation, it is definitely Canal d’Amour Beach. The beach is approximately 20 minutes from the fascinating village of Sidari and is located on the northwestern tip of Corfu. The beautiful place is considered the symbol of the island, is a real natural wonder and its very special history will simply blow you away! The impressive sandstone transformations form a canal that leads inland. The beach got its name from a legend – according to which women who swim through the canal and think of the man of their dreams will soon meet him or, if they have already found him, get married.
Afionas Beach (Porto Timoni)
Afionas Beach has several names: it is still called Porto Timoni and is also known as the twin or butterfly beach because of its unique shape. The two beaches lie opposite each other like two butterfly wings and promise two completely different experiences. While one borders on a bay, the other leads directly into the open sea. The sand and pebble beach in the east is also a little more pleasant than the quite rocky beach in the west. Since the two bays are only a few meters apart, you can try both and see for yourself. For an unforgettable swimming experience, bring your snorkel and explore the unique underwater world with its numerous fish. To get the perfect view of the most beautiful sunset on Corfu, you should definitely take a short hike to the so-called donkey meadow in the evening.
Agios Georgios Beach
The bay of Agios Georgios Pagi is located on the northwest coast and is only 30 kilometers from the island’s capital. Since the water slopes very gently into the sea, the beach is ideal for a Corfu vacation with children. Active holidaymakers will also get their money’s worth, as the range of water sports on offer is quite huge – from surfing and diving to water skiing and sailing, absolutely everything is included. The bay is away from mass tourism and is therefore still one of the insider tips on Corfu. The water is of excellent quality and the beach has already been awarded the blue flag. And for a little hunger in between, you can enjoy Greek cuisine in the many taverns and restaurants!
The most popular Corfu attractions
Not only beach vacationers get their money’s worth on a Corfu vacation, but also culture enthusiasts and curious adventurers. The beautiful island is very diverse and, in addition to beautiful beaches, also offers an interesting historical past and many sights that you should see.
Corfu town
A long walk through Corfu Town should be part of the standard program on every Corfu vacation! Corfu Town, also known as Kèrkyra, is the capital of the island and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A fantastic market square with lots of cafés and boutiques, narrow streets and cobblestones – there you will find everything you could wish for in a cozy holiday town. Corfu Town exudes a maritime flair and the influence of the Venetians is clearly noticeable. The appearance and architecture of the beautiful houses is very reminiscent of Venice and hardly of a Greek island. As you stroll through the city, be sure to stop by the town hall! The building was built in 1663 – when Corfu was still under Venetian rule. The town hall itself is home to numerous taverns and restaurants where you can enjoy Corfiot cuisine. In the old town you will find another attraction in Corfu, namely the St. Spyridon Church. It was built in the 16th century and is dedicated to Saint Agios Spiridon, the island’s patron saint.
Old fortress
Once in the old town, you should definitely visit the Old Fortress of Corfu, which was built by the Venetians in the 16th century. It is located on a small island and can only be reached via a bridge. However, the interior of the building was built by the English in the 19th century, so you will see various historical influences throughout the fortifications. Anyone interested in history should visit the museum there. And if you don’t – you can simply enjoy the wonderful view of the old town of Corfu from the highest point of the fortress!
Achilleion Palace
The Achilleion Palace is another highlight on Corfu and will not only delight real Sissi fans. Did you know that the Austrian Empress fell in love with the island on her first visit to Corfu? When she saw the Vila Braila, Sisi had it converted into a castle – and that’s how the Achilleion was built in 1890. The palace was named after the Greek hero Achilles and is one of the most popular attractions in Corfu. The property consists of an impressive villa with numerous ceiling paintings and a magnificent garden full of flowers and plants. The Achilleion is now open to visitors as a museum and you will be greeted directly at the reception by the large statue of Empress Sissi. And something for all cinema fans – the film “For your Eyes Only” from the James Bond series was actually filmed in this magnificent palace!
Paleokastritsa and the Vlacherna Monastery
Paleokastritsa is located about 20 kilometers northwest of Corfu Town and is probably the most famous picturesque spot on the island. The village offers a variety of local taverns with excellent views of the blue bay and the sandy and pebble beaches provide the ultimate bathing pleasure. Although Paleokastritsa is one of the main tourist attractions, the settlement has retained its traditional character and charm. According to one legend, this was the last place Odysseus visited before returning home. And something for all animal lovers – the Corfu Donkey Rescue is one of the top activities in Paleokastrtisa. The organization’s goal is to provide shelter for homeless donkeys. Why donkeys, you may ask? Well, the animals used to be a very important means of transport and work aid for the locals. All visitors can spend time with the donkeys and feed them. There is no entry fee, but as it is a charity, a donation is very welcome.
And while you’re in Paleokastritsa, be sure to visit the Vlacherna Monastery, which sits on its own island jutting out into the sea. The monastery is open all year round and can only be reached on foot via a footbridge. Also worth a visit is the Byzantine Chapel on the small island of Pondikonisi, which translates to Mouse Island. It gets its name from its shape, as it looks like a mouse from above. The island is quite small and can be explored on foot in about 15 minutes, but a short trip is definitely worth it.
Pantocrator for an active Corfu holiday
Do you want to stay active on vacation or do you need a little break from sunbathing? How about climbing Pantocrator, the highest peak on the island? It is located in the north-east of Corfu and, at around 900 meters above sea level, offers a fantastic view of the entire island, the sea and nature. And if you’re lucky, you can even see all the way to Albania from the summit on a clear day! If you prefer to take a more relaxed approach, you can save yourself the climb and drive up the Pantocrator in a car.
