May 25, 2023 BY Luke Rees
The Greek island of Corfu, is a remarkable blend of captivating history, rich culture and a hub for best Ionian adventures in Greece. Much more than just a beach holiday, the top Corfu activities keep holiday-makers entertained and attract adventurous visitors from around the world.
From sailing across the pristine Ionian waters to paragliding from the peaks to conquering the challenging Corfu Trail, the activities here are as diverse as they are thrilling. With the charm of its lush landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and ancient architectural wonders, Corfu seamlessly takes you between air, water and earth adventures.
As a popular travel destination, Corfu has all the tourism amenities you’d expect. From a wide range of accommodation options to it’s own airport, a good nightlife to romantic restaurants and everything you’d expect from a holiday destination.
You can book Ionian Island holidays in Corfu, either independently or as a package. There are plenty of options from reputable tour operators, or to go direct.
The island’s fascinating history, including Byzantine and Venetian rule, presents a unique backdrop to the wide array of top Corfu activities. The adventures here are as varied as they are exciting, and the island’s enchanting landscapes are the cherry on top. In Corfu, you’re not just taking a vacation – you’re stepping into a story that’s millennia old.
Corfu’s rich culture stems from a melting pot of influences, which more recently include being controlled by the French, Russians, and British. Today, the island is a harmonic symphony of old-world European charm with modern Greek lifestyle. You’ll encounter a blend of architectural styles, from the charming Corfu old town to the cosmopolitan city center.
The island’s unspoiled natural beauty provides a setting for outdoor activities that are missing on many Greek islands. With lush landscapes, rolling green hills, and crystal-clear waters, the island is not just a holiday destination, but a way to reconnect with nature.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a leisurely vacationer, there are activities to suit your preferences. From sailing to scuba diving, MTB to SUP and hiking to horse riding, you’ll find some of the best Ionian adventures in Greece. Let’s dive into the best activities in Corfu to discover why your next adventure should be to this Greek island.
Sailing from Paleokastritsa provides an extraordinary way to admire Corfu’s stunning coastline. Known as the emerald jewel of Corfu, sailing from Paleokastritsa invites you to navigate the vibrant turquoise Ionian Sea. Breath in the fresh salty air and explore the hidden coves of the coastline.
Boat trips can be anything from a few hours up to a full day sailing experience. You’ll explore numerous secluded bays and hidden coves, first timers and well-trained sailors alike will find this a charming and scenic trip.
Corfu is great to explore on two wheels with Ropa Valley the top spot. This sprawling, fertile valley is crisscrossed with country roads and tracks that are ideal for cycling. The verdant landscape is dotted with quaint villages, vineyards, and olive groves. Its terrain varies from flat, smooth paths to challenging off-road trails, catering to cyclists of all skill levels.
Cycling or mountain biking in Ropa Valley offers a unique way to explore the island’s natural beauty while getting a good workout. Routes can range anywhere from a leisurely 10-kilometer ride to an intense 50-kilometer journey, depending on your fitness and preference.
As you pedal your way across the valley, you’ll get a glimpse of traditional Greek life, far removed from the bustling tourist spots. And don’t forget to take a break and sample some local wine and olive oil – you’ve earned it! With diverse terrain and stunning views, it’s no wonder that cycling in Ropa Valley is one of the best Corfu activities.
Trekking the expansive Corfu Trail is a wonderful adventure that can be split into day walks. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced trekker, this trail provides challenging terrains and serene countryside. Stretching over 220km there is more than 5,000m of elevation climbing so you need a moderate fitness level.
The trail runs from the southern tip of the island to Corfu’s northern coast, the full route takes six to ten days. Rather than do the entire route you can take in sections of the trail over a day or two if you prefer.
Hiking up Mount Pantokrator, at 906 metres the highest peak on the island, is a must for ramblers. The reward on a clear day is a panoramic view of Italy and Albania, making the four to six hour hike worth it. You’ll encounter a diverse range of flora and fauna along the way, as well as stunning views and enchanting Greek villages, where you can stop to rest and refresh.
Sea kayaking in Agni Bay is an activity that takes you to secluded beaches, turquoise lagoons and breathtaking cliffs that are inaccessible by land. Sea kayaking can be physically challenging, but tours are tailored to your fitness and ability levels.
Most tours last from two to three hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the stunning coastline around Agni Bay. If you are lucky you’ll spot plenty of local marine life in its natural habitat. Easily one of the best Ionian adventures in Greece.
Paleokastritsa is a dream-come-true for scuba diving enthusiasts. Crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and an array of underwater caves provide an excellent diving experience.
Beginners can embark on a fun dive or learn to dive in Greece. Experienced divers can explore a variety of sites, including the Elephant Cave, a renowned dive spot. Most qualified divers book multiple dives in a day to visit a range of dive spots.
At Glyfada Beach you can enjoy a parasailing experience – one of the best Ionian adventures in Greece for all the family. Soar high above the Ionian Sea and soak in panoramic views of Corfu’s breathtaking landscapes.
Parasailing is a mix of an adrenaline rush and serene relaxation, where you fly with the wind yet float with grace. This is a great activity for anyone, and typically you get around 10 minutes of flight time. It is one of the top Corfu activities for which no prior experience is required.
Favored by locals and tourists alike, Issos Beach is one of the best spots for windsurfing in Greece. The steady wind conditions make it an ideal spot for beginners to learn and experts to show off their skills. Whether you’re into planing over flat water or prefer a spot of wave riding, windsurfing in Issos has it all.
Take a break from the beach and explore Corfu’s countryside on horseback. Trot along scenic trails, through olive groves and quaint villages in Avlaki. Riding schools cater to all ages and skill levels, making it an enjoyable activity for the whole family. Depending on the trail, a horse ride can last from one to three hours, giving you plenty of time in the saddle.
For those who prefer four wheels to two feet or a pair of flippers, a Jeep safari across Corfu’s rugged landscape is one of the best Ionian adventures in Greece. Drive or ride through dense olive groves, traditional villages and stunning coastlines. Choose a half-day or full-day tours.
Halikounas Beach, with its strong winds and expansive beach area, is the spot to kitesurf in Corfu. Ride the waves or enjoy the flat water to get massive air and practice your tricks. Kitesurfing lessons and rental equipment are available for newcomers and experts alike.
For a truly unforgettable adventure, try paragliding off Corfu’s peaks. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you soar above the island, taking in the panoramic views of the turquoise waters and lush landscapes below.
Paragliding flights last 15 to 30 minutes depending on the thermals. Tandem flights, where no experience is necessary, are a little shorter. But a skilled instructor will ensure a safe and thrilling experience.
Do you love to climb? Then Corfu has you covered. The island’s diverse terrain offers a variety of crags and climbing styles for all skill levels. From beginner-friendly sport climbs to challenging trad ascents for seasoned climbers. You can scale faces overlooking the sea or tackle rock formations in Corfu’s lush interior.
Makrades is one of the best crags for climbing in Corfu. Accessible by car there is no need to walk-in so you can get straight to the face. There are routes for all ability levels and great views aplenty. There is also excellent bouldering and deep water solo sites in Corfu.
Stand up paddleboarding, or SUP for short, is a fun way to explore Corfu’s pristine coastline. One of the most popular spots to paddleboard is Agios Georgios, known for its calm, clear waters.
Paddle along the coast at your own pace, taking in the breathtaking views, and perhaps even catching a glimpse of marine life below. SUP is a full-body workout but a relaxing way to get out on the water. Most SUP rentals offer hourly or daily rates, giving you the freedom to explore at your leisure. Lessons are also available.
Whether you’re sailing the seas, biking the trails, or soaring the skies, there’s an exciting experience waiting for you on this enchanting part of Greece. As the largest island in the Ionian chain, with the highest population and best tourist facilities there is more to do than elsewhere. Meaning, the best Ionian adventures in Greece are to be found on Corfu.
From the heights of Mount Pantokrator to the depths of Paleokastritsa’s dive sites, there’s a new adventure waiting around every corner in Corfu. Happy exploring!
Now that you’ve learned about the best Corfu adventures, be sure to check out our wide range of outdoor activities in the Ionian Islands.
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