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Best things to do and sites to visit beyond the Old Town for cruise passengers to Corfu (Kerkyra)

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Update: May 23, 2023

Besides all the main attractions and highlights in the Old Town or close by, the cruise passenger should not miss the opportunity to explore the island when cruising the Mediterranean and calling at the port of Corfu.

The Paleokastritsa Monastery is undoubtedly a major highlight of Corfu and included on most shore excursions of the Island. But there other wonderful sites like Vido Island or the villages of Kassiopi, Agios Matheos and Pelekas to be enjoyed on a full day excursion.

Paleokastritsa Monastery (25 km north west of Corfu Town)

Photo of Pontikonisi in Corfu

View from Paleokastritsa

Photo by Tasoskessaris CC by SA

Located on the northwestern edge of Corfu, a monastery dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary) of Paleokastritsa sits on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea. From the monastery, views of the island and surrounding sea are unmatched. To visit the monastery women should have their shoulders covered.

Photo of Paleokastritsa Monastery in Corfu

Paleokastritsa Monastery

Photo Copyright IQCruising.com

Although the current structure dates back to the 18th century, the original Byzantine monastery has been around since 1225. On the road to the monastery you will pass olive and cypress trees, and inside the monastery is a functioning olive oil press. There is also a small ecclesiastical museum with rare icons and holy books from the Byzantine period on display. You will find more religious info on www.monastiria.gr website.

Photo of Paleokastritsa Monastery in Corfu

Paleokastritsa Monastery

Photo Copyright IQCruising.com

Vido Island (right opposite Corfu Town)

Photo of Vido Island in Corfu

Vido Island in Corfu

Photo: Public Domain

Vido Island is a quick excursion from Corfu Cruise Port and a magical place to visit year round. This islet lies only a mile off the coast and it takes fewer than 10 minutes to get there by boat. Ferries leave every hour from the Port of Corfu. There are plenty of paths for walking among the greenery, which includes olive, palm, citrus, almond, cypress and pine trees as well as wildflowers in the spring. Cruise travelers can also visit the Serbian monument and the island's restaurant. Learn more about Vido Island on Wikipedia has an interesting article in English about Vido Island.

Agios Matheos (25 km south west of Corfu)

Panoramic Photo of Agios Matheos Village in Corfu

Agios Matheos Village

Photo: Public Domain

Agios Matheos is a charming village nestled in the mountains to the southwest of Corfu Town. The town sees many visitors each year who come to admire the beautiful surroundings and visit the nearby beach and other attractions. Common excursions from Agios Matheos include the Gardiki castle and the Christou Pandokratora monastery or a visit to the The Governor Olive Mill, particularly interesting for those wishing to taste and learn more about olive oil.

Pelekas (13 Kilometers north east of Corfu)

Pelekas is a village made famous for its incredible view. Set high atop a hill, this is where Kaiser Wilhelm II would come to watch the sunset at a spot now known as Kaiser's watch post. Thousands of tourists visit each year to enjoy the quaint cafes and tavernas, tour the Monastery of the Panagia Myrtiotissa or visit the nearby beaches including Glyfada, Myrtiotissa, Kondogialos, and Gialiskari. To learn more about this village visit Pelekas website.

Kassiopi (35 km north of Corfu Town)

Kassiopi is a quaint fishing village north of Corfu Town that around 1,200 people call home. The natural surroundings are stunning, and there are plenty of tourist amenities to make a perfect vacation. Adding to the picturesque scenery is an abandoned castle, The Tower of Kassiopi, which was built in the 12th century to protect the city from invasions. Both Roman and Byzantine influences can be detected in its structure. It suffered damage in the 14th century, and today it still remains in ruins.

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