Corfu and Ionian Islands Guide: Kerkyra, Paxos, Lefkada
Corfu (Kerkyra) is one of Greece's Ionian islands, known for an old town with Venetian-era heritage, UNESCO-listed fortresses, and the Achilleion Palace. From the rocky coves of Paleokastritsa to the quieter islands of Paxos and Antipaxos to the south, and from Lefkada's Porto Katsiki beach to Kefalonia's Myrtos bay, this guide brings together the essentials for planning a trip that links several Ionian islands.
## Kerkyra: Venetian Heritage and a UNESCO Old Town
Corfu Town's historic centre (Kerkyra) has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2007. Narrow stone lanes, Venetian-era mansion façades, and two fortresses — the Old Fortress (Paleo Frourio) and the New Fortress (Neo Frourio) — trace the island's long defensive history under Venetian rule and the briefer French and British administrations that followed. The liveliest stretch of town is the Liston, an arcaded promenade built during French rule and modelled on Paris's Rue de Rivoli. Lined with cafés and backgammon tables, it sits right beside the Old Fortress and makes a natural route for an evening stroll.
## The Achilleion Palace and Paleokastritsa Bay
The Achilleion Palace was built in the late 19th century for Empress Elisabeth of Austria ("Sisi") and decorated with statues and frescoes on the theme of the mythical hero Achilles. The palace was later purchased by German Kaiser Wilhelm II and today operates as a museum open to visitors. On the island's west coast, Paleokastritsa is known for coves tucked between rocky headlands and a monastery set on the hill above. Boat trips from the small harbour reach sea caves and secluded inlets, making this one of Corfu's most photographed stretches of coastline.
## Why Take a Boat Trip to Paxos and Antipaxos?
South of Corfu, Paxos and the smaller Antipaxos are quiet islands typically reached on day-trip boat excursions. Paxos's harbour town of Gaios, lined with coloured houses along a narrow channel, reflects the island's small scale and olive-grove-covered landscape. Antipaxos's Voutoumi and Vrika beaches are known for clear turquoise water and can only be reached by boat. For travellers seeking a calmer day than Corfu's busier coastline offers, these two islands make a natural extension to a Kerkyra-based itinerary.
## Porto Katsiki in Lefkada or Myrtos in Kefalonia: Which Beach Suits You?
Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a causeway, giving it a different kind of access compared with the other Ionian islands. On the west coast, Porto Katsiki is a beach set beneath steep white cliffs, reached by a staircase from above; the view is especially striking from the clifftop viewpoint. Myrtos beach in Kefalonia has a similarly dramatic rocky setting, with white pebbles and steep slopes framing the bay, and can also be admired from a roadside viewpoint above. Both beaches can have strong currents, so it is worth checking sea conditions before swimming.
FAQ
What is Corfu's airport called, and where does it land?
Corfu's airport is officially named Corfu International Airport 'Ioannis Kapodistrias' (IATA code: CFU), named after Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of modern Greece. The airport sits close to Corfu Town, and its runway runs alongside the Halikiopoulou Lagoon, so on final approach passengers often get a clear view of the lagoon and the town from the aircraft window. From the terminal, the town centre is a short taxi or bus ride away.
How do you get to Paxos and Antipaxos from Corfu?
Paxos and Antipaxos have no airport, so access to both islands is almost entirely by sea. Day-trip boats departing from Corfu Town or from harbours in the island's south reach Paxos's port of Gaios in roughly ninety minutes to two hours during the summer season. Many tours combine a visit to Paxos's coastal sea caves with a swimming stop at Antipaxos's Voutoumi or Vrika beaches. Regular ferry connections also run between the islands, though the flexible schedule offered by day-tour boats is often the more practical choice for a single visit.