Most of us, if not all, have associated summer with our islands and autumn with our countryside and mountains, and only a few of us dare to change that order. Of course, not all islands are suitable for an autumn wandering, some of them are literally deserted in the first days of November (although some romantic souls will spot the beauty of the place even then) but I will come to state explicitly and unequivocally that Corfu it is not among them. So, to the question, is it worth a trip to Corfu in autumn, the answer is a huge YES.
There will certainly be people who will not agree with the above proposal, a hazy cloudy day does not fit the image of an island to them, but fortunately most of the island’s inhabitants believe that Corfu could be not only a wonderful autumn but also an all-season destination because the magic of Corfu is not lost with the departure of the last summer charter. On the contrary, it changes form.
For the calmness lovers
Corfu after September returns to its more “normal” rhythms, walking in the Old Town stops being a challenge to avoid a head-on collision with one of the many tourists, the streets calm down and generally life on the island returns to what it really is. In this calm, the visitor can really feel the energy of the island, enjoy it with all its beauties and experience the locals without the “paranoia” of the summer rush.
For the endless summer lovers
And yet yes, dear friends, most of us continue going to the beach in September but also in October since the temperatures are usually still high. The beaches are almost empty of people, most beach bars have closed and calm has returned to the island. There is no more beautiful time to explore the island’s beaches and enjoy them in their absolute natural beauty.
Now, because the reality is somewhere in the middle and Corfu is famous for long and erratic periods of autumn rain, keep in mind this case and an umbrella. The scene changes from the beach to wet cantons with hot coffee. This too has its beauty.
👉 Have a look on my coffee and brunch suggestions
Corfu Old Town at its finest
I personally think that the autumnal colors in which Corfu is dressed after September bring out its Italian charm to the fullest. Spianada Square becomes a canvas of shades, an ideal place for walks with a hot coffee in hand, the cantons, calm now, without visitors, invite you for endless wandering.
You can explore the very interesting museums of the city, such as the Asian Art Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Casa Parlante and end up this time in Liston Square and enjoy a glass of wine as you watch the world go by.
Discover all the cute little cafes in the cantons and drink something hot with the locals while you listen to their stories.
If you are a book lover, you will be happy to know that in the city of Corfu there is one of the most beautiful bookstores in whole of Greece, which also has a wonderful picturesque courtyard where you can enjoy your coffee while you get lost in the pages of your new book.
👉 Plous. Discover one of the most beautiful bookstores in Corfu
Time for our villages to shine
The great truth is that during the summer months all the wonderful villages of Corfu are pushed aside from our beaches and not without reason. But the even greater truth is that the island has some wonderful and highly picturesque villages waiting to be discovered. I will mention a few that are worth it!
Pelekas
Built on a hill, just 15 km from the center of Corfu town, is the traditional village of Pelekas. In its small square, you can drink your coffee in the morning and explore the colorful houses hidden in the narrow streets above, or enjoy your cocktail at a leisurely pace in the evening. If you want to admire some of the most beautiful beaches of the island such as Glyfada or Kontogyalos they are only a few minutes away. In Pelekas and more specifically at the Kaiser’s Observatory (or Kaiser’s Throne), you will also watch one of the most romantic sunsets on the island.
Sokraki
One of the most beautiful villages of Corfu, colorful Sokraki is located 23 km from the city center. It first appears historically in 1343. It has largely retained its traditional architectural character, with fine cobbled cantons, olive mills, two beautiful squares, traditional cafes and of course impressive churches dating back to the 16th century. In the village square you will find Emily’s Cafe and the Cherry cafe, two traditional cafes waiting for you to quench your thirst, as well as the Varzas Coffee Shop, for a cool tsitsipira and dishes of the day.
Argyrades
Argyrades are of particular interest from an architectural and historical point of view and for this reason they have been classified as a traditional settlement since 1977. One of the most historic villages of the island whose roots can be found many years before 1549, it is located approximately 30 km from the center of the city and is perhaps one of the most well-preserved villages of the island where you can wander through its narrow cantons.
A beautiful path will lead you to the church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos, where you can enjoy the amazing view of the entire village and the Ionian Sea.
Palia Peritheia
The oldest village of Corfu, is located at an altitude of 440 meters. It has 130 houses of excellent Venetian architecture and 8 unique churches around the perimeter. For the people of Corfu, it is a favorite Sunday destination, either for a walk or for a meal, even if it is about 1 hour away from the city center.
Hiking and nature
How about exploring the unique and so varied landscapes of our island by crossing the island from North to South, via a long walking route, the Corfu Trail?
From the endless beaches and sand dunes in the south of the island, through the olive groves of central Corfu, to the rugged canyons in the north, the Corfu Trail reveals an island paradise ideal for walkers and nature lovers, a hiking route now one of the busiest and famous in Greece. It has neat markings throughout its 220 klm, and is of moderate difficulty, ideal for all. The route generously offers shocking images of the island and crosses many wonderful villages, an ideal activity if you happen to be on our island in the autumn months.
For more info, check – The Corfu Trail
Hope you have a great time!
Evita
