Great Things to Do Near Dysi
Scenic drive – The south of the island
Take the coastal road signposted for Benitses that heads south from the airport. After about 10km, turn right up to the village of Gastouri to visit the Achillion palace – don’t miss it. Head back down to the coastal road and drive south to the delightful seaside village of Boukari for an excellent fish lunch, where you can often see the catch being brought in from the small fishing boats.
Visit Mon Repos
A visit to Mon Repos is well worthwhile. A Royal mansion, with huge gardens, fountains, ancient trees and plants. Also famed for being the birthplace of Prince Philip. Mon Repos is only a 20 minute walk from the centre of the old town of Corfu, at the start of the Kanoni peninsula.
Visit Pontikinissi (Mouse Island)
What a lovely way to spend a half day, take a trip out to the Kanoni peninsula and enjoy a coffee on the waterfront café there, next to the Vlahernon monastery, which is also an island, but has been connected to the Kanoni peninsula by a small causeway. It's from this small causeway that you take the regular boat crossing over to Pontikinissi about a 5 minute boat trip away. Don’t forget your swimming gear, as you can easily have a lovely swim here.
Korission lake ornithological nature reserve
A large lake and wetland area of great interest to bird watchers in particular, but also to nature lovers in general and to walkers. It is the temporary or permanent habitat of more than 150 bird species, as well as many rare and beautiful plants. You will find this beautiful lagoon and its neighbouring deserted sandy beaches close to Halikouna in the south of the island.
Sit in the garden at Achilleion
...after having walked around this amazing palace built for Sisi, the empress of Austria, in tribute to Achilles, her spiritual hero. The garden, statues and views here are fabulous – you won't want to leave.
Boat trip to 3 islands (Diapondia) off the north coast
Erikousa, Mathraki and Othoni are three very quiet and completely uncommercial islands lying 11 nautical miles off the north coast of Corfu. This trip in a caique usually departs from the resort of Sidari, takes about one hour and is well worth the trip. You can have lunch on one of the islands, and the photo opportunities are brilliant.
Step back in time and visit Old Perithia
Old Perithia (gr. Palaia Peritheia) is a deserted village located high in the moutains, off the main road between Kassiopi and Acharavi. It is strange coming across this deserted village with just a few sheep and a couple of tavernas in the centre! Take a walk and try to imagine when it was a bustling village of 1,500 people. Now just a handful of people remain, to tend the local livestock.
Go walking along the many trails
The coastal path from Agios Stefanos to Nissaki is particularly enjoyable, passing through Kerasia, Kouloura and Kalami. Take your bathing costume, some money for a delicious lunch – and a little bit extra in case you decide to take a taxi back home after overindulging on the wine!
Go for lunch on Vidos Island
Vidos Island used to house an ancient Venetian fortress, later turned into the Corfu ‘Alcatraz’! Now, it is simply a beautifully tranquil spot to go for a walk, a quiet swim and a perfect setting for lunch – with the beautiful view of Corfu town & it’s fortresses in front of you. You catch the boats for Vidos in the car park at the old port, which you will find situated in front of the new fortress.
Benitses Shell Museum
Not to be missed by all shell lovers, this extremely impressive collection is lovingly curated and features shells from not only the Ionian Sea, but from all over the world. The children will love it too.
Visit the Durrells' home
Visit the White House in Kalami, home to the Durrell family back in the 1930's, whilst Lawrence wrote his novel 'Prospero's Cell' and where Gerald wrote 'My Family and Other Animals', both a must read when holidaying in Corfu.
Sail on a glass bottom boat
Leaving Paleokastritsa daily over the main season, you'll see amazing undersea wonders, visit incredible caves close to Ermones that can only be accessed from the water, and enjoy an afternoon on Paradise Beach - a huge expanse of white sand/shingle beach and aquamarine sea also only accessible by boat.
A fun day out at Aqualand
Corfu Aqualand, near to the village of Agios Ioannis, is one of the largest water parks in Europe and features 51 slides, several pools, a lazy river and a wide variety of other water attractions. There’s something for all ages here and it is a great way to keep the whole family entertained.
Search for the bat cave in Kaminaki
Difficult to find, but worth it once you get there. Park your car near to the shell petrol station, and walk down the path towards the beach, you’ll find the entrance tucked under an ageing fig tree on one of the bends about halfway down the steep hill!
The summit of Mount Pantokrator
is a definite must to visit. Choose a clear day and drive to the top (you can cycle but it is so much easier driving!). It may be hot down in the valley but you will definitely feel the difference in temperature at the top! As you drive up, note the amazing changes in landscape.
The Big Red Bus
Drive down to Corfu Town and pick up the Big Red Bus from the port. This relatively new service is an open-topped, 'Hop On / Hop Off' bus that takes you on a guided tour all around Corfu Town and the outlying areas. It's a great way to see and hear about the Town's history and highlights.
Enjoy a little retail therapy!
The narrow streets radiating off from the Liston house small shops of every commercial nature. Dominated by the 'gold shops', Corfiot craftsmen excel at designing and making Greek jewellery in gold - this coupled with competitive prices may tempt you. Among the bustle, look out for those shops and stalls selling local items like wild honey, fig cakes and handmade lace.
Explore the north-east coast by boat
Hire a boat for the day to explore the beautiful north-east coast, probably the prettiest coastline here on the island. You can stop off in any number of little coves that can only be discovered by sea, go for a swim or try some snorkelling, before heading to one of the bays (Agni, Kalami or San Stefanos) for a spot of lunch.
