This summer palace was built by Austrian Empress Elisabeth of Bavaria, and it was designed with the mythical hero Achilles as its theme. Just a few miles south of Corfu Town, Achilleion features a remarkable collection of paintings and statues dedicated to its Greek icon. The palace has a panoramic view of town and the Ionian sea from its hilltop perch.

Europe’s largest water park pales in comparison to Atlantis in the Bahamas but for kids who are weary of sight-seeing it provides a few hours of amusement. Aqua Land covers over 400,000 square feet and features interactive pools such as a lazy river raft ride and free fall water slides. Scattered throughout the park are snack stands and areas for smaller children.

This museum’s main exhibit features archeological finds from the Temple of Artemis, including the oldest stone pediment in Greece, which dates back to 590 BC. There are also excavations from the ancient city of Corfu, including terracotta statues, marble sculptures and coins.

Escape Corfu Town’s busy streets and step into this delightful museum describing the life of a 19^th-century Corfiot aristocrat. Casa Parlante recreates a noble family’s mansion, using antique furniture specific to the period and animatronic figures to convey the stories and dynamics of the family that lived in this original building. A labor of love, this private museum is funded by a Corfu local and a grant from the government.

Located on the eastern waterfront of the island, Old Town, dates back to the 8^th century BC. The fortified port has been under French, British and Venetian rule, and much of that international influence is imbued in Corfu’s culture, cuisine and architecture—most evident in the well-preserved Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spend a day walking around the town’s wide avenues, small cobblestone side streets and bougainvillea-lined pathways. Neoclassical buildings house storefronts, restaurants and cafés, and the multiple piazzas are always bustling with a mix of camera-toting tourists, musical performers and locals. If the crowds get to be a bit much, head to the boardwalk, where you can take a leisurely walk on a shady path to the windmill on the other side of the bay. Along the way, you’ll pass locals on bicycles and walking their dogs.

On the outer perimeter of town are two forts that helped defend the ruling Venetian government from the encroaching Ottoman Empire. Visit the Old Fort for expansive views of Garitsa Bay. For a historical perspective on Corfu, visit the Archeological Museum or the delightful Casa Parlante.

The best way to see the neighboring islands of Paxos and Anti-Paxos, with their pristine beaches and quaint villages, is by private boat charter. It’s an arduous journey if done by ferry—three-and-a-half hours each way, half the time in rough waters. A private boat can cut the time in half. Indagare members can contact our Bookings Team to arrange a private charter.

The oldest of three forts surrounding Corfu Town, this fort is set on a man-made peninsula and served as the residence for the military, politicians and aristocrats. The history of this fort dates back to the Byzantine period, although much of its ramifications were built by Venetian engineers between the 15^th and 18^th centuries. Today you can visit the fort for panoramic views of Corfu Town and Garitsa Bay.

This 13^th-century Byzantine monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary is set on a hill facing the beautiful Paleokastritsa bay. Located on the western side of Corfu, the monastery is worth a day trip. Nearby is a pristine beach and a traditional olive press.