Corfu

Corfu's Old Town is a UNESCO-listed maze of narrow alleys, Venetian-era buildings, and small squares where elderly men play cards outside kafeneia. Ships dock at the New Port, and the town centre is a short walk or shuttle ride away. The Old Fortress sits on a promontory with views across to the Albanian coast. The Achilleion Palace, built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria in the 1890s, has terraced gardens full of classical statues and looks out over the sea. Kumquat liqueur, made from fruit that grows all over the island, is the local specialty. The food on Corfu has a distinct Italian influence from centuries of Venetian rule. Sofrito is thin-sliced beef cooked in a white wine and garlic sauce, while pastitsada is slow-braised meat over thick pasta. Backstreet tavernas usually offer both, alongside grilled octopus and fresh fish. Paleokastritsa, on the west coast, has dramatic cliff-backed coves reachable by bus or excursion boat. The Spianada, Corfu Town's main square, is good for people-watching with a coffee. Scooter rental is an option for those who want to explore the coast independently.