Corfu A–Z Travel Dictionary
A plain-English dictionary of the villages, sights, beaches, Corfiot dishes, drinks, festivals and travel words you will meet on Corfu and around the Ionian. Tap a letter to jump:
A
Achilleion Palace
SightThe palace built above Gastouri for Empress Elisabeth of Austria ('Sisi') in the 1890s, with terraced gardens and statues of Achilles.
Agni Bay
BeachA pebbly northeast cove known for its cluster of waterside fish tavernas, reached by road or boat.
Angelokastro
SightA ruined Byzantine castle on a sheer peak above the west coast, once the island's main refuge from raiders.
Antipaxos
BeachA tiny island south of Corfu, famous for the Voutoumi and Vrika coves — among the clearest, most turquoise water in the Ionian.
B
Benitses
VillageA former east-coast fishing village, now a relaxed resort and home to the island's benchmark bianco taverna.
Bianco
FoodFish stewed simply in olive oil, garlic, lemon and black pepper — a pale Corfiot classic that lets the fish's freshness show.
Botides
FestivalCorfu Town's Easter custom: on Holy Saturday morning, large clay pots are dropped from balconies to smash in the street. Moves with Orthodox Easter — check local listings.
Bourdeto
FoodA fiery Corfiot fish stew, traditionally scorpionfish, simmered with onions, olive oil and a heavy hit of hot red pepper.
Bourou-bourou
FoodA homely village soup of small pasta and vegetables — true Corfiot comfort food.
C
Canal d'Amour
BeachSculpted sandstone channels and swimming spots at Sidari on the north coast; local legend promises love to those who swim through.
Corfu Old Town
SightThe UNESCO-listed Venetian old town of narrow kantounia lanes, the Liston arcade and the Spianada esplanade.
Corfu Trail
ActivityA long-distance walking route of roughly 220 km running the length of the island, from the far south to the north.
E
Esplanade (Spianada)
SightThe vast green square between the Old Town and the Old Fortress — one of the largest in Greece — where cricket, a British-era legacy, is still played.
F
Fogatsa
FoodA brioche-style Corfiot bread scented with orange blossom, traditional at Easter.
G
Gardiki Castle
SightA 13th-century Byzantine fortress in the island's south, recognisable by its octagonal wall.
Glyko tou koutaliou
Food'Spoon sweets' — fruit preserved in syrup and offered on a teaspoon with cold water, the classic gesture of Corfiot hospitality.
Graviera
FoodA firm, nutty Greek cheese made in the island's regions, good grated over pasta or eaten with bread and olives.
K
Kanoni
SightA headland viewpoint south of town looking over Pontikonisi and the Vlacherna monastery on its causeway.
Kantounia
NeighbourhoodThe narrow, shaded alleyways of the Old Town, strung with laundry lines beneath Venetian shutters.
Kassiopi
VillageA pretty harbour village in the northeast below a ruined castle, with tavernas around the bay.
Kumquat
DrinkCorfu's emblematic citrus, introduced under 19th-century British rule and turned into a bright orange liqueur and candied spoon sweets.
L
Lefkimmi
VillageA working town in the quiet south, threaded by a canal, with an unhurried, un-touristy feel.
Liston
SightThe elegant arcaded terrace facing the Spianada, built under French rule and modelled on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris — the place for a coffee.
M
Mandolato
FoodA soft Corfiot nougat with almonds, a traditional festive sweet.
Mandoles
FoodCrunchy caramelised almonds, sold from street stalls and at festivals.
Mon Repos
SightA leafy 19th-century estate and villa near the town, birthplace of Prince Philip, with a small museum and swimming spots below.
N
New Fortress
SightThe later Venetian fortress (from the 16th century) above the old port, with tunnels and wide views over the town.
Noumboulo
FoodSmoked, wine-cured pork fillet sliced thin — a Venetian-style Corfiot charcuterie.
O
Old Fortress
SightThe Venetian citadel on a rocky promontory guarding Corfu Town, cut off from it by the sea-filled Contrafossa moat.
Olive groves
NatureCorfu is famously green, with millions of old olive trees planted under Venetian rule; the oil is a point of local pride.
P
Paleokastritsa
BeachA cluster of dramatic west-coast coves beneath a clifftop monastery — the island's most photographed stretch of coast.
Pantokrator, Mount
NatureCorfu's highest peak (about 900 m), topped by a monastery and, on clear days, views to Albania and Italy.
Pastitsada
FoodCorfu's Sunday-lunch signature: rooster or beef slow-cooked in a spiced tomato sauce (cinnamon, clove and the local spetseriko blend) over thick, hollow pasta.
Paxos
BeachA small, green island south of Corfu with sea caves and gentle harbours, a popular day-trip by boat.
Pontikonisi
SightThe tiny, photogenic 'Mouse Island' off Kanoni, crowned by a Byzantine chapel.
S
Saint Spyridon
FestivalThe island's patron saint, whose relics rest in the town church; his litany processions through the year are Corfu's biggest religious events. Check local listings.
Sidari
BeachA busy north-coast resort known for the sandstone Canal d'Amour and shallow, warm water.
Sofrito
FoodThin slices of veal braised in a white sauce of garlic, parsley, white wine and vinegar — pure Venetian heritage, usually served with rice or mash.
Sykomaida
FoodA dense Corfiot sweet of pressed dried figs, spiced and often wrapped in fig or vine leaves.
T
Tsigareli
FoodWild greens or vegetables cooked with garlic and a good hit of hot paprika — a spicy Corfiot side.
V
Varkarola
FestivalA late-summer sea festival at Paleokastritsa with lit boats and fireworks, usually in August. Check local listings.
Vlacherna
SightThe little white monastery on a causeway off Kanoni, one of Corfu's most photographed sights, with Pontikonisi beyond.
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Sources and notes: Compiled from the official Discover Greece platform, Matt Barrett's Greece Travel Guides, Greeka, Rick Steves, JayWay Travel and Kathimerini / Gastronomos, with regional food detail cross-checked against local guides. Festival dates move with the Greek Orthodox calendar, so entries marked “check local listings” are approximate — confirm before you travel. Nothing here is invented; where a detail could not be fully verified it is described in general terms.