If you’re travelling to Greece with little ones, then look no further than our list of the top family-friendly activities in Corfu. This island’s magical combination of sunshine and sandy beaches is always a hit with younger visitors: the shore is essentially one giant playground, while the breaking waves provide hours of entertainment.
But there’s plenty more inland to keep the children entertained, whether they explore it by bike, on the back of a horse or via a high-powered speed boat. Getting around the island is easy, too, especially with a rental car that gives you the freedom to get about at your own pace and enjoy all the activities we list below.
Corfu’s history, meanwhile, is brought to life for children at captivating museums and on guided walking tours, weaving through the winding alleys of the old town. Read on for our round-up of the best family activities in Corfu…
Best Family-Friendly Activities in Corfu
1. Experience one of Europe’s best waterparks at Aqualand
Credit: Aqualand
We had to put this at the top of our list of family-friendly activities in Corfu – because what kid doesn’t fall head-over-heels for a good waterpark?! With the designers who worked on attractions for Disney behind dozens of its rides, Aqualand is among the most impressive waterparks in Europe. You’ll find the vast site, which is set in 75 square kilometres of shady forest right at the heart of Corfu. It’s the perfect place to cool off when the temperatures skyrocket, with 36 waterslides and 15 adventure pools.
2. Take a scenic horse trek with Trailriders
Credit: Trailriders
Corfu’s olive grove and vineyard-scattered landscape deserve at least a day of exploring, and there are few better ways to see it than from the back of a horse. With the historical village of Ano Korakiana and the foothills of Mount Pantokrator on their doorstep, the Trailriders riding stables are perfectly placed to offer guided horse treks. Run by a Brit who became an expert in caring for horses during a decade managing a cattle ranch in the US, the centre houses a dozen good-natured steeds.
Anyone from six to 70+ is welcome to take one of the scenic treks over farm tracks and through shady natural woodland. You’ll also clip-clop through a picturesque local village, olive groves, vineyards and pastures occupied by grazing sheep.
3. Get up close with marine life at Corfu Aquarium
Credit: Corfu Aquarium
The compact Corfu Aquarium is a highly rated family attraction and ideal for getting out of the sun during the hottest hours of the day. You can explore the aquarium at your own pace, discovering the variety of creatures that call Corfu’s waters home. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour and return home as an expert in the island’s marine life. The colourful tanks are filled with fish, lobsters, and eels from local waters.
4. Cruise on a glass-bottomed boat with Nautilus Underwater Experience
Credit: Nautilus Underwater Experience
While Corfu’s aquarium allows you to see the island’s underwater world up close, a glass-bottomed boat tour will showcase the same creatures in their home environment. From the comfort of the modern and luxurious Nautilus boat, you’ll bob out into the Ionian Sea to discover what life looks like beneath the waves. A three-metre glass bottom reveals the seabed in all its colourful glory. And if some of the fish are shy, the crew will don their scuba gear and dive beneath the boat with food to coax them out of hiding.
It’s not just the underwater vistas that make this tour worth taking; the team also talk you through the historical sites you pass above the water. Plus, they drop anchor in a pretty, secluded bay for you to swim, followed by a glass of wine before heading home. For an extra special day out, your group can have the boat and crew to yourselves on a private tour.
5. Discover Corfu’s historical secrets with Corfu Walking Tours
Corfu Walking Tours
Children usually fall for Corfu’s sunshine and beaches immediately, but it’s a shame not to show them how much more the island offers. There are layers of history and tradition around every corner of the old town, and Corfu Walking Tours bring them to life with expert local insight. Following in the footsteps of the French, British, and Venetians – all of whom left their mark on the island – you’ll stroll down atmospheric alleyways studded with centuries-old squares, hidden fountains and grand monuments, with your guide revealing the stories and significance behind them all as you go.
6. Learn the art of olive oil production at Mavroudis
Credit: Mavroudis
The small but perfectly formed Mavroudis museum is dedicated to the history of olive oil production in Corfu. The Mavroudis family has been making this liquid gold for generations and today owns swathes of olive groves in Corfu. The museum is the result of years spent hunting down old olive oil-making machinery, and exhibits include many gems dating back to the mid-19th century.
Drop in to learn how the island’s humble olives are transformed into world-class oil, then enjoy an oil-tasting session followed by a visit to the on-site shop where you can purchase your favourites. Tours are led with passion and enthusiasm and are frequently conducted by the owners themselves.
7. Take an interactive history lesson at Casa Parlante
Credit: Casa Parlante
If your kids aren’t that taken with history, change their minds at Casa Parlante in Corfu’s old town. This heritage site goes one step further than your average historical museum by slotting the objects on display into ‘real life’ scenes from history, complete with sounds, smells, and robotics. Thanks to a flourishing economy and arts scene, the period reflected in the museum is an essential chapter in the island’s history: Corfu was, at the time, the cultural centre of Greece.
You’ll get a real taste of what life was like for Corfu’s 19th-century nobility as you explore the rooms packed with heirlooms, artworks, expertly reproduced furniture and décor, music, scents, movement, and animated figures.
If you feel inspired by our list of family-friendly activities in Corfu, take a look at our collection of luxury family villas on the island. For more family holiday inspiration, read our Corfu travel guide and check out the services our friendly Concierge team can arrange to elevate your holiday.
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