6+1 Activities for a Rainy Day in Corfu

Corfu, with its rich history, unique architecture, and authentic hospitality, offers countless experiences that you can enjoy regardless of the weather.

Follow this guide and discover Corfu activities for a rainy day at the island.

Visit the Unique Museums of the Island

Corfu is famous for its history and culture, and a rainy day is the perfect opportunity to visit its museums.

Museum of Asian Art

Housed in the impressive Palaces of Archangel Michael and St. George, in the northern part of Spianada Square, the Museum of Asian Art is the only museum in Greece dedicated exclusively to the art and antiquities of the Far East and India. The museum hosts a collection of around 15,000 objects. The collection began in 1919 when Greek diplomat Grigorios Manos donated his collection of 9,500 pieces of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean art, with the condition that the museum be established at the island. Over time, the collection was enriched with exhibits from India, Tibet, Cambodia, and Gandhara, showcasing a stunning variety of the captivating art of Asia.

People’s Garden

Located on the east side of the palace, the “People’s Garden” is an idyllic walking and recreation area with a view of the sea. The garden is ideal for a peaceful stroll even on rainy days, as the atmosphere becomes even more romantic, offering a setting that exudes history and serenity.

Municipal Gallery

Part of the Palace also houses the Corfu Municipal Gallery, founded in 1991. The gallery primarily presents works by 19th-century Corfiot painters, such as Charalampos Pahis, Angelos Gianninas, and Vicentios Bokatsiampis. These works reflect the artistic flourishing of the Ionian School, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the local artistic tradition.

This combination of art, cultural heritage, and natural beauty makes the Palaces an unmissable destination for a rainy day in the island, offering an unforgettable experience.

Casa Parlante

A Living Journey Through Time

Casa Parlante, the most lively museum in the island, invites you to experience the everyday life of the 19th-century aristocracy like never before. Housed in a beautiful neoclassical building in the heart of the Old Town, this unique museum brings the island’s history to life through a multidimensional experience.

Using moving human figures with robotic technology, authentic furnishings, and faithful reproductions of the era, Casa Parlante comes alive in front of you. Images, sounds, and smells transport you to 19th-century Corfu, taking each visitor to another time. Here you’ll hear the children of the family playing music, smell the fragrances from the kitchen, and the Count will greet you with his newspaper in hand. From the dining table to the ballroom, every room tells its own story.

Casa Parlante is not just a museum; it is a living experience that unfolds the tradition and culture of Corfu before your eyes. Ideal for visitors of all ages, this museum is the perfect choice for a rainy day, as it takes you to an era filled with nobility and elegance.

Explore the Imposing Churches

The churches of Corfu, with their unique architecture and spiritual aura, are destinations worth visiting even on the rainiest of days.

St. Spyridon

The Protector of Corfu

The Church of St. Spyridon, built in 1589, is one of the most important religious monuments in the island. Its interior is distinguished by the rich marble altar screen and paintings by Spyros Prosalenitis, while the impressive “urania” on the ceiling, by Panagiotis Doxaras, adds artistic grandeur.

The bell tower with its red dome, visible from all over the city, is a symbol of Corfu. The church houses the incorruptible relic of St. Spyridon, brought from Constantinople in 1456. St. Spyridon, who is believed to have saved the island from the Turks in 1716, remains a spiritual protector and symbol of faith for the island.

The Museum of Antivouniotissa

A Treasure of Ecclesiastical Art

The Museum of Antivouniotissa is housed in the Holy Church of the Virgin Mary of Antivouniotissa, one of the oldest ecclesiastical monuments in Corfu, dating back to the late 15th century. The church is a characteristic example of religious architecture of the time and still maintains its worshiping character, operating twice a year during the feasts of the Virgin Mary (December 26 and August 23).

The museum’s collection includes significant works of religious art spanning six centuries, from the 15th to the 20th century. The exhibits provide a complete picture of religious and artistic creation in Corfu, showing the evolution of ecclesiastical art.

Antivouniotissa combines spirituality with artistic tradition, making it a unique place to visit for those interested in the rich religious and cultural heritage of Corfu.

Holy Theodora Augusta

The Incorrupt Relic and Spiritual Legacy

In the Metropolitan Church of Corfu, dedicated to the Virgin Mary Spilaiotissa and Saints Blasius and Theodora, lies the incorrupt relic of Saint Theodora Augusta. Saint Theodora, a Byzantine Empress and wife of Theophilus, is known for restoring the veneration of holy icons.

The sacred relic of the Saint remains incorrupt and intact, though, according to monastic tradition, her head is covered. A particular custom, often mistakenly associated with Saint Theodora, is the distribution of “winter fruit” (watermelon) on her feast day. In reality, this custom pertains to Saint Blasius, who healed throat diseases and blessed fruits before his martyrdom.

The relic of Saint Theodora is paraded during the major celebration of Orthodoxy Sunday, the first Sunday of Great Lent, making this procession one of the most significant religious events in Corfu.

Explore the Must-Visit Spots

Corfu offers much more than its well-known landmarks.

Patounis Soap Factory

A traditional soap-making workshop operating continuously since 1891. See the soap production process using olive oil and learn about this rare art form.

Plous Bookstore

Plous is Corfu’s first pure bookstore, opened in 1987, which combines tradition with culture. With furniture over 100 years old, it offers a unique atmosphere and hosts books of all kinds, from literature to scientific and children’s books. Since 1992, it has organized cultural events such as book presentations and tributes to writers. At the back, there is a café reading area, ideal for a peaceful read.

Periklis Alexis Dairy Shop

Known for its fresh butter and traditional dairy products, the Periklis Alexis Dairy Shop in Corfu is a truly authentic place to try the famous Corfiot butter and learn about the island’s gastronomic heritage. The owner, Kostas Alexis, continues the family tradition of producing butter from his own animals. The shop has become a local and tourist favorite, offering items like galaktoboureko, cream, yogurt, and rice pudding. Its butter even reached London, where it was supplied to Aristotle Onassis for his wife, Jackie.

Rent a Car and Visit Picturesque Villages

The mountainous and rural Corfu is a world full of surprises.

Picturesque Villages like Old Peritheia

A traditional village that seems frozen in time. Its stone architecture and tavernas offer an authentic experience.

Villages with Views, like Lakones and Afionas

Stroll through their narrow streets, enjoy a coffee or dessert with views of the misty landscapes.

Nymfes and Doukades

Experience the tranquility and authenticity of these villages while enjoying traditional flavors at the tavernas.

Corfu Aquarium

An Experience for Families

If you’re traveling with children, the Corfu Aquarium is the ideal destination for a rainy day. Located in Paleokastritsa, it’s a unique spot for anyone who loves the sea and aquatic life. Visitors can explore the marine species of the Ionian, as well as amphibians and reptiles such as snakes, lizards, turtles, and iguanas. The specialized staff offers interactive tours, focusing on marine life and the importance of preserving natural resources. An ideal destination for families, the aquarium provides learning and fun for all ages.

Book a Food Tour or Wine Tasting Tour

Corfu is a gastronomic paradise. An organized food tour will lead you to traditional tavernas and producers showcasing the island’s authentic flavors. Try local specialties such as sofrito, pastitsada, and bianco.

Explore wineries producing unique wines from local varieties. A wine-tasting tour is perfect for experiencing the richness of Corfiot winemaking.

Tour the Old Town for coffee, food or brunch

The Old Town of Corfu is an open-air museum offering a unique atmosphere under the rain.

Stroll through the narrow alleys with your umbrellas, feeling the Venetian finesse that emerges from the cobbled streets. Visit small shops where you’ll find local products and souvenirs.

Sit at one of the traditional cafés in Liston to enjoy a hot coffee or a kumquat liqueur, with the view of the rain falling over the city.

Corfu is not, of course, limited to the cosmopolitan Liston; it boasts neighborhoods and areas full of authenticity and character, such as Campiello and Kanouni tou Bizi. Each narrow alley hides unique shops that impress with their originality: artistic spaces hosting original works, cafés with vintage touches, and restaurants offering dishes full of personality.

These are neighborhoods worth visiting, inviting you to discover them, even as rain accompanies your wanderings. There, you can find corners where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and homemade sweets fills the air, while a stop for brunch or a glass of wine in cozy settings provides the warmth you seek on a rainy day.

Rainy Corfu

A Romantic and Authentic Experience

Rain in Corfu is not an obstacle – it’s an opportunity to explore the island through a different lens. From museums and churches to picturesque streets, traditional villages, and hidden gems, this island has countless surprises waiting for you. The rainy weather, paired with the island’s charm, makes every experience even more memorable.