corfu why visit

Is Corfu Worth Visiting? 15 Great Reasons to Visit in 2024 

 Are you planning a Greek getaway and wondering if Corfu is worth visiting? Discover the many reasons why this island is a great travel destination in this guide. 

Corfu boasts a fascinating history thanks to its strategic position at the entrance to the Adriatic Sea. The Greeks, Byzantines, Venetians, French and British have all left their mark on the island over the centuries. Numerous historic sites across the island remind of their presence.  

Today, Corfu is a popular beach holiday destination attracting both package tourists and independent visitors. However, if you manage to stir yourself away from the sun lounger, you will discover that the island boasts a unique culture and a wealth of natural beauty spots waiting to be explored. 

My husband and I spent two weeks exploring Corfu. We loved its relaxed atmosphere and enjoyed the many activities that the island offers. This is definitely the place we would like to come back to one day.  

Stunning beaches, breath-taking landscapes and incredible historic sites are just some of the reasons why Corfu is worth visiting. Read on to find out more about why this island should be on your travel bucket li

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Is Corfu Worth Visiting?

The short answer? Yes, Corfu is absolutely worth visiting. The island boasts a unique personality, rich history, and lush, mountainous landscapes that set it apart from other Greek islands. 

While Corfu has garnered a somewhat negative reputation for its abundance of resorts catering to package tourists, not every part of the island is completely dominated by tourism. It is true that certain coastal resort towns are completely tourist-centric and have experienced overdevelopment. 

However, you can easily avoid this by heading to the less popular beach areas. Corfu also has many remote villages within the island’s interior that haven’t really been touched by tourist-driven developments. 

If you are willing to give Corfu a chance, you will discover numerous historic places to visit, a wealth of hiking trails, a dramatic coastline waiting to be explored, and a raft of other fun experiences that are sure to keep you busy throughout the trip. 

15 Great Reasons to Visit Corfu

Historic old town of corfu.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic heart of Corfu Town —also known as Kerkyra—is a haven for history and architecture lovers. Despite its popularity among tourists, Corfu is worth visiting for this city alone. 

The Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets lined with pastel-coloured neoclassical buildings. Some of these were built during the Venetians’ 400-year rule over the island, while others date back to the 19th century. 

Two formidable fortresses, the Old and New, stand guard over the city from their elevated vantage points. Beyond their historical significance, they offer visitors sweeping vistas of the city and its surrounding landscapes. 

The Old Town of Corfu also boasts a range of excellent museums, providing a cool refuge from the afternoon sun. These include the highly-regarded Museum of Asian Art—the only one of its kind in Greece—and Casa Parlante, which offers a glimpse into 19th-century Corfu life. 

My personal favourite is the Archaeological Museum of Corfu. Although small, it is a great place to learn about Corfu’s ancient history. Many artefacts on display were discovered right on the island. Entry to the museum is 6€ (US $6.40). Please note that the museum is closed on Tuesday. 

Corfu Town is also the gastronomic capital of the island. You may need to venture away from the main tourist streets to discover the best artisan delis, bakeries, cafes and bars. However, you will be rewarded with high quality food and unforgettable flavours. 

I recommend a café and wine bar called Locale, just a moment away from one of the main tourist promenades. This charming spot serves up delicious Greek breakfast, cheese platters and fine wines, including a selection of local varieties. The lovely owner would also be more than happy to put a tasty lunch together based on your preferences and the seasonal produce currently available. 

If you are planning on doing a day trip to the city during your trip, check out this one-day itinerary in Corfu Town to maximise your time there.

Stunning Landscapes

Corfu is famous for being the greenest Greek island and is home to a wealth of stunning natural attractions. It is sometimes referred to as the Garden Isle thanks to its fertile soils and an abundance of olive groves, citrus trees and Mediterranean pines.  

Corfu’s north has a mountainous landscape where you will find some of the most dramatic natural attractions of the island. The area is dominated by the impressive Mount Pantokrator. Rising to 906 meters, it’s the island’s tallest peak. This region also features a rugged coastline marked by majestic cliffs and secluded caves and coves. 

The landscapes change as you travel south. Although much flatter than the north, there are plenty of scenic spots to discover in South Corfu, including long sandy beaches, wetlands and sand dunes. If you are into birdwatching, head to Lake Korrission, a protected reserve often frequented by flamingos.  

Abundance of Beautiful Beaches

Corfu’s beaches deserve special mention. After all, they are the primary reason many people believe Corfu is worth visiting. There are dozens upon dozens of beaches to explore, encompassing both pebble and sand varieties. 

One of the main draws of the beaches in Corfu is their crystal clear, blue waters. They never become green or murky. The sea around the island is typically calm, providing excellent swimming opportunities even for those who might not be confident swimmers. 

The best beaches in Corfu include the picturesque Agios Spiridon in Paleokastritsa , the long and sandy Agios Georgios in the northwest of the island, and the double beach of Porto Timoni. However, there are many others worth visiting. 

You can simply bring a beach towel, but many beach clubs also offer sun lounger rentals. The price for these varies between 7€ (US $7.40) and 20€ (US $21.00) per sun lounger, depending on location and proximity to the water. Some places charge extra for spots closer to the water. 

It is Well-Connected

One of the reasons why Corfu is such a popular destination is because it is easy to reach. It is home to an international airport that connects the island with many European cities. 

Many budget airlines serve the Corfu route, so getting there doesn’t need to break the bank. However, if you are travelling from further afield, you may need to make a stopover at a hub like London or Paris. 

You can also get to Corfu by ferry from Igoumenitsa, a city on mainland Greece, and Albania. In the summer months, there are also ferry services that connect the island with the cities of Bari and Ancona in Italy. 

Most visitors arrive in Corfu by air as it’s the fastest way to get there. However, if you have time and are planning an extended Mediterranean adventure, the ferry option might come in handy. 

Delicious Food

Greek food is known for being both healthy and delicious, and in Corfu, you’ll have the chance to taste its most famous dishes. Staples like gyros, souvlaki, tzatziki, and the Greek salad are available nearly everywhere on the island. 

Next time you’re in Corfu, be sure to try Sofrito, the island’s signature dish. It consists of slices of veal cooked in a white wine and garlic sauce, usually served with fries or mashed potatoes. 

Another classic dish to add to your list is Pastitsada. This casserole dish features veal, beef, or rooster cooked in a rich tomato sauce with an abundance of spices and onions. It’s typically served over pasta, making it a hearty meal. 

I personally love Bourdeto, a traditional spicy fish dish that consists of seabed fish, such as scorpion fish, cooked in a sauce of red peppers, onions, and chillies. It can be served with or without potatoes. 

Another Corfu specialty is the kumquat, a small citrus fruit originally imported from the Far East. The island’s climate proved ideal for its cultivation, and locals, enamoured by its taste, continue to cultivate it actively today. 

You can find kumquat products in almost every souvenir store. It’s used in liqueurs, salads, ice creams, marmalades, and sweets. Ensure you try it at least once before leaving the island. 

It is an Affordable Greek Island

Although Corfu may not be as affordable as destinations in Southeast Asia, such as  Thailand , it won’t stretch your budget as much as other Greek islands. While the island offers luxury hotels, indulgent spas, and fine dining restaurants, there’s also a plethora of options for those on a budget. 

The minimum budget for Corfu starts at about €80 – €100 (US $87 – $108) per day for two people. This would cover accommodation in affordable guest houses, some meals out, public transport, and inexpensive activities, such as museum visits. 

Budget accommodation starts at around €40 (US $43) per night, while traditional Greek dishes like gyros cost about €6 (US $6.50). A visit to a historic site or museum will cost between €3 and €6 (US $3.25 and $6.50). Enjoying Corfu’s beautiful beaches and hiking trails is free of charge. 

Compared to other popular Greek islands such as Mykonos and Santorini, Corfu offers better value for money. Even at the peak of the tourist season, hotel prices in Corfu can be 40 – 50% lower than those in these more glamorous destinations. 

Incredible Historic Sites

I’ve already mentioned that Corfu Town, with its ancient fortresses, stately homes, and old churches, is an ideal destination for history buffs. However, there are many other fascinating ancient sites throughout the island, including castles, monasteries, and even an abandoned village. 

One of the most renowned historic sites in Corfu is Angelokastro , the ruins of a once-mighty Byzantine fortress. Perched atop a steep cliff on the northwestern coast near Paleokastritsa, visitors can explore the remnants of the castle and enjoy panoramic views of the coast. 

Other notable sites to add to your itinerary include the Monastery of Paleokastritsa, Holy Monastery of Myrtidiotissa, and Pantokrator Monastery. Even if you’re not particularly interested in religious themes, these sites boast long and fascinating histories. Plus, they all offer breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. 

As for the abandoned village, be sure to visit Old Perithia. Located on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator in the northeast of the island, it stands as the oldest village in Corfu. Constructed in the 14th century, it was abandoned in the 1960s. Today, you can stroll through its semi-ruined streets and feel as if you’ve travelled back in time. 

Fantastic Hiking Opportunities

Given Corfu’s wealth of natural beauty, Corfu is worth visiting for those who love hiking. From gentle short walks along picturesque beaches and lagoons to demanding mountain trails and everything in between, Corfu offers something for everyone. 

The ultimate hike on the island is the 220-kilometre-long Corfu Trail. This long-distance route follows the length of the island to give hikers an opportunity to enjoy some of Corfu’s most beautiful landscapes. It also showcases parts of the island that remain untouched by mass tourism. 

The journey starts in the south of the island and culminates at Agios Spiridonas in the north, threading through Corfu’s bucolic countryside. The Corfu Trail usually takes 10 days to complete and requires a good level of fitness.  

If you are not up for a multi-day hike, don’t worry. The trail has 10 distinct sections that you can tackle separately. There are also many other alternative day walks in pretty much every part of the island. 

My personal favourite is the walk from Paleokastritsa to Angelokastro, passing through the picturesque mountain village of Lakones. Though the initial ascent up a donkey path can be a bit demanding, the awe-inspiring views at the pinnacle more than compensate.  

The Lakones to Angelokastro section is much easier though, so you’ll be able to take your time and enjoy the views over one of Corfu’s most scenic areas.   

Easy Boat Adventures

Corfu boasts a stunning coastline characterised by towering cliffs, ancient caves, and hidden beaches, best explored by boat. Travelers can choose from numerous boat tours and water taxi services available across the island. 

For those seeking more independence, it’s possible to rent a boat without a license. However, this option is limited to speed boats with up to 30hp. Any boat more powerful than that requires a license. 

If you’re unfamiliar with operating a boat, don’t worry. You’ll receive a brief training session before departure. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you’re free to explore the surrounding coast at your own pace. 

Boat rentals are available in most coastal resort towns, so you can easily arrange one at your destination. Prices fluctuate based on the season, but you can expect to pay between 90€ (US $95) and 100€ (US $105) for half a day, and between 170€ (US $180) and 200€ (US $210) for a full day. 

Excellent Day Trips

If you’d like to venture beyond the island, Corfu is an excellent base for several enjoyable and easy day trips . You can undertake these independently or join a guided tour. 

One of the most popular day trip destinations from Corfu is the nearby islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. Located just south of Corfu, these islands boast beautiful beaches, natural beauty spots, and an even more relaxed pace of life. 

Corfu Town has a regular ferry service to Antipaxos. The journey typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes and costs around 20€ (US $21) per person. Alternatively, you can explore these islands on this day cruise , which includes swimming stops and free time in Gaios village on Paxos. 

You can also complement your time in Corfu with a visit to nearby Albania. Sarandë, an Albanian resort town, is easily accessible by ferry from Corfu Town. 

The faster speed boat option completes the journey in 30 minutes, while the slower ferry takes about an hour. Tickets range between 18€ (US $19) and 40€ (US $42) per person. There is also a guided tour that includes visits to Sarandë and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint. 

If you’re up for a longer day out, you can even visit the ancient Meteora site in mainland Greece on this guided day trip to Corfu. It might be on the pricier side, but if you believe you won’t have another opportunity to visit Meteora, it could be well worth the adventure. 

Quaint Traditional Villages

Although nowadays the island is mainly seen as a beach destination, Corfu is worth visiting for its more traditional side that you can witness in its charming old villages. These are predominantly located in the island’s interior. Many of these villages remain largely untouched by mass tourism, offering a glimpse into the traditional Corfiot way of life. 

In the northwest of the island, I recommend a visit to the village of Lakones. Situated on the slope of a steep hill above Paleokastritsa, Lakones offers breathtaking views of the island and the Ionian Sea. It’s also an ideal spot to enjoy a drink or meal at a quaint café and browse some traditional shops. 

Another delightful traditional village worth visiting is Sokraki, just a 40-minute drive from Corfu Town. Nestled 480 meters above sea level, this village provides panoramic views across the island. Moreover, it boasts a captivating village square, heritage-rich houses, and classic cafes.

Fun Road Trips

This article highlights Corfu’s natural beauty spots, ancient sites, and charming traditional villages. The most effective way to access these locations and see as many as possible during your visit is by exploring the island by car. 

With so much to discover, renting a car offers the freedom to access places that public transport might not cover. You can easily arrange your car rental online before you arrive in Corfu or in virtually any resort town once you get there. Just ensure you have a valid driving license and appropriate insurance. 

While the island is not huge, you still need to allow for a few days to give it justice. You might opt to focus specifically on the dramatic northwestern coast and explore the likes of Paleokastritsa and Agios Georgious. You can also head to the northeastern coast to explore the charming villages of Kalami and Kassiopi. 

Venturing south introduces you to Lake Korission and the scenic town of Lefkimmi. Along your travels, don’t miss out on a visit to the Governor Olive Oil mill. There, you can sample their award-winning olive oils and gain insight into the production process. 

Along the way, don’t forget to explore some of the island’s interior with its traditional villages and endless olive groves. And given Corfu’s abundance of natural beauty, expect to make frequent stops to take in the picturesque landscapes. Corfu is absolutely spoilt with them. 

Vibrant Nightlife

Travellers who enjoy a fun night out will find some great options in Corfu as well. While many resort towns quieten down after sunset, a select few remain bustling around the clock. 

For instance, historic Corfu Town really comes to its own at night, teeming with restaurants, ice cream parlours, and bars that stay open until the wee hours. While I’m not one for wild parties, I thoroughly enjoyed strolling around the city centre. Many bars play live music in the evenings, which helps create a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere.  

However, the undisputed epicentre of Corfu’s nightlife is the village of Kavos. Situated at the island’s southernmost tip, Kavos boasts a lively strip populated with numerous bars and clubs. Its dynamic nightlife and relatively affordable prices predominantly attract a younger crowd.  

If the idea of endless partying fuelled by cheap alcohol doesn’t resonate with you, it might be best to avoid Kavos. Fortunately, Corfu offers a wealth of alternative destinations with a different feel. 

Snorkelling and Diving

With its crystal-clear blue waters, it’s no surprise that Corfu is worth visiting for its great snorkelling and diving experiences. The island’s calm waters, teeming with marine life, have established it as a hub for underwater adventures. 

Corfu is an ideal location for first-time divers, and several diving schools are available to guide you on this journey. One such school is the Achilleon Diving Centre located in Paleokastritsa, a hot spot for diving and snorkelling. They offer beginner lessons at Agia Triada Beach, an excellent location for newcomers to build their confidence. 

Achilleon also offers daily diving trips for experienced divers near the coastlines of Paleokastritsa and Othonoi Island. Divers can explore a multitude of captivating sites, including shipwrecks, reefs, and caverns, teeming with various marine species. 

Snorkelling in Corfu is even more accessible. Simply grab your gear and head to the beach. While organised tours and lessons are available for those who wish to snorkel in a group, I’ve found that at beaches like Agios Spiridon and Porto Timoni, all you need to do is go underwater to witness lively underwater scenes. 

Sunset Views at Monastre

Corfu boasts breathtaking sunsets, and you can witness these spectacular views at many locations across the island. However, if you wish to watch the sunset while sipping a craft cocktail at a chic bar, I highly recommend Monastre. 

Situated on the same headland as the Paleokastritsa Monastery, Monastre is both a bar and a restaurant. It offers sweeping sea views complemented by a menu of exquisite food and drinks. Their dishes, which incorporate high-quality local produce, bring together flavours from across the Mediterranean. 

While indulging in a full meal might be on the pricier side, the drinks and snacks remain reasonably accessible. The bar’s seating, facing the sea, provides an optimal sunset-watching experience. 

Unsurprisingly, Monastre can get quite busy in the evenings. We were able to get both bar seats and a table for dinner without a reservation. However, if you would like to enjoy a meal there and want to ensure you get a table with the best views, I highly recommend booking your spot on the restaurant’s website . 

Tours and Activities in Corfu

Visitors to Corfu enjoy a great selection of activities, from walking tours of Corfu Town and day cruises to food tours and olive oil tastings.

When is the Best Time to Visit Corfu

The tourist season in Corfu starts in early May when many hotels and restaurants open after winter hibernation. It runs until the end of October as the temperatures become cooler and rainfall increases. 

The hottest months with minimal rainfall are July and August, with daily highs of 33 ° C (91 ° F). Although in theory this is ideal for those looking for a classic beach holiday experience, this period also marks the year’s busiest time for visitors. Unfortunately, many popular beaches can get extremely crowded then. 

If the school holiday calendar doesn’t bind you, I’d suggest considering a trip to Corfu in early June or September instead . These months still offer great weather but with fewer crowds. Moreover, accommodation and activity costs are generally lower during this time. 

Also, if you are planning on hiking while in Corfu, July and August might be too hot. Late September and early June will offer a lot more breeze and comfortable temperatures for active pursuits. 

One thing to note is that Corfu receives more rainfall than other Greek islands, mostly in winter. The upside is that the island is covered with lush greenery. The downside? If you are visiting in September, you may experience a couple of cloudy and rainy days.  

The winter months are the low season. Some people choose this time to tackle some of the island’s biggest hiking tracks such as the Corfu Trail. However, please note that hotels and restaurants in many parts of the island are closed then, so plan your accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment. 

How to Get to Corfu

The Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport is Corfu’s primary airport. Most visitors to the island will likely start and conclude their journeys there. 

The airport predominantly serves flights from other European destinations. If you’re traveling from more distant locations, you might need to have a layover at a major hub, such as Heathrow in London . 

From the airport, you can take public bus no. 15 to Corfu Town or arrange for a taxi or private transfer to your final destination on the island. 

If you’re already in Greece, you can catch a ferry to Corfu from Igoumenitsa in northwestern Greece, which is just a three-hour drive from Thessaloniki. The ferry journey takes just over an hour and costs 5.60€ (US $5.91) per person. These ferries operate throughout the year. 

How to Get Around Corfu

Hiring a car offers the most freedom and flexibility while exploring Corfu. You can arrange your car hire online before your trip.  

Alternatively, there are car hire offices in pretty much every tourist town, so it’s easy enough to sort something out once you’re already in Corfu. Expect to pay from 60€ (US $63) per day for a car. 

However, a car is not essential to explore Corfu. The most affordable way to get around Corfu is by public bus. There is a network of buses that connects various parts of Corfu Town. There is also an intercity network, called the Green Buses, that connects Corfu Town to other parts of the island.  

Please note, while all bus routes lead to Corfu Town, smaller destinations are often not inter-connected by public transport. So, if you want to travel from Paleokastritsa to Sidari, for example, you will need to do change buses in Corfu Town, which isn’t convenient. 

If you would like to see different parts of the island, but hiring a car is not an option, you might be better off staying in Corfu Town and taking day trips by bus.  

Taxis, Uber and private transfers are an option as well, and you can easily arrange these at your base. However, the costs can add up quickly.   

Where to Stay in Corfu

Corfu has many options when it comes to great areas to stay. The final choice ultimately depends on what type of holiday you’re after and how much time you have on the island.  

From busy resort towns promising a slice of escapism to mountain villages where time seemingly stands still, there is something for everyone in Corfu. That said, I do have a couple of favourite spots I’d love to recommend. 

If you love history and beautiful architecture, I highly recommend spending a few days in Corfu Town. Walk its winding cobbled streets, visit its many museums and enjoy delicious Greek food at the city’s many independent cafes and restaurants.  

There is a wealth of self-catering apartments that the locals rent out, so you can get a feel for what’s it like to live in this historic city. I highly recommend the Filarmonia S uite Annunziata Corfu apartment.  

It is a well-equipped two-bedroom place right in the heart of it all. However, it is located on a quiet street, so you don’t need to worry about loud nightlife. We stayed there for three nights and could have happily spend even more time there. 

Paleokastritsa

Another Corfu spot that we loved is Paleokastritsa. Although it’s very much on the tourist trail, this resort village boasts a stunning natural setting, a raft of fun things to do and a great choice of restaurants serving delicious Greek food. It is a great option for those who would like to combine a beach holiday with hiking, water sports and visits to nearby historic sites and heritage villages.  

For your stay in Paleokastritsa, I can recommend Zefiros Traditional Hotel . Located right next to the main beach, Agios Spiridon, it is a reasonably priced, family-run hotel with great service and delicious breakfast. While the rooms are relatively basic, they have everything you need, and all offer picturesque sea views. 

If your ideal trip include a luxurious villa stay, check out this guide to the best villas in Corfu with private pools .

Final Thoughts

So now you know that the beautiful island of Corfu is worth visiting. Whether you’re into hiking and cultural experiences or are simply looking to unwind by a beautiful beach, the island offers something for everyone.  

If you are ready to plan your trip, I highly recommend adding a visit to the picturesque village of Paleokastritsa to your itinerary. Located in the northwest of the island, it is easily one of the most scenic resort destinations in Corfu. 

Paleokastritsa offers a wealth of things to see and do, from enjoying local beaches and exploring its coastline by boat to hiking adventures and ancient historic sites.

It’s also a great place to gorge on delicious Greek food. This guide to the best restaurants in Paleokastritsa is a great starting point for planning your culinary adventures in the area.

It is quite easy to get from Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa , making it a great destination for a day trip. Chances are, you will want to stay there for longer though. 

FAQs: Is Corfu Worth Visiting

Corfu has a reputation for being overly touristy due to it being a popular package holiday destination. There are busy resort areas such as Sidari and Kavos that have seen plenty of development. However, crowds can be avoided by heading to the quieter beach spots away from the tourist trail or the island’s interior. The latter is where you’ll find many villages haven’t really changed much in the last hundred years. 

I recommend spending 4 to 5 days minimum in Corfu to see a few different things. If you would like to have a more comprehensive tour of the island and have some downtime at the beach, 10 days to two weeks would be more appropriate.

Yes, Corfu is safe . It has a low crime rate and is safe for tourists. However, as with anywhere else, the usual precautions apply. Don’t leave your belongings unattended and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking around on your own at night, especially in badly lit areas. Also, trust your gut. If someone or something feels dodgy, politely remove yourself from the situation. 

Both Crete and Corfu are popular holiday destinations, and I don’t think one is better than the other. They both offer great beaches, beautiful scenery, delicious food, ancient sites and a great selection of accommodation. However, they have distinct personalities. Why not visit both and discover if you prefer one over another for yourself? 

Enjoyed this article on whether Corfu is worth visiting? Bookmark or pin it for later.  

Related Reads: Corfu

• Is Corfu Expensive in 2024? The Ultimate Corfu Prices Guide
• Is Corfu Safe to Visit in 2024? The Ultimate Guide
• Corfu in September: Everything You Need to Know in 2024
• How Many Days in Corfu Do You Need for a Great Trip
• Corfu Without a Car:  The Ultimate Guide 2024
• The 10 Best Corfu Day Trips in 2024
• The 15 Best Villas in Corfu with Private Pool in 2024
• The 19 Best Things to Do in Corfu Town
• One Day in Corfu Town: The Ultimate Itinerary
• The 14 Best Things to Do in Paleokastritsa, Corfu in 2024
• Angelokastro Corfu: Ultimate Visitor’s Guide in 2024  
• Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa: Complete Guide 2024  
• The 7 Best Restaurants in Paleokastritsa, Corfu in 2024
• Is There Uber in Corfu in 2024? Everything You Need to Know

Ksenia is the creator and writer behind Explore with Wonder. As an avid traveller, she has ventured to more than 20 countries and resided in four. Currently based in Manchester, she has a passion for exploring both the UK and exciting destinations worldwide.

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Is Corfu Worth Visiting: 11 Reasons The Island Is A Greek Gem

Is Corfu worth visiting? It all really depends. Let’s put it this way: If you’re the sort of traveler that likes idyllic coves and turquoise seas, rugged mountain landscapes dashed with pine forests, long-lost villages of half-crumbled cottages and rustic restaurants, and moody monasteries perched on the cliffs, then yes, Corfu is very much worth visiting.

It’s no secret that this is one of the most prized of the Ionian Islands . It’s long been considered one of Greece’s most gorgeous destinations, offering two very different coastlines, some vibrant towns, and some chilled family resorts. Oh, and it’s home to arguably the most hedonistic destination of the lot: Kavos.

This guide will run through 11 reasons why you should totally consider Corfu when you come to book that next Greek getaway. From the blinding beaches to the adventures that await inland, the unique Corfiot kitchen to the rich history and culture of Corfu Town, it’s got plenty to tempt all sorts of travelers, that’s for sure.

Table of Contents

Because it’s easy to get to

Corfu is lucky enough to be one of the Ionian isles with its very own airport. Cue the Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport (CFU). It’s actually one of the best-connected in the region, too. Flights – as is the same at most Greek island airports – usually run seasonally between May and September but there’s all sorts of on offer, including links in from London and Edinburgh and Bristol on budget carriers like Ryanair and easyJet. There’s also a non-seasonal link to Athens, so you can jet over from the Greek capital no matter the month.

On top of that, Corfu is a hub for cross-Adriatic ferries coming in from Italy. We’ll talk a little more about the joys of being able to hop on a boat going somewhere else after seeing Corfu a little later but it’s also good news for arriving. Commercial ferries take around 12 hours from Italy, coming from ports like Ancona, Venice, and Bari, usually going overnight. And, of course, there are ferries from the mainland of Greece, too, most originating at the port in Igoumenitsa.

The beaches

Let’s cut to the chase – most travelers come to Corfu for the beaches , right? Right. Thankfully, there’s such a sheer overload of them here that you could fill weeks and weeks of vacation time and still not visit the same one twice. Yep, we’re talking a whopping 57 designated beaches, along with countless little coves, rocky inlets, and cliff-backed coastal stretches besides.

Generally speaking, the more popular beaches are on the east coast. They get protection from the dominant westerly swells that roll across the Med, so tend to be calmer overall. It’s the area you’ll find family friendly towns like Benitses, but also the quaint fishing harbor or Kalami. The west coast of Corfu mimics that of Zante a little. It’s got wild rocks lurching straight from the water, boulder-dotted coves, and some seriously dramatic locations.

So, is Corfu worth visiting for the beaches alone? You bet it is. Here are the ones we’d 100% have on our itinerary if we were heading over this year…

• Paleokastritsa – Five beaches for the price of one, and all downright stunning. That’s Paleokastritsa, the jewel of Corfu’s west coast.
• Agios Gordios – This one sits under the lush coast mountains out west, a long beach of pebbles and sand that’s very, very relaxed.
• Rovinia – Romantic Rovinia is a stunning pebble beach with high cliffs.
• Bataria – The most built up but also the prettiest beach in Kassiopi on the north coast of Corfu.

Corfu’s beaches might steal the limelight but they’re really just one chapter in the book of Mother Nature that describes this island. the vast majority of the inland part of Corfu is dominated by green hills, forest-filled valleys, and soaring peaks. In fact, there are two distinct ranges on the island, one in the north and the other in the south.

Those areas are perfect for those who want to pull on the hiking boots and steer away from the crowds. You can scale the peak of Mount Pantokrator in the north. It’s over 900 meters above sea level and offers summit views that take in the Balkans and Albania over the strait. Or there’s the trail to Agi Deka down south, which whisks ramblers through springtime wildflower meadows outside of Pelekas village.

Hiking paths also wiggle and weave their way all around the shoreline. Cape Drastis is definitely one to have on the radar. It’s a strange land of alabaster tors chiseled by the waves of the Adriatic Sea. Then there’s the path through the coastal scrub to Porto Timoni, a hidden Shangri-La of a beach on the western shoreline that wouldn’t look out of place in Thailand.

Things to do

You know, Corfu holidays aren’t all about lazing around on the sands topping up the tan. Nope, there’s way more to do here than just that, with something on the menu for culture buffs, romantic types, history lovers, and more.

In true Greek style, boat trips often come top of the itinerary. They can whisk you out of towns like Agios Gordios, Kassiopi, and Palaiokastritsa to secret parts of the Corfiot coast where the rental car simply can’t go. Day trips usually include a pitstop at Paradise Beach, for example, which is hemmed in by huge cliffs and has striking grottoes carved into its rocks.

Back on land, we’d also recommend checking out Vlacherna Monastery . It’s set on a pinprick of an island south of the airport, with whitewashed walls and shrines that date back to the 1600s. There’s another haunting church over in Paleokastritsa, now more than 800 years old and replete with intriguing Byzantine relics. And you’ll find another capping off Pantokratoras mountain up north. That’s known as Pantokratoras Monastery and it’s still a major pilgrimage site.

Corfu pulls in the fresh Mediterranean flavors of Greece and combines them with some of the rusticity and heartiness of the Slavic cooking that you get on the Balkan Peninsula. On top of that, there’s a big influence from Italy across the Adriatic, bolstered by the availability of seafood thanks to some of the most able fishing fleets in Ionia. The result? A range of dishes that’s sure to tingle the taste buds of any traveling foodie.

Be sure to sample:

• Sofrito – Beef cuts in onion and white-wine sauce with an overload of peppercorns.
• Pastitsada – A very filling, very heavy highland stew made from game meat, mutton or lamb, oil, spices, and rich tomato passata.
• Bourdeto – The Italian influence is clear to taste in this mix of baked peppers and onions, topped with lemon zest and parsley.

Traditional Greek tavernas dot most towns and villages. Even in the smaller highland hamlets there’s usually at least one place to sample the local kitchen. For seafood, check out the old fishing ports of Kassiopi, Kalami, and Nisaki, where it’s often possible to get stuff straight off the boat.

The history

Corfu has been inhabited since way back when. The ancients called the island Kerkyra and it actually played a pivotal part in the start of the Peloponnesian War (the hardest-fought conflict in ancient Greece) and even in mythical tales such as the quest of the Argonauts and the Homeric epics. Today, you can see some traces of those old days. Check out…

• Temple of Artemis Gorgon – The impressive remains of a huge temple that had haunting friezes of a gorgon on display, considered the first example of the true Doric architectural style. The whole thing was built in 580 BC!
• Palaiopolis Archeological Site – This vast dig site encircles the ruins of the town that’s thought to have once been ancient Kerkyra.

But Corfu’s history doesn’t end with the ending of the ancient era. Nope, this isle is also replete with more modern wonders. They come in the form of the great Corfu Old Fortress, a stalwart citadel that was built by the Venetians to guard the entrance to the harbor. There’s more for culture buffs over at the Paleokastritsa Monastery, too. It’s a beautiful place painted bright yellow with flowers blooming on the sides and mystical shrines to the Virgin Mary within.  

The uber-charming towns

Corfu is riddled with enchanting towns and villages. Yes, there are some that have been overwhelmed by the coming of mass tourism. But the sunbeds and the hotels haven’t reached all four corners of the island. That’s especially true if you delve inland. A short drive of about 15 minutes is enough to trade in the coast for the long-lost hamlets in the highlands. Expect some zigzagging roads, but also immersive spots like:

• Pelekas – Draped over a perfectly formed hill close to the west coast, Pelekas is a true Corfiot village with loads of character. Don’t miss the Kaiser’s Throne, a high-perched sunset viewing point.
• Perithia – Clinging to the north slope of Mount Pantokrator like some hardy limpet, this half-ruined village was built during the Byzantine era some 700 years ago. It’s still considered one of the most historic towns in Greece.
• Sokraki – Stone-covered streets and stoop cottages make Sokraki a real vision of raw, Ionian mountain life.

But the charms of Corfu’s towns also aren’t limited to the highlands. You’ll find enticing places all along the shoreline, from family resorts with safe beaches to salty fishing villages where the seafood is second to none. They include:

• Kassiopi – Our favorite beach town in Corfu, Kassiopi is hemmed in by excellent snorkeling coves and has bobbing fishing boats in its marina. You’ll love it.
• Agios Gordios – Loads of excellent sea-view holiday rentals await in this relaxed town on the western coast.
• Benitses – Once a major tourist hotspot, Benitses is now reclaiming its roots and transforming into a low-key fishing town once again.

The nightlife

Corfu positively pumps with nightlife . Not all quarters of the island, though. Mainly, the after-dark action is anchored on the 18-30s resort of Kavos. It’s located at the very southern tip of Corfu, fronted by a sparkling sand beach that has front-on views of the Greek mainland in the distance. But people don’t come to laze and recuperate. They come to party.

Kavos is actually one of the most famous nightlife destinations in the whole of the Med. It’s up there with Malia and Magaluf. The place to be for raucous shindigs is the Kavos Strip. That runs for about a kilometer up the side of the beachfront. It’s a medley of neon-lit discos and karaoke bars, shot outlets and house-thumping dancefloors from end to end.

Of course, you don’t have to go there to enjoy some nightlife. Corfu Town has its own array of more local venues that serve craft beer and host live music. There’s also a mix of pretty lively places in the northern resorts of Kassiopi and Sidari.

Corfu is the jack of all trades when it comes to the western islands of Greece . It can cater to all sorts of travelers, no matter if you want to laze down on the beaches for a week with the fam or go off track on the donkey paths in the mountains with your other half. The hotels of the island mirror that. There’s something for every globetrotter, from five-star palaces worthy of a honeymoon jaunt to simple highland cottages where you can cozy up.

Here’s a look at some of the stand-out hotel options that Corfu can muster:

• Aroggia Farm ($$) – The high ratings come thick and fast for this unique stay up in the wild highlands of Corfu, where you’ll keep the company of farm animals and get to watch the sunset over the forested hills.
• Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection ($$$) – This is a never-forget-me hotel with five stars, a sumptuous set of suites, and a crazy nice pool outside.
• The Pink Palace Hostel ($) – A bargain hostel in a lively pad near the beach, great for the younger backpacking crowd with a penchant for pub crawls.

The rustic side of things

Most travelers to Corfu will stick to the popular beach towns of the west coast and the north, or head across to the celebrated coves of Palaiokastritsa. We’re not going to knock that – there are lots of reasons why they’re the most popular spots on the isle (because they’re stunning, for one!). However, there’s also another side to Corfu; the rustic side.

Escape the shores and drive the winding lanes into the hills and mountains that cover the heart of Corfu. Things get rural fast. The roads become lined with goat-dotted fields and olive groves spill out from crags of stone. It’s a great place to explore with a hire car or by foot, since there are oodles of hiking trails linking up most of the towns and villages.

Talking of villages, the inland hamlets of the island can be downright lovely. Take Pelekas, a crooked mass of venerable townhouses and squares with plane trees shading its tavernas. Then there’s little Lakones, a place that looks more like an Italian alpine outpost than a Greek hill village. The interior of Corfu is also covered in cool farm stays if you really want to get away – check out Aroggia Farm ($-$$) for a fine example.

It’s the perfect gateway to the Ionian region

Last but most certainly not least, is Corfu worth visiting because of where you can go after? This is one of the best entry points to the Ionian region of Greece. That can be found on the far western side of the country, stringing along the edge of the mainland and the Peloponnese in a series of shimmering islands that offer some of the most jaw-dropping beaches in the world, not just in Europe.

There are decent ferry links between all of them, so you should be able to find connections to other isles pretty easily. That said, nothing can beat chartering your very own yacht, which will let you hoist the sail and whiz down to whichever takes your fancy next. Some of the places we can wholeheartedly recommend include:

• Kefalonia – A honeymooner’s dream, Kefalonia slows the pace of life and offers stunning countryside aplenty.
• Lefkas – Lazy days on empty beaches and mountain adventures through cypress woods abound here.
• Zante – A vibrant island that’s famed for Shipwreck Beach, one of the most photographed beaches on the planet!

So, is Corfu worth visiting?

Is Corfu worth visiting? How could you say otherwise? This guide has revealed the sheer wonders of the Corfiot coastline, which include the postcard-worthy bays of Paleokastritsa and the handsome pebbles of Rovinia to name just two. Then, it delved inland to the mountains, where intrepid hikes to lookout points over Albania await. Then, we hit the villages to see charming Byzantine churches and age-old cottages.

There are loads of reasons why Corfu is considered one of the mainstay vacation destinations in Greece. It can cater to all sorts of travelers and has plenty of activities up its sleeve. So, no matter if you’re a family looking for some R&R in a relaxed resort, a hedonist on the hunt for the Kavos Strip, or a rambler wanting to get some Greek hiking under your belt this year, Corfu could just be the perfect pick!

How many days in Corfu, Greece, do I need?

We’d say a week is the perfect amount of time to spend in Corfu. That allows for plenty of beach time but also some explorations of the mountains and the mountain villages. Of course, you could also do a lot more than that, especially if you wanted to tie in your trip to visits to nearby Ionian islands like Lefkas and Zante.

When is the best time to visit Corfu, Greece?

We think the best times to visit Corfu are the spring or the fall. They are the sweet spots either side of the uber-busy and uber-hot peak season in the summer. They are times when the prices drop but the temperatures stay warm. You should find some good bargains on hotels and flights in months like May and September, only with just a fraction of the crowds on the beaches.

Reece is the creator and editor of Travel Snippet. He has visited more than 38 countries over a 10-year period. His travels have taken him through the majestic mountains of Italy, into the cities of central Europe, across the islands of Indonesia, and to the beaches of Thailand, where he is currently living. He is passionate about travel and shares his expertise by providing the best travel tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure.

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Is Corfu Worth Visiting: The Ultimate Mini-Guide (2024)!

Car Rental In Corfu

✅ Book your rental car here to explore the beautiful island of Corfu!

Do you want to spend some time on a Greek island and wondering is Corfu worth visiting?

I have been looking forward to writing this post as I absolutely loved my visit to the island of Corfu! But if you’re still hesitant about going and wondering, is Corfu worth visiting, I would suggest to stick around!

Corfu is a beautiful Greek island and to me, the crown jewel of the Ionian islands. For hundreds of years, travelers have been drawn to the island by stories of its turquoise waters, golden beaches, and rich cultural history.

But before booking your ticket, though, many people wonder if it’s really worth it to go to Corfu.

Well, let’s go on a virtual tour of this Greek paradise and find out!

Is Corfu worth visiting?

Yes, for sure! That’s my short and sweet answer. Corfu is a beautiful island to visit. There are amazing beaches with bright blue water that feels just right. The sand is soft, and the sun is (most of the time) warm and comforting.

Then you have lovely old buildings that go way back. As you walk down the streets, you can see houses and forts that look like they belong in a storybook. And the food, oh my! If you’re hungry, you can eat delicious food in Corfu that I’m sure you’ll love.

The locals there are extremely friendly and are always in for a nice chat with you. The island has tall, green mountains, small, secret places to explore, and music and dance that make you want to join in – very recommendable to do so!

Everywhere you go, you can see or do something fun. So, to put it simply, yes, Corfu is like a magical place out of a fairytale, and it’s definitely worth to enjoy and explore.

Things to do in Corfu

There are plenty of things to see and to do on the island. Here are my favorite things to do when you’re in Corfu:

• Explore the Old Town : Stepping into Corfu’s Old Town felt really impressive to me. It’s a place where the old and the new come together, with its small, winding streets, old churches, and nice parks. The buildings, which are a mix of Venetian, French, and British styles, show you how these three great powers once ruled the island. Don’t forget to stop at a café and have a cup of Greek coffee as you walk around.

• Relax at Paleokastritsa Beach : Paleokastritsa Beach is a great place to relax. It’s not just another beach. It’s actually one of the nicest places I have been. Paleokastritsa has clear blue water that is great for swimming or snorkeling. The water is surrounded by green hills and caves. When the sun shines on the waves, it makes the sea look beautiful and sparkling. It’s the perfect spot to lie down, soak up the sun, and just completely relax!

• Hike Mount Pantokrator : Hiking up Mount Pantokrator is a treat if you want to add a bit of excitement to your stay in Corfu! As the island’s highest point, it really has some amazing views. On its way up, the path winds through olive fields and small towns. Once you get to the top, you can see the whole island, the beautiful sea, and even the shore in the far distance.

• Visit the Achilleion Palace : This beautiful palace is an ode to the Greek hero Achilles. It was built for the Empress Elisabeth of Austria. It’s full of history. I spent quite some time here with my cousin and made up for a great day out. It is on a hill with a view of the sea, and is surrounded by grounds with statues. The rooms inside are full of art, and as you walk through, the story of how much the Empress loved Greece comes to life. Great place if you love (Greek) history!

• Enjoy the Sunset at Loggas Beach : Loggas Beach is the place to be if you like watching the sun go down. It’s a lovely experience. The hills around the beach have a golden glow, and the colors of the sky are reflected in the water. I can honestly say that sitting here and listening to the waves and watching the sky turn orange and pink is a moment of pure happiness.

These are just a few of the things you can do in Corfu. Every part of the island has great attractions, beautiful spots, or exciting things to do.

Which is the prettiest part of Corfu?

It’s good to know that Corfu’s beauty isn’t just in the Old Town , which stands out with its Venetian style and old cobblestones. Corfu is beautiful all over.

Every town, beach, and mountain road has great characteristics and a beautiful sight to see. There is beauty everywhere, from the sunsets at Loggas Beach to the rustic charm of towns like Kassiopi.

Is Corfu Safe to visit?

Yes! Like most Greek islands, Corfu is a safe place for people to visit. Its people are friendly and used to having people from all over the world visit. Most of the risks are the same as in most tourist spots. But I didn’t experience any bad things during my stay.

Small things like pickpocketing or scams can happen, especially in busy areas. But these things don’t happen very often, and if you take some precautions, your visit should be without any issues.

Here are some safety tips:

• Keep your personal belongings close, especially in places where there are a lot of people.
• In some places of the island, roads can be very narrow and windy, so be careful when driving.
• Tell someone about your plans before you go off the beaten path, especially if you’re going camping or going for a hike. The weather can change quickly!
• Avoid places that aren’t well lit at night, and never accept offers or requests that you didn’t ask for.

Still, the friendly people of Corfu often go out of their way to help you and make sure you have a comfortable and lovely stay. This was my personal experience!

The island has a laid-back feel, and many other travelers I spoke to said that their time on Corfu was one of the most peaceful and enjoyable parts of their trip.

Is Corfu a walkable Island?

Corfu is a great place to walk around in the towns, especially the Old Town. The small streets are great for taking slow walks and getting a feel for how people live there.

But because Corfu is so big and has so many different types of land, it’s not possible to walk around the whole island.

Even though there are beautiful climbing trails, like the Corfu Trail , to explore the island’s nature, it’s best to use cars, bikes, scooters (my favorite) or busses to see as much as possible.

In short, some parts of Corfu are great for walking, but you’ll get more out of the island if you use other ways to get around.

Is Corfu hard to get around?

Not even a little! The facilities on the island is set up to meet the needs of tourists. There are a lot of busses, taxis, and places to rent cars, so getting around is easy.

And scooters and bicycles give those with a sense of adventure a unique view of the island’s scenery.

How many days in Corfu is enough?

Even though you could say that Corfu’s charm never really wears off, 4 to 7 days is about right. I spent a week on the island of Corfu and it felt like the right time to me.

This time frame gives you plenty of time to relax on the beaches, explore the historical centre, eat delicious food, and maybe even go on short island-hopping adventures.

I did a day trip to Saranda in Albania by boat from Corfu. This was actually a great and fun day! It’s very recommendable to do this as we booked a great guided tour to Butrint .

Where to stay in Corfu?

Corfu has a wide range of places to stay, from the historic corners of the Old Town to the quiet bays of Paleokastritsa and the busy streets of Sidari.

Here are my three recommendations in different price ranges:

✓ Vila Corfiota Moraitika Beach – ⭐️ 8.7/10 Stars

Villa Corfiota is nicely priced and located in Moraitika Village, which is only 50 m from Moraitika beach. All of the studios have a kitchenette with a fridge and cooking hobs and a bathroom with a shower. They look out over the yard and the mountain.

From the property, you can walk to taverns, clubs, and shops, and there is a bus stop just 492 feet away. The beautiful town of Corfu Town is about 19 km, and you’ll find the Corfu International Airport at 17 km away. The famous Achilleion Palace is about 8 km.

✅ Check prices and book your stay here at Vila Corfiota

✓ Corfu Mare Hotel – ⭐️ 8.5/10 Stars

This hotel is more expensive but you get great value for your money. The Corfu Mare is a small hotel that has just been rebuilt. It’s in a quiet area and is only 2,5 km from Corfu Town.

It has a pool and a hot tub with fresh water, and it looks out over the Ionian Sea. On the pool deck, you can get your drinks and small meals to eat. The rooms are decorated with trendy and unusual wallpaper, colours, and furniture based on different theme. This is done to stimulate your feelings.

✅ Check prices and book your stay here at Corfu Mare Hotel

✓ New York Luxury Suites – ⭐️ 9.3/10 Stars

This is the most expensive and luxurios option. The air-conditioned rooms at New York Luxury Suites are in the middle of Corfu, 2.5 km from Royal Baths Mon Repos, 8 minutes on foot from New Fortress, and 270 meters from Saint Spyridon Church.

Each unit has a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV with satellite, ironing facilities, a closet and a sitting area with a sofa. Each unit has its own bathroom with a shower, as well as a towel, slippers and a hair dryer.

There is a nice balcony at the condo hotel!

✅ Check prices and book your stay at New York Luxury Suites

Is Corfu cheap or expensive?

Corfu, like many other popular tourist spots, has a variety of things to do that fit different budgets.

Corfu might seem cheaper than some other Western European countries, but prices can change depending on where you are on the island and what you want to do.

Here are some examples of what you can expect:

• Accommodation : For a dorm bed in a cheap hotel, you might pay between €20 and €30 per night. A double room at a mid-range hotel could cost between €50 and €100 per night. Depending on the time of year and area, a night at a luxury resort or villa could cost between €200 and €400 or even more.
• Food : At a nearby taverna, a meal could cost you anywhere from €10 to €20. If you want to have a quick meal, gyros or souvlaki might cost you between €2 and €5. A more expensive meal can cost between €30 and €50 or more per person.
• Getting around : Depending on how far you go, local bus rides might cost you between €1.50 and €3. A bike could cost between €15 and €25 per day to rent, while a car could cost between €30 and €50 per day.
• Things to do : Most historical places and museums charge you between €5 and €10 to get in. Most beaches are free to use, but renting a sunbed for the day might cost between €5 and €10.

Overall, Corfu can be both cheap and expensive, based on what you’re looking for. It really depends what kind of holiday you like or looking for!

Is Corfu worth visiting: FAQs

The information below is related to is Corfu worth visiting and you will give you some more great insights before you start planning your trip!

Is Corfu a party island?

Corfu has some great places where a lot of people go to party, with Kavos being the most popular.

But Corfu isn’t just a place to party all night. It has a good mix of quiet spots, cultural places, and exciting places, so it’s good if you like to party and if you want to get away from it all.

That’s also the reason why I really liked my visit to Corfu.

Which is better Crete or Corfu?

Let’s be real here. Both islands are beautiful and have a lot to offer. But this old argument often comes down to what each person likes. Corfu is beautiful because of its green scenery and signs of Venetian rule.

Crete, on the other hand, is larger and has a great mix of beaches, mountains, Minoan ruins, and modern cities.

So, if you still wonder is Corfu worth visiting, I can say that your decision may depend on what kind of adventures you want to have on your Greek journey.

What is the best month to visit Corfu?

I would say that September and October or May and June really stand out and are the best months to visit Corfu.

The island really comes to life during these months with blooming plants and calm seas, but there aren’t as many people there as during peak season. Which is actually really nice!

Even though July and August feel like summer, they also bring more people and it can become extremely crowded.

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The Wrap-Up: Is Corfu Worth Visiting?

So, is Corfu worth visiting? To me, and in every way possible, yes! Corfu is more than just an island; it is a lovely experience and a great holiday spot. A great spot if you’re into history, love the beach life or want to enjoy the local food in charming restaurants!

I’m sure that Corfu won’t dissapoint and I personally can’t wait to go back anytime soon and re-live the nice experience that I had.

If you’re interested in Greece and want to know about this facinating country, check out my other posts about the Greek language and the geographical position of Greece !

And if you want to discover more of Greece, check out my post about Kassiopi in Greece or my post about  the largest islands in Greece !

Your restless voyager,

Hey! My name is Dustin, a restless voyager, married to my Czech wife Jana, living in the Czech Republic with a huge passion for Central & Eastern Europe (including the Balkans). Due to my experience of traveling and living in this region, I am happy to say that I am helping tens of thousands of people in many different ways who want to know more about this fascinating region with my blog.

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• THURS 35 °C

Source: National Observatory of Athens / meteo.gr

Chic and delicate by nature

Unique experiences.

Sightseeing

• The impressive 15th century Old Fortress, as well as the New Fortress.
• The Saint Michael and George Palace at the northern part of Spianada, built during the British occupation.
• A considerable number of churches. The most imposing one is the city’s Cathedral, the Church of St. Spyridon , the island’s patron Saint, whose relics are kept here. The church’s immensely tall bell tower certainly reminds us of that of San Giorgio dei Greci in Venice. Four processions are held every year during which the body of Saint Spyridon is carried around the streets of the city (on Palm and Easter Sunday, on April 11th and the first Sunday in November). All the philharmonic bands of the city accompany the processions creating a remarkable awe-inspiring spectacle.

Call in at the city’s fascinating museums:

• The Museum of Asian Art : Being the only one of its kind, it was founded in 1927 after the donation of 10.500 items by Gregorios Manos. Until 1974 it was a Chinese and Japanese Art museum, but it was then enriched with other private collections.It is housed in Saint Michael and George Palace .
• The Archaeological Museum : Here you can admire important finds from the temple of Artemis and excavation finds from the ancient city of Corfu.
• The Byzantine Museum : It is housed in the Church of the Virgin Mary Antivouniotissa and houses an interesting collection of icons and ecclesiastic items from the 15th to the 19th century.
• The Banknote Museum showcases a collection of Greek coinage from 1822 to the present day.
• The Museum of Dionysios Solomos : The national Poet of Greece left Zakynthos and moved to Corfu, important intellectual centre of the Ionian islands in those years. Solomos lived in a state of self-imposed isolation, and Corfu offered him the ideal environment to work on his studies in poetry. Today his house hosts a museum dedicated to his honour.
• Mon Repos Palace was built by the British Commissioner Adams as a gift to his Corfiot wife. It is a small but beautiful palace with colonial elements, which today operates as a museum. In this luxurious dwelling, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Elisabeth the Second, was born in 1921. The park around the palace is ideal for long romantic walks.
• Kanoni (meaning canon) offers from its circular terrace an amazing view across the island of Pontikonissi (meaning Mouse Island), one of the most photographed spots of Corfu! According to the legend, this rocky islet was a Phaeacian ship that was turned into stone.
• Paleopolis (at Mono Repos estate ) stands where the Agora of the ancient city of Corfu was located. Admire the remains of several public buildings erected there along with sanctuaries, workshops and residencies.
• Achilleion is a fairy palace built among cypresses and myrtles by the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who wished to escape from the Austrian court. Elisabeth truly fell in love with the island, and she dedicated this palace to Achilles as she cherished the belief that he represented the very soul and fairness of Greece.

Filming in Corfu

FEDORA (1978)

A Hollywood producer travels to Greece to try to lure Fedora, a famous but reclusive film actress, out of retirement to star in his new version of 'Anna Karenina'. His attempts to contact her are thwarted by her overprotective secretary, her plastic surgeon, her chauffeur, and the Countless at whose island villa she's living...

DIRECTOR: BILLY WILDER FILMING LOCATION: CORFU, LEFKADA

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY (1981)

After a British information-gathering vessel gets sunk into the sea, Agent 007 is given the responsibility of locating the lost encryption device and thwarting it from entering inimical hands. Therefore, he comes to Greece and collaborates with the charming Melina Havelok, daughter of archaeologists who seeks revenge for the unjustified murder of her parents.

DIRECTOR: JΟΗΝ GLEN FILMING LOCATION: CORFU, KALABAKA

THE GREEK TYCOON (1978)

She was the most famous woman in the world. He was a peasant, a pirate, a shark. The Greek Tycoon is the story of their fiery romance. Liz Cassidy, the unhappy widow of an assassinated American president, is pursued by womanising millionaire businessman Theo Tomasis, who proves to be very persistent. Starring Jacqueline Bisset, Anthony Quinn, Edward Albert and James Franciscus.

DIRECTOR: J. LEE THOMPSON FILMING LOCATION: CORFU, ATHENS, MYKONOS

THE BURGLARS (1971)

A band of crooks, led by a professional jewel thief, break into a mansion on the outskirts of Athens to steal a priceless collection of emeralds. The robbery is a success, but the gang miss their escape transport out of the country. Meanwhile, their leader is pursued by a crooked police chief, who will stop at nothing to lay his hands on the stolen jewels...

DIRECTOR: HENRI VERNEUIL FILMING LOCATION: ATHENS, PIRAEUS, CORFU

ESCAPE TO ATHENA (1979)

The movie is set during the II WW. It is an adventure war film with some comedy elements about a strong Greek resistant movement that took place on a small island. This movement prepares the landing of the Allies and plans to overtake a prisoner camp, run by an Austrian general (Roger Moore). This Austrian general loves antiques and actually has forced his prisoners to work in archaeological excavations, in exchange for a more comfortable treatment. Also starred Terry Savalas, Claudia Cardinale, and David Niven.

DIRECTOR: GEORGE COSMATOS FILMING LOCATION: RHODES, CORFU, HALKIDIKI

THE DURRELLS (2016-2019)

In 1935, Englishwoman Louisa Durrell's life has fallen apart. Her husband died some years earlier and she has financial problems and troubled children. She suddenly announces that the five of them will move from Bournemouth to the Greek island of Corfu. A Homeric battle ensues as the family adapts to life on the island, especially when they discover that Corfu doesn't even have electricity yet. But it is inexpensive, an earthly paradise, and the Durrell family makes the big step that will change their lives.

DIRECTOR: ROGER GOLDBY, STEVE BARRON, NIALL MACCORMICK, EDWARD HALL FILMING LOCATION: CORFU

JUPITER'S THIGH (1980)

A honeymoon turns into a breathless country chase for a police inspector and a researcher of ancient Greek civilization.

DIRECTOR: PHILIPPE DE BROCA FILMING LOCATION: KALABAKA, PARGA, CORFU, ATHENS

Other destinations

Ferry routes

©Denis Rusu/500px

From the writings of Gerald and Lawrence Durrell to the place where the shipwrecked Odysseus was soothed and sent on his way home, Corfu has been portrayed as an idyll for centuries. Today this reputation has led to parts of the island being defiled by mass tourism, but despite this, the Corfu of literature does still exist. All you need to do is sail around the corner, walk over the next headland or potter about the rugged interior and a place of bountiful produce, cypress-studded hills, vertiginous villages, and sandy coves lapped by cobalt-blue waters awaits.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Palaio Frourio

The rocky headland that juts east from Corfu Town is topped by the Venetian-built 14th-century Palaio Frourio. Before that, already enclosed within…

Corfu Museum of Asian Art

Home to stunning artefacts ranging from prehistoric bronzes to works in onyx and ivory, this excellent museum occupies the central portions of the Palace…

Achilleion Palace

Set atop a steep coastal hill 12km south of Corfu Town, the Achilleion Palace was built during the 1890s as the summer palace of Austria's empress…

Myrtiotissa Beach

Writer Lawrence Durrell hailed Myrtiotissa as arguably the best beach in the world. Now dominated by nudists, it remains relatively pristine because it’s…

Palace of St Michael & St George

Beyond the northern end of the Spianada, the smart Regency-style Palace of St Michael and St George was built by the British from 1819 onwards, to house…

Corfu Town owes the elegant, photogenic Liston, the arcade that lines the northern half of the Spianada, to neither the Venetians nor the British but to…

Vidos Island

Hourly boats from the Old Port make the 10-minute crossing to tiny, thickly wooded Vidos Island (€4 return), immediately offshore. The island is the final…

Church of Agios Spyridon

Pilgrims and day-trippers alike throng this Old Town landmark. As well as magnificent frescoes, the small 16th-century basilica holds the remains of Corfu…

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Is Corfu Worth Visiting? 12 Compelling Reasons to Love this Greek Island (Or Not)

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If you’re trying to decide which of the Greek islands to check out first (or next!), you may find yourself wondering: “Is Corfu worth visiting?”

This popular Ionian island has much to offer, from its colorful old town with strong Venetian influences, to its gorgeous beaches, to its charming and lesser-known corners.

However, no place has it all, and Corfu is certainly not the typical island of whitewashed Greek villages you may be envisioning. In fact, as a product of its former Italian, French, and British rule, it’s quite different from what you might otherwise expect to find in Greece.

Understandably, you may be questioning whether it deserves a place on your itinerary –  especially given the other 226 inhabited Greek islands there are to choose from!

As we weigh the pros and cons of this popular Greek island, let’s get to the bottom of the million-dollar question: Is Corfu worth visiting?

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12 Compelling Reasons to Visit Corfu Island, Greece

1. it offers the convenience of an international airport.

In addition to asking yourself: “Is Corfu worth visiting?”,  you should also consider how much travel time you’re willing to invest to reach your desired Greek island(s). Fortunately, as it’s the seventh largest Greek island overall, Corfu is a convenient one to reach as compared to many of the smaller islands.

So if you don’t want to worry about multiple flights and long travel days, then Corfu might be the perfect choice! The island is quite well-connected to other destinations in Europe (and elsewhere) via its international airport.

While many Greek islands offer only small domestic airports, Corfu offers an international hub. This means you can spend more time soaking up island life without the added hassle of arranging additional flights or ferry connections.

This is actually one of the main reasons I decided to visit Corfu from the Cotswolds in England. (The flight from London to Corfu is an easy-breezy 3 hours and 15 minutes.)

2. It Has a Beautiful Old Town

One of Corfu’s calling cards is easily its gorgeous old town, which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

I actually stayed at one of the best boutique hotels in Corfu town and highly recommend you do the same if you’re looking to base yourself in the center of the action.

Located on the island’s east coast, charming Corfu town is a delightful maze of candy-colored historic buildings reminiscent of those in the gorgeous Cinque Terre towns of Italy.

This stimulating town is easy to navigate on foot and conveniently located around 2.5 miles from Corfu International Airport. In fact, you can reach the town by car in just 10 minutes from the airport!

3. It Has a Stunning Old Fortress Walking Distance from Corfu Town

Beyond the old town walls to the east is one of the most fascinating historic monuments in Corfu – the Old Fortress.

The 15th-century Old Fortress is an iconic Venetian structure that sits atop a rocky peninsula. It offers unrivaled views over Corfu.

While you can enjoy the view of it from the old town, I recommend making the trip to check it out up close as well. Fortunately, you can easily reach this iconic landmark on foot from the old town.

Just keep in mind that this is a pay-to-play site and there is a fee of 6EUR to enter as of June 2023.

4. It Has Beautiful Beaches

What would a Greek island be without stunning beaches? The island of Corfu is no exception, with an array of gorgeous beaches scattered throughout. In fact, this is one of many reasons that Corfu makes the cut as one of the best babymoon spots in Europe .

Just a heads up, the type of beach landscape you’ll get will largely depend on what side of the island you’re on. The west side is primarily home to sandy beaches, whereas the east side has more pebbly beaches.

While I unfortunately didn’t make it to the beaches due to my notable lack of a car, you can check out some of the best beaches in Corfu for some inspiration.

5. It Has a Lush Landscape

One of the benefits of visiting an Ionian island like Corfu is the gorgeous and lush landscape. Since Corfu sees more rainfall than islands in the Cyclades, for instance, there’s a lot more lush greenery to enjoy.

This is a departure from many of the more arid landscapes on Greek islands in the Aegean.

In fact, Corfu is one of the greenest islands in all of Greece! This makes for stunning views as well as many beautiful photo opportunities.

6. It Has Surprisingly Good Pizza

Given Corfu’s strong Venetian influences, the island benefits from some pretty tasty Italian cuisine.

I happened to be in Corfu during my second trimester of pregnancy and found myself craving pizza while on the island. Fortunately, I was in luck when I happened upon Pizzeria A Mano .

Despite reading good reviews online before visiting, I kept my expectations pretty low.  (After eating the best pizza of my life in Florence , it’s hard to impress me.)

That said, I was very pleasantly surprised with how delicious my personal pie was.

Now I can understand why it was so competitive to get an outside table here!

7. It’s a Family-Friendly Island

Unlike many of the party islands or honeymoon hotspots aimed at couples, Corfu is definitely a family-friendly island.

As I was in my second trimester (with my first baby) while visiting, I unfortunately didn’t get to experience these awesome activities firsthand – yet! One of the most discussed family-friendly offerings has to be Aqualand Resort , renowned as one of the largest waterparks in the world.

There’s also Sidari Water Park located on the northern part of the island.

Beyond waterparks, if you’re traveling with kiddos, you can definitely take advantage of the kid-friendly tourist train that runs through Corfu town.

There are also a number of museums in Corfu that you should consider for a fun outing with little ones.

8. It’s a Great Jumping Off Point for Other Greek Islands

Corfu is a great island to visit if you enjoy taking day trips. You can easily hop around to other destinations and back via the island’s impressive port.

One of the most popular day trips is a visit to the neighboring islands of Paxos and Antipaxos by day cruise. These islands are beloved for their unique wines and stunning azure beaches.

There are numerous boat tours you can choose from, including stops in Paxos, Antipaxos, and the stunning Blue Caves. Most of these tours will include a swimming stop or two. I hope to join one on a future visit, so please let me know about your experience if you decide to go!

9. It’s a Convenient Gateway to Albania, Too

Did you know that you can get from Corfu to Albania in just 30 minutes by high-speed ferry? (Not to worry if you didn’t – this was also news to me until shortly before visiting!)

It blows my mind that Corfu, Greece is closer to Albania than it is to many other destinations in Greece itself. This is because it’s located off the country’s northwestern coast and is actually the northernmost Greek island.

Alternatively, the majority of Greek islands are found in the central Aegean.

If you’re familiar with my day trip from Malta to Gozo , then you already know I’m all about a good excursion – especially if it’s only a short ferry ride away!

In my opinion, it’s an absolute no-brainer to do the day trip to Albania while visiting Corfu. Not only is Albania convenient to reach by high-speed hydrofoil, but it’s also a nice little introduction to this vastly underrated neighboring country.

The quick ferry ride from Corfu will take you to Saranda, one of the busiest towns on the Albanian Riviera. From there, you may wish to bus it to Ksamil, a village chock-full of stunning beaches. If this is of interest, be sure to check out the details for a seamless day trip to Albania .

10. It Has an Abundance of Olive Trees

If you’re asking yourself: “Is Corfu worth visiting?” and you happen to be a fan of Greek olive oil, then the answer is absolutely yes!

That’s because Corfu is home to an estimated four million olive trees! This includes both wild trees as well as cultivated ones that are used for the production of delicious Greek olive oil.

If you’d like to sample a taste of the region for yourself, don’t miss the chance to join an olive oil tasting while on the island.

11. It Has Some of the Nicest Sunsets in Greece

One of my favorite things about the Greek islands is the unbeatable sunsets and the gorgeous hues you’ll find on Corfu are no exception.

If you’re planning to spend some time on the west side of the island, you can enjoy some wonderful sunsets. Two popular spots to catch the sunset are Pelekas Beach and Agios Gordios.

12. It’s Ideal if You Love Watersports

If you’re a watersports enthusiast, you may find yourself right at home in Corfu. Between the crystal clear blue water and plentiful marine life, you’ll never be bored on this island.

Whether diving, waterskiing, or paragliding, there’s plenty of aquatic activities on the island to keep you occupied!

...And 5 Potential Reasons Why Corfu May Not Be For You

1. it’s more humid than many other greek islands.

One of the things I love most about visiting Greece overall is the climate, particularly that of the Cyclades islands , a group of 200+ islands located in the Aegean Sea.

However, with its location along the Ionian Sea, Corfu belongs to the group of Ionian islands along with Zakynthos, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Kythira, and Paxos (and technically tiny Antipaxos located off of its southern coast).

Unfortunately, the Ionian islands tend to experience more humidity than the Cyclades islands due to their heavy southeastern winds and increased rainfall.

(Side Note: I actually got caught in a downpour while visiting Corfu’s Old Fortress Castle and had to wait it out – while drenched from head to toe – inside a cave!)

So if you’re hoping for a Greek-island experience with more reliably dry days, Corfu probably isn’t the island for you.

2. It Lacks the Quintessential Whitewashed Greek Buildings

If you’re coming to Greece to admire the classic whitewashed villages like you’ll find on Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, and other islands in the Cyclades, Corfu is not the island for you.

As I mentioned, Corfu is known for colorful buildings thanks to its Venetian influence, meaning it’s not the typical Greek island you may have seen on postcards.

That said, it’s still stunningly beautiful (as are all of the Greek islands, in their own way). It just won’t offer that iconic Greek vibe you may be looking for.

3. It’s More International than Other Greek Islands

Along with the fact that Corfu is a far cry from a whitewashed island, it’s also more international than certain travelers may prefer. While you can certainly enjoy Greek food on the island, there are just as many places offering Italian food and other international cuisine.

4. It’s the Most Popular Ionian Island & One of the Most Touristy Greek Islands Overall

The fact that Corfu is as popular as it is may be considered a pro to some. After all, why wouldn’t you want to visit an island that’s beloved by so many?

Then again, with great popularity comes great crowds , particularly during the summer months of July and August. It can also mean lots of tacky tourist shops that may have you feeling less of the “authentic” Greek experience.

So if the idea of wading through throngs of (mostly German and British) tourists in the summer heat doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, perhaps one of the quieter Ionian islands (like Kefalonia ) would be better suited to you.

5. Public Transportation Isn’t Great If You’re Going Beyond the Old Town

Unless you’re planning to stay exclusively in the old town – and be sure to check out these boutique hotels in Corfu town if you do – you’re really going to need a car. That’s because the more underdeveloped (and exceptionally beautiful) parts of the island are not always easily accessible by bus.

I should know – I was without a car and desperately wanted to visit Porto Timoni. Unfortunately, however, there was only one bus heading there from the town leaving at the crack of dawn! If you’re planning to go off the beaten path while in Corfu, you won’t want to be without a car.

Is Corfu Worth Visiting? The Ultimate Decision to Visit (Or Not)

Now that you have all of the intel, it’s time to revisit the question of the day: Is Corfu worth visiting?

Here’s a little summary to help you make that decision:

You Should Visit Corfu if You:

• Appreciate the ease of an international airport and straightforward connections
• Love colorful and lively old towns
• Prefer having a variety of beaches to choose from
• Like the idea of taking day trips to neighboring islands and countries
• Enjoy Italian food, culture, and influences
• Want to explore nature off the beaten path
• Love Greek olive oil  

You Should Skip Over Corfu if You:

• Don’t enjoy more humid islands
• Don’t want to travel with a car
• Have your heart set on whitewashed Greek villages
• Don’t enjoy touristy old towns
• Don’t prefer international restaurant options

I hope this guide has helped you decide whether Corfu deserves a place on your Greek island-hopping itinerary. I personally feel like I barely scratched the surface of this unique island and would love to return to discover more of its secret corners and hidden gems.

Do you plan to visit Corfu after reading this guide? Let me know in the comments below!

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The Ultimate Corfu Travel Guide

Corfu – is it the perfect Greek island escape? When looking for a Greek island vacation, Corfu is not the first island that comes to mind for me. I always think of Santorini or Mykonos and Corfu often slips to the bottom of the list. That was until we discovered that one of the best luxury all-inclusive hotels in Europe is located in Corfu. Let me tell you, finding a luxury all-inclusive hotel in Europe that not only has superb decor, amenities and reviews BUT exquisite food to match is not an easy feat. You either get one or the other but never the full package. It wasn’t until we started to research Corfu properly as a Greek island destination we might want to visit that we realised what amazing things Corfu had to offer. This Corfu travel guide will share all our favourite sights, places to eat delicious authentic food and where to stay in style.

Table of Contents

Why visit corfu, where to stay in corfu, things to do in corfu, where to eat in corfu, how to get to corfu, how to get around corfu.

Corfu is different to most other Greek islands, mainly because it is covered in lush green vegetation and mountainous terrain. With over 217km of coastline and plentiful sandy beaches with turquoise water, a beautiful romantic old town and a rich cultural heritage, Corfu is a surprisingly fantastic island to visit for your vacation.

Due to its location off the northwest coast of Greece, Corfu is the most northern of the Greek islands. It is also one of 7 islands that make up the Ionian Islands. Rain falls in winter creating a lush green landscape of olive trees and cypresses followed by warm, sunny and dry summers.

The island of Corfu in Greece also has a town of Corfu, Kerkyra  in Greek. Also known as Corfu Old Town, you can see Venetian influences due to the four centuries that it was under Venetian rule from 1386 until 1797. Corfu’s Old Town features Renaissance, baroque and classical architecture, old fortresses and a 19th-century Liston, a promenade on the central square, with arcades and cafes. If you are looking for a culturally rich and relaxing island to visit in Greece, then why not visit Corfu?

IKOS Dassia 5* All Inclusive Hotel

I can’t talk about the best luxury all-inclusive hotel in Europe without telling you what it’s called or why it is so fantastic. Read on to discover why you will be adding this hotel to your bucket list and why we included it in our Corfu travel guide.

The Ikos Dassia Experience

We stayed at the Ikos Dassia all-inclusive hotel for the first 5 nights of our trip to Corfu. Our plan was to find a modern luxury oceanfront hotel that offered an unparalleled all-inclusive experience. It did not disappoint . We wanted to simply have a luxuriously relaxing stay, and drink cocktails all day by the pool whilst gorging on delicious food. From the moment we arrived in our taxi, we were personally greeted by the concierge outside the hotel and taken to check-in in the most beautiful lobby which instantly made us gasp “wow” out loud. Champagne and gin and tonic (our drinks of choice) were served as our personal concierge showed us maps of the resort on an iPad and then walked us to our hotel room. Instantly, we knew this holiday was going to be amazing.

The Rooms at Ikos Dassia

Our room was booked as an inland view room, one of the cheapest categories on offer. Before we travelled, I emailed reservations and requested to have a room that was not facing the main road. (Tripadvisor reviews really do give the best tips). To our surprise, this meant we had a room with a partial ocean view for no extra cost.

The rooms are bright and modernly decorated with a simple luxurious feel. They include a fully stocked mini-bar (beer, wine, local spirits and soft drinks) that is included in the rate. It can be refilled with your favourite drinks on a daily basis. They also serve 24-hour room service which is quite handy if you fancy breakfast in bed or a late-night dessert snack.

The Ikos Dassia hotel has 2 buildings – Sea and Sky. Each has its own rooms and buffet restaurant. The Sea building is more appropriate for families and the Sky building is perfect for couples. I would request which building you would like before visiting as the vibes are quite different. The property really does cater for all types of travellers.

Dining at Ikos Dassia

There are 5 main restaurants at Ikos Dassia offering Michelin star chef-created menus. Our favourites were Anaya, for mouth-watering Asian cuisine and Provence for the delicious French fare. We didn’t particularly like the Flavors buffet and would recommend eating in the a la carte restaurants. You can pre-book these before you arrive at the resort to ensure you get a table at a reasonable time and can experience each one. Luckily the concierge is there to help with all your needs prior to visiting. And yes, before you ask – you can order as many dishes as you want. This was perfect for Anaya and being able to experience a variety of Japanese dishes.

Experiences at Ikos Dassia

Book a Mini Drive Adventure ! Ikos Dassia offers the complimentary opportunity to drive a Mini Cooper for the day to explore the island of Corfu. This was such a great unique touch and we really enjoyed adventuring around Corfu on our own.

The wine tasting experience at Ergon . As part of the all-inclusive experience at Ikos Dassia, you are able to enjoy wine tasting. One might think, why would you do this when all the wine is included anyway? Well, let me tell you this, the wealth of knowledge we gained from the sommelier, along with the delicious food pairings made this a very educational and fun experience.

Sunset boat cruise around the island. A not very well-advertised perk of staying at Ikos Dassia is the opportunity to go on a complimentary sunset cruise. Unfortunately, the night that we had pre-booked (ensure you do this before arriving) was raining so it didn’t sail. However, we did watch the boat leave on previous evenings and it looked absolutely fantastic sailing into the sunset.

Dine out on authentic greek food in the renowned local restaurants with the Dine Out Culinary Experience all included in your stay.

Overall Score 10/10

All of these wonderful amenities are on top of the multiple beautiful pools including waiter service, all-day access to ice cream, insanely beautiful bars and views. Ikos Dassia was hands down one of the best hotel experiences we have ever had. We highly recommend staying here if you want the luxury all-inclusive experience at a reasonable price.

Bella Venezia 3* Boutique Hotel

On this trip, we wanted to experience Corfu Old Town and booked this hotel extremely last minute. We had planned on staying at another accommodation, however, they let us down whilst we were actually on our holiday in Corfu. So a last-minute search led us to Bella Venezia and we couldn’t have been happier that they had availability.

This traditional boutique hotel is ideally located close to the centre of Corfu Old Town and is a restored neoclassical mansion. Enjoy alfresco dining in their glorious courtyard garden with a gazebo sunroom and wisteria-adorned trellis. The breakfast is a traditional Greek breakfast and the rooms are classically designed. We highly recommend staying at Bella Venezia when you visit Corfu Old Town.

Corfu is one of those islands with little in the way of tourist attractions. You come here to relax on the beach, enjoy the culturally rich old town and explore the island’s wonderful natural beauty.

Inspired by a stunning photo on Instagram, we visited La Grotta in Corfu on our day trip from Ikos Dassia in the Mini Cooper. On the way to Paleokastritsa, imagine a secret cove located down 142 winding steps. Set at the base of the cliff with a sparkling turquoise lagoon below. The waves gently splash on the rocks that make up part of the beach bar that is built into the cliff. People jump off the turquoise blue diving board and snorkelers gather to swim around the rocky shore. We arrived before the beach cafe had opened and so had the lagoon to ourselves for a while before visitors started to appear. As we visited in the offseason it was a lot quieter than what we had heard it can be in peak season. We didn’t need to purchase anything from the bar in order to swim there, however the bar was closed when we arrived. When the bar did open we wanted to stop for a drink however no one served us for quite some time so we left.

Corfu Old Town

Corfu Old Town was named by UNESCO a world heritage site and is beautifully preserved with stunning Venetian architecture. Set on the East coast of Corfu island, the old town faces the border of mainland Greece and Albania. With a rich and abundant history, Corfu Old town is an absolute must-visit for your trip to Corfu island.

Historic monuments are nestled in between the charming cobbled streets and romantic, colourful buildings. The Venetian influences rose from the middle ages when Corfu was under Venetian rule for over 4 centuries. You would be forgiven for thinking that you were strolling through the streets of Venice due to how large the influences are here. It is quite honestly, a magnificent and unique old town.

There is no set itinerary recommendation for visiting the old town as you simply want to just wander the cobbled streets and get “lost”. Discover quaint cafes nestled into hidden cosy corners and admire the characteristic facades of the buildings.

A few points of interest for visiting Corfu Old Town are listed below to help you navigate a few of the must-sees:

Taking a page out of Venice’s book replicating St Marks’s Square vibe. With charming arcades forming a romantic background for the aristocrats in yonder years, this is the perfect place to come for an evening promenade, eat dinner or stop for coffee under the shade of the umbrellas.

Saint Spyridon Church

A Greek Orthodox church that was built in the 1500s with the highest bell tower in the Ionian islands. You can see the church peeking out from the cobbled lanes and it makes a truly fantastic photo. Watch out for traditional Greek weddings that happen here, it is wonderfully romantic.

The Old Fortress

Sitting on a peninsula on the East coast of Corfu’s Old Town, with 360-degree panoramic views of the Ionian sea and UNESCO World Heritage old town, the Old Fortress is a sight to behold. The Venetian-built fortress was erected to protect Corfu town from invaders in the Byzantine era. Access to the fortress is via the Contrafrossa , a moat that enabled the fortress to withstand three major sieges. Tickets are just 6 Euros to enter and are well worth purchasing.

The New Venetian Fortress

Built on the hill of St Mark on the west side of Corfu town is the fortress of Agios Markos. This magnificent fortress can be seen from the old port and is built over two levels. The New Fortress was built to fortify the defence of Corfu as the Old Fortress was no longer enough. This fortress is a great addition to visiting the Old Fortress and only costs a few Euros to enter, sometimes even free.

Plakada t’ Agioú Square

We stumbled upon Plakada t’ Agioú Square as we were wandering the old town streets. Located near Saint Spyridon church, this colourful square is one of the most central and historic points in the old town of Corfu. The beautifully colourful buildings adorned with white shutters make you feel like you have stepped into a bygone era.

Kapodistrias Statue

To get incredible views of the Old Fortress, head to the Kapodistrias Statue. Located only a few minutes stroll through a park from the centre of the old town, you will find sweeping coastal views here including the magnificent Old Fortress.

Porto Timoni

On our list of places to visit in Corfu was Port Timoni, for obvious beautiful reasons. However, we did not get to visit it whilst we were there and felt I had to add it to the list of places to visit as it simply looks amazing. Access involves a little hiking and you need a car to access the car park, there are no facilities and so coming here isn’t for the faint-hearted. The views just look simply breathtaking.

Paleokastritsa

We visited Paleokastritsa due to its close proximity to La Grotta. It is quite a pleasant area with a monastery on top of a hill, olive tree forests and clear blue ocean views. It is a very small rural resort, with quite pretty views, however, we only stayed for a very short time (probably less than an hour) as we felt it didn’t quite offer what the internet had described. Worth checking out if you are in the area.

All of the restaurants I am recommending in this post are located in Corfu Old Town as we spent part of our trip eating in the all-inclusive restaurants at Ikos Dassia. Since most visitors will be spending some time in the old town these are our must-visit restaurants for your visit.

We found Abakas the usual way that we find our favourite places to eat – via Trip Advisor. It gets 5/5 and is No.4 of all the restaurants in Corfu Town. We were not disappointed by the delicious local Mediterranean food served for a very reasonable price. Think large portions of succulent grilled meats, fresh salads for 10-15 Euros and wine for only 5 Euros for half a carafe! Set a little away from the usual tourist traps, Abakas is a must-visit and worth arriving early or booking a table as it’s very popular with locals and tourists. We went twice we loved it so much in the short time we were in the old town.

Pane E Souvlaki

Pane E Souvlaki is located in the centre of Corfu Old Town in a beautiful building overlooking the Old Town Hall of Corfu and a bustling picturesque courtyard. There’s alfresco seating and cute, albeit small balconies with wonderful views. They serve delicious traditional Greek food with their main special being the Souvlaki, which is mouth-wateringly good. We hadn’t planned on coming here, but as we were sitting in a restaurant opposite that was serving up mediocre food, we popped over and are very glad we did so.

To Mikavziko

If you are looking for a traditional Greek dish to take away whilst wandering the cobbled streets of Corfu Old Town, then pop into To Mikavziko. This little hole-in-the-wall establishment serves Gyros (pronounced yee-rro) for just a couple of Euros and makes the perfect takeaway lunch.

Flying to Corfu

You will fly into Corfu International Airport (airport code CFU), also known as Ioannis Kapodistrias, located only a short 5-minute drive from the old town. There are direct flights to Corfu from most airports in the UK with the flight only taking around 3 hours.

We flew from Bristol with Easyjet and for a week’s trip, with just hand luggage that fits underneath the seat in front of you (you will be surprised how much this fits), it cost us £156 for 2 people return. We travelled during the low season (October) and prices can peak higher during the Summer.

You can also fly from mainland Greece with flights from Athens taking only an hour.

Ferry to Corfu

If you are in Greece living out your Mamma Mia dreams and island hopping, you can also catch the ferry to Corfu. The closest ferry departs from mainland Greece from Igoumenitsa and takes 1 hour. Bear in mind that Corfu is located in the Northernmost part of Greece on the West Coast and is the furthest Greek island to travel to.

Corfu is a large island, about 585km² and if you compare this to another Greek island like Santorini for example which is only 76km², you will need some sort of transport if you want to see different sights.

Hiring a Car in Corfu

Hiring a car is the most ideal situation as many places you would want to visit are off the beaten path. However, if you are planning a trip to spend a week on the beach in an all-inclusive hotel, you could easily get away with taking a taxi or the local bus for the odd trip.

Taxis in Corfu

Taxis are available easily in Corfu and are handy to use if you need a late-night transfer or want a private alternative to a shared shuttle. To give you an idea of taxi prices in Corfu, we pre-booked a taxi from Corfu International Airport to our hotel, Ikos Dassia, and the total cost for 2 people was approximately £28. The journey was 13km and takes 20 minutes.

Top Tip: We did notice that the prices of taxis from Corfu Old Town to Corfu International Airport were quite expensive given the distance. They cost up to 20 Euros for a 4-5 minute journey (around a 2km distance) and there are cheaper alternatives. You can walk which takes about 20 minutes or catch the local bus number 15 for 1,10 Euro in advance or 1,70 Euro on board.

Local Buses in Corfu

There are local buses in Corfu that you can easily use to travel around the island on a budget. The Blue buses are used for short distances and the Green buses travel further around the island. Fares are only a few euros and make travelling without a car in Corfu a breeze. Also handy if you want to have a few cocktails at lunch and don’t want to worry about driving. Some of the bus journey durations are also similar to taking a car.

Looking for European destinations to visit, why not check out our most popular post – The ultimate Southern France Road Trip Itinerary

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Rachel Hughes

Hey there! I'm Rachel Hughes aka Ever The Wanderer. I am a Digital Media Creator and long term travel expert. I help people realise their worth and what they can achieve.

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Corfu Travel Guide

Last Updated: June 6, 2024

Corfu has been one of Greece’s most popular islands since the 1970s. Located in the Ionian island group in western Greece, Corfu has beautiful white sand beaches, easy connections to Italy and Albania , stunning mountains, and wild, crazy nightlife.

I love the atmosphere here. It is a lot more relaxed than other islands in the Mediterranean, and there’s a great intersection of cultures here. While it gets crowded during the summer (especially with young backpackers), there are still many quiet places to stay and see on the island as most of the action sticks to just a few hotspots.

This travel guide to Corfu can help you plan your trip so you save money and have the best experience possible.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Corfu

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Corfu

1. Explore Kassiopi

Kassiopi is a small fishing village on the northern side of Corfu that’s much quieter than the popular Corfu Town (the main town on the island). From here, you can walk among the ruins of the Byzantine Kassiopi castle, lounge on the beach, or relax in the town square. You can also take a boat trip along the surrounding coastline to go diving, snorkeling, swimming, or just have lunch on a more remote beach. At night, grab dinner and drinks at one of the traditional restaurants along the picturesque waterfront.

2. See the Church of Saint Spyridon

This 16th-century Greek Orthodox church in the middle of Corfu’s Old Town is full of frescoes and elaborate artwork. You can’t miss it as the bell tower is the highest one in the Ionian Islands. The church holds the remains of the island’s patron saint, Spyridon, a shepherd from the 4th century who is said to protect the island from all ills, including the Ottomans and even the plague. The silver casket containing his remains is paraded through town during special events.

3. Hit the beaches

Great beaches abound all over the island, with each area offering something different. The western side of Corfu is home to a long stretch of sandy beaches, the eastern side has calmer waters, and the northern beaches are mainly pebble beaches. Sidari has the sandiest beaches, while the deep, calm waters around Paleokastritsa are ideal for water skiing, boating, and parasailing. Agios Georgios South is good for diving. Try to explore as many as you can see you get a sense of the variety here.

4. Spend time in Paleokastritsa

Located just 23 kilometers (14 miles) from Corfu Town, this relaxing seaside town has calm beaches and clear turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can visit nearby caves and hike up to the 13th-century Theotokos Monastery for views overlooking the town and the Mediterranean. The monastery’s architecture has that Mediterranean and Greek Island look. The building itself is yellow and the walkway leading to the belltower is full of color from the green plants, shrubs, flowers, and blooming trees. At the Corfu Aquarium, you can get a look at a variety of sea life, like scorpionfish, and learn more about the island’s ecosystem. End your day relaxing at the Greek tavernas serving fresh seafood on the waterfront.

5. Explore Achilleion

The Empress Elisabeth of Austria built this palace in 1890 as a place to seek summer refuge after the tragic death of her only son. It was designed in the style of an ancient palace of Phaeacia, a region in Greek mythology, and there are paintings and sculptures of Greek gods and goddesses throughout. Inside, there are also furnished rooms showing what the palace looked like in its prime. As you walk through the halls, you’ll see art and adornment everywhere, from the painted ceilings to the sculptures that appear to be holding the beams in place. The mythical hero Achilles is the central theme. You’ll see a massive sculpture of the Dying Achilles as the centerpiece of the lush, manicured gardens, which are filled with towering palm trees and colorful, native plants. The palace is located in Gastouri, a town only 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Corfu Town. Admission is 5 EUR.

Other Things to See and Do in Corfu

1. hang out in corfu town.

The origins of Corfu Town stretch all the way back to the 8th century BCE, when the town was an important commercial center for the Phoenicians. It used to be called Paleopolis, and you can see some of its original ruins opposite the Mon Repos Palace. Corfu was under Venetian rule between the 14th and 18th centuries, so there is a lot of Venetian architecture around town as well, such as pastel-colored buildings, iron fencing, cobblestone streets, and wooden shutters. Exhibits inside the New and Old Fortresses share a lot of the island’s history, plus they have incredible views of the sea and surrounding area. The fortresses are connected by the Spianada park, which is a lovely place for a walk. Some of the other things worth seeing are a the Church of Saint Spiridon where a saint’s relics are stored, the Liston neighborhood’s pedestrian promenade, the Casa Parlante for a look at life as an aristocrat in the 1800s, and Mon Repos Palace with artifacts dating back to 800 BC. If you want to take a guided walking tour of the town that includes food, this tour is really good.

2. Check out Nymfes village

According to legend, Nymphs (nature deities from Greek folklore) used to bathe in 200-meter-high waterfalls near this village. The area is full of cypress trees, olive groves, and many streams. Just north of town, you can visit the waterfalls and see the remains of nearby Askitario, a small, ancient monastery. There are three waterfalls, the biggest tumbles water down fifteen meters into a pool below. It’s an easy trail that’s about 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) long if you walk the whole loop. It takes about two hours to complete. A monk named Artemios Paissios lived here alone in the 5th century. He once had a premonition that his parents were coming to fetch him, so he dug a grave to lie down in it – at which point a boulder rolled on top of him. When his parents tried to dig him out, the boulder apparently ignited into flames. The village is 33 kilometers (20 miles) north of Corfu Town and takes just under an hour to get to by car.

3. Visit Aqualand

Aqualand is a fun, family-friendly waterpark with 15 different water-themed rides and attractions, including slides, pools, and rivers. It’s a little cheesy, but it gives you something different to do after you’ve spent a few days on the beach or browsing ruins (it’s especially fun if you’re with kids). Full-day access is 37 EUR (33 EUR if you book online), while two-day access is 60 EUR. You can buy your tickets in advance by clicking this link.

4. Hike the Corfu Trail

The Corfu Trail is an epic 150-kilometer (93-mile) trek starting from the south of the island near Kavos, crosses through the middle of the island, and ends at the northern tip near Spiridon. It’s a fairly easy hike, with lots of signage as you weave your way through hills, mountains, lakes, lagoons, monasteries, and tiny towns. You’ll see juniper dunes and olive groves along the way and the rocky plateaus and gorges in the northern part of the island. It’s a really unique way to experience Corfu away from the resorts, and there’s no shortage of accommodations along the way (or you can camp out). It’s broken up into 10 stages so most people do it over 10 days.

5. Go sailing

Thanks to the calm water and consistently warm weather, Corfu is an ideal place for sailing. Various companies offer charter trips, and many of them offer lunch packages and open bars. Some hostels run day-long party boats too. Day sails start from about 70 EUR per person.

6. Visit the Banknote Museum

Founded by the Ionian Bank, this coin museum in Corfu Town has exhibits showcasing coins, stamps, bank documents, post-Greek liberation banknotes, books, and foreign banknotes from the past two centuries. It’s located in the place where the bank was established in 1839, which is interesting on its own with the contrast of the white columns against the pink exterior. The highlight of the museum is a 100-billion-drachma note from 1944, the largest denomination note ever issued. Admission is free.

7. Take an olive oil tasting tour

Corfu covers a mere 585 square kilometers, yet it is home to over four million olive trees. Olive oil has always been a big part of Greek tradition and culture, and a tasting tour is a perfect way to learn about the production of this essential staple. Corfu Olive Tours offers an informative behind-the-scenes tour of olive tree groves and old mills where you can learn everything there is to know about olive oil. Plus, you get to try some samples too. A 1-hour tour starts at 27 EUR while the full 3-hour tour is 55 EUR.

8. Explore the Corfu Archaeological Museum

This museum is home to ancient artifacts from all over the island, including statues, funeral offerings, pottery, and golden jewelry. The most famous exhibit is the monumental pediment from the temple of Artemis, which depicts Gorgon, a monster of the underworld from Greek mythology. It’s the oldest stone pediment in Greece, dating to 590 BCE. Another highlight includes the stone lion of Menecrates and a limestone pediment from a temple to Dionysis. If you’re into history, you’ll definitely want to check this museum out. Admission is 6 EUR.

9. Visit Vlacherna Monastery

This picturesque, white-washed monastery on the eastern side of Corfu is set out on the water on its very own tiny island. You can only access it via a pedestrian bridge, which adds to its charm. As of 1980, it is no longer a monastery and functions today as a church for celebratory events, a tourist attraction, and even a filming location — most notably for the James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only . Being a former monastery, the interior is fairly simply decorated and the main draws here are the beautiful views of the building itself and the surrounding bay. Admission is free. You can also take a 5-minute (3 EUR) boat ride from the monastery to the nearby Mouse Island, a tiny, relaxed island with a 13th-century church and a cafe.

10. Admire the views from Angelokastro Castle

One of the most important Byzantine castles, Angelokastro is located high on steep cliffs along the water near Paleokastritsa. This 13th-century fortress successfully defended the island against its many invaders over the centuries, never falling despite many attacks and sieges. Today, the castle has deteriorated with the passage of time, and it’s mainly in ruins. However, the views from the top are absolutely spectacular. Some other things worth seeing here include an 18th-century hermitage, anthropomorphic graves carved out of the rock, and a tiny church dedicated to the Archangel Michael. Castle admission is 3 EUR.

Corfu Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a dorm with 4-8 beds costs 25-42 EUR per night (dorms with ten beds or more cost about the same price) during peak season and 19-26 during off-peak times. Private rooms are between 55-110 EUR per night during peak season and 55-65 EUR per night during off-peak season. Free Wi-Fi is standard, though self-catering facilities and free breakfast are not common.

For those traveling with a tent, a basic camping plot without electricity for one person starts at 12 EUR in the summer and drops by 1-2 EUR in the off-season.

Budget hotel prices – A two-star hotel starts at 75 EUR per night anywhere on the island, although a beachfront property in Sidari costs 10-20 EUR more. In the off-season, you can find rooms for as little as 35 EUR per night.

Airbnb is available everywhere on Corfu, with private rooms costing at least 40 EUR per night. A full apartment averages about 130 EUR per night.

Food – Traditional Greek cuisine is very healthy, using a lot of fresh seasonal vegetables, olive oil, lamb, fish, pork, and cheeses (especially feta). Yogurts are also super common. Filo pastries stuffed with meat or spinach and cheese are a local favorite as are souvlaki and gyros.

You can find street food like gyros for under 5 EUR. A hearty pita or Greek salad costs around 7.5 EUR while a fast food combo costs around 7 EUR.

Pastitsada (slow-cooked rooster in a wine tomato sauce season with herbs and served over pasta) is Corfu’s signature dish. You can find it in most restaurants for around 11 EUR. Traditional veal dishes like psito and sofrito cost about 14 EUR. A beer to go with it costs 5 EUR.

At most restaurants, you can get an appetizer and an entrée for less than 20 EUR. If you feel like splashing out, a meal at a higher-end restaurant can cost 40 EUR or more. A glass of local wine is another 5 EUR. If you’re looking to get fish, expect to spend between 20-30 EUR for your meal.

Most restaurants charge for bread. The price is between .50-1.50 EUR. A bottle of water is about 1 EUR, while a cappuccino or latte is 3 EUR.

If you cook for yourself, expect to spend around 45-50 EUR on groceries per week. This gets you basic staples like pasta, veggies, cheese, and some meat.

Corfu Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Corfu, expect to spend around 65 EUR per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, eating lots of cheap food, cooking some meals, using the bus to get around, visiting a few cheap attractions (like a museum) and taking advantage of free activities like beaches and hiking, and limiting your drinking. If you’re going to party while you’re here, add another 10-15 EUR per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 125 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out for all your meals, rent a bike to get around, visit more museums and take some tours, and enjoy a few drinks. You won’t live large but you’ll want for nothing.

On a “luxury” budget of 215 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you’d like, take taxis or rent a car, and do as many tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

One thing to keep in mind is that if you’re coming during peak summer, prices are about 10-20% higher for everything!

Corfu Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Despite Corfu being one of the most touristy islands in Greece, the island remains relatively budget-friendly. Accommodation and tours will be your biggest expenses here but, overall, the island isn’t as expensive as places like Santorini or Mykonos . Here are some of my favorite ways to cut your costs in Corfu:

• Get the Corfu City Pass – The Corfu City Pass gives you access to many different attractions under one price, including Aqualand, a day sail, a walking tour, and more. It can’t be purchased online so you’ll need to buy it on arrival.
• Use the Greek salad/bread rule – If the bread fee is .50 EUR or a Greek salad is less than 7 EUR, the restaurant is cheap. If the cover is around 1 EUR and a salad is 7-8.50 EUR, the prices are average. Anything more than that and the place is expensive. Use this rule to avoid expensive restaurants unless you want to splash out!
• Eat super cheap – Gyros and other street snacks only cost 3-5 euros and can keep you full for less than 15 EUR per day if you’re on a tight budget.
• Have an ISIC Card – To save on the cost of admission to museums and other tourist attractions, be sure to present a valid student card if you’re a student. The ISIC is typically accepted in places where a foreign student ID is not.
• Book in advance – Corfu gets a lot of tourism and things tend to fill up quickly in the summer. If you want to secure that ultra-cheap hostel room, book way in advance!
• Redeem hotel points – Sign up for hotel credit cards and use those points when you travel. Most cards come with at least 1-2 nights free, which can significantly lower your costs. This post will help you get the basics so you can earn points right away and have plenty for your trip.
• Travel in the shoulder season – Accommodations and scooter/ATV rentals are cheaper in the shoulder season. It may not be as hot as the summer months, but the weather is still pleasant.
• Book overnight ferries – Greece’s inter-island ferries can get quite expensive if you are taking a lot of them. Booking overnight ferries can save you up to half off the normal price plus save you a night of accommodation.
• Get a ferry pass – Eurail has a ferry pass that has 4- and 6-trip options. The only caveat is that you can only take Blue Star and Hellenic Seaways ferries. Those tend to be the larger, slower ferries and, depending on the islands, might require you to connect somewhere. You’ll need to research routes in advance to see if the pass is worth it. I would search routes on FerryHopper to see if it works for you.
• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find really nice Couchsurfing hosts all throughout Corfu. This way, you not only have a place to stay, but you get a local host that can share their insider tips and knowledge.
• Go to museums on their free admission days – Most of the museums have some days when admission is free. Check the Odysseus Culture website for details as they vary from museum to museum.
• Buy wine at the store – You can buy a nice bottle of wine for around 5 EUR at the store. It’s a lot cheaper than drinking at the bar!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Corfu

Corfu has lots of hostels and budget hotels all over the islands. The Pink Palace is a BIG party spot so don’t stay there if you’re looking for a quieter Corfu experience. Here are my suggested places to stay in Corfu to help you get started:

• The Pink Palace
• Sunrock Corfu
• Corfu Backpackers
• Secreta Vista
• Del Mare Beach Hotel
• Iolida Corfu Resort & Spa
• Archontico Petrettini Boutique Hotel

How to Get Around Corfu

Bus – Buses are really the only way to get around the island (outside renting your own vehicle). Depending on the length of your trip, bus fares cost between 1.20-4.40 EUR. You can purchase an unlimited day pass for 5 EUR on the blue-and-white bus around Corfu Town.

Be advised that service is reduced on weekends and, to some of the further afield places, virtually non-existent during the low season. If you’re going to be moving around the island, plan accordingly because bus times, even during peak season, are infrequent. It’s kind of a pain in the ass.

Scooter/ATV rental – A scooter rental is an excellent way to get around Corfu since the buses are a hassle. Scooter rentals start from 16 EUR per day while ATV rentals start from 38 EUR per day.

Bicycle – You can find daily rentals for as little as 10 EUR per day. While the island is bike-friendly with lots of routes, keep in mind there are lots and lots of hills!

Taxi – Expect to pay around 3.60 EUR as a base fare and then just over 1 EUR per kilometer. Since prices add up fast, skip the taxis as much as you can. It’s cheaper to just rent a car or scooter.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 20 EUR per day for a multi-day rental when booked in advance. Expect manual transmissions. You’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and drivers need to be at least 21 years old. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Corfu

Summer (June-August) is the most popular time to visit Corfu. The days are really hot and temperatures average 88°F (31°C). There’s plenty of sunshine and very little rain during the summer (only 2-3 days every month get rain). The Mediterranean is perfect for swimming and enjoying water sports during this time, but this is definitely when most people visit. Expect crowds and higher prices.

Personally, I think Corfu’s shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) are the best times to visit the island. The Mediterranean is pleasant year-round so you still get warm temperatures in the shoulder seasons — but without the tourist hordes. Plus, prices are less inflated. The average daily high is 73°F (23°C). There is more rain that in the summer (6-10 days have rain every month), so be sure to pack layers and rain gear. You can experience the island’s Carnival events during the week before Ash Wednesday every year, and they also have a huge celebration for Easter.

Winters average 50°F (10°C), and you won’t have to compete with tourists for hotel rooms during this time. That said, many businesses and services shut down in the off-season. It’s also the rainiest time of the year (10-12 days of rain every month). In short, I’d skip visiting in the winter if you can help it.

How to Stay Safe on Corfu

Corfu is a very safe place to travel, even for solo travelers. Violent crime is rare and petty crime like pick-pocketing is your only real concern but even that’s pretty rare here. Just keep your valuables close at tourist attractions and while at the beach. That’s pretty much the only crime you need to worry about.

If you’re an inexperienced driver, you may want to pass on the scooter rental. Locals zip around chaotically and the hairpin turns and hills sometimes make for dangerous driving. Accidents happen a lot so drive carefully.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, always follow the standard safety precautions (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). There are many incredible solo female travel blogs on the web that can give you specific tips and advice about a place that I can’t.

You won’t find a lot of travel scams here but you can read this post on common travel scams to avoid if you’re worried about getting ripped off.

If you go hiking, always bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. The days can be sweltering!

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance,

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Corfu Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Ferry Hopper – If you’re looking to book your ferries, this website is an easy way to search the various companies, piece together routes, and book your tickets.

Corfu Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Greece and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hostels in Athens

Where to Stay in Athens: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Walking Tours in Athens

Traveling Greece: How Much Does It Cost?

Fulfilling Childhood Dreams in Crete

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15 Best Places To Visit in Corfu, Greece (2024)

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no cost to you, I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the links in this article.

Traveling to Corfu and wondering about the best places to visit on the island?

This article is for you!

Corfu is one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea famous for its turquoise waters and the rugged mountain slopes covered by lush vegetation. Corfu offers plenty of nature, hiking trails and opportunities for recreation, so make sure to include it in your Greek itinerary.

I Spend a few days on this island to enjoy some of the best things to do in Corfu and learn its history. This guide will give you a detailed overview of this dreamy destination and help you to plan a perfect road trip around the island.

Where is Corfu located?

Corfu belongs to the Ionian group of Greek islands that includes the big islands Corfu, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Paxos, Kythira and Kefalonia . There is also a number of much smaller Ionian islands that are far less known to tourists. 

Corfu is easy to find on the map. It sits west of the mainland Greece and Albania. Corfu airport has daily flights from Athens and from several European countries. 

✅ Learn how to spend 3 days in Athens for a perfect getaway before flying to Corfu.

Best hotels in Corfu

• Hotel Kaiser Bridge – This is one of the best hotels in Corfu, if you are looking for a great value. Hotel Kaiser Bridge is less than 10 minutes away from Old Town Corfu and offers spectacular views of the Ionian Sea, delicious buffet breakfast and a nice beach right across the road.
• Thalia’s House – If you are looking to spend a some time in Paleokastritsa, this place is a must. Gorgeous scenery, friendly hosts and good amenities.
• Sidari Beach Hotel – One of the top-rated hotels in Sidari, this property is just 10 minutes away from the beach overlooking the famous Canal d’ Amour. An on-site restaurant serves delicious food made from local ingredients.

How to get to your hotel from Corfu Airport

The easiest way to get from Corfu is by taking a taxi or renting a car. Another option is to book a private transport that will pick you up at the airport.

Best places to visit in Corfu: an overview

Corfu Greece boasts a charming downtown that has earned a world heritage status under UNESCO. The island spent almost four centuries under the Venetian rule and later 50 years under the British rule which influenced its architecture and cuisine.

1. Old Town Corfu

Where to stay: Acanthus Blue

Old Town is a is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the top places to visit in Corfu, and is a good starting point for your trip around the island. I highly recommend taking a guided tour where you can learn the history from your guide.

One of the most famous landmarks of Corfu is the 15-century Venetian Fortress. The highest point on the island marked by the lighthouse provides panoramic views of the city, and the surrounding area.

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The New Fortress is another major landmark on Corfu. Built by the Venetians as a fortification against the Turkish attacks it opens amazing views of the surrounding rooftops of the town.

The main landmark of Corfu, Greece is the Church of St. Spyridon, the patron of the island. The red dome of the church dominates the town’s skyline and inside the you can find many frescoes and a sarcophagus that contains the relics of the saint. 

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If you like history, the Archeological Museum of Corfu is one of the best places to visit in Corfu, as it boasts a good collection of historic artifacts from the different periods of Greek history.

Best sightseeing tours of Corfu

After roaming around the town visit the Spianada Square – the largest square in Greece. Right around the square, you will find many important landmarks like Palace of St. Michael and St. George, the Maitland Rotunda and Liston promenade.

Things to do in Corfu Old Town 

Also known as Kerkyra, Corfu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. Some of the top things to do in Corfu Old Town are exploring its narrow alleys, discovering the Old Venetian Quarter known as Campiello and shopping in the Old Town Market.

Other popular activities in Old Town Corfu include stopping in Esplanada Square and taking a quick boat trip to Vidos Island.

Best walking tours of Corfu

2. the church of saint george inside the fortress of corfu.

When you visit the Old Fortress, check the beautiful church of Agios Giorgos, that looks more like a classic a Doric temple than a typical chapel. Visit early morning to enjoy the spectacular sunrise colors that light up the blue waters of the sea.

This church is one of the most popular attractions in Corfu and dates back to the 19th century when the British ruled the island. This is one of the best places to visit in Corfu for history buffs!

3. Pontikonisi (The Mouse Island)

Pontikonisi is a Greek islet located at the entrance of Halkiopoulos lagoon . Pontikonisi is also called “Mouse Island” because of its small size and is one fo the most popular places to visit in Corfu.

The islet is better-known for hosting the Byzantine chapel of Pantokrator, but it’s also known for its legend which says that Pontikonissi was the name of Odysseus’s ship that brought the king of Ithaca to the island of the Phaeacians.

During a bad storm the boat was washed out on the shores of the island, and Poseidon turned his boat into this green rock, giving it his name.

The island is opposite to Corfu Airport’s runway, and is a great place to watching landing planes.

4. Corfu beaches

Exploring beaches is one of the best things to do in Corfu.

The northeast beaches of Corfu, Greece boast pebbles, crystal-clear waters and rugged landscapes with many coves. Discovering this part of the island is a real adventure and if you love road trips, you will have a great time. 

Here’s a quick overview of the best Corfu beaches:

• Paleokastritsa Beach – Located on the west coast, this is one of the most beautiful Corfu beaches. It features a series of small sandy coves surrounded by lush green hills, with turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
• Glyfada Beach – Glyfada is a long sandy beach on the west coast that boasts shallow waters and stunning sunsets. It has beach bars and water sports facilities.
• Sidari Beach – Located in the northern part of the island, Sidari Beach is known for its unique rock formations. It has a mix of sandy and pebbly areas and is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and shops.
• Agios Gordios Beach – A long stretch of golden sand framed by cliffs, this beach has a relaxing atmosphere and various amenities such as beachfront tavernas and water sports options.
• Kassiopi Beach – Situated in the village of Kassiopi, this beach offers a mix of pebbles and sand. It provides calm waters for swimming and beautiful views of the nearby Byzantine fortres.
• Agios Georgios Beach – A wide sandy beach with shallow waters. It offers water sports activities and a selection of beachfront tavernas.
• Kontogialos (Pelekas) Beach : Situated on the west coast near the village of Pelekas, Kontogialos Beach is a beautiful sandy beach surrounded by cliffs. It offers clear waters and is known for its stunning sunsets.
• Nissaki Beach : Situated on the northeast coast, Nissaki Beach is a small pebbly beach nestled in a secluded bay. It offers clear waters and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxation.

Where to stay: Barbati Beach Bungalow

Barbati is a small coastal village about 17 kilometers north of Corfu Town. It’s surrounded by the hills and lush greenery and has clear waters and bright pebbles all around. To get to the Barbati beach, you have to drive/or walk down the winding road. As with other popular beaches in Corfu, it’s best to arrive early morning if you would like to get a good spot. 

Best boat tours of Corfu

Where to stay: Villa Andonis

A neighbor of Barbati to the north, Nissaki is a small seaside village extended from the slopes of mount Pontokrator. On the slopes of the mountain you will find many villas with gorgeous views of the area. Nissaki is one of the best places to visit in Corfu if you want to relax and get away from the busy areas of the island.

Nissaki has few taverns and stores, so if you plan on staying there for a few days, you will probably have to get out at some point to find good dining options.

One of the most popular places to stay in Corfu, Kalami Bay is a perfect combination of beauty and tranquillity. Kalami has earned a blue flag, the type of recognition that is awarded to the cleanest and well-maintained beaches in Europe. Its calm waters are prefect for yacht sailing and paddle boarding. This beach located along the horseshoe-shaped bay is a great place for relaxation.

It also offers boats, canoes and water skis for rent.

Things to do in Kalami, Corfu

If you want to see a perfect of example of rural Corfu, head over to one of mountain villages that can be accessed from Kalami. Here you will see traditional Byzantine churches, cobble-stone streets and winding streets. One of the villages is Old Sinies, however it has been deserted; and another one is Perithia.

And if you feel like going up to the highest point on Corfu, Mount Pontokrator, you will have a chance to see the Pontokrator monastery.

8. Sidari Beach and Canal d’Amour

Where to stay: Legends Hotel

When you make your way to the northern side of Corfu, Greece, stop at Canal d’Amour in Sidari also known as the Channel of Love – one of the most beautiful places in Corfu.

The place is famous because of its beautiful rock formations and the canal that goes under the cliff. The area is popular for beach going and cliff jumping. There are plenty of restaurants and hotels in Sidari, which makes it a perfect spot to spend a couple of days.

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If you are looking for good night life, Sidari is one of the best places to visit in Corfu. It has a number of bars and night clubs, so if you are looking for a place to have fun, explore the main drag of this town.

9. Porto Timoni

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Corfu, Porto Timoni is a double-sided beach near Afionas village.

How to get to Porto Timoni?

You can reach Porto Timoni via a hike from Afionas or by a boat ride from several resorts in the area. I rented a car for my trip , and recommend you do the same.

What makes the place special is its green hills contrasting with the turquoise waters on both sides of the island. If you decide to visit Porto Timoni, you will need no less than 2-3 hours just on a hike alone. 

Beaches on both sides of Porto Timoni have peddles and rocks, and if you want a white sand beach, you might want to head to other beaches in Corfu. Porto Timoni doesn’t have any facilities, so if you make your way down there, bring plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen.

PRO TIP:   The trail to Porto Timoni goes along the side of the hill, and although it’s not a difficult hike in general, it gets rocky and steep in some spots. Don’t forget to put on comfortable shoes.

10. Paleokastritsa

Where to stay: Akrotiri Beach Resort Hotel

Paleokastritsa is a popular village on the northwestern side of Corfu that is surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation. Many travelers come to Paleokatsitsa because of its gorgeous coastline and some of the best beaches in Corfu that boast incredible aquamarine waters popular for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Best tours of Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa has 15 gorgeous beaches that can ONLY be accessed by boat. You will have to park your boat some 100 feet away from the shore and a swim. As you ride the waves, you will be able to get close to grotto caves and jump off the boat into the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea. 

One of the places where you can rent a boat in Paleokastritsa is Michalas Boat Rentals. The place offers various packages from several hours to all day boat rentals.

Spending a day exploring Paleokastritsa beaches was one of my favorite things to do in Corfu.

Rent a boat for a day to explore Paleokastritsa beaches

If you want to visit the best beaches in Paleokastritsa rent a boat for a day. In addition to paying a rental fee, you will have to cover the cost of fuel. Bring plenty of food, water and sunscreen as you will be riding a boat along some of the most pristine beaches in Greece where few other tourists go.

On top of its phenomenal beauty, Paleokastritsa also plays a part in the Greek mythology. According to the Greek myth, Odysseus was on his way back from Ithaca when Poseidon turned his ship into the rock. 

11. Take a day trip to neighboring Paxos and Antipaxos

Corfu is surrounded by other smaller islands that can be reached by a quick boat ride. The best way to visit them is by taking a guided boat tour from Corfu. Visiting neighboring islands of Paxos and Antipaxos on a day trip is one of the most popular things to do in Corfu, and you can book your guided tour online .

The tour includes stops for swimming and also allows you to explore the spectacular blue caves as well as bask in the sun on the local beaches.

✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR GUIDED TOUR OF PAXOS AND ANTIPAXOS

12. Glyfada

Where to stay: Ionian Senses Corfu

After touring Paleokastritsa beaches by boat, head south along the west coat of Corfu.

The next town on your itinerary is going to be Glyfada , home to one of the best beaches in Corfu. Here you will find green slopes hanging over the yellow sand beach. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag, an award that recognizes its pristine conditions.

The shores of Glyfada have many bars and restaurants, and you can find many accommodations on the hills that surround the village. There are also plenty of sun loungers where you can relax and water activities to keep you busy for a couple fo hours.

13. Agios Georgios

Agios Georgios is a village in the southern part of Corfu. Unlike beaches on the northern part of the island, Agios Georgios is a wide sandy stretch with plenty of space and also boasts a good location next to Lake Korission. 

14. Chlomos

The best hidden gem of Corfu is Chlomos, one of the island’s oldest villages.

The little village tucked away in the mountains of the southern tip of the island offers a magnificent view of the southwestern part of the island. Right next to the village you will find several restaurants where you can enjoy a nice dinner and a beautiful scenery after your tour.

15. Take a day trip to Albania from Corfu

Taking a day trip from Corfu to Albania is one of the most fun things to do on the island, and you can do it by joining a guided tour.

This fun tour allows you to explore the Albanian coast to the city port of Saranda. A 20-km guided coach tour of Albania’s south coast’s is a perfect opportunity to see some of the most beautiufl untouched beaches.

Book you tour of Albania from Corfu

The highlight of the trip is a visit to Butrint – a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s home to the ancient town.

How to get around Corfu

Corfu is about 62 km (40 miles) long, and to enjoy some of the best things to do in Corfu, you will need a vehicle. Getting around Corfu is relatively easy, and there are several transportation options available to explore the island:

1. Car Rental

Renting a car is a popular option for getting around Corfu as it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. There are several car rental agencies available at the airport, the port, and in major towns. Be sure to have a valid driver’s license and familiarize yourself with local traffic rules.

I recommend renting a car with DiscoverCars that has a good inventory and flexible rates on many different types of cars.

2. Public buses

Corfu has a bus network that connects the main towns and popular beaches. Green buses are operated by the KTEL company, and their routes cover most of the island. You can look up schedules and fares online or at bus stations. The frequency of buses may vary depending on the season.

Taxis are widely available on the island and can be found at taxi stands, major towns, and tourist areas. Taxis usually have meters and fares are regulated. Always confirm the price before starting your journey, as taxi rates could be high, espcially diring the high season.

4. Scooter or ATV Rental

Scooters and ATVs are a popular choice for exploring Corfu, especially for shorter distances or navigating narrow streets. Many rental agencies offer scooter and ATV rentals, and you will need a valid driver’s license to rent one.

5. Bicycle Rental

Corfu has a few rental shops that offer bicycles for exploring the island. This is a great option if you enjoy cycling and want a more eco-friendly way to get around. Some areas in the northern part of Corfu have dedicated cycling lanes.

6. Water Taxis

If you want to visit nearby beaches or islands, water taxis are available in certain coastal areas. These taxis provide a scenic way to travel and can take you to secluded beaches or neighboring islands.

You can easily explore Corfu Old Town on foot. Many attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance, and it allows you to immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere of the town.

Best places to visit in Corfu: FAQ

Which is the best part of Corfu to stay?

The best place to stay on Corfu is the historic Old Town. Here you can find many hotels and be within walking distance to major historic attractions on the island. It’s also convenient starting point for your road trips around the island thanks to its central location.

What is the most beautiful side of Corfu?

The most beautiful part of Corfu is Paleokastritsa, a small village on the northwestern side of the island. Paleokastritsa is known for its gorgeous coastline made up several turquoise lagoons and pebbly beaches. If you like good adventure an want to enjoy one of the most scenic parts of Corfu, Paleokastritsa is a perfect place to stay.

Is Corfu famous for anything?

Corfu is known for its historic Old Town with Venetian-era, gorgeous coastline dotted with grottoes, beaches and coves. Due to its bigger size, Corfu is perfect for taking road trips, and the best way to explore the island is by renting a car.

Is Corfu better than Mykonos?

While Corfu is known for its history and spectacular coastline with grottoes and pebbly beaches, Mykonos is famous for its nightlife, high-end restaurants and the iconic wind mills. However, Mykonos is also a perfect place for relaxation where you can enjoy many gorgeous beaches and pristine countryside. 

How much time to spend in Corfu?

I spent three days exploring Corfu, but I felt like it was not enough since the island is pretty big. Although you can check out some of the best things to do in Corfu in just a few days, I recommend no less than 5 days on the island, if you want to explore different parts of Corfu.

Corfu has close to 217 kilometers of the coastline. Aside from Old Town, most popular places to visit in Corfu are located along the coast, while inland areas might appear sleepy but nonetheless beautiful. 

How many days to I need in Corfu?

Corfu is one of the most beautiful Greek islands, but unlike places like Santorini, you can enjoy some really cool road trips around Corfu. I recommend about 5 days for your stay in Corfu and 7 days if you want to explore the neighboring Paxos and Antipaxos islands.

How do I get to to Corfu?

Most visitors arrive in Corfu via Corfu International Airport (CFU) that has flights from many destinations in Europe.

You can check prices for flights to Corfu here .

What is the best time to visit Corfu?

Summer is the busiest time to visit Corfu when prices are the highest oh hotels and tours. I recommend visiting Corfu between April and late May before the beginning of the peak season and from September through October when the traffic slows down. Although the Mediterranean generally has a mild climate, winter is still too cold to be enjoying Corfu beaches.

Why visit Corfu?

Whether you are looking for culture, fun adventures or great food, Corfu has it all. Corfu is the largest of Ionian islands in Greece and from here, you can also take a day cruise to the neighboring Paxos and Antipaxos, two much smaller islands that sit south of Corfu.

Places to visit in Corfu: Final word

I hope my guide inspired you to put Corfu on your itinerary. From stunning beaches with clear waters and stunning coves to pastel-colored Old Town Corfu with its historic landmarks, there are many reasons why you should visit this beautiful island

• Heres Why You Should Make...

Why You Should Make Corfu Your Next Holiday Destination in Greece

Corfu is home to lush green scenery, idyllic pine-framed white-sand beaches, historic landmarks and a fascinating food culture that blends sun-ripened Mediterranean produce with influences from the Venetians, who ruled Corfu in the late 1700s and left their pasta traditions behind. It is the second biggest Greek Island in the Ionian Sea and is easily reached from Italy by ferry or from the rest of Europe by aeroplane. Here’s why you should make Corfu your next holiday destination.

1. discover incredible history in the old town.

Architectural Landmark

The Old Town provides a journey into history. The Liston, an arcaded pedestrian street built during French rule in the early 1800s, was modelled on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris and is a good place to start your exploration. From here, walk to the Spianada – the largest square in Greece and, arguably, Corfu’s liveliest spot. It’s opposite the old Venetian Fortress, a peninsula castle built during the 18th-century occupation of Corfu. Next, stroll the narrow alleys of medieval Campiello, to admire the tall, narrow Venetian buildings or visit some of the museums in the area, including the living history museum Casa Parlante and the Corfu Museum of Asian Art.

2. Visit unusual landmarks

Connected to Corfu by a pedestrian bridge, Vlacherna Monastery is on the picturesque, tiny islet of Pontikonisi (Mouse Island). This landmark – a small, whitewashed building shaded by just one cypress tree – was built in the 17th century and functioned as a nunnery until 1980. Another unique place to discover is Palaio Frourio, a Venetian fortress just east of Corfu Town. When the Venetians took over the island in the late 1700s, they turned the citadel into an artificial island to protect it against three violent Ottoman sieges.

3. The beaches are picture-perfect

Natural Feature

Set your sights on Rovinia, a wonderful beach in Paleokastritsa, 20km (12mi) from Corfu Town, which offers a spectacular landscape of abundant plants and trees, clear turquoise waters and white pebbles. Acharavi, meanwhile, is a wide golden sand beach in the north of the island, famous for its shallow waters which makes it a top spot for families. On the southwest coast of Corfu, Marathias is another long sandy beach with clear waters. Nab a sun lounger and a go on the volleyball court.

4. Marvel at dramatic landscapes

Towards the north of the island, the imposing rocks of Cape Drastis have made this one of the most visited spots on the island. Here, a collection of small sandy beaches and tall white cliffs create a striking contrast against the green shrubbery and sapphire sea. Then there’s the seaside resort of Paleokastritsa, often described as the prettiest corner on the island. It features several beaches and bays, coves and caves with cool, emerald waters, all of them quite safe for kids.

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5. Food, glorious food

Restaurant, Greek

6. Head to pretty mountain villages

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

Palia Perithia is the oldest settlement on Corfu and now a ghost village, dating from the 14th century. It’s built on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator, once a strategic position for protecting against pirate attacks and sieges. Only a few elderly inhabitants remain. Most of the population abandoned the hamlet to settle in the more touristy coastal areas. Another picturesque village is Lakones, set on Mount Arakli. The small settlement brims with tavernas and cafes with terraces overlooking the Ionian sea and the coast. There are also several souvenir shops selling traditional Corfiot products and souvenirs.

7. Corfu has unique traditions

The Carnival of Corfu, which takes place in February or March, is a popular celebration which attracts tourists and locals alike. The Liston and Spianada host the Great Parade, which sees people singing and dancing through the streets in colourful Venetian costumes. A month or so later, Easter is perhaps the most heartfelt celebration in Corfu. Several rites take place during the whole Easter week, but the ones on Holy Saturday are the most distinctive. These include the solemn procession and the moment when Corfiots throw large clay jugs from their balconies, which smash on the ground as all the church bells toll in joy.

8. Spend time with the locals

Proud of their island and their traditions, locals would first address themselves as Corfiots and then as Greek. Thanks to their culture, rich past and traditions, Corfiots are hospitable and welcoming to visitors. As a general trait, they enjoy long conversations in any given cafe, taking life at an easy pace, one step at a time. Spending time with the locals in Corfu will usually involve dancing, singing and playing music, plus plenty of eating and drinking – always in good company.

This is an updated version of an article originally by Ethel Dilouambaka .

Excited to start planning your trip? We’ve got your accommodation sorted, from the best hotels in Corfu to top-rated luxury hotels , and you can even book right here on Culture Trip. You can then spend your days lounging on the most beautiful beaches in Corfu or discovering the top things to do & see on the island. By night, enjoy a handcrafted cocktail at one of the best bars in Corfu .

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12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions on Corfu Island

Written by Jane Foster and Carri Wilbanks Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Beautiful Corfu, the most northerly of the Ionian Islands, is easy on the eyes. Filled with natural beauty, the island boasts rolling green hills in its south, and rugged limestone rock formations in its north. It also has a mild climate, lush Mediterranean vegetation, and some stunning beaches and underwater caves and tunnels. As such, Corfu is a popular tourist destination with many things to do – tourism is the main source of revenue here.

The island also comes with its share of history. From 1386 to 1797, a period that gave it much of its most beautiful architecture, Corfu was held by the Venetians. Then, along with the rest of the Ionian Islands, it was under the British from 1815 to 1864. Corfu Airport lies five kilometers south of Corfu Town .

Plan your trip and discover the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions on Corfu Island.

1. Corfu Town

2. the achilleion, 3. kassiopi, 4. paleokastritsa beaches, 6. canal d'amour, 7. la grotta beach, 8. mount pantokrator, 9. corfu donkey rescue, 10. corfu golf club, 11. angelokastro, 12. corfu museum of asian art, where to stay for sightseeing in corfu, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to corfu, map of tourist attractions on corfu island, corfu - climate chart.

The island's lovely capital, Corfu Town , is a warren of cobbled alleys and elegant Venetian-era buildings, many of which now host informal seafood tavernas and souvenir shops at ground level. Centering on the Esplanade , an expansive green square, the UNESCO-listed old town is guarded by two imposing 16th-century fortresses and also includes a number of churches, like the Church of St. Spyridon, which is easily recognized by its red-domed bell tower. The waterfront incorporates a port, with regular ferries to Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland, and daily excursion boats to neighboring Albania .

Just outside the village of Gastouri, 10 kilometers southwest of Corfu Town, this white Neoclassical villa was the summer escape of Sisi, Empress Elisabeth of Austria (1837-1898). A lover of beauty, Sisi immersed herself in Greece's mythical history and lush nature. You can see inside the grandiose villa and explore the gardens, which are filled with towering palm trees and Neoclassical statues to give you some idea of the idyllic world Sisi was seeking.

In the northeast of the island, 36 kilometers north of Corfu Town , this traditional fishing village has retained its character despite its popularity. Overlooking a pretty harbor filled with wooden fishing boats, it offers a choice of seafood tavernas and cafés, which are popular with affluent Brits and Italians, some of whom have villas here. Calm and unhurried, it is especially noted for its numerous small coves with white pebble beaches and amazing turquoise blue sea.

The best way to explore this stretch of coast is to hire a small boat. For amazing views hike up to the ruined Byzantine castle on the hillside behind the village.

On the west coast, 25 kilometers northwest of Corfu Town , Paleokastritsa encompasses a glorious stretch of indented coast, with six deep, curving bays sheltering lovely beaches, both of sand and pebble, extending to a crystal-clear, blue sea. It's popular with day trippers, so it does get busy in peak season. In the hills rising above the coast, you'll find another attraction – a 13th-century monastery with a courtyard garden, church, and small museum.

Considered by many to be the very best beach on the island, Glyfada also lies on Corfu's west coast, 26 kilometers west of Corfu Town and two kilometers south of the village of Pelekas . A blissful, long stretch of fine golden sand beach, it's lined with sunbeds and umbrellas and backed by hillsides covered with pine woods and olive groves. A couple of big hotels and apartments are in the area, and tourists will also find tavernas, cafés, and water sports facilities, including jet skis, pedal boats, and banana boat rides. Facing west, it has amazing sunsets but does get very busy in summer, especially in August.

On Corfu's northwestern tip, about a 20-minute walk from the equally intriguing small village of Sidari , the Canal d'Amour is one of Corfu's top natural wonders. It boasts impressive sandstone rock formations that create a natural passage from its small beach into the Ionian Sea's sparkling blue waters. You can jump off rocks into the warm, salty sea and then swim through tunnels and caves for awesome, fishy underwater explorations - snorkeling equipment can be rented at the beach where there are also sun-loungers and umbrellas for hire.

La Grotta Beach in Paleokastrttsa is on Corfu's west coast and is another one of the island's most stunning beaches. The beach itself is small and rocky, but head into the clear blue waters, and you'll find an underwater world filled with colorful fish. The beach also boasts a diving board and a jump rock from which you can leap into the sea below. The beach gets crowded in the summer, but there are some rocks you can also stretch out on in the vicinity.

In the north of Corfu, the highest point on the island, Mount Pantokrator rises 906 meters. A road leads all the way to the top, so you can drive up, though some people prefer to hike from the village of Perithia (the walking time is approximately two hours).

At the top, the Pantokrator Monastery dates back to the 14th century, though its present appearance is mainly from the 19th century. The views from the summit are stunning, with Albania to the east, the Diapontia islands (Mathraki, Erracusa, and Othondi) to the north, and the islands of Paxos and Anti Paxos to the south. On a clear day, you can even see the southern tip of Italy some 130 kilometers away.

The Corfu Donkey Rescue in Paleokastrttsa is well worth a visit for animal lovers. One of the top things to do on this part of the island, it offers refuge to homeless donkeys that have been abandoned or need a safe place to live out their retirement years (donkey's used to be an integral means of transport and work aid in Corfu). The sanctuary is located on a beautiful piece of land filled with olive trees and a mountainous backdrop, and visitors can hang out with the donkeys daily between 10am and 5pm. There is no entrance fee, but a donation is greatly appreciated as this is a charity organization.

Official Site: www.corfu-donkeys.com

In the Ropa Valley, 17 kilometers from Corfu Town , this beautifully landscaped 18-hole golf course was designed by Swiss architect Donald Harradine. It incorporates natural elements such as the River Nafsika, as well as several lakes and meandering streams and is popular with both beginner and advanced players. From March to November, it enjoys warm sunshine and blue skies, plus a cool sea breeze. It is open daily and has golf clubs for hire.

Address: Ropa Valley, Corfu 49100

Official site: www.corfugolfclub.com

Located on the side of a steep cliff on Corfu's highest peak, Angelokastro is a 13th-century Byzantine castle. On the island's northwest coast near Palaiokastritsa, it was constructed on rocky and hard-to-access terrain as a protection measure.

Along with Kassiopi and Gardiki castles, it served as a defensive triangle that provided occupants views in all directions. During the centuries in which it was in operation, it played a key role in defending Corfu against pirate attacks, as well as during three Ottoman sieges, and it never fell.

Today only ruins remain, including a small church, an underground chapel, and the original walls. It is worth hiking up to Angelokastro for the views of Corfu Town, the sea, and the Greek mainland to the southeast. There is a 3 euro entrance fee.

Note that to reach the castle, it is a steep and rocky climb from the parking lot, so you will need to be in decent shape.

In the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, Corfu's Museum of Asian Art is also worth exploring. It is the only museum in Greece devoted solely to art and antiquities from around the Asian continent.

Founded in 1928 as the Museum of Sino-Japanese Art, it has evolved to host collections comprising of around 15,000 works of art from across Asia. There are works from India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Tibet among other countries. It has a number of rare pieces and is also known for its international and rotating exhibits.

Address: Palace of St. Michael & George, Corfu 49100

Official site: https://matk.gr/

Corfu has numerous hotel options around the island, and where you choose to stay will be partially determined by what you want to see or do most - be that one of the beautiful beaches around Palaiokastritsa or checking out the history in Corfu Old Town. Many of the beach resorts are seasonal, and in the summertime there is often a minimum night stay requirement. Here are our top places to stay for sightseeing around the island:

Luxury Hotels :

• Delfino Blu Boutique Hotel & Spa is one of the top properties in Corfu. On a hill overlooking the sea with beach access, the hotel offers excellent service, and rates include a wonderful hot breakfast. In the summer, it has a minimum night stay requirement.
• Other luxury options include MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas , which is an adults-only five-star property overlooking the Strait of Corfu.
• And Domes Miramare , which is also adults-only. It is set on a private stretch of white-sand beach and features stylish rooms, suites, and villas.

Mid-Range & Budget Hotels:

• In the mid-range price bracket the Art Hotel Debono is a good-value four-star hotel in Gouvia. This boutique property has clean and comfortable rooms and is nestled amid olive groves and woodland. There is also a lovely swimming pool and hot tub.
• Another excellent choice in this price-range is the Philoxenia Hotel , which is a family-friendly property not far from Corfu town and by Ermones beach.
• Also popular with families, especially those in search of more space, is Matoula Apartments , which is also by a beach and very good value.
• Small Group Tour of Corfu : If you don't have a lot of time to explore Corfu and want to make sure you don't miss anything around the island check out this Small-Group Tour of Corfu . It hits all of the island's must-see attractions in a full day of sightseeing by coach. You'll explore Corfu Old Town, Palaiokastritsa and its beaches, and other attractions. Along the way, you'll also learn about Corfu's culture and history.
• All about Corfu's History : Another tour option in Corfu is to dig deep into history with this Achilleion Palace and Corfu Old Town Tour . This guided tour takes you to the Achilleion Palace, a Neoclassical palace inspired by Greek mythology that once served as an imperial residence. After touring the palace, you'll head to Corfu's Old Town for an in-depth walking tour.

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Corfu Travel Guide

One of the largest and greenest of the Ionian Islands, Corfu is far more than its trademark blue-hued seas and sandy coastline. Boasting UNESCO World Heritage status and unbeatable strolling opportunities, there’s no better place to start exploring than the main town and its historic old quarter. However, ancient churches, scattered ruins and a handful of museums mean Corfu’s layers of history can be found just about everywhere. Looking for a base to explore it all? Check out our  villas in Corfu  and then get to reading our handy Corfu travel guide to start planning your Grecian getaway.

Hidden Gems | For families | Things to do | For foodies

Foodies will be smitten with the emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and lovingly prepared dishes, while the natural beauty of the island – think blankets of olive groves, postcard seascapes and rugged mountain vistas – lends itself to scenic walks, hikes and bike rides. This is a place saturated in rustic, traditional character, yet packed with enough stylish bars, restaurants and attractions to make it a thoroughly cosmopolitan holiday destination.

Best time to visit Corfu

Temperatures average a toasty 32 degrees Celsius during Corfu’s peak months of July and August. The summer season boasts around 12 hours of sunshine a day, but it’s also when you can expect to be joined by the largest number of visitors. And although bars, restaurants and transport services taper off a bit outside of the summer seasons, there’s enough going on to make Corfu a viable destination from March right up until October. Late May, June and September are all comfortable months to visit. September is also when the sea is at its warmest.

Pontikonisi

• Old Town – Wander the ancient streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site. • Corfu Trail – Tackle a stretch of the track that runs the length of the island. • Peroulades – Watch the sunset on a beach backed by striking cliff faces. • Paleokastritsa – Visit this lively village and its idyllic caves and coves. • Old Fortress – Discover the historic and magnificent seafront citadel. • New Fortress – Gaze out over the old town from this lofty hilltop castle. • Pontikonisi – Take a day trip to this tiny island for a peek at its striking Byzantine chapel.

Corfu travel: How to get there, and around

• Airports: Flights to the island from UK shores take around three and a half hours and land at Corfu International Airport, which is just a couple of kilometres south of the city centre.
• By boat: Ferries and hydrofoils bob back and forth between Corfu and its neighbouring Ionian Islands on a pretty regular basis. They also put the rest of the Greek isles in island-hopping distance.
• By public transport: Local buses cover most areas within a half-hour drive of Corfu’s old town, while a second, long-distance network connects the town centre to destinations all over the island. Both are economical ways to get around, but watch out for reduced weekend services.
• By bike: Cycling is huge in Corfu. The island is crisscrossed with bike-friendly networks of road and dirt tracks. Bike rental is readily available and hiring two wheels will put secluded beaches and hidden corners of the countryside at your fingertips.
• Hiring a car: Dozens of car rental companies operate in Corfu and most will deliver your wheels to the airport or straight to your hotel. If you don’t arrange car hire before you go, the likes of Hertz and Avis have desks at the airport.

Hidden gems

Old abandoned stone-built house in Old Perithia

• Travel high into the hills on the north slope of Mount Pantokrator for a real glimpse into the past at Old Perithia . This medieval ghost town dates back to the 1400’s but has been uninhabited since the 1960’s. Today, you can wander its cobbled streets and rustic stone houses. When it’s time to refuel, there are a handful of tavernas worth visiting in the main village square.
• While you won’t find too much to explore inside Angelokastro castle , short of an underground chapel and a handful of ruins, it’s a must-visit for the views alone. This Byzantine castle was built on the highest peak of Corfu’s shoreline and on a good day you can see out to the Old Fortress – the two used to signal to each other in times of danger. It can take 30 minutes to amble up to the summit, but it’s well worth the climb.
• Corfu’s beaches are known for being easy on the eye, but for the best of the bunch head to the village of Sidari . Erosion has shaped the cliffs along the village’s coastline into striking, otherworldly shapes, tiny coves, and a channel that has the power to help its swimmers become lucky in love, or so the legend goes.
• The small but perfectly formed Mon Repos Palace , the birthplace of Prince Phillip, was built in the 1820’s and served as a residence for British governors, a school of fine arts and later, a summer residence for the Greek royal family. A number of royal births took place here, including the Duke of Edinburgh in 1921. After a long court battle over ownership, the hilltop palace was declared property of the Greek state and is now open to the public as a museum.

What to do in Corfu with kids

While Corfu’s sea, sand and sunny skies all score top marks with young travellers, children will be equally impressed with the island’s line-up of kid-friendly days out. There’s everything from classic family attractions, such as waterparks and aquariums, to slices of local Corfiot life courtesy of interactive museums and local-led walking tours. 

• The Greeks consume more olive oil than any other nation in the world and their diet is among the healthiest on the planet. Coincidence? The experts don’t seem to think so. Get your fill of this liquid gold at one of the many olive oil factories in Corfu, where you’ll have the chance to explore production set-ups that range from old school to thoroughly modern. The family-run Mavroudis company has been crafting olive oil for generations, so its production site offers more than just an insight into modern techniques. They’ve tracked down lots of old olive oil making machinery from as far back as the mid-1800’s and set up a small but perfectly formed museum to showcase them.
• Just because Corfu is best known for sun and sand doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of art and culture to sink your teeth into. Away from the beaches, there are some excellent art galleries and museums that tell the story of the island and the role it’s played in Greece’s history. While the majority of children won’t be able to stomach long stints in historical museums, they’ll enjoy an afternoon at Casa Parlante . This one-off heritage site in Corfu’s old town gives a glimpse into the life of the island’s 19th-century nobility with realistic household scenes from the era. The treasures and artefacts on display are slotted into settings brought to life by noises, smells, animated figures and robotics.
• When travelling with kids of pretty much any age, waterparks are always a hit and Corfu just so happens to be the home of one of our favourite ones! Surrounded by 75,000 square metres of woodlands, Aqualand  has loads of activities and other facilities that make for a fabulous day or half-day out with the whole family. There are free sunbeds for lounging parents, great family-friendly restaurants and a great selection of fun shops. The attractions are separated into a children’s area for kids age 4-8, a family area for kids age 8+ and finally an extreme games area for kids older than 12.  

Best family tours

• From knockout mountain scenery to colourful marine life, there’s so much to explore away from Corfu’s famous beaches. A guided tour on foot, boat or horseback will showcase the best of the island’s natural beauty and really help you get to grips with its history and culture. For a relaxed trek through sun-dappled olive groves and idyllic local villages, sign up for a guided horse ride with Trailriders , who offer treks on gentle horses for ages six to 70-plus.
• Get under the skin of Corfu’s atmospheric old town with Corfu Walking Tours , which will lead you down ancient alleyways and into pretty old squares, revealing the secrets of the city as you go.

For more kid-friendly holiday inspiration, read our blog post on Corfu’s top family attractions .

Our Corfu guide of things to do

Group holidays to Corfu can be of the laid-back, wine tasting, moseying-around-the-old-town variety, or chock-full of exciting adventures such as sailing, mountain biking and scuba diving. The natural beauty of the island together with its captivating history provide an endless list of potential days out, some relaxing and others more high-energy. And with a coastline of sandy beaches and quiet coves, plus 12 daily hours of sunshine in the summer, there’s always the option of spending the day on a lounger.

Cape Drastis

•  If you’ve got plenty of energy, hiking and cycling tours are the best ways to discover Corfu’s gorgeous scenery. Idyllic rural countryside, time-worn villages and panoramic views are among the sights you’ll be rewarded with for tearing yourself away from the beach. You’ll need a fairly good level of fitness to tackle the guided Corfu Mountain Bike Tour as it includes a stint on the slopes of Mount Pandokrator, but the views are worth the effort. You’ll cycle through pretty olive groves and the rural village of Old Perithia, too.
• If you can’t spoil yourself on holiday, when can you? For an indulgent dose of R&R, head to one of Corfu’s luxury spa and wellness centres. Everything from hot stone massages to fish pedicures can be found on treatment menus in private spas across the island. One of Corfu’s top-rated spas is the Asian Spa Ayurvedic & City Retreat , which mixes traditional treatments with ancient Ayurveda techniques from southern India. Whether your skin needs pampering after too many hours in the sun or your body’s natural energies need to be rebalanced, you’ll find the perfect antidote here.
• Corfu is packed with heritage sites celebrating its history and its people. So when you’re looking for a break from the heat of the midday sun, seek out a slice of culture at one of the island’s excellent museums and galleries. From grand ceiling frescoes to enormous garden sculptures, every extravagant inch of the Achilleion Museum celebrates Greek culture. Built in 1890 by the then Empress of Austria, the former royal palace is a treasure trove of art and heritage.
• Only the savviest UK wine buffs are likely to be clued up on Greece’s wine scene, but anyone can go home an expert thanks to Corfu’s vineyard tours and wine tasting sessions. The country has the perfect grape-growing climate and hundreds of grape varieties, so there are plenty of local labels to try.  Corfu Walking Tours host relaxed but informative tasting evenings, during which participants get to sample half a dozen of Greece’s finest vinos, each matched with a Greek dish from their award-winning chef.
• Explore Corfu’s epic coastline the way it was meant to be seen: from the water. Hire a private boat with Filippos Boat Hire at Kassiopi Harbour and spend your day discovering the best beaches and hidden coves on the north side of the island. Fillipos even have some great suggestions for stops to make on your way, and our personal recommendation is stopping at Agni Bay for lunch. The food at Taverna Agni  is just what all the foodies came to Corfu for.

Get the full lowdown on the best of Corfu’s activities and attractions on our blog.

The Corfu food scene

Corfu’s food scene is defined by fresh, seasonal ingredients and hearty meals shared with friends and family. Family-run tavernas are your best bet for getting authentic local specialities, whether it’s plates of meze, hearty game stews or spinach pies. If you want to go one step further and learn a little about the preparation of Corfiot dishes and food products, you can take part in cooking classes or even tour one of the olive oil production sites. The best part? You can feast on the island’s cuisine completely guilt-free as it’s part of the famous longevity-boosting Mediterranean diet.

Best restaurants 

• For a romantic dining spot, try the beachfront Trilogia Restaurant Corfu , which is located beneath the ancient castle walls. The kitchen here is run by a master chef with close to three decades’ experience, and you’ll be hard pushed to find a better setting for a cosy meal for two.
• With sea views and its very own private stretch of beach, top-rated restaurant Pyramid enjoys an enviable location. The menu is classic Greek, with dishes featuring fresh ingredients from the restaurant’s own gardens. Plus, there’s a stylish beach bar attached that is perfect for pre or post-dinner cocktails.
• Vegans and vegetarians don’t always find it easy to dine out away from home, but both diets are well catered for at Vitamins Taverna . Run by the same family for 30 years, the restaurant specialises in nourishing Med cuisine. And while meat-free diners can feast here, carnivores and pescatarians will also have plenty of choices.
• Featuring everything from baked feta to grilled pork sausage, the menu at Avli  is traditional Greek through and through. The setting is also pretty special, with a homely indoor dining room that spills out onto a eucalyptus-shaded terrace.
• Positioned inside the historic old fortress in Corfu Town, Corfu Sailing Restaurant is surrounded by history. The dining room is right on the water’s edge and serves a menu of fresh fish, seafood and classic Mediterranean dishes.

Must-try dishes/drinks

Pastitsada with bucatini pasta and vegetarian salad.

• One of Corfu’s signature plates is sofrito , a hearty dish of veal or beef cooked in white wine. Sofrito is usually served with potatoes or beans.
• Another dish to look out for on Corfu’s menus is pastitsada . A traditional celebration meal, pastitsada features veal or chicken cooked with fresh tomatoes, seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg and other spices, and served with chunky pasta.
• Corfu’s local firewater is Greece’s famous aniseed-flavoured ouzo . But if you want something less fiery, try one of the island’s locally made real ales at the Corfu Beer microbrewery.

For more mouth-watering inspiration, read our blog post on Corfu’s best foodie experiences .

We hope our Corfu travel guide has inspired you to choose this sun-baked island as your next holiday destination! If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Corfu, then look no further than our villa collection – from beach side wonders to rural retreats… you’ll be able to find somewhere perfect for you and your loved ones! If you need a hand or have any questions, our concierge team are always happy to help. 

4 Responses

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Thank you for the article! We visited Corfu last year for the first time and are going back this fall, and I can’t wait! Trying to get some extra inspiration before we go 😉 Your highlights were very helpful, and I put some things on my to-do-list already! Also, just to add another highlight – we loved the visit to Blue Lagoon! We did this boat tour https://www.seabookings.com/experience/full-day-bbq-cruise-in-corfu-to-blue-lagoon-and-syvota , but I’m sure there’s other ways to visit it too!

Oh amazing – such a good place you’re visiting twice! Glad our travel guide helped you out. Hope you have a great trip second time around 🙂

As a repeat visitor to Corfu for many years I have to say congratulations on the Very nice article and presentation of Corfu. Just a tip for anyone reading and want to get around Corfu: we use http://www.corfucars4hire.com every year as they have the best value for money car hire in corfu. Hope to be back on 2022 if Covid permits…

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The Perfect 2, 3, or 4 Days in Corfu Itinerary

Last Updated on January 17, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

If you’re looking for a relaxed and unique Greek island getaway, you cannot go wrong with mapping out a Corfu itinerary. Spending 2, 3 or 4 days in Corfu is never a bad idea and you’re sure to fall in love with this picturesque Ionian island.

Make your way directly east of southern Italy and just off the coast of Albania and you’ll find yourself on the lush island of Corfu in the heart of the Ionian Sea. While the Cycladic Islands tend to boast the highest popularity among Greek island visitors , the Ionian islands are completely different with beautiful beaches and scenery that are sure to impress.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Corfu?

When planning a trip, many visitors how long to spend in Corfu in order to do the island justice. Of the 7 Ionian islands, Corfu is the 2nd largest. Although it’s quite big in comparison to the other 5, it’s still a medium-sized island that’s quite easy to get around.

If you’d like to spend your time at the beach and wandering through the Old Town of Corfu for a few hours, 1 or 2 days in Corfu will suffice.

But if you’re someone who prefers to take your time, see more beaches, maybe go on a day trip and enjoy an island getaway, I’d recommend spending at least 3 or 4 days to maximize your time on the island. 

Getting To & Around Corfu

Fortunately, due to its size, Corfu is one of the most easily accessible islands of the Greek islands. 

Many islands are only reachable by ferry and others only have small airports connecting Greece and other islands (with high flight costs.)

Whereas the island of Corfu has an international airport with seasonal bases for many European and low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet. 

Getting to Corfu

If you fly into Corfu, you’ll be flying into the “Ioannis Kapodistrias” Corfu International Airport. The Corfu Airport is conveniently located just under 2 miles from the Corfu Old Town and is easily accessible by public transport or by taxi. 

If you prefer to reach the Old Town by public transport, you’ll want to take the number 15 bus from outside the terminal. The bus goes directly into the center of the old town with other stops along the way, with a journey of around 15 minutes. 

From here you will reach many other bus stops which will connect you to other areas of the island.

If you prefer to take a taxi, it costs just between €10-15 depending on the time of day. It’s also possible to organise a private transfer here.

If you don’t have any luggage on you, walking is another option, as it only takes around 25-30 minutes to reach the center of the Old Town on foot.

There are numerous ferry routes to the island of Corfu from other nearby Greek islands such as Kefalonia , the mainland , and also from Italy , and Albania . You can view schedules here.

The port in Corfu is located about a 10-minute drive from the Old Town, and here you can also find local buses to take you to numerous points across the island.

Getting Around Corfu 

You have a few different options to help you get from place to place during your time in Corfu. The option that I’d personally recommend is to rent a car.

If you’re a driver and have an adequate amount of money to put toward your trip, this will be your best option. You can browse options on Rentalcars.com which aggregates prices for a number of companies.

If you want to keep costs lower while in Greece and don’t want to spend a large amount of money to rent a car, here is the quintessential way to get around a Greek island; a motorcycle.

Motorcycles are a lot cheaper to rent than cars and offer speedy and fun ways to get around. You’ll also see so many views that otherwise would’ve been blocked by the top of the car!

Booking a rental car or motorcycle a fair amount of time in advance will give you the best deal and a lot more flexibility for your trip. From the southernmost point of Corfu to the northernmost point, it takes around 2 hours by car.

You never know where you may end up wanting to explore – from Paleokastritsa Monastery to Porto Timoni Beach to the Achilleion Palace, which was built for Austrian Empress Sisi in the 19th Century.

If renting a car isn’t an option for you, don’t worry. There are two main bus systems within the island; blue buses and green buses. The blue buses are for connecting the central part of the island such as the airport, the old town, the port, and surrounding areas. 

The green buses reach the rest of the island which is a great option if you want to get out and explore further than your hotel or the Old Town.

The main bus station of the green buses is located near the port and connects to most of the main villages on the island which are worth the visit. 

2, 3 or 4-Day Corfu Itinerary

Corfu (Kerkyra in Greek) truly looks like a scene from a Mamma Mia movie. From the aquamarine waters, uniquely rich history, abundant lush greenery throughout the island, and dreamy sunset nights with a delicious meal or drink in hand, you’re bound to fall in love. 

Corfu is an ideal island to visit if you’re looking for a Greek island getaway unlike anywhere else.

Day 1 – Old Town of Corfu

The ideal place to begin any trip to Corfu is in the Old Town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the history of the Old Town of Corfu goes back to the 8th century BCE as well as the Byzantine period. Over time Corfu has been under rule by many countries and empires, including the French, the British, the Byzantines, and the Venetians. 

Undoubtedly, today you can still see an immense amount of influence on the island, its culture, food and, mainly the Old Town from these periods. 

The Esplanade (Spianada)

Located beside the sea and next to the dreamy streets of Corfu’s Old Town, you’ll find the largest square in Greece and the Balkans. Just looking around you’ll already be able to notice the strong Venetian influence on the island. 

The Esplanade is a relaxing and green area to take in your surroundings and prepare for your day.

Don’t be thrown off if you see cricket players having their hand at a match in the Esplanade, this goes back to when Corfu was under British rule and is still the only spot in Greece where you’ll find cricket! 

Old Fortress of Corfu

From the Esplanade, one of the most defining points you’ll likely notice is the Old Fortress sitting looking out into the Ionian sea and taking watch over Corfu.

Known as one of the most astonishing and impressive fortifications in Europe, the Old Fortress of Corfu was built by the Venetians during the period of their rule in the 15th century.

The Old Fortress is a brilliant site to spend time at on your Corfu itinerary, not just for the impressive features of the fortress itself but also for the breathtaking views from the top.

There are regular exhibitions at the fortress as well as concerts at different points of the year if that’s something that you’re interested in.

Wander the Streets of the Old Town

The Old Town of Corfu is truly stunning and even has a royal feel to it. The Old Town itself is quite small and wandering through its Venetian-influenced streets is truly a joy. 

From the colorful buildings, cobblestoned streets and friendly locals, you’ll find it hard to leave! You’ll find boutiques, speciality food stores, ice cream shops, restaurants, cafes, and pretty much everything else you’d expect. If you want to learn more about the history of the town, you can organise a walking tour here.

If you’re visiting on a hot summer day and want a cool treat (or you’re visiting in winter!), I’d recommend heading to Papagiorgis Patiserie-Gelateria to enjoy an artisanal gelato. 

Church of St. Spyridon 

Just a 2-minute walk away from the Papagiorgis Gelateria is the most monumental church on the island of Corfu, the Church of St. Spyridon. 

Built in the 1580s and still located in the Old Town of Corfu, the Church of Spyridon is home to the relics of St. Spyridon and also has the highest bell tower in all of the Ionian islands! 

The outside of the church is quite typical, but the baroque and Orthodox art inside the church is quite beautiful and worth popping in to see. Visits to the church are free. 

Dinner at Veranda Taverna

At the end of day 1, you’ll make your way to the harbor at sunset to enjoy a sunset meal at the wonderful tavern Veranda Taverna. Here you’ll find classic Greek and Corfu-specific dishes. 

The dishes of Corfu are unique due to the many occupations throughout history and I recommend the Pastitsada or Stoufada to experience the unique foods of Corfu! 

The sunsets and the views that overlook the coast of Corfu are breathtaking and because of this, I recommend making reservations in advance to secure a table.

Day 2 – Wine Tasting & Beach Day 

When people think of wine and wine production countries, France, Italy and Spain are typically what come to mind, not Greece. But Greece – and Corfu in particular – has some incredible varieties of wine grapes and unique wines to get to know. 

If you’re spending 2 days, you’ll have the opportunity to get to taste some of these wines, explore the vineyards, and sit back, relax and enjoy the sun and time at the beach. 

Wine Tasting & Vineyard Tour

The vineyards on the Island of Corfu are all located in small villages and more rural areas of the island. Reaching these parts of the island can pose a challenge especially if you’re not with a car on the island. But with the right planning, you’re on your way to Corfiot wine country. 

My recommended option for a vineyard visit is to take part in a guided tour. Many guided tours that will transport you from the Old Town and possibly your accommodation, as well as arrange vineyard visits and wine tastings. 

A lot of these tours also combine tours with local olive oil tastings which make for a perfect day to get a literal taste of the island of Corfu. Some options include this wine-tasting tour or this private full-day tour.

If you don’t have a car, there are bus routes from the Old Town that will take you to many of the villages where you will find local wineries. 

If you do have a car during your stay in Corfu, your options do open up quite a bit. For those with the flexibility of location, my recommendations for vineyard visits Pontiglio Winery – a lovely family-run vineyard in the southern Corfu village of Lefkimmi – and Nicoluzo Winery – a winery in the northern part of the island with unique wine varieties.

Glyfada Beach

The best place to head to after wine tasting is to go relax under the Greek sun at the beach. 

Corfu is full of wonderful beaches, and you can find different beaches to suit your needs. One of my favorites is Glyfada Beach. 

The water is clean, the sea is vast, there are a few different restaurants at different budgets on the beach, and you can either pay to rent a chair at one of the beach clubs or just lay your blanket down and get to it. If you decide to rent a chair and umbrella, be prepared to pay between €15-20.

Glyfada is located on the other side of the island from Corfu’s old town and can be reached by bus transport quite conveniently. If you’ve been doing a wine tasting, you’re already in the nearby vicinity. 

Another nearby sandy beach that’s located just a bit further south is in the village of Agios Gordios which is also within easy reach. Regardless of where you end up, lounging on one of the island’s many lovely beaches is one of the best things to do in Corfu.

Day 3 – Western Corfu Beaches

Gialli beach.

If you’re lucky enough to spend 3 days in Corfu, today will bring you to what is arguably the most beautiful beach in the Ionian sea. Located on the west side of Corfu, Gialli Beach is a tranquil wonder unspoiled by tourists and infrastructure. 

From the clearest glasslike, bluest water, to the few people you’ll likely find on the beach, Gialli Beach is what I would consider to be the hidden gem of Corfu. 

The only caveat is the means of reaching Gialli Bbeach. If you have a car, it’s easy to access the nearby areas, and if not, the local villages are accessible by bus transport. 

The beach isn’t accessible by road or short walk so the only ways to reach it are by about an hour-long hike down the mountain (mainly holding onto rope due to the descent and loose rocks), or by boat.

If you decide to take the hike down, plug “Chapel of Prophet Elias” into your GPS, and once you arrive you’ll want to follow the trail down toward the coast. It is extremely dangerous to commit to this hike if you don’t have the correct footwear or fitness level, or are bringing tons of beach gear. 

Only do the hike if you just have a backpack on your back, and closed-toe shoes with a good grip. There are no options for food or drink once you reach the beach as it is very secluded, so bring a light lunch and water if you plan on spending the day or more than an hour at the beach (it’s hard to leave!)

Otherwise, you have the option to take a boat trip. You can either rent your own boat and transport yourself there (which is a bit costly), or hire a boat taxi from one of the nearby village ports. 

Liapades is the closest port nearby and there you can arrange boat transportation to Gialli beach as well as plan a time to be picked up. It’s about a 10-minute boat ride each way and costs €10 per person. 

Afterwards enjoy a lovely, local dinner at one of the nearby villages such as Giannades, Marmaro, or Ermones. 

Day 4 – Day Trip to Paxos & Antipaxos

One of the biggest benefits of a Corfu itinerary is the close proximity of other Ionian islands to Corfu. 

For those spending 4 days on the island, one of the best ways to get the most out of your trip after exploring the island of Corfu is to get out to one of the nearby islands. 

The closest islands nearby that make for a great day trip and are known to be some of the most beautiful islands in the world, are Paxos and Antipaxos.

To spend a day in Paxos and Antipaxos islands you have a few options; you can either take part in a guided tour taking you from Corfu, then around the other islands and back to Corfu. 

These will cost you a lot more than visiting independently but it also takes a lot of stress away from planning your day trip. Some options include this full-day boat cruise or this similar tour.

And the other option is to take the ferry from Corfu and explore Paxos and/or Antipaxos independently.

If you decide to visit the islands independently, make your way to the New Port of Corfu to then prepare to board your ferry to Paxos.

“Kamelia Lines” is the passenger ferry line transporting passengers to Paxos and the journey takes around an hour. “ Kerkyra Lines” also has routes to Paxos from Corfu via Igoumenitsa for both foot passengers and vehicles.

Once reaching Paxos, it’s important to know that Paxos is the smallest of all the Ionian islands. There aren’t too many “touristy” things to do or sites to see but the best thing to do when visiting Paxos is just to wander the island, enjoy the crystalline beaches, and eat good Greek food. 

Gaios, the island’s capital is where most of the action is happening and the town itself is beautiful, getting lost in the colorful streets and observing locals while sipping coffee is a delight. Mambo located in Gaios, is a delicious Greek tavern to enjoy a meal during your time on the island.

If you’d like to visit the sister island of Paxos, Antipaxos, you can either rent your own boat to visit or take a boat taxi as it’s only 3 nautical miles away. Expect costs for the water taxi to be around €20 per person for a return trip.

When on Antipaxos, head to Votoumi Beach to catch some sun and sea, try some local Antipaxon food and maybe even try your hand at snorkeling or scuba diving.

Alternatively, head north to the port village of Sidari and hop on a ferry or boat tour to the small island of Erikousa for a very off-the-beaten-path day trip option.

Where to Stay on Corfu

Eros Beach Hotel – This lovey beahcfront hotel in the village of Benitses is an excellent option for mid-range visitors. They have several bright and modern rooms available (some with sea views), an excellent location for exploring the island and rooms suitable for both couples and families.

Art Hotel Debono – Those looking for a luxury escape will love this beautiful 4-star hotel. They have a number of plush rooms on offer, a swanky swimming pool to enjoy and plenty of other amenities to ensure your stay is an excellent one.

Brentanos Apartments – Travelers who want the convenience of their own apartment but don’t want to sacrifice the amenities of a hotel will love this centrally-located aparthotel on Corfu. They have a range of flats available, an on-site swimming pool and beautiful views of the Ionian Sea.

Angelica’s Backpacker’s Hostel – If you’re visiting Corfu on a tight budget or as a solo traveler, you are sure to love this hostel. They have a range of both shared dorms and private rooms on offer, great common areas and a good atmosphere for meeting others.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Corfu hotels!

While Corfu may not be the main island that you think of when planning a Greek island itinerary, it’s certainly one that should be on the top of your list.

From incredibly friendly people to historically unique fusion food and idyllic beaches, Corfu has many things that set it apart from the other Greek islands and make for a wonderful island getaway.

Are you planning to visit Corfu? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

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Is Corfu Worth Visiting? Definitely. Here’s Why.

Want to know why you should be heading to Corfu this summer? I’ve got a few ideas.

Corfu. Otherwise known as Greece’s emerald island and the birthplace of Prince Philip. The second-largest Ionian island has been a holiday hotspot since the 1970s but what else do you know about it?

I’m betting very little.

Is Corfu worth visiting? Yes. Here are a few reasons why.

Why You Need to visit Corfu

Who doesn’t want to holiday on a beautiful greek island.

Really, it’s a serious question. For all the things that you might have heard about Corfu (playground of the rich and famous, package holiday destination, a beautiful Greek island , next to Albania) the one thing that people forget to say is that it is beautiful.

The island’s lush, hilly interior rolls down to the unbelievably blue Ionian Sea with a smattering of beaches, gorgeous villas, points of interest, old towns and tucked away restaurants in between.

Jump on a boat for a tour around the coastline to really appreciate Corfu’s beauty from afar.

It’s the Nature Lover’s Playground

Corfu might not be the destination that jumps to mind when you are thinking about places to go and discover nature, but it should be.

The island is brimming with nature reserves and Corfu is particularly well-known for its unique birdlife. There are so many quiet places in Corfu for you to go and explore.

Head to the old salt pans and Corfiot wetlands of Alikes Lefkimmis to spot some of the island’s rarest birds. If you time it right, you might even see the flocks of flamingos that take up residence in the wetlands from time to time.

Even if you don’t spy the flamingos, taking time to enjoy the quiet whilst peeking at cranes, terns and swifts is a wonderful experience.

The Food is Wonderful

If I’m completely honest, I think you should visit Corfu, if only for the food alone. Greek food is delicious anyway, but Corfu’s unique history means its cuisine is a blend of traditional Greek, Venetian and British influences.

Add in the freshest seafood, olives, fruits and vegetables and plenty of punchy flavours and you’ve got something to write home about. Corfu’s inhabitants take their food very seriously and it shows.

Sail along the coast to the tiny fishing village of Petriti and grab a seat on the open-air terrace of Limnopoula seafood restaurant.

Nothing says “escaping from it all” like sitting a stone’s throw away from the harbour in the sunshine and dining on an array of tapas-style starters followed by the catch of the day.

If you really want to delve into Corfiot food and flavours, reserve a table and feast on the traditional menu at Greek & Corfiot restaurant Platea . The menu features many lesser-known dishes from across the island including cod croquettes in fish broth and is matched with the island’s increasingly popular Corfu Beer.

The Weather

Corfu boasts an average of 12 sunshine hours between now and the end of August and temperatures generally hover around the high-twenties. In other words, the perfect weather for a summer escape.

The weather’s more than warm enough to satisfy the most dedicated beach-lover, but not so hot that it makes doing anything other than sitting on a sun-lounger impossible.

Weather-wise, Corfu’s pretty reliable until mid-October when it starts to get colder and wetter. It rains a lot from November to February, so it’s probably best to avoid it during that season.

Corfu’s Unique Heritage and Identity

Historically, Corfu has been ruled by the Romans, Venetians, Napoleon and the Brits before it was ceded to Greece in the 1860s.

Visit Corfu and you’ll discover that the island’s varied history has left it with a unique heritage, food and identity that’s unlike any other.

Walk around the capital, Kérkyra Town (Corfu Town) for a glimpse into the past. The charming town features a number of Venetian-style buildings, complemented with the French and English architectural styles.

The end result is an elegant and understated destination. Few of the island’s visitors make it to Kérkyra Town, but those who do are well rewarded.

Corfu Beaches = Awesome Beaches

Corfu became one of the bastions of the British package holidays for good reason. The 200 kilometres of coastline claim some of Europe’s best (and cleanest) beaches, framed with crystal-clear waters.

The waters on the east coast are generally calmer, thanks to its protected position – but the west coast rarely gets too choppy during the summer months either.

Searching for a more unusual beach destination? Check out our guide to the UK’s most beautiful beaches to inspire your summer holiday.

Outdoor Pursuits

The island’s calm waters and hilly interior are brimming with outdoor activities and pursuits for you to try.

The high-visibility and plentiful sea-life mean that snorkelling and diving are high-up on the list of popular outdoor pursuits in Corfu.

Watersports such as waterskiing, kitesurfing and windsurfing are available at many coastal locations. Alternatively, if you prefer exploring the terra firma, you can take up the challenge of the Corfu Trail.

The 220km trail runs the course of the island and offers a completely different perspective on the island.

Epic Day Trips

Hanging out on Corfu is magical and all, but how about a few day trips? Corfu is perfectly situated so that you can explore the likes of mainland Greece, Albania or some smaller islands in just a day.

My top pick is this boat tour that takes you to Albania – you’ll get to see the likes of Butrint, Vouthrota and the castle of Ali Passa in one jam-packed day. 

If you fancy something a little more chilled out, you can always book yourself onto an island-hopping tour to further soak up the region’s natural beauty.

Corfu is the Perfect Place to Get Away From it All

Not all holidays are relaxing. But Corfu is the perfect European island escape. There are large stretches of uninterrupted coastline with little-used beaches, hiking trails and picture-perfect views to go with.

Looking for where to stay in Corfu ? Of the many high-end hotels on the island, my pick is MarBella Corfu , on the south-east coast. With gorgeous sea-view rooms, excellent restaurants, spa and facilities, it’s the perfect destination for a summer-getaway in the sun.

Alternatively, the Ekati Mare Boutique Resort is another gorgeous place to stay in Corfu. The rooms are like something from a Pinterest board, while the huge poolside area is the perfect place to chill out with a sundowner.

So… Is Corfu Worth Visiting?

So there you are. Is Corfu worth visiting? Beautiful views, great beaches, delicious cuisine. I’m certainly booking my return trip this summer.

Practical Tips for Visiting Corfu

• If you’re visiting from Europe, you’ll be able to get a direct flight to Corfu. However, if you’re coming in from afar, you’ll most likely need to catch a flight to Athens and then transfer. Check flights here .
• Wondering how long to spend in Corfu? The island might be small but there’s plenty to see and do. I recommend around 5-7 days on the island – this gives you enough time for a couple of day trips, too.

Looking for more holiday inspiration? Check out these perfect summer break destinations

• The Best Things to do in Cyprus
• Escape to Nevis, The Ultimate Caribbean Hideaway
• Luxury Escape – Five Beautiful Luxury Hotels in Barbados
• Mojacar – Spain’s Gorgeous Coastal Getaway

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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You have sold me. It looks fabulous.

It’s such a gorgeous island, would so recommend to anyone looking for a Greek island escape

Hello, I just read zour blog about corfu, i have more motivation to visit this island. Could you please tell me where is that cave on the picture?

Thanks Anita – glad you’re interested in visiting Corfu – it’s gorgeous. The cave is on Mylopotamos beach.

I lived there for twenty five years, there is much more to Corfu than is mentioned here. The famous saint spiridon church, old Perithia, a village in the north mountains where you will find amazing cuisine and a traditional old village. There are museums, The Palace, shopping and a million other things to visit and see.

Hi there – thanks for the comment and the suggestions. The piece aims to introduce people to some of the destinations and activities they can do in Corfu other than just the beach – but it’s not at all exhaustive – no travel article ever is. Glad you could contribute though.

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The Ultimate Guide to Corfu Town

Corfu Town is the capital of Corfu island and one of the most beautiful cities in Greece .

Don’t miss a visit to Corfu Town if you’re in the area! Here’s what to expect:

What Is Corfu Town Like?

Corfu Town has one of the best-preserved historic quarters in Greece so it’s a great place if you love history or just soaking up the atmosphere somewhere lovely.

It’s a dense tangle of narrow streets (called kantouna ) and tall buildings in autumnal colours with painted shutters and wrought iron balconies. 

The city is understandably popular with the island’s tourists – most will take at least a day trip during their visit. Additionally, Corfu Town is a major cruise port for ships travelling between Greece and Italy.

So there is no shortage of souvenir shops and restaurants aimed at tourists. The main tourist area is well kept, with flowers and plants out on the street and (unusually for Greece) some attempt at even paving. And there are endless scenic cafes.

But at the end of the day it’s still largely populated by locals and students so it doesn’t feel like a Disneyfied version of Greece. There are plenty of authentic tavernas and businesses to be found in the backstreets. 

The Architecture of Corfu Town

Corfu’s old town ( campiello ) is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list   and dates back to the 8th century BC  (although if you like older history you’ll find some ruins outside the town on the Kanoni peninsula, which is where the original settlement was located)

Corfu has always been a strategically important location at the entrance to the Adriatic and as such been occupied by many powers over the centuries, notably:

• Neapolitan Angevins
• British (also known as the Ionian State period, under British Protectorate)
• Greek independence in 1829

The layout, tall buildings, public spaces and fortifications that you see are Venetian . Perhaps this is why it feels so Italian sometimes.

But in fact many of the buildings themselves were rebuilt by the British in the neoclassical style. You might feel a sense of déjà vu if you’ve been to Valletta – both stone and stonemasons were imported from Malta.

Corfu Town has flashes of stately grandeur left over from French and British rule, and many elegant buildings and monuments from the neoclassical era after Greek independence.

There are three forts remaining in Corfu Town and the Venetians were responsible for most of their ingenuity. The star attraction – and the one you’ll see in photos – is the Old Fortress (or Paleo Frourio ).

What to See in Corfu Town

Most of the main sites are clustered together on the east coast of the city – the Old Fortress , the Spianada , the Liston , and Museum of Asian Art .

The smaller museums and churches tend to be tucked away in the back streets of the Old Town.

Old Fortress

Corfu Town’s impressive Old Fortress is built on a promontory which is separated from the rest of the city by a canal ( Controfossa ). The site was originally home to a castle built by the Angevins but the Venetians almost completely rebuilt it and added the fortifications.

The almost-impregnable design of the fortress was key in repelling Ottoman invasions in 1537, 1571, and 1716.

To pass over the canal and onto the site you must buy a ticket – see the Greek Culture site for details, a standard adult ticket is €6. There is a special city ticket available which covers the Old Fortress and several key museums for €15, valid for 3 days.

Once inside the site there are several buildings including the Byzantine Collection , the Lighthouse , the Old British Hospital , the Holy Church of Agios Georgios , and – charmingly – the music department of the Ionian University.

(If you’re looking for a small temple-like building that you’ve seen in photos then that’s the Holy Church which was built by British soldiers in 1840 in the Greek revival style)

Mandraki Marina and the Corfu Sailing Club are also located on the promontory.

The Liston and the Spianada

The Liston is an elegant arcaded promenade housing many cafes right next to the Spianada.

If you do one thing in Corfu Town it should be taking coffee or an aperitif at a shady table here.

The Spianada is the name for the large grassy park which sits between the Old Fortress and the rest of the city. It’s the largest public square in Greece and famously home to a cricket pitch which is still used today.

The Maitland Monument

The Maitland Monument (or Rotunda) is a great example of a neoclassical monument built by the British in the city. It was built to commemorate Sir Thomas Maitland, the first Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands. You’ll find it in the south end of the Spianada.

Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Mandrakina

At the north end of the Spianada you’ll find the very pretty Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Mandrakina . It dates back to the 18th century and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary as the patron saint of fisherman.

Peo ple’s Garden

The entrance to the People’s Garden is next to the Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Mandrakina.

It’s a very pretty landscaped garden which wraps around the Museum of Asian Art. You can walk through it to reach Faliraki Beach and several beach bars.

• Museum of Asian Art

The Museum of Asian Art (and next to it the Municipal Gallery) is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city (and is also a popular photo spot for couples and Instagrammers).

Originally the Palace of St Michael and St George , it was built in 1815 by the British to be the residence of of the Lord High Commission.

The Museum founded in 1928 and houses art collections from China, Japan, Nepal, Tibet, and central Asia, as well as visiting exhibitions.

Standard adult tickets are €6, it’s also included in the special ticket.

Next to the Museum of Asian Art is the Municipal Gallery of Corfu which contains works by the most famous local painters of the 19th and 20th century

Faliraki Beach

Behind the Museum of Asian Art is Faliraki Beach , the most photogenic swimming spot in the city. You won’t find much sand here but it has a platform area for sunbathing.

It’s home to a church and several beach bars, the most well known of which is Imabari Seaside Lounge .

To reach the sea you’ll need to walk along past the Gate of St Nicholas and enter via the beach bars.

From Faliraki you have an excellent view of the north side of the Old Fortress.

Time to delve into the labyrinthine streets of the Old Town .

The city has surprising number of museums considering its size, though perhaps not surprising given its history. Culture vultures will find plenty of interest.

• Archaeological Museum
• Banknote Museum of the Ionian Bank
• Museum of the Philharmonic Society of Corfu
• Corfu Living History Museum (Casa Parlante)
• Byzantine Museum
• Serbian Museum
• Museum of Dionysios Solomos

There are over 40 churches in Corfu Town, you’d be hard pressed to visit them all on one trip. Some to keep your eye out for include:

• Church of Agios Spyridon – the most important church
• Metropolitan Church of the Virgin Mary (pictured above)
• Church of Tenedos

One pretty spot inside the Old Town is Platia Dimarchio , or ‘Town Hall Square’. This small square is home to the San Giacomo Theatre and numerous restaurants with shaded tables amongst the greenery.

New Fortress

The New Fortress , so called simply because its newer than the Old Fortress, is located to the north end of the Old Town not far from the Old Port.

It dates back to the Venetian period but the existing buildings were constructed by the British. 

The New Fortress has recently been restored and opened to the public (except on Tuesdays) although there’s not much to it beyond the walls of the structure. But it has excellent views and is sometimes used for concerts and exhibitions. Admission is free.

In case you’re wondering, Corfu Town’s third fort became the island’s prison. Allegedly there were once underground tunnels connecting all the fortresses including defences on Vido Island.

On the east side of the New Fortress is Corfu Central Market where you’ll find fresh fish sold in the mornings, and also one of the biggest car parks near the Old Town.

North of the New Fortress is Spilia Square and the Old Port which is now a busy harbour. This is where you’ll find the city’s small boats – fishing boats, excursion boats, water taxis to Vido islands, and private motorboats.

Vido and Lazareto Islands

Vido Island is a small island with a sombre history. It was called Ptichia in ancient times and for a long time formed part of the city’s defences, sometimes as a prison.

During the invasion of Serbia in WWI Vido served as a hospital and quarantine for Serbian soldiers. Over 5000 people were buried at sea when mortality rates (mainly from typhoid) outstripped space on the island.

There’s a memorial on the island and you can learn more about this period in the Serbian Museum in the Old Town.

These days the island is peaceful, with peacocks wandering in the woods. It’s popular with locals looking for a quiet spot to bathe and has a simple taverna. Boats to Vido leave from the Old Port.

Lazareto is an even smaller uninhabited island in the bay, closer to Kontokali than Corfu Town. It was used as a quarantine station and later as a concentration camp for prisoners of the Greek National Resistance movement. It has since been declared a historic memorial site.

Immediately south of the Spianada you’ll find the Nautical Yacht Club and its restaurant/bar NAOK . There’s a small (very small) beach here too.

Just outside the Old Town you’ll find a few things of interest:

• San Rocco Square (the main hub for city buses – see Corfu Bus Guide )
• British Cemetery
• Douglas Obelisk
• The Tomb of Menekrates

Garitsa is the name for the neighbourhood and bay south of Corfu Old Town. It has a much more laid-back and local vibe, although there are a few big hotels along the waterfront road. The walk around the bay to Garitsa is pleasant and there’s a narrow public garden with trees and play areas. It’s popular with local families.

At the end of the road is a windmill and Nautilus restaurant/bar. Many walk out to the windmill in the evening for a sunset drink or dinner in one of the area’s tavernas.

This is the oldest part of the city and if you keep your eyes open you’ll find ancient ruins such as the Temple of Artemis and the Christian 

The Mon Repos Estate is south of Garitsa. This beautiful 19th-century villa is famously where Prince Philip was born. These days it houses an archaeological museum. Entrance is free. There are a few small ancient ruins in the grounds. It’s harder to find, a little worn, and less impressive than the more popular Achilleon Palace but provides a nice shady walk for those staying in the city.

There’s also a lovely beach here (and a proper beach, not like the platforms at Faliraki) – look for the Royal Baths Cafe and Beach .

Garitsa is also the gateway to the Kanoni Peninsula . Lush and hilly with lots of hotel tucked away. From Garitsa you can walk or take the bus down to the end of Kanoni where the airport runway meets the sea. It’s a spectacular place to sit and watch the planes land. There are several cafes well set up for this past-time such as Cafe Kanoni .

There’s a small harbour at the tip of the peninsula which is connected by a causeway to the area of Perama and also to the picturesque Vlacherna Monastery on a tiny island. Beyond Vlacherna is Pontikonissi (Mouse Island), a small wooded island with a chapel. Boats will take you out from the harbour.

Where to Stay in Corfu Town

With its enchanting atmosphere it’s no surprise many will want to stay in the Old Town. Mostly you will find self-catered apartments for all budgets, with the more expensive ones right on the Liston looking out to the New Fortress. Try Liston Town House if that’s what you’re after.

There are a few hotels where you’ll find an old-school charm (though don’t expect high luxury):

• Siorra Vittoria
• Bella Venezia
• City Marina Hotel

For more space (or parking) you’re better off staying outside the city. In Garitsa Bay you’ll find the new boutique hotel Acanthus Blue as well as the 5-star old stalwart the Corfu Palace and Casino . At the far end of Garitsa is the 4-star Mayor Mon Repos Palace Art Hotel .

There’s not too much choice in Corfu Town though, compared to the rest of the island. Many who enjoy being close to the delights of the city stay in one of the coastal suburbs slightly further out – Benitses , Kanoni , Perama , Gouvia – and make use of the bus service.

Food and Drink in Corfu Town

If you’ve only got time for one meal in Corfu Town book a table at top restaurant Venetian Well , or head up to the rooftop restaurant at Cavalieri Hotel for its views.

The old town streets are packed with restaurants and tavernas offering the Greek standards as well as local specialities, bakeries, and shops selling produce from around the island. Tired of Greek food? There are plenty of Italian restaurants and fast food.

Foodies will want to check out the Corfu Food Tour .

Don’t miss the Corfiot ginger beer or the liqueur made from the kumquats which grow here so abundantly. 

Best Activities and Excursions

There are numerous tours of Corfu Town available including:

• Corfu Town History & Culture Walking Tour
• Corfu Town: Ghost Stories and Legends
• Achilleon Palace, Kanoni, and the Old Town Tour

Beyond the city:

• Parga, Syvota, and the Blue Lagoon
• Paxos, Blue Caves, and Antipaxos

Day trips to Albania aren’t up and running again yet but it’s possible to take the ferry over to Sarande.

Achilleon Palace , a 19th century royal retreat just south of Corfu Town, is easy to access on the bus but is also included on many tour itineraries. 

How Far is Corfu Airport from Corfu Town?

Corfu Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport is literally just outside the city. You can walk into the centre in 25 minutes if you don’t have much luggage. A taxi is €10-20 depending on the time of day.

Blue city bus number 15 connects the airport with the KTEL bus station (for inter-island buses) and San Rocco Square (for city buses) and the port.

You can buy a ticket from the kiosk outside the airport by card or cash, or from the driver in cash.

For more information read How to Get Around Corfu By Bus .

How to Get to Corfu Town

Corfu Town is located in the centre of Corfu’s east coast:

• From Kassiopi: 1 hour drive
• From Paleokastritsa : 25 minute drive
• From Sidari: 50 minute drive
• From Acharavi : 55 minute drive
• From Kavos : 1 hour drive

Corfu Airport  is served by both domestic and international budget and charter airlines – check Skyscanner  for deals.

See  Ferryhopper  for local ferry routes and information.

Parking in the Old Town itself is limited but the main car parks are at the Spianada next to the Central Market. There are lots of small parking lots outside the Old Town as well as free parking on the roads – try alongside Garitsa Bay.

The largest car park is at the New Port (you can hop on the bus into town if you don’t fancy the walk). 

Read more about Corfu: 

Corfu – A Quick Island Overview

10 Most Beautiful Beaches on Corfu

Where to Stay on Corfu: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

How to Get Around Corfu By Bus

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Have you ever thought of visiting Corfu, Greece? One of the largest Greek islands, Corfu boasts everything from picturesque beaches and turquoise blue waters to captivating towns and mouth-watering tavernas. Last June, my best friend and I spent 4 glorious days on this magnificent island soaking up every bit of it. Here’s what we did, and why you should visit Corfu on your next Greece trip!

Psst, this post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure .

Out of all the destinations I’ve visited in Europe, Corfu has landed a spot at the top of my favorite’s list. Why? Because even though I only spent 4 days on this Greek island, I came to realize that it features everything a traveler could want.

Stunning beaches perfect for relaxation and sunbathing? Check . ✓

Turquoise blue waters with vibrant sea life and magnificent rock formations? Check . ✓

Quaint villages with local shops and cute tavernas serving up delicious eats? Check . ✓

Wildly awesome hiking routes that take you up to viewpoints that’ll blow your mind? Check. ✓

Picture-perfect monasteries and charming churches that’ll soothe your soul? Check . ✓

And a diverse landscape with towering mountains, beautiful beaches, unique cave formations, picturesque towns and cities, vibrant olive tree groves, and sky-high cliffs with breathtaking views of the surrounding seas? Check . ✓

Seriously, this gorgeous island has everything! And I fell madly in love with it.

If you’re thinking of visiting Corfu, or getting inspiration on which Greek islands to visit, take a look at how my BFF and I spent a wildly awesome girls’ trip here!

Table of Contents

4 DAYS ON THE GREEK ISLAND OF CORFU

Our first day on Corfu started with landing at its small airport in the morning, picking up our rental car, and making our way to the small beachside village of Paleokastritsa, which is where our family-owned hotel was located.

We scored a ridiculously cheap flight from Liverpool to Corfu for a whopping $11 (thanks, Skyscanner !) and a great deal on our rental car (thanks, Kayak !), which was $135 for 3 days.

Not to mention, the local hotel we stayed at cost $171 for 3 nights, which was a freakin’ steal, as it had the most amazing amenities and features. (More on that below!)

After picking up our rental car, we set Google Maps to Paleokastritsa and made our way across the island. Within the first 10 minutes, I knew we’d made the right decision in choosing to visit Corfu.

As we zig-zagged our way through the historic Corfu town and traversed the small island roads snaking their way through local villages, we were both blown away by the diverse landscape of Corfu.

Lining the roads were lush vegetation, rows upon rows of olive trees, rocky mountains climbing their way to the sky, and — every once in while — sporadic peeks of the turquoise blue waters and beautiful beaches along the rugged coastline.

However, while the drive to Paleokastritsa from Corfu Airport was remarkable, we had no idea what this island had in store for us until we arrived to our hotel…

Checking In to Vivaria Apartments

From the moment we walked up to Vivaria Apartments , met the lovely owners, and saw the view from the pool terrace, we knew we’d made a fabulous decision choosing to stay here for our Corfu trip.

For one, we basically had the whole place to ourselves. And two, the hotel had crazy good amenities.

This included a private beach, relaxing pool area and terrace, wildly awesome views from our private balcony, an entire family suite with a full kitchen, and the most welcoming hosts that even left us a full bottle of chilled wine in our fridge!

How dreamy does that sound?!

(If you want to view this amazing accommodation for yourself and find out why this is one of the best places to stay in Corfu, click here .)

Soaking Up the Sun

After settling in to our hotel room/apartment, we slipped into our swimsuits and wandered down to the private beach for some must-needed sun time!

Vivaria Apartment’s private beach area is amazing, and it was the perfect place for us to relax and restore our drained energy batteries. (In fact, it was so restorative that I may or may not have fallen asleep a couple times on the provided lounge chairs… whoops!)

And when we got too hot in the steamy and dreamy sun, it was almost too easy to dip into the refreshing blue waters of the Ionian Sea that was just a few feet away from our lounge chairs!

The only words that comes to mind when I think back on this experience is pure bliss.

Dinner is Served

Throughout our stay in Paleokastritsa, we ate at several delicious tavernas, which is the Greek word for small restaurants serving up traditional Greek dishes. Here are my favorites that had delicious vegan options!

This was the first restaurant we ate at in Corfu! And not only did it serve up a delicious veggie pizza for myself, it features one of the most breathtaking views of the sea.

Gran Aladino

Gran Aladino is one of the best tavernas in the Paleokastritsa area for vegan food! In fact, they have an entire section on their restaurant menu for vegan and vegetarians that makes it simple to find a delicious vegan dish to fill up on.

While visiting Gran Aladino, I ordered the local Greek olives and a vegan gyros platter — both were absolutely delicious! At the other end of the table, my gal pal got the Greek penne pasta with fresh tomatoes, peppers, vegan feta, and their special Aladino sauce.

For drinks, we shared a delightful bottle of chilled white wine made from local Corfu grapes. It truly doesn’t get any better than that!

The last stop on our food journey through Paleokastritsa, Belvedere was conveniently located next to our hotel and showcased a magnificent view of the bay that was perfect for our last night in the area!

For food, we ordered up a shared plate of vegetarian dolmades (grape leaves stuffed with an herby rice mix) as an appetizer. For dinner, I got a giant plate of spaghetti with roasted vegetables and a tasty red sauce (minus the cheese to make it vegan). It wasn’t the most spectacular meal but filling and delicious nonetheless!

Kathy Supermarket

While this isn’t a restaurant in Paleokastritsa, Kathy Supermarket is a wonderful place to grab some food and snacks! To save some money, we stocked up on food here for breakfast and lunch instead of eating out for every meal.

At Kathy Supermarket, we got fresh bread, traditional hummus, marinated green and kalamata olives, locally-made watermelon jam (it sounds strange but it was SO GOOD), and a block of vegan feta (also amazing).

In addition to food, Kathy Supermarket also has a wide selection of drinks, like local wines and beers.

Visiting Monastery Paleokastritsa

Hands down, this is one of the most beautiful monasteries I have ever visited!

Perched up a high rock jutting out into the sea, Monastery Paleokastritsa delivers exceptional views of the surrounding sea and its stunning blue waters, a gorgeous garden housing lush vegetation and flourishing flowers, and vibrant wildlife like donkeys, cats, birds, and bees.

And the monastery itself?

Absolutely stunning with its pristine white walls, budding flower bushes, serene prayer room, beautiful mosaic detailing, thriving gardens, and a quiet, yet enchanting atmosphere.

Delightful Drinks at La Grotta Lounge and Pub

If there’s one bar you go to while visiting Corfu, make it be La Grotta Lounge and Pub! This place is ridiculously cool.

Nestled into rock face, La Grotta Lounge and Pub serves up tantalizing drinks and delicious pub snacks, as well as a relaxing, yet jiving vibe.

Regarding drinks, I had one (okay… many, many more than just one) of the BEST mojitos I’ve ever sipped. Seriously, it was SO darn good!

If you visit La Grotta during the daytime, don’t forget to take a dive off their diving board and swim in the refreshing blue waters of their private bay! It’s stunning.

Beach Bumming in Paleokastritsa

The main point of our entire trip to Corfu was to live the ultimate beach bumming life! And we sure did.

In addition to visiting and soaking up the sun at our private beach area, we also checked out the glorious Corfu beaches of Agios Spiridon Beach and Agios Petros Beach, both of which have lounge beds you can rent out for the day.

For food and drinks, we visited Jialos, which is a restaurant situated on Agios Spiridon Beach. If you order food and drinks here, you also get free use of their comfortable sunbeds! Which were absolutely worth the terrible fruit smoothie I got there.

Discovering Stunning Views at Vlacherna Monastery

When scouring the internet for the best things to do in Corfu, Vlacherna Monastery came up consistently as a top Corfu attraction and a must-do when on the island.

And let me say… it did not disappoint!

Vlacherna Monastery is gracefully set out into the sea and boasts one of the most beautiful views of the surrounding waters and rocky island coastline.

Its glistening white walls, quiet setting, and vibrant blooms of delicate flowers dotting the courtyard are breathtaking, and well worth a stop when visiting Corfu.

Exploring Corfu Old Town

Once we’d gotten our fill of beach bumming, sun loving, and sea swimming, we ventured to the other side of the island to explore Corfu Old Town.

Hands down, Corfu Old Town is one of THE prettiest towns I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. Unofficially dubbed as the “Venice without canals,” Corfu town was once ruled by the Venetians, as was its Ionian Sea island counterparts of Zante, Cephalonia, and Ithaca.

Thus, you’ll find Venetian influence scattered all about the town. A tightly packed Old Town area with tall, pastel-colored buildings lining the little walkways and roads snaking through the city, Corfu is a classic example of Venetian and Italian architecture.

From traditional red tiled roofs and textured, stucco wall finishes to wooden shutters on every window and an overall warm, yet elegant feel, Corfu Old Town buildings effortlessly embodies the stunning Venetian style.

Furthermore, the food options in Corfu Old Town are mouth-watering. Especially for a vegan traveler like me — I had endless vegan options!

From vegan burgers and fresh salads to creamy gelato and delicious vegan baked goods, Corfu Old Town is a gold mine for plant-based visitors, especially those traveling with non-vegan companions, as most places are also suitable for omnivores.

Some vegan-friendly restaurants in Corfu I recommend are Aubergine Cafe (vegetarian restaurant), Bizou Cafe (also vegetarian), Papagiorgis Patiserie-Gelateria, and Sway Bar & Kitchen.

Additionally, when visiting Corfu, we adored just sitting out in the streets at the outdoor restaurant areas sipping on a refreshing Aperol Spritz! It was splendid.

After four glorious days on the island of Corfu, our trip had come to its end! I was sad to leave this beautiful place but will surely be back sometime in the future to explore more of what Corfu has to offer.

Tell me, have you ever thought of visiting Corfu, or heard of this remarkable Greek island before? Share your thoughts on Corfu in the comment section below!

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Article comments.

How did you find the driving on Corfu?

Hi Samantha! I’m not going to lie… it was somewhat terrifying (but also exciting)! As an American, I’m not used to such tiny roads so it was a challenge for sure. However, getting around via the more main roads was easy! Even driving through Corfu Old Town was pretty simple.

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• Religious Sights

Parking Areas in Corfu Town

• Paxos Island

Popular Beaches

Chic and delicate by nature, Corfu has an unsurpassed natural beauty. The sea, the sun and the wind have carved an impressive shoreline on the island. Golden sandy and snow-white pebbled beaches, fine carved rocks resembling sculptures from a modern gallery, trees which stretch out their shadow up to the water.

There are at least ten (10) private and public parking areas in the center of Corfu Town during your visit, where you can park your car a short distance from the historic center of Corfu.

Discover Corfu

Corfu has always been one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Europe. A place with wonderful contrasts, successive influences, a crossroad of cultures and colours.

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10 reasons to visit Corfu

The natural beauty of Corfu remains a constant value over time. The sea, the sun and the wind, shape the island creating an impressive coastline. Beaches with golden or white pebbles, rock sculptures, trees that extend their shadow to the water.  We will be here to welcome our friends and share with them moments from our daily lives.  A pleasant everyday life, full of plenty of light, sea breeze and warm smiles !!!

What’s on

Corfu is a place with special light and unique identity where ideas, currents, people and cultures meet that are tested over time. From this fermentation emerges its modern image, beauty and multiculturalism.

Tips for travellers

Α first-time visitor of Corfu? Here, we will share tips and suggestions to ensure that your first time in this magnificent island won’t be your last. We will be here to welcome our friends and share with them moments from our daily lives. A pleasant everyday life, full of plenty of light, sea breeze and warm smiles !!!

The best part of Corfu, with less tourists, incredible food and quiet beaches

Corfu on the north-easterly side is a million miles from the package holiday image, says Adam Bloodworth

Trekking Corfu, from historic heart to some of Greece’s most magical beaches

If you thought lying around on a beach was the ultimate way to ‘do nothing,’ you should try going to Old Perithia on Corfu. No one lives in this abandoned town in the shrub land in the heart centre of the island. Even the staff at the handful of restaurants drive back to civilisation when the sun sets, and if you finish eating after dark you need to navigate the hellish twisty-turny half-hour drive down the mountain towards civilisation.

It feels pretty Wild West: all there is to do is sit and admire the zig-zag of slate grey mountains as they trail off towards the coast, framed by the abandoned churches of Old Perithia that a few dozen tourists curious enough to leave the sun lounger venture to. Oh, there is one more thing to go here for: to join the Corfu Trail, a 180 kilometre walk snaking (quite literally, but more on that later) through the centre of the island towards the coast, showing how much more Corfu has to offer, with its centuries of history and amazingly diverse natural habitats.

We arrived at Corfu Airport and slipped past the package holiday reps hoarding Brits towards all-inclusives to find the Sixt car rental point. Then we were bolting north, through coastline villages decreasing in tackiness as we jetted further and further north-east, towards the posh part of Corfu and the village of San Stefanos.

Our place for the week was booked through Vintage Travel, experts in Corfu holidays with accommodation around the island and further afield in Greece. Local guides are part of the package, as is a “welcome home” message as you arrive. Villa Eleni is a traditional three bedroom villa with a handsome outdoor pool decorated with sun loungers. Look out towards the Ionian sea from the terrace and a kilometre away you’ll spot the pretty village of San Stefanos, with seaview restaurants and boat hire. It’s walkable down but heart attack-inducing on the way back up, so I’d recommend car hire.

It’s not that it’s not touristy here – Brits are still ostensibly a walking banknote for local restaurants – but the sales approach in this high-end part of the island is more amenable; more a lingering smile at the door than aggressively follow-you-down-the-road waving menus in your face like you might get in parts of Corfu Town. The food on this beach and neighbouring ones is pricey, but that’s just the price of good local fish. Also on the north-eastern coast is the White House on Kalami Bay, formerly the home of the Durrells family and the English author Lawrence Durrell.

All easily reachable by car, we explore the beaches of Barbati, Kalami and Kerasia throughout the week, each offering a different flavour of Corfu and none with overbearing crowds. One day we hired a boat from San Stefanos and sailed south, stopping for an excellent lunch at Thalassa Seafood Taverna around the headland from Nissaki Beach where there was pindrop silence except for the repetitive clap of the waves.

Two of my group spent the week enjoying Villa Eleni and the spectacular views across to Albania , playing cards on the outdoor terrace late into the night and cooling off with pool plunges, but my dad and I had another adventure in mind, starting from Old Perithia.

SNAKING INLAND

The path leading down from Old Perithia is a chalky white stone farmer’s track some 650 metres above sea level. Perithia was built here in the 14th century to protect villagers from pirate attacks common near the coast. The brilliant blues of the water were viewable but looked impossibly far away through the fold of the mountains. Following the app, downloadable on the Corfu Trail website, we marched through pretty villages where preening cats stretched in doorways and through shrub land where the skins of horned vipers looked intimidatingly like they still had snakes within them.

Read more about Corfu history: Visit Corfu in the glorious autumn to get closer to the island’s enchanting history

So prone to viper sightings is the Corfu Trail that it has developed the nickname of ‘snake road.’ Then we punctured a forest and walked sharply downwards enjoying the shade, wondering how on earth people managed their daily walk to catch fish 600 years ago. Out into the relative shade of ancient olive trees we found a pile of stones to sit on and have lunch after another of my anxious reminders to check for snakes.

Through more olive groves, then the sobering reality of a country lane not unlike one you’d find in Surrey, then across a main road and we were hammering the path on flatter land towards the beach town of Almiros with its bouji midsize family hotels on the northern strip of the island. Here, a spectacular Miami-esque strip of sand stretches to the east and west. The final leg of the Corfu Trail goes along wild beaches and is absolutely gorgeous but be warned, hiking on a beach in 30-something climes isn’t for the faint-hearted.

At Saint Spiridon Beach I found a couple of beers for me and my dad to clink for a celebratory photo. Then the sea was the ultimate reward after a long day’s hike.

VISIT CORFU YOURSELF

Villas with pools specialist Vintage Travel offers an extensive programme to Greece. A week’s stay for six at Villa Eleni in Corfu this May costs from £694. To book visit Vintage Travel online at vintagetravel.co.uk or phone 01954 261 431. August prices for Villa Elani start from £2995 for a week and September £1396.

For the Corfu Trail visit thecorfutrail. com or email [email protected]. Adam walked the final day of the seven-day Trail

Road closures for weeklong ‘dignitary visit’ in DC

Abigail Constantino | [email protected]

July 24, 2024, 6:30 AM

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As closures change, listen live to WTOP for the latest traffic updates on the 8s.

D.C. police said that a “dignitary visit” will close some roads and restrict parking in the District for about week. Here’s what you need to know.

The closures started on Sunday and are expected to last through Saturday, July 27. Police did not identify which dignitary would be visiting.

• Israel’s Netanyahu walks political tightrope on Washington trip following Biden’s exit from race

The following street closures are in effect as of Wednesday, July 24 until further notice :

• 3300-3400 blocks of 39th Street NW between Newark and Macomb streets
• 3800-3900 blocks of Macomb Street NW between Idaho and Massachusetts avenues

The following streets are posted as Emergency No Parking through Saturday, July 27 at 3 p.m.:

• Virginia Avenue NW from Rock Creek Parkway to New Hampshire Avenue
• Jamal Khashoggi Way from Virginia Avenue to F Street NW
• F Street NW from Rock Creek Parkway to 25th Street
• 27th Street NW from Virginia Avenue to K Street
• 2600 block of I Street NW

The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic on Sunday, July 21 starting at 10 p.m. through Friday, July 26 at 6 a.m.:

• Rock Creek Parkway NW between Virginia Avenue and the Potomac River Freeway southbound
• Virginia Avenue NW from Rock Creek Parkway to New Hampshire Avenue (eastbound lanes)
• Jamal Khashoggi Way (southbound lanes) between Virginia Avenue and F Street NW
• 27th Street ramp from northbound Potomac River Freeway

Traffic traveling south on Rock Creek Parkway will be diverted east on I Street from Virginia Avenue NW to Potomac River Freeway. Westbound traffic on Virginia Avenue NW will be able to turn north on Rock Creek Parkway.

All traffic from Ohio Drive, SW will be diverted north on Potomac River Freeway.

The following streets in the area of the U.S. Capitol will be posted as Emergency No Parking on Wednesday, July 24 at 5 a.m. through 6 p.m.:

• Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 7th and 3rd streets
• Constitution Avenue NW between 15th and 3rd streets
• Independence Avenue SW between 14th and 3rd streets
• Maryland Avenue SW between Independence Avenue and 3rd Street
• 3rd Street between Constitution Avenue NW and Independence Avenue, SW
• 7th Street between Pennsylvania Avenue NW and Independence Avenue, SW
• Jefferson Drive NW between 3rd and 7th streets
• Madison Drive NW between 3rd and 7th streets

The following street will be closed to traffic on Wednesday, July 24 at 5 a.m. through 6 p.m.:

• Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between Constitution Avenue and 3rd Street

Due to First Amendment activity, plan for intermittent street closures and traffic delays, D.C. police said. Police are advising drivers to consider alternative routes.

Motorists can access businesses and residences around the Watergate Hotel in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood through Jamal Khashoggi Way and 25th Street NW and 27th Street and Virginia Avenue NW.

Residents can access the Watergate Hotel on foot by 27th Street and Virginia Avenue NW, 25th Street and Jamal Khashoggi Way NW and 25th Street and F Street NW.

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here .

© 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Abigail Constantino started her journalism career writing for a local newspaper in Fairfax County, Virginia. She is a graduate of American University and The George Washington University.

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Netanyahu is in Washington at a fraught time for Israel and the US. What to know about his visit

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s Washington visit is fraught with challenges, coming at a moment of extreme political flux in the United States and wariness among American leaders about Netanyahu’s history of interjecting himself into domestic politics.

FILE - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs a cabinet meeting at the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Dec. 24, 2023. Netanyahu’s visit to Washington this week is looming as a particularly fraught one between two allies. The Israeli leader is coming to address Congress Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at a moment of extreme political flux in the United States. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg, Pool, File)

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The U.S. Capitol is seen behind a security fence a day before of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visit to Capitol Hill, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Washington. ( AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

U.S Capitol police officers walk into the Capitol building a day before of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visit to Capitol Hill, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Washington. ( AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Law enforcement stages near The Watergate Hotel, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Washington. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington this week to address Congress on Wednesday and is expected to meet with President Joe Biden on Thursday. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington this week is looming as a fraught one between the two allies, coming at a moment of extreme political flux in the United States and wariness among American leaders about Netanyahu’s history of interjecting himself into U.S. domestic politics.

The main purpose of Netanyahu’s visit is a speech to a joint meeting of Congress. But at stake, in meetings with administration officials, are hopes for progress in U.S.-led efforts to mediate an end to the nine-month Israel-Hamas war. The visit comes as the toll of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza nears 40,000. It’s also in a week when new deaths were reported among the surviving hostages — who include Israelis, Americans and other nationalities — held by Hamas and other militants since the first hours of the war.

Netanyahu planned his trip weeks before the ground abruptly started heaving under U.S. politics this summer. That includes a July 13 assassination attempt against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, and President Joe Biden’s decision Sunday to give up his faltering reelection campaign and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency instead.

Protests are planned for Netanyahu’s planned speech to both houses of Congress on Wednesday.

A look at the visit:

AP AUDIO: Netanyahu is in Washington at a fraught time for Israel and the US. What to know about his visit

Israel’s leader visits the U.S. Capitol in what is sure to be a high-profile test of diplomacy, politics, and security.

Why Netanyahu is coming

The political aspect for Netanyahu is that his popularity has plummeted at home, and the visit — at least originally — was seen as giving him a chance to show himself as a global statesman, welcomed by the lawmakers and leaders of Israel’s closest ally and the world’s only superpower.

House Speaker Mike Johnson helped bring about Netanyahu’s address to lawmakers , highlighting firm Republican support for the Israeli leader. Netanyahu has had tense relations with Biden despite the administration’s military and diplomatic support for Israel’s war.

Biden and Netanyahu are expected to meet Thursday, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the White House announcement. Harris will also meet with Netanyahu separately that day.

Speaking for the White House side of things, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said at a security conference in Colorado last week that Biden planned to focus on working out what it will take for the United States, Israel and others to get a hostage-release and cease-fire deal done in the coming weeks.

Biden called in to a meeting of campaign staffers Monday, telling them, “I think we’re on the verge” of ending the war.

For his part, Netanyahu pointed to longer-term issues before flying out of Israel Monday. He said he wanted to talk to Biden about continuing the war against Hamas, and confronting other Iran-backed armed groups in the region, as well as freeing hostages.

Why Netanyahu’s visit is controversial

Israel’s war has been intensely divisive in the United States, spurring protests and resulting in arrests on college campuses, alienating some voters on both sides of the issue, and frustrating months of effort by Biden to bring the fighting to a close.

The trip is the first time Netanyahu has traveled abroad since the war broke out Oct. 7. It’s also his first since the International Criminal Court said it was seeking his arrest in what it said were possible war crimes in Israel’s offensive in Gaza. Israel denies wrongdoing, and the U.S. does not recognize the ICC.

Netanyahu faces complaints in Israel that he is avoiding closing a cease-fire and hostage-release deal so as to stay in power, a charge repeated Monday by a relative of one hostage.

Netanyahu also has not been shy about criticizing Democratic administrations, including Biden’s . In 2015, the Israeli leader used a speech to both houses of Congress to try to torpedo lawmaker and popular support for President Barack Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran. He condemned it as a bad and dangerous deal, angering administration officials.

Sullivan said administration officials don’t expect this week to be a repeat of 2015.

Netanyahu’s timing

It appears bad. Even as Netanyahu was headed for Washington on Monday, American politics and voters were still adjusting to the abrupt shift of focus from Biden to Harris in the Democratic presidential race. Biden was still in Delaware getting over COVID-19.

Harris, as Senate president, would normally sit behind foreign leaders, but she’ll be away Wednesday, on an Indianapolis trip scheduled before she became the leading Democratic presidential candidate over the weekend.

Trump agreed to a Friday meeting with the Israeli leader. Trump announced it on Truth Social, using it to promote what he wrote was his “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH Agenda” abroad.

Trump has had a mixed relationship with Netanyahu, including cursing him for what Trump portrayed as Netanyahu’s quick recognition of Biden’s victory in the 2020 elections.

Protests are planned

Netanyahu’s joint address to Congress will look a bit different from previous such addresses, in part due to opposition among Democrats to his conduct of the war in Gaza.

With Harris away, Senate Pro Tempore Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat, is next in line to fill the seat behind Netanyahu, but she is among the lawmakers declining to attend. Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Ben Cardin will sit there instead. He told The Associated Press he hoped Netanyahu would use the speech to lay out a future for both Israelis and Palestinians.

While families of some hostages were reported to be traveling with Netanyahu, other relatives who fault his handling of the crisis said they would also be sitting in the chamber.

Some lawmakers who planned to boycott the address said they would spend the time talking with the families of those held by Hamas.

Multiple protests are planned outside the Capitol, with some condemning the Israeli military campaign overall, and others expressing support for Israel but pressing Netanyahu to strike a cease-fire deal and bring home hostages.

The largest protest is set for Wednesday morning, with organizers planning to march around the Capitol building demanding Netanyahu’s arrest on war crimes charges. A permit application submitted to the National Park Service estimated at least 5,000 participants.

Protests were held Tuesday and were to continue throughout the day Wednesday. Relatives of Israeli hostages are planning a vigil on the National Mall.

Security is tight

Fencing was up around entry points to the Capitol and the hotel along the Potomac River where Netanyahu is staying. Capitol Police and Secret Service were out in greater numbers, stepping up screening and protection for the Israeli leader’s visit.

The Metropolitan Police Department announced an extended series of street closures that will last most of the week.

The visit comes at a moment the Secret Service, which handles protection of visiting foreign leaders, is under greater security and intense political criticism from both parties over security failures in the attack on Trump. Kimberly Cheatle, director of the Secret Service, quit Tuesday over the failures.

Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani and Zeke Miller in Washington and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.

Morning Rundown: Netanyahu to address Congress, Yellowstone explosion sends visitors running for cover, and what ‘Twisters’ reboot says about Oklahomans

Why Kamala Harris may have just two weeks to pick a VP candidate

The selection of a running mate is arguably the most important decision any presidential campaign has to make. But Vice President Kamala Harris may have to compress her entire selection process into about two weeks to comply with an Aug. 7 deadline Democrats have set for themselves to finalize their ticket.

That deadline could push Harris to vet, meet with, select and announce her running mate in the next 15 days, according to numerous Democrats involved in the process — or potentially risk losing her spot on the ballot in Ohio. Even if she chooses to ignore that deadline, it would only buy her another two weeks, with the Democratic National Convention set to kick off Aug. 19.

“That’s something that will take some speed-dating,” said Michael LaRosa, the former press secretary to first lady Jill Biden. “There’s a lot to consider. You have electoral calculus. You have personal chemistry. You have someone who really matches your ideology.”

Most Democrats seem eager to rally around Harris after President Joe Biden withdrew from his re-election bid Sunday and endorsed her. 

“The fact that there is already really a lot of consensus for her, so it makes sense to go into the convention unified around a ticket,” said LaRosa.

For months, Democrats had been planning to formally nominate their presidential candidate in an unusual pre-convention virtual roll call to meet the Aug. 7 deadline and avoid potential legal issues in Ohio, where they worry Republican-backed lawsuits could result in their candidate getting kicked off the ballot.

The deadline issue arose in May, when Republicans in the Ohio state Legislature dragged their feet on amending the state’s Aug. 7 deadline for parties to submit names of their nominees. This year, that deadline fell before the Democratic National Convention, and while fixing such discrepancies has been painless in the past, it was not this time. The Legislature eventually passed a law pushing the deadline back, but delays in the process mean the fix won’t go into effect until Sept. 1.

Ohio’s top election official, Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose, insists the issue has been resolved and that there is no threat to Democrats’ ballot access, noting local election officials have already been instructed to follow the new deadline. 

“Political parties have until Sept. 1 to submit their nominees for President and Vice President to our office,” said Ben Kindel, a spokesperson for the secretary of state. “Democrat proxies know that and should stop trying to scapegoat Ohio.”

But the Aug. 7 deadline will still officially be on the books in a few weeks, and Democrats do not trust LaRose, whom they view as overly partisan. Meanwhile, conservative groups like the Heritage Foundation have been telegraphing plans to bring as much election litigation that might trip up Democrats as they can, so Democrats say they have no choice but to meet the old Aug. 7 deadline.

Heritage’s Oversight Project is actively searching for plaintiffs in Ohio, and leading Republican lawmakers have also said in public remarks that they are interested in exploiting the Ohio date issue. 

“I think they’ve got legal hurdles in some of these states, and it’ll be litigated, I would expect,” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday morning on CNN. 

Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Tuesday that they “have to have all of this wrapped up by Aug. 7.”

“And so if the nominee so chooses,” Harrison continued, “we will likely have our VP nominee also by Aug. 7.”

The Democratic National Convention’s Rules Committee will meet Wednesday to consider the plan for the unusual virtual roll call vote. A draft rule, circulated to delegates Tuesday afternoon and obtained by NBC News, stipulates that the window for delegates to vote virtually for the presidential nominee will begin “on or after” Aug. 1.

But the draft rule is silent on when the vice presidential nominee needs to be selected. And it forgoes the need for a separate roll call vote to make the selection official. That should buy Harris some extra time, presumably giving her until Aug. 7 to announce her running mate.

Still, many Democrats are hoping she makes her decision by Aug. 1 so delegates can know the full ticket when they are voting during the virtual roll call.

Later in August, at the national convention in Chicago, delegates will hold an in-person “confirmatory and ceremonial vote to affirm the Vice Presidential nominee,” according to the draft rule.

Alex Seitz-Wald is a senior political reporter for NBC News.

Ben Kamisar is a national political reporter for NBC News