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Do you know what’s amazing about going on holiday to Corfu island? It’s that although it is one of the most popular destinations in Greece, it keeps its wild natural beauty. The influx of tourists Corfu has been receiving over the last years hasn’t ruined the island’s unspoiled beauty. On the contrary! Corfu is still full of secluded coves, verdant mountains, and charming little villages waiting to be discovered!
Are you searching for an all-inclusive resort in Corfu? Or, maybe you’re craving a relaxing stress-free holiday by the beach? No matter what type of holiday you prefer, Corfu is an ideal destination. In this article, we’re going to let you in on everything you need to know before you book your Corfu holiday. Stick with us!
Corfu island in Greece has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty! One of the greenest Greek islands, Corfu is carpeted with forests, valleys, and groves, which make its natural landscape incredibly beautiful. Even though most of the island is touristically developed, there are many spots still unaffected by mass tourism. Add the island’s booming culinary scene in the mix and it becomes obvious why everyone keeps coming back to Corfu year after year!
Corfu is an island that breathes history! It was for many years under the Venetian rule and the English rule. The Venetians have inevitably influenced Corfu in terms of culture, architecture, and gastronomy. As a result, Corfu has been emerged as a top cultural destination over the years. So, expect to discover a great variety of monuments, from palaces to monasteries and mansions. It can feel like you are living in a postcard as you meander through the narrow alleys (kantounia to the locals) of Corfu Town!
As for Corfu beaches, they’re one of a kind! Exotic and long, they are, unsurprisingly, among the best beaches in the world! The coast of Corfu is also fringed with beautiful coves and is dotted with picturesque seaside resorts, where you can find a wide variety of hotels for your stay.
Does it sound like heaven to you?
Corfu in Greece sits in the Ionian Sea, on the west side of the country, and is part of the Ionian island group along with other super famous islands, like Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Lefkada. The islands of the Ionian sea are famous for their beautiful landscape – Corfu couldn’t be an exception. It is one of the greenest Greek islands and boasts a verdant natural landscape, which makes it a top destination for nature lovers. Corfu is located 170 km away from Kefalonia, 221 km away from Zakynthos, and 117 km away from Lefkada.
Read also: Santorini island holidays travel guide | Mykonos island holidays travel guide | Paros island holidays travel guide
Flashing out the obvious, the best time of the year to visit Corfu is summer! In summer, the weather is warm, so it’s the perfect season to enjoy Corfu beaches and do sightseeing. What’s more, there are many flights and ferries to Corfu throughout the peak season (June to August). But, we’ll let you in on a little secret. Corfu is famous for its Easter festivities! So, if you want to partake in the island’s culture, Easter is the best time to visit Corfu, as many local customs are revived and several events are taking place all around the island.
Autumn (September to November)
Highest: 82 F/ 28 C Lowest: 50 F/ 10 C
Winter (December to February)
Highest: 59 F/ 15 C Lowest: 41 F/ 5 C
Spring (March to May)
Highest: 75 F/ 24 C Lowest: 45 F/ 7 C
Summer (June to August)
Highest: 88 F/ 31 C Lowest: 61 F/ 16 C
Corfu was the only island that has never been under Turkish rule, unlike the rest of Greece. However, Corfu island remained under British rule from 1814 until 1864. There are still traces of the British on the island, like the beautiful cricket ground at Spianada Square.
Beaches in Corfu are arguably some of the best beaches in Greece! Standing out for their verdant backdrops, golden sand, and mesmerizing emerald waters, the island’s beaches will quickly steal your heart. The coasts of Corfu are fringed with amazing beaches, such as Kondokali, Myrtiotissa, Glyfada, Agios Georgios Pagon, and Acharavi. The most interesting beach in Corfu is hands down Canal d’Amour! This beach is full of peculiar rock formations, sea caves, and fjords that emit a mysterious charm.
If you manage to peel yourself away from the island’s beautiful beaches, you should definitely go sightseeing. The enduring history of the island and its numerous occupants have left their mark on Corfu’s architecture. In Corfu Town, you’ll find some of the most important sights and monuments on the island, such as the New Fortress, the Old Fortress, the Museum of Asian Art, Spianada Square, and the church of Agios Spyridon. There are also several narrow alleys (kandounia) to get lost in! Close to Corfu Town, lie two beautiful palaces: Mon Repos and Achillion, where you can have a taste of the island’s glorious past.
It’s not a secret that the gastronomy of Corfu is full of deliciousness and surprises! No visit to Corfu could be complete without you tasting the best local recipes. The locals are big on meat, spices, and pasta -the traditional recipes will excite foodies! Some of the dishes you need to try are Pastitsada, Sofrito, Bianco, and Bourdeto. But, more on that later!
The truth is that once you set your foot on Corfu it will be quite difficult to leave, but a quick getaway to the nearby islands is really worth it. Your best bet is to catch a ferry from the central port of Corfu to the little islands of Paxi and Antipaxi. Carpeted with olive groves and forests, these two islands boast a verdant natural landscape. Not to mention that there’s luscious swimming to be done on their amazing beaches!
Achillion Palace is arguably one of the most popular attractions in Corfu. It is located 10 km away from Corfu Town at the mountainous Gastouri village and used to belong to the Empress of Austria Elizabeth, also known as Sissy. Sissy loved Greek Mythology, which you can tell from the palace’s design and decoration. She, herself, decorated the palace with statues of ancient philosophers, ancient Greek muses, and, of course, her favorite ancient Greek hero, Achilleas. The palace is surrounded by an exotic garden, which is embellished with many kinds of trees, flowers, fountains, and statues.
The Old Fortress in Corfu Town is truly an imposing monument! Sitting on a rocky peninsula on the eastern side of Corfu Town overlooking the Ionian Sea, it boasts outstanding sea views. The Old Fortress was constructed by the Venetians in the 15th century, to protect the island from invasions and to serve as an observatory. To reach the fortress, visitors must cross a 20 meter-long pathway that connects Spianada Square, where the entrance of the fortress lies, with the fortress. Inside the fortress, you’ll find a few buildings including the Public Library of Corfu and Saint George church.
Mon Repos Palace is another beautiful palace in Corfu! It is located on the spot where the ancient town of Palaiopolis once lied, 3 km away from Corfu Town. Nestled in a 258-acres property, the palace boasts a wonderful natural setting and offers panoramic views of the sea. It was built by the English commissioner of the Ionian islands, Frederick Adam, in 1831. Over the years, the palace changed quite a few owners, but it now belongs to the Municipality of Corfu and is open to the public. At its garden, you’ll find over 2,000 plant species, while inside the palace, you can see numerous interesting exhibits.
Spianada Square in Corfu Town is the biggest square not only in Greece but also in the Balkans. This impressive square is the perfect place for strolls and sunset watching, as it offers a spectacular view of the sea. It is embellished with colorful flowers and trees, while most of the time bands perform at several spots around the square. If you happen to visit Corfu at Easter Time, don’t miss the chance to visit Spianada Square, as it is where Christ’s resurrection is gloriously celebrated on Holy Saturday.
Most shops in Corfu Town are open from 8.30 until 21.00 from Monday to Friday and from 8.30 until 14.30 on Saturdays, while they remain close at the weekends. Keep in mind that many shops close for lunch break from 14.00 until 17.30. During the summer, tourist shops remain open all day long, until midnight.
Population
101.569 (2019)
Currecy
Euro
Language
Greek
Average Temperatures
Warmest Month: August (88 F/ 31 C)
Coldest Month: January (41 F/ 5 C)
Tipping
It’s not expected to leave a tip in Corfu, but it is always very appreciated. If you enjoyed the service, you can leave about 10-12% of the total of your bill as a tip -preferably in cash.
Loved by
Families, nature lovers, couples, honeymooners
Corfu counts over 3,000 years of history, as the island has been inhabited since the Stone Age. The first inhabitants of Corfu, which was then known as Corkyra or Scheria, were the Phaeacians. Corfu was extensively mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey as well as in Argonautica, another Greek epic poem. In 229 B.C, Corfu fell into the hands of the Romans, who conquered the island until the Venetian rule. Later on, Corfu was occupied by the French and the British. In 1864, Corfu and the rest of the Ionian islands were united with Greece. At the beginning of the 20th century, Corfu was occupied by the Italians and the Germans during WW2, but it was finally liberated in 1944.
You can reach Corfu either by ferry to Corfu or by flights to Corfu. Ferries sail to Corfu from Igoumenitsa port and Patras port on the Greek mainland. As for flights to Corfu, there are many domestic and international ones.
Ferries to Corfu depart from Igoumenitsa and Patras ports. It takes 1-2 hours to reach Corfu by ferry from Igoumenitsa, while it takes 7 hours to reach Corfu by ferry from Patras. There are also ferries to Corfu from some Italian towns, like Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, and Venice. Keep in mind that ferries from Italy to Corfu are overnight, so booking a cabin is your best bet. The ferry companies that sail to Corfu are Minoan Lines, Anek Lines, Hellenic Seaways, Anek Superfast, Superfast Ferries, and Blue Star Ferries.
Traveling by air is the fastest yet the most expensive way to get to Corfu. There are flights to Corfu from most European countries, such as the UK, Ukraine, Poland, and Hungary. There are also daily domestic flights to Corfu from International Athens Airport Eleftherios Venizelos and Thessaloniki airport, as well as from several Greek islands, such as Zakynthos and Kefalonia.
Corfu Town is arguably the most popular place to stay in Corfu. Even though Corfu Town has been touristically developed over the last years, it hasn’t lost its elegance. Its history is still reflected in its townscapes. Influenced by the Venetians, who ruled Corfu for many years, Corfu Town boasts refined architecture. Wandering Corfu Town you’ll come across Venetian mansions galore, French gardens, imposing forts, and cobblestone alleys. Corfu Town oozes a mysterious charm!
In Corfu Town, you’ll find a great selection of hotels, many of them housed in noble Venetian mansions and neoclassical buildings. Choosing to stay at a central hotel is a great option if you want to be close to the most monuments and museums in Corfu.
To name a few, the Museum of Asian Art, the Old Fortress, the New Fortress, and Agios Spyridon Church are the most popular attractions in Corfu Town. What’s more, Corfu Town is the island’s commercial center, meaning it has all kinds of shops, from fashion boutiques to souvenir shops.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Corfu Town are: Bella Venezia, Casa Verde, Sky Loft Corfu Old Town Apartments, and Arcadion Hotel.
Paleokastritsa means “old fortress” in Greek and has taken its name from a fortress that was located there. Thanks to its mesmerizing beaches, luxurious hotels, and verdant landscape, Paleokastritsa is one of the most famous villages in Corfu.
The sandy coast of Paleokastritsa is lined with hotels, restaurants, and cafes that offer panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and the natural surroundings. Surrounded by hills carpeted with olive trees, the 6 in total sandy and pebbly beaches of Paleokastritsa are beautiful. They boast a stunning natural landscape and have cold emerald waters. They are fully organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, and other facilities. If you are an adventure lover, you’ll be happy to know that most of Paleokastritsa beaches have water sports facilities and that their sea bottom is perfect for snorkeling!
For those who want a cultural fix, in Paleokastritsa lies the beautiful 12th-century monastery of Theotokos. Inside the monastery, which is still occupied by monks, you can find the holy icon of the Virgin, as well as a collection of books and post-Byzantine icons.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Paleokastritsa are: Akrotiri Beach Resort Hotel, Odysseus Hotel, Rapanos Apartments, and Tango Studios.
Benitses is a beautiful village located 12 km away from Corfu Town and 9 km away from Corfu airport. This traditional settlement oozes charm in abundance! It used to be a quiet fishing village, but now it is one of the most touristically developed villages in Corfu.
Benitses has a lot to offer in terms of accommodation. In Benitses, you’ll find a great selection of hotels, studios, and apartments for every budget and taste. What’s more, the village is full of restaurants, taverns, and cafes, while it also has a vivid nightlife!
As for the beaches, they couldn’t be anything less than divine! Benitses beaches are both sandy and shingle, with crystal clear waters and a Blue Flag status that guarantees their cleanliness.
If you’re in the mood for a quick getaway, there are daily boats from Benitses port to nearby destinations, such as Paxi island and Sivota. And if you are a nature lover, you should know that Benitses offers the perfect setting for hiking, thanks to its incredible natural beauty!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Benitses are: Hotel Kaiser Bridge, Bella Vista Beach Hotel, and Eros Beach Hotel.
Given that Corfu is a big island, the best way to get around is by car. Renting a car is your best bet if you want to hit the road for a long drive through the villages and the beaches of Corfu at your own pace, without relying on the public means of transportation. You’ll find many car rental companies in the main town and many seaside resorts in Corfu. Keep in mind that the roads in Corfu are a bit steep, so you should be extra-cautious.
Now, if you’re searching for the best way to get from Corfu airport/harbor to your hotel or for the best way to move around Corfu Town, you should opt for a taxi. Taxi prices for the most popular destinations in Corfu are fixed, so you’ll know how much you’re going to pay before the ride. Most hotels in Corfu offer transfers from/to the airport or the harbor, so make sure you check that option, too.
The bus is a much cheaper way to get around the island than the car or the taxi. If you are traveling on a budget, the bus will surely come in handy. There is a well-organized bus service in Corfu that serves routes all around the island. There are two types of buses in Corfu: the white and blue ones and the green ones. The first mainly serve itineraries in Corfu Town, while the latter serve longer routes to beaches and villages around Corfu.
Although it’s not an option when it comes to longer distances, walking is the best way to get around Corfu Town. So, if you’re planning to stay in Corfu Town or spend your whole vacation in a resort, you may not need other means of transportation but your feet. However, we highly recommend renting a car for 1-2 days to explore the island!
Oh, and if you visit Corfu with your significant other, you should go for a horse drawn ride around Corfu Town. It’s the ultimate romantic experience!
How much you’re going to spend on your holiday in Corfu depends on many factors, like the area you’re going to stay at and your transfers. Generally speaking, you’re going to spend around 95 € (115 $) per day during your stay in Corfu. More specifically, you’ll spend 20 € (24 $) on food, 25 € (30 $) on transportation, and 50 € (61 $) per person for a double room in Corfu.
Pastitsada
This is the trademark dish of the local gastronomy! Pastitsada is a meat-based dish and also a cooking technique. This dish consists of veal or cockerel, lots of local spices, wine, garlic, onion, and tomato sauce. It is served with a side of pasta sprinkled with cheese. Not for the fainthearted!
Sofrito
Sofrito is another meat dish, which instead of tomato sauce, it is cooked with a white lemony sauce. This signature Corfiot dish is made with sliced meat (usually veal), garlic, lots of lemon juice, parsley, and white vinegar. It is served as a main dish along with mashed potatoes. Yum!
Bourdeto
This is one of the most delicious fish dishes to try in Corfu. Bourdeto is a fish soup made with several types of fish (usually scorpionfish or stonefish) cooked in spicy tomato sauce, with onion, red pepper, garlic, herbs, and spices. It is paired perfectly with white wine!
Bianco
Bianco is also a super-famous fish dish! As you can tell from its name, which means white in Italian, this dish consists of fish cooked in a white sauce made of onion, lots of lemon, garlic, parsley, and potatoes.
The Greek Health Care System is public and provides free treatment to citizens and expats. You can visit a public practitioner for free or a private practitioner with a charge. In both cases, you have to pay for prescribed medicines. In case of emergency, you can call a public EKAV ambulance (166) or the European emergency number (112).
Corfu is one of the safest Greek islands to visit. However, you should take normal precautions for your safety. Here are some of our safety tips. 1) Be cautious when you drive, because roads steepen as you move away from Corfu Town. 2) Avoid holding much cash with you and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. 3) Make sure you lock your car after you’ve parked it.
Sidari Canal d’ Amour is probably the most unusual beach in Corfu! Let us paint the scene. Imagine: White rock formations covered with greenery creating natural passages through turquoise water and providing natural protection from the wind. Sounds amazing, right? Legend has it that if you swim through the water passage of Canal d’ Amour, you’ll get married soon. Why don’t you give it a try?
One of the most popular beaches in Corfu, Glyfada combines natural beauty with beach facilities. This Blue Flag beach is located 15 km away from Corfu Town, in a sandy cove insulated with pine-covered hills. Except for an idyllic natural setting, Glyfada also has a variety of facilities, including a beach volleyball court, water sports facilities, restaurants, and hotels.
Paleokastritsa is a seaside resort located 23 km away from Corfu Town. The area offers a wide variety of beautiful beaches for every taste, from cosmopolitan bays to secluded coves! Some of the best beaches in Paleokastritsa are Agios Spyridonas, Agia Triada, Alipa, and Agios Petros.
Acharavi is a long beach on the northern side of the island, about 37 km away from Corfu Town. This beach boasts a beautiful natural landscape! It has crystal clear water and fine golden sand, all surrounded by forested hills. Thanks to its length, Acharavi doesn’t get crowded very often, so it’s a great option for those who want to spend a relaxing day on the beach.
Kumquat liqueur/ spoon sweet
Virgin olive oil
Paintings
Dried herbs
Pottery
Leather sandals
Evil eye good luck charms
Embroidered tablecloths
So, that was all you need to know about holidaying on Corfu island. From how to get to Corfu and the best things to do to the top beaches in Corfu and all the amazing places to stay, we’ve told you all the basics!
Is Corfu on your bucket list? Or, have you already been there? Tell us in the comment section and feel free to share this article on Social Media.
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