Why Visit Corfu?
Corfu enchants as Greece's greenest island where emerald hills cascade to turquoise Ionian waters, Venetian fortresses guard Corfu Town's UNESCO old town, and cypress-studded coastline hides pebble coves between dramatic cliffs. This Ionian jewel (pop. 100,000) differs from Aegean sisters—lush vegetation from winter rains, Italian influence from Venetian centuries, and British legacy from 1815-1864 protectorate creating unique blend.
Corfu Town's Liston arcade mimics Rue de Rivoli, cricket played on Spianada esplanade (only place in Greece), while Old Fortress (around $11) and New Fortress (usually free, limited hours) offer rampart walks and harbor views. Paleokastritsa monastery (~24km west of Corfu Town, free) perches on promontory above six turquoise coves where boat trips ($11–$16) explore hidden grottoes and cliff-backed beaches. Achilleion Palace (12km south, around $8; check current status as much of the interior is still under restoration) showcases Empress Sisi's neoclassical retreat with Achilles statues and terraced gardens surveying coast.
Yet Corfu surprises beyond beaches—northern villages like Kassiopi preserve fishing character, Paxos island (1hr ferry, $11) offers day-trip escapes, and Mount Pantokrator (906m) summit road rewards with Albania views. The food scene celebrates Corfiot specialties: sofrito veal, bourdeto fish stew, pastitsada pasta, and kumquat liqueur unique to island. Beaches range from organized Glyfada to wild Agios Gordios, from Canal d'Amour's sandstone formations to Sidari's northern stretches.
Package resorts concentrate in Kavos (south, party scene) and Dassia, while authentic Corfu persists in west coast villages. Visit May-June or September-October for 23-30°C weather avoiding peak August crowds. With direct summer flights from Europe, Italian-Greek fusion culture, greener scenery than Cyclades, and prices cheaper than Santorini ($76–$130/day), Corfu delivers Ionian island sophistication with Venetian elegance.
What to Do
Corfu Town & Venetian Legacy
Old Town UNESCO Core
Venetian-influenced maze of narrow lanes, Italian-style arcades, and pastel buildings—Greece's most Italianate town. Free to explore. Liston arcade mimics Rue de Rivoli with elegant cafés (pricey but atmospheric). Spianada esplanade hosts cricket matches (only place in Greece). Early morning (7-9am) or sunset golden light best for photography without cruise ship crowds.
Old Fortress & New Fortress
Old Fortress (full ticket around $11 often less off-season) sits on promontory with 360° harbor views—climb to top for photos across to Albania. Built by Byzantines, reinforced by Venetians. Allow 45 minutes. New Fortress (currently free entry, but limited opening hours) offers similar views with fewer crowds but less impressive. Visit one or both depending on interest—Old Fortress more worthwhile if choosing.
Mon Repos Palace & Archaeological Museum
Former Greek royal summer residence / Museum of Palaiopolis (about $11) set in beautiful gardens south of town—birthplace of Prince Philip. Combine with nearby Archaeological Museum (~$11; Archaic Medusa pediment) showcasing finds from ancient Corfu (Kerkyra). Both quiet, less touristy alternatives to beaches. Shaded gardens perfect for escaping midday heat.
Beaches & Coastal Escapes
Paleokastritsa Monastery & Coves
Picture-perfect monastery (free entry, modest dress) perches on promontory above six turquoise coves 25km west. Bus from Corfu Town ($3 hourly). Below, boat trips ($11–$16 30min) explore hidden grottoes and cliff caves. Swim at La Grotta beach bar or rent kayak ($16). Arrive before 11am or after 4pm to avoid peak crowds. Akron Restaurant has clifftop views.
Canal d'Amour & Sidari
North coast's sandstone rock formations create narrow channels and small beaches. Legend says swimming through the 'Canal of Love' brings romance. Touristy but photogenic. Sidari village has budget hotels, tavernas, and nightlife (younger crowd). Better for unique geology than swimming quality. Late afternoon light (5-7pm) dramatic for photography.
Glyfada & Agios Gordios West Coast Beaches
Glyfada (16km west) is Corfu's most popular sandy beach—organized with sunbeds ($9–$16), water sports, beach bars. Gets packed July-August. Agios Gordios (around 19km southwest) more relaxed, backed by dramatic cliffs. Both accessible by bus from town ($2–$3). Rent scooter ($16–$27/day) for flexibility to explore multiple beaches. Sunset views spectacular.
Island Culture & Day Trips
Achilleion Palace Gardens
Empress Sisi of Austria's neoclassical retreat about 12km south (admission $8). The palace interior is currently closed for restoration, so visits focus on the terraces, Achilles statues and gardens with panoramic coastal views—always check the latest status before you go. Kitsch but scenic. Combine with nearby Benitses fishing village for lunch. Morning visit (9-11am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) less crowded.
Paxos Island Day Trip
Small island south of Corfu reached by ferry (about 1 hour, from ~$16 one way; summer only). Less developed than Corfu—olive groves, coastal villages, dramatic sea caves. Organized day cruises ($43–$65) include boat tour to Blue Caves and swimming stops. Gaios port has waterfront tavernas. Escape Corfu's crowds but limited time on island means rushed—better as overnight if possible.
Kumquat Liqueur & Local Products
Kumquat (small citrus fruit) unique to Corfu—try sweet liqueur at Mavromatis distillery or Patounis soap factory for traditional Corfiot products. Visit cooperative shop on Guilford Street for olive oil, honey, herbs. Kumquat sweets make portable souvenirs. Local cheese (graviera) and wine less special than mainland but try at village tavernas.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: CFU
Best Time to Visit
May, June, September, October
Climate: Warm
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°C | 9°C | 7 | Good |
| February | 15°C | 9°C | 7 | Good |
| March | 16°C | 10°C | 13 | Wet |
| April | 18°C | 12°C | 7 | Good |
| May | 23°C | 16°C | 7 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 25°C | 19°C | 3 | Excellent (best) |
| July | 31°C | 23°C | 0 | Good |
| August | 31°C | 24°C | 4 | Good |
| September | 28°C | 22°C | 11 | Excellent (best) |
| October | 22°C | 18°C | 10 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 19°C | 14°C | 7 | Good |
| December | 16°C | 12°C | 21 | Wet |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Schengen Area
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): Best time to visit: May, June, September, October.
Practical Information
Getting There
Corfu International Airport (CFU) is 3km south of Corfu Town. City buses $2 (20 min). Taxis $11–$16 Summer sees direct seasonal charters. Year-round connections via Athens. Ferries from Italy (Bari, Brindisi, Ancona, 6-10hr overnight, $65–$97), plus island-hopping routes. Most arrive via direct summer flights.
Getting Around
Corfu Town is walkable—old town to port 15 min. KTEL green buses connect island villages and beaches ($2–$4 depending on distance). Paleokastritsa $3 Sidari $4 Buy tickets on board. Rent cars ($38–$54/day) or scooters ($16–$27/day) to explore—roads narrow and winding, drive carefully. Taxis available. Blue city buses serve suburbs.
Money & Payments
Euro (EUR). Cards widely accepted in tourist areas. Beach tavernas and villages often cash-only. ATMs in Corfu Town and resorts. Tipping: round up or 5-10% appreciated. Beach sunbeds $9–$16/day. Prices moderate—typical for Greek islands.
Language
Greek is official. English widely spoken—British influence and tourism means good fluency. Italian also common (Venetian heritage, Italian tourists). Menus have English. Younger generation fluent. Learning basic Greek appreciated: Efharistó (thanks), Parakaló (please). Signs bilingual in tourist areas.
Cultural Tips
Venetian influence: architecture, Liston arcade, Catholic minority. British legacy: cricket, ginger beer, fortifications. Green island: wetter than Aegean, lush cypress and olive groves. Kumquat: island specialty, liqueur everywhere. Corfu Town: elegant, Italian feel, UNESCO listed. Package tourism: resorts in Kavos (party), Sidari, Dassia. Beaches: pebble beaches common, water shoes helpful. Boat trips: explore hidden coves, sea caves. Greek Easter: huge celebration if visiting in spring. Siesta: 2-5pm, shops close. Meal times: lunch 2-4pm, dinner 9pm+. Sunday: shops open in tourist areas. Scooter safety: roads winding, accidents common—drive defensively. Swimming: Ionian warmer than Aegean. August 15: Assumption holiday, everything booked.
Perfect 3-Day Corfu Itinerary
Day 1: Corfu Town
Day 2: Paleokastritsa & West Coast
Day 3: Achilleion & Beach
Where to Stay in Corfu
Corfu Town/Kerkyra
Best for: Venetian old town, UNESCO core, Liston, hotels, restaurants, culture, central
Paleokastritsa
Best for: West coast beaches, monastery, boat trips, scenic coves, 25km from town
Dassia/Ipsos
Best for: North coast resorts, budget package hotels, beaches, nightlife, touristy
Kavos
Best for: South tip, party scene, young crowd, cheap drinks, clubbing, 18-30s holidays
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