Corfu Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit, Top Things to Do, Costs & Tips

Corfu (Kerkyra) is the greenest and most elegant of the Greek islands. Located in the Ionian Sea off the northwest coast of Greece, it combines lush olive groves and cypress-covered hills with turquoise coves and a sophisticated old town shaped by Venetian, French and British rule. Corfu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with fortresses, arcaded streets and Europe's largest square, the Spianada. Beyond the town, you'll find dramatic beaches like Paleokastritsa, the imperial Achilleion Palace, traditional mountain villages and easy boat trips to Paxos and Albania. This Corfu travel guide covers the best time to visit, the top places to see, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, entry rules and practical tips.

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Best Time to Visit Corfu

Corfu has a Mediterranean climate, with more rain than the Aegean islands, which keeps it green.

Spring (April–May) is beautiful, with wildflowers, temperatures of 18–25°C and fewer tourists. Easter in Corfu is the most famous in Greece, with processions, philharmonic bands and the unique tradition of throwing clay pots (botides) from balconies on Holy Saturday.

Summer (June–August) is hot, around 28–33°C, and busy, especially in July and August. It's the best time for beach holidays.

Autumn (September–October) offers warm seas and fewer crowds. It's an excellent time to visit.

Winter (November–March) is mild but rainy. Many hotels and restaurants outside Corfu Town close.

Top Places to Visit in Corfu

1. Corfu Old Town

The UNESCO-listed old town is a maze of narrow lanes (kantounia) and Venetian buildings. Highlights include the Liston, an arcaded promenade inspired by Paris's Rue de Rivoli, the Spianada square and the Church of Saint Spyridon, the island's patron saint.

2. Old Fortress and New Fortress

The Old Fortress, on a promontory separated from the town by a moat, offers views over the town and sea. The Venetian New Fortress also has panoramic views.

3. Achilleion Palace

Built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria ("Sisi") in the 1890s, the palace is dedicated to the hero Achilles, with neoclassical statues and gardens overlooking the sea.

4. Paleokastritsa

A stunning bay on the west coast, with turquoise coves, caves, a 13th-century monastery and boat trips to sea caves. Nearby, the ruins of Angelokastro castle offer spectacular views.

5. Kanoni and Pontikonisi (Mouse Island)

This famous viewpoint overlooks the Vlacherna Monastery on a tiny island linked by a causeway and Pontikonisi, a small island with a chapel. Watch planes land at the nearby airport.

6. Canal d'Amour (Sidari)

Sandstone rock formations and narrow channels on the north coast. Legend says couples who swim through the canal will stay together forever.

7. Mon Repos Estate

A neoclassical villa and park, the birthplace of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, with an archaeological museum and walking trails.

Also worth visiting: the Asian Art Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the beaches of Glyfada, Agios Gordios and Kassiopi, Mount Pantokrator, the island's highest peak, and the traditional village of Old Perithia.

Beyond the Island

• Paxos and Antipaxos: Small islands with turquoise waters and the Blue Caves, reachable by boat.
• Albania: Day trips by ferry to Saranda and the UNESCO ruins of Butrint (bring your passport).
• Parga: A colourful town on the mainland coast.
• Corfu Trail: A 180-km hiking trail across the island.

Suggested 4-Day Corfu Itinerary

Day 1 – Corfu Town: Explore the Old Town, the Liston and Saint Spyridon Church, then visit the Old Fortress. Enjoy dinner in the old town.

Day 2 – West Coast: Visit Paleokastritsa and take a boat tour to the sea caves, then hike to Angelokastro and finish with sunset at Glyfada Beach.

Day 3 – South and Achilleion: Visit the Achilleion Palace, then Kanoni and Mouse Island, and the Mon Repos estate.

Day 4 – Island hopping: Take a boat trip to Paxos and Antipaxos, or a day trip to Albania.

Corfiot Food Scene

Corfu's cuisine is influenced by Venetian cooking. Try pastitsada (beef or rooster in spicy tomato sauce with pasta), sofrito (veal in a garlic and white wine sauce), bourdeto (spicy fish stew) and bianco (fish with garlic and lemon). Don't miss kumquat liqueur and sweets, made from fruit grown on the island, and tsitsibira, a local ginger beer introduced by the British.

Corfu's Unique History

Unlike most of Greece, Corfu was never conquered by the Ottomans. The Venetians ruled the island for about 400 years, followed by the French and then the British, who left in 1864 when Corfu joined Greece. This mix explains the island's Italianate architecture, the Liston's Parisian arcades and the cricket matches still played on the Spianada. Corfu was also home to the first Greek university (the Ionian Academy) and its first philharmonic societies, which still lead the Easter processions today. Writers such as Gerald and Lawrence Durrell lived on the island, and Gerald's My Family and Other Animals made the northeast coast famous; fans can visit the White House in Kalami, where Lawrence once lived.

Best Beaches in Corfu

• Paleokastritsa: Turquoise coves surrounded by green cliffs.
• Glyfada: A long sandy beach with sunset views.
• Porto Timoni: A unique double beach near Afionas, reached by a hiking trail.
• Issos and Halikounas: Wild dunes and lagoons in the southwest.
• Kassiopi: Clear water and pebbly coves in the northeast.

Where to Stay in Corfu

• Corfu Town: Ideal for culture, restaurants and transport.
• Paleokastritsa: Scenic bays and quieter hotels.
• Kassiopi and the Northeast: Upscale villas and pebble coves.
• Glyfada and Agios Gordios: Sandy beaches on the west coast.
• Kavos: Known for nightlife and party crowds.
• Dassia and Kontokali: Resort areas close to town.

Greece charges a climate resilience fee per room per night, from €2 for 1–2 star hotels to €15 for 5-star hotels in high season. Compare hotel prices and availability in Corfu here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Corfu

Corfu International Airport (CFU) is just 3 km from Corfu Town, with seasonal flights from across Europe and year-round flights from Athens. Search and compare cheap flights to Corfu to find the best fares.

Buses and taxis connect the airport with the town in about 10–15 minutes.

By Ferry

Ferries connect Corfu with Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland (about 1.5 hours), Paxos, Saranda (Albania) and Italian ports such as Bari, Brindisi, Ancona and Venice.

Getting Around

• Green buses (KTEL): Connect Corfu Town with the main beaches and villages.
• Blue buses: Serve the town and nearby areas.
• Car or scooter rental: Recommended for exploring the island.
• Boat trips and water taxis: To beaches and islands.

Travel Costs in Corfu

Corfu offers options for all budgets. Greece uses the euro (EUR).

Visa & Entry Requirements

Greece is part of the Schengen Area.

• EU/EEA and Swiss citizens: Travel freely with a valid ID card or passport.
• Visa-free visitors: Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• EES: Non-EU travellers register fingerprints and a facial image at their first Schengen entry.
• ETIAS: Officially expected in the last quarter of 2026 (expected fee €20), with reports of a possible delay to 2027. Check the official EU ETIAS website.
• Albania day trips: Albania is outside the Schengen Area; bring your passport and check entry rules for your nationality.

Local Tips for Corfu

• Drive carefully: Roads are narrow and winding, especially in the mountains.
• Cruise days: Corfu Town gets busy when cruise ships arrive; visit early or late.
• Easter: Book accommodation months in advance.
• Tap water: Bottled water is recommended.
• Toilet paper: Put toilet paper in the bin, not the toilet.
• Tipping: Around 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated.
• Staying connected: EU roaming applies to EU SIM cards; non-EU visitors can use a travel eSIM. Get your Greece eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Paxos and Antipaxos cruise: Swim at the Blue Caves.
• Albania day trip: Visit Saranda and Butrint.
• Corfu Old Town walking tour: Discover its Venetian heritage.
• Paleokastritsa boat tour: Explore sea caves.
• Kumquat and olive oil tour: Taste local products.

Browse and book the best tours in Corfu here.

FAQ

What is Corfu famous for?

Its UNESCO-listed Old Town, Paleokastritsa, the Achilleion Palace, green landscapes and Easter celebrations.

How far is Corfu Airport from town?

Just 3 km, about 10–15 minutes by bus or taxi.

Can I visit Albania from Corfu?

Yes. Ferries take around 30–75 minutes to Saranda. Bring your passport.

How many days do you need in Corfu?

Five to seven days to explore the island.

What is the best beach in Corfu?

Paleokastritsa, Glyfada and Agios Gordios are among the most popular.

Conclusion

Corfu's blend of Venetian elegance, green landscapes and turquoise coves makes it the most distinctive of the Greek islands. Between the Old Town, Paleokastritsa and easy trips to Paxos or Albania, it rewards a longer stay.

Plan ahead: book your tours and activities on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Corfu.