Overview
Corfu (Greek: Κέρκυρα, Kerkyra) is the second-largest of the Ionian Islands and sits in the northwestern corner of Greece, close to the Albanian and Italian coastlines. Its position at a historic crossroads of Mediterranean trade routes means the island absorbed centuries of Venetian, French, and British rule before joining Greece in 1864, leaving a layered architectural and culinary identity unlike anywhere else in the country.
The island's capital, also called Corfu Town (Kerkyra), is a compact, walkable city of around 40,000 people whose historic centre was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Narrow Venetian lanes — known as kantounia — thread between ochre and terracotta buildings, opening onto French-influenced arcaded streets and two imposing fortresses that bookend the old town's peninsula.
Beyond the capital, the island stretches roughly 60 km from north to south and offers a diverse landscape: densely forested hills in the north, long sandy beaches on the northeast coast, dramatic cliffs in the northwest, and quieter coves in the south. Olive cultivation has shaped the interior for centuries — Corfu is said to have millions of olive trees, many of them several hundred years old.
Before You Go
Visas
Corfu is part of Greece and therefore within the Schengen Area. Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Greek immigration authority for current rules before booking.
When to go
- May–June: Warm, long days, most attractions open, accommodation prices not yet at peak.
- July–August: Hottest and busiest; beaches and the old town can be crowded; book well in advance.
- September–October: Sea still warm from summer, crowds thin, some beach bars and boats begin closing by late October.
- November–April: Many resort hotels close; the old town, local restaurants, and cultural sites remain accessible. Quieter and cooler, with rain increasing in winter.
Health
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its successor (GHIC for UK citizens) can reduce costs at state health facilities; private travel insurance is still strongly recommended. Tap water is generally considered safe in the town, though many locals and visitors drink bottled water — verify locally.
What to pack
Light, breathable clothing is essential in summer. If you plan to visit churches or monasteries, pack a layer to cover shoulders and knees. Sun protection is critical from May onward. Comfortable walking shoes matter enormously on the old town's cobblestones.
Getting There
By air
Corfu International Airport "Ioannis Kapodistrias" (CFU) is located about 2 km south of Corfu Town. It handles direct flights from many European cities, particularly during the April–October season, and connects to Athens year-round. Verify current routes and schedules with airlines or your booking platform.
By ferry
Corfu is well connected by ferry. The main ports of call from mainland Greece include Igoumenitsa (frequent crossings, roughly 1–1.5 hours depending on service) and Patra (longer overnight routes). International ferries also link Corfu with Brindisi, Bari, Ancona, and Venice in Italy — useful if combining Greece with an Italy itinerary. Ferry companies, routes, and timetables change seasonally; check current schedules on official ferry company websites or aggregator platforms before travel.
By sea from other Ionian Islands
Smaller boat connections and day-trip services link Corfu with Paxos and occasionally other Ionian Islands in season. Verify availability and operators locally or through the port authority.
Getting Around
Within Corfu Town
The UNESCO old town is largely pedestrianised and is best explored on foot. The Spianada (Esplanade) and the main kantounia are compact enough that most sights are within easy walking distance of each other.
Buses
KTEL Corfu operates public bus routes connecting the town to villages and beach areas around the island. The urban bus terminal ("green buses") and the intercity terminal ("blue buses") serve different routes and are located in different parts of town — check locally for current stops and timetables, as schedules vary by season.
Taxis and rideshare
Licensed taxis are available at ranks near the port, airport, and central square. Agree on the fare or ensure the meter is running before setting off. Rideshare apps have limited coverage; verify what is available at the time of your visit.
Car and scooter hire
Renting a car or scooter is the most flexible way to reach the island's more remote beaches and villages. Multiple hire agencies operate in the town and at the airport. An international driving permit is recommended alongside your national licence; verify requirements for your country. Roads in mountain villages can be narrow and poorly lit.
Boats
Water taxis and excursion boats run from Corfu Town and various beach resorts to nearby beaches, Paxos, and Antipaxos in season.
Things to See & Do
The Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Wandering the kantounia — the narrow vaulted alleyways of Venetian origin — is the essential Corfu experience. The old town is dense with churches, small squares, and neighbourhood kafeneia (coffee shops). The Church of Saint Spyridon, housing the relics of the island's patron saint, is one of the most visited religious sites in Greece and worth a respectful visit even for non-religious travellers.
The Fortresses
- Old Fortress (Paleo Frourio): Situated on a promontory east of the old town, this Venetian-era fortification offers views across the strait to mainland Greece. Check opening hours and admission fees on-site or through the local archaeological authority before visiting.
- New Fortress (Neo Frourio): Built slightly later by the Venetians on the town's western edge; also accessible to visitors. Verify current opening status locally.
The Liston and Spianada
The arcaded Liston promenade, modelled on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris during the French administration, lines the western edge of the large Spianada square. Sitting at one of the cafés here for a ginger beer (a curious local tradition dating to British rule) is a Corfu ritual.
Achilleion Palace
Built in the late 19th century for Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi) and later owned by Kaiser Wilhelm II, the Achilleion sits in the hills south of town. The gardens, statuary, and views over the island make it a popular day trip. Verify admission fees and opening hours before visiting.
Beaches
Corfu's coastline is varied. Paleokastritsa on the northwest coast combines turquoise coves with a clifftop monastery. Glyfada and Agios Gordios are popular sandy beaches on the west coast. Canal d'Amour near Sidari in the north is known for its rock formations. The northeast coast (Kassiopi, Acharavi) offers calmer, shallow waters. The south has quieter spots such as Kavos and Lefkimmi.
Villages and the interior
The hill villages of Pelekas, Sinarades, and Doukades give a sense of rural Corfiot life away from the coast. The Corfu Trail, a long-distance walking route crossing the island from south to north, is popular with serious hikers.
Food & Drink
Corfiot cuisine is genuinely distinct from mainland Greek cooking, reflecting Venetian influence over four centuries. Dishes tend to use more soffritto (slow-braised meat with wine vinegar and garlic), stewed preparations, and a greater variety of pasta than is typical elsewhere in Greece.
Things to try
- Soffritto: Slow-cooked veal in a white wine and garlic sauce — considered the island's signature dish.
- Pastitsada: Pasta with a rich, spiced tomato and meat sauce (often chicken or cockerel), another Venetian legacy.
- Bourdeto: A peppery fish stew, typically made with scorpionfish or other local catches.
- Kumquat liqueur: Kumquats were introduced during British rule and are now a local specialty; the liqueur and preserved fruit are sold throughout the island.
- Olive oil: Local Corfu olive oil, from the island's ancient groves, is highly regarded.
Where to eat
Corfu Town has a range of options from simple tavernas in the old town lanes to restaurants along the seafront. The area around the old port has many tourist-facing restaurants; venturing into the kantounia or to neighbourhood spots in areas like Garitsa tends to offer more authentic cooking. Always check menus for pricing before sitting down. Many beach resorts have seasonal restaurants that open April–October only.
Shopping
The old town's shops concentrate along Nikiforos Theotokis Street and in the surrounding lanes. Practical souvenirs with genuine local character include:
- Kumquat products: Liqueur, spoon sweets, candied fruit, and preserves.
- Local olive oil and olives: Available at delicatessens and some supermarkets; quality varies, so look for locally produced labels.
- Ceramics and handmade goods: Several small workshops and galleries in the old town sell locally produced items.
- Books and maps: A small number of bookshops stock titles on Corfu's history, including works by Gerald and Lawrence Durrell, both associated with the island.
Avoid purchasing items made from protected species (coral, certain shells, sea turtle products) — these are illegal to export and may be confiscated at customs. Reproductions of archaeological artefacts are legal to buy but must come with appropriate documentation if you intend to export them.
Practical Information
Emergency numbers
Greece uses 112 as the general European emergency number. For specific services, verify locally: police, ambulance, and fire each have dedicated national numbers. The tourist police (a Greek institution that can assist visitors) can be reached through the general police number — verify the local Corfu station contact on arrival.
Money
ATMs are widely available in Corfu Town and in larger resort areas. Card payment is accepted at many hotels, restaurants, and shops, but smaller tavernas and village shops may prefer or require cash. Notify your bank before travelling.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage (4G) is generally reliable in the town and main resort areas; it can be patchy in mountainous interior villages. SIM cards from Greek networks are available at phone shops in the town. Public Wi-Fi is available at some cafés and hotel lobbies.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmakeia) are identified by a green cross sign. They are well-stocked for common medications and can provide basic medical advice. A rotating after-hours duty pharmacy system operates — check the posted schedule on pharmacy doors or ask locally.
Electricity
Greece uses Type C and Type F plugs at 230V/50Hz.
Safety
Corfu is generally considered a safe destination for travellers. Petty theft — pickpocketing in crowded old town lanes and beach areas — is the most commonly reported issue; standard precautions (secure bags, avoid displaying expensive items openly) apply.
The old town's cobblestones can be slippery, especially when wet. Ankle sprains from uneven paving are a practical hazard worth bearing in mind, particularly when wearing sandals.
Sea conditions on the west coast, particularly around Paleokastritsa, can change quickly and currents can be strong. Observe local warning flags at beaches and do not swim in areas marked as unsafe. Jellyfish are occasionally present in summer months.
Driving on narrow mountain roads after dark warrants extra caution. If hiring a scooter, ensure you have appropriate experience and that the hire includes adequate insurance.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Corfu has a proud and distinct cultural identity shaped by the unusual fact that it was never under Ottoman rule — the only part of Greece that can claim this. This gave it uninterrupted exposure to Western European cultural currents and a tradition of formal music education that produced Greece's first conservatoire. The island has a strong tradition of classical and philharmonic music, and brass band performances are common at festivals and religious processions.
Saint Spyridon is deeply woven into daily life. His feast days (celebrated multiple times a year, including Palm Sunday, Holy Saturday, the first Sunday in November, and 12 August) involve solemn processions through the old town streets that draw large crowds of both locals and visitors. Dress modestly and be respectful during religious observances.
The literary connection to the Durrell family — Gerald Durrell's My Family and Other Animals is set on the island — has made Corfu a destination for readers and naturalists. A small museum dedicated to the family exists; verify its current location and opening hours locally.
Greeting shopkeepers and restaurant staff with a simple kalimera (good morning) or kalispera (good afternoon/evening) is appreciated and considered polite.
