The island of Corfu, called Kerkira in Greek, belongs to the Ionian Islands (archipelago along the western coast of Greece). You’ll never be bored on holidays in Corfu. The island is relatively large (595km2) and renowned for its mild climate and fertile soils. Unlike other Greek islands, what’s surprising about Corfu is how green it is. Much of the land is covered with olive groves, vineyards and fruit trees.
Corfu has been shaped by many different influences:
- Greek of course
- Byzantine
- but also Italian, the island having been under Venetian rule for several centuries.
- Napoleon Bonaparte decided to occupy the Ionian islands in the spring of 1797,
- British at last.
A little of each culture can be found as you stroll around the island.
Of course, Corfu is a very touristy island. But if you go off the beaten track, you’ll find superb scenery and authentic little villages.
Here’s some practical information to help you plan your vacation in Corfu. And you’ll find plenty of ideas for things to see and do on the island in this article.
What’s the best season for a vacation in Corfu?
- Corfu is Easter Island par excellence! Indeed, Easter is very much celebrated here, and the atmosphere is particularly festive. For three days, religious rites and popular festivals are in full swing. It’s very crowded, but a must-see. A unique experience! Please note: this is Orthodox Easter, not Catholic Easter.
- Summer: in July and August, the island is invaded by tourists. If you can, avoid going there at this time.
- Spring is a good time of year: the island is green and full of flowers, the atmosphere is calmer than during the summer months, and the heat is less stifling.
- September is perhaps the ideal month: the hordes of visitors have left the island after the summer, the sea is warm and the sun is present but less scorching.
How to get to Corfu?
- Corfu has the advantage of anairport. There are daily flights from Athens with airlines such as Aegean, Olympic Air and Sky Express. The flight takes 50 minutes.
- In summer, there are also direct flights from Paris and a number of provincial cities (including low-cost flights).
- You can also get to Corfu by boat: take the ferry from Igoumenitsa (approx. 1h45 crossing, hourly ferries in summer). Information from the harbor office (tel: 0030 266 50 222 35). There are also connections from Italy. We recommend that you book your tickets via Ferry Hopper website which allows you to compare the fares of different companies and book your tickets online very easily. No hidden commissions or fees (tested and approved by us).
- By road: You can reach Igoumenitsa from Athens by car or by KTEL bus (6 trips a day in summer, 500km). Igoumenitsa is located 470km north-west of Athens (approx. 5h drive). Then take the ferry.
Where to stay on your vacation in Corfu?
In fact, it all depends on your expectations. Are you looking for a beach vacation or a cultural visit? Do you prefer a city, seaside or mountain atmosphere? Looking for excitement or peace and quiet? Corfu has something for everyone!
- Staying in Corfu’s old town can be an interesting choice. This makes it easy to visit the city and explore the island without having to travel too far. What’s more, it’s great for dinner and drinks in the evening. To find out more about hotels in Corfu, click on the following link.
- If you want to get off the beaten track and discover a wild and authentic place, we recommend the Merchant’s House Bed&Breakfast in the “suspended in time” village of Old Perithea.
- You’ll find plenty of seaside hotels, with all-inclusive or classic packages. There’s a vast choice on Booking, at all prices.
- Finally, for those on a budget, try the huge Pink Palace youth hostel in Agios Gordis. Admittedly, the facade has an off-putting color (an absolutely improbable flashy pink), but the prices are very reasonable for Corfu (around twenty euros per person in a dormitory), with the added bonus of a free shuttle to get to Corfu town and the airport.
=> You will find a wide range of accommodation in Corfu on the Booking website.
We tell you more in our article “Where to sleep in Corfu”.
What to see in Corfu
Farniente on magnificent beaches, cultural visits, strolling through villages, hiking… there’s no shortage of things to do on vacation in Corfu. There is something for everyone.
To find out what to see in Corfu, read our article On vacation in Corfu: top 10 things to do. You’ll find plenty of ideas, both classic and off the beaten track, for children, swimmers and more.
Arriving at Corfu airport
Corfu airport is 5km from Corfu town (the island’s capital).
- You’ll find all the major car rental agencies in the airport concourse. Corfu is a very touristy island, so we recommend that you reserve your vehicle before you arrive on the island.
- There is a bus service from the airport to Corfu’s old town or port. Timetables are posted in the airport. For further information, visit the Corfu City Bus website (tel: 0030 26610 31595).
- Finally, there are plenty of cabs waiting at the arrivals area (expect to pay around ten euros to get to Corfu town). For our own convenience, we booked a cab online before our arrival through Welcome PickUps and were very happy with their service.
Getting around Corfu island
- In order to discover the whole island and get away from the tourist spots, we strongly recommend renting a vehicle. Rental Cars offers competitive prices and makes it possible to see all the major rental agencies’ prices at a glance (personally, this is the booking platform I always use). Here’s the link to rent a car in Corfu.
- Otherwise, the bus service within the island is quite efficient. The only drawback is that buses are overcrowded in summer and posted timetables are not always strictly adhered to. More information on the Corfu City Bus website. There are two bus departure points: G.Theotoki Square (San Rocco), from where the blue buses leave for Corfu town and the surrounding area. And Avramiou Street, at the foot of the new fortress, where the green buses serving the rest of the island depart.
- You can also take a cab, but this is very expensive.
- Finally, in the old town, there are horse-drawn carriages. It’s an attraction that children love. You can expect to pay €30-40 for the ride.
What to bring back from Corfu
Looking for something to take home from your vacation in Corfu? The kumquat is the island’s star product. So you’ll find the following in every souvenir store:
- candied kumquats
- kumquat marmalade
- kumquat liqueur
- kumquat-based delicacies (baklava, loukoums, etc.)
- kumquat-scented cosmetics
To find out more about the island’s specialities, see our article Flavours and traditions of Corfu. And finally, a few useful numbers:
- Tourist Police: 30265 or 0030 2661038661
- Harbour master’s office: 32655
- Agia Irini Hospital: 0030 2661088200
*****
Enjoy your vacation in Corfu!
Laure M.
