Corfu Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Corfu, including places to visit, best things to do, local culture, safety tips, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Corfu

Nestled in the Ionian Islands of Greece, Corfu is a beautiful island featuring pristine beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, and verdant mountains. The landscape is dotted with quaint villages and rich cultural landmarks that attract tourists from all over the world. Corfu has something for everyone, whether you’re an avid adventurer, a culture enthusiast, a foodie, or just want to relax and soak up the sun. In this travel guide, we will explore the island’s popular tourist attractions, its rich culture, local customs, safety tips, and transportation options.

List of Places to Visit in Corfu

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Achilleion Palace
  • Archaeological Museum of Corfu
  • Corfu Old Town
  • Byzantine Museum
  • Ionian Academy
  • Old Fortress
  • New Fortress

Natural Attractions of Corfu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Canal d’Amour
  • Paleokastritsa Monastery
  • Mount Pantokrator
  • Angelokastro
  • Vlacherna Monastery

Hiking/Biking Routes of Corfu

  • Corfu Trail
  • Pantokrator Trail
  • Krouzeri to Kalami Trail
  • From Benitses to Agioi Deka Trail
  • The Achilleion-Historical Center Route

Best Things to Do in Corfu: Activities and Tours

  • Scuba diving and snorkeling
  • Water sports
  • Beach hopping
  • Boat trips
  • Jeep safaris

Week-Long Itinerary for Corfu

Day Plan
1 Visit Achilleion Palace and Benitses fishing village
2 Explore the Old Town of Corfu
3 Hike up Mount Pantokrator and visit the monastery
4 Visit Paleokastritsa beach and monastery
5 Take a boat trip to Paxos and Antipaxos islands
6 Visit the Canal d’Amour and Sidari beach
7 Relax on Glyfada beach and watch the sunset at Pelekas village

Food and Drink Scene of Corfu

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sofrito: Veal in garlic and white wine sauce
  • Pastitsada: Spicy beef or rooster stew with pasta
  • Bourdeto: Fish stew with onions and paprika
  • Nouboulo: Smoked pork or beef
  • Stifado: Beef or rabbit stew with onions and tomatoes

Local Beverages

  • Kumquat liqueur
  • Ginger beer
  • Tsitsibira: A traditional soft drink made from ginger and lemon
  • Wine: Try the local white wine made from the Robola grape

Where to Stay in Corfu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Bella Venezia Hotel
  • Mayor Mon Repos Palace Art Hotel
  • MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas
  • Corfu Palace Hotel
  • Hostel Marios

What to Buy in Corfu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Olive wood handicrafts
  • Kumquat products: marmalade, sweets, and liqueur
  • Local honey and nougat
  • Corfiot silver jewelry
  • Spices and herbs

Local Culture and Customs of Corfu

Corfu has a unique blend of Greek and Venetian culture, making it distinct from other parts of Greece. The island has its own music, dance, and language dialect. The Corfiots celebrate various religious and cultural festivals throughout the year, such as Easter, Carnival, and Saint Spyridon’s Day. It is customary to greet people with a friendly “Yasou” and to show respect to elders and religious customs.

Best Time to Visit Corfu

The best time to visit Corfu is from May to October when the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea is crystal clear. July and August are the peak tourist months, with high temperatures and busy beaches. May and September offer a more relaxed atmosphere, and the prices are usually lower.

Do’s and Don’ts of Corfu

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring
  • Use sunblock and drink plenty of water during hot summer days
  • Try the local food and drinks
  • Learn some Greek phrases: “Efharisto” (Thank you) and “Parakalo” (Please)

Don’t:

  • Sunbathe topless on public beaches
  • Touch or remove ancient artifacts
  • Throw cigarettes or garbage on the streets
  • Insult or discriminate against the locals
  • Disturb the wildlife

Safety and Health

Safety in Corfu

Corfu is a relatively safe island, but it’s always wise to take precautions, such as avoiding dark and deserted areas at night, securing your valuables, and following traffic rules. In case of emergency, dial 112.

Health in Corfu

The tap water in Corfu is generally safe to drink but may cause stomach upset due to different minerals or chlorine levels. It’s better to drink bottled water. The island has several hospitals and pharmacies, but make sure you have travel insurance before your trip.

Getting to Corfu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Corfu

Corfu International Airport “Ioannis Kapodistrias” is located 3 km south of Corfu Town and serves domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Corfu

The Green Buses (KTEL) network provides transportation to various parts of the island, including popular tourist destinations such as Paleokastritsa and Kassiopi.

Other Options

You can also travel to Corfu by ferry from Italy or mainland Greece. The major ports are located in Corfu Town, Lefkimmi, and Igoumenitsa.

How to Get Around in Corfu

Car and Motorbike Rental

Renting a car or motorbike is the best way to explore the island’s remote areas and scenic drives. You need an international driver’s license and be at least 21 years old.

Public Transportation

The Green Buses (KTEL) network provides transportation to various parts of the island, but the frequency and schedules may vary.

Taxi

Taxis are available in Corfu Town and other major tourist destinations, but they can be expensive.

Where to Go Next from Corfu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Parga: A picturesque town in mainland Greece with Venetian architecture and beaches.
  • Albania: A neighboring country with stunning natural landscapes and ancient ruins.
  • Paxos and Antipaxos islands: Two small islands known for their crystal clear waters and relaxed atmosphere.
  • Ioannina: A lakeside city in northwestern Greece with Ottoman-era monuments and traditional crafts.

Conclusion

Corfu is a magical island that will capture your heart with its natural beauty, rich heritage, and warm hospitality. From exploring ancient ruins to sipping local wine on the beach, there’s no shortage of activities to do and places to visit. This travel guide will help you plan an unforgettable vacation and make the most of your time in Corfu.

The famous bay of Paleokastritsa The famous bay of Paleokastritsa Sidari, Corfu Sidari, Corfu Old Corfu town, a world heritage site Old Corfu town, a world heritage site Statue of Achilles thniskon (dying) at the Achilleion gardens Statue of Achilles thniskon (dying) at the Achilleion gardens


    Corfu Town