Corfu holidays

Where to Stay During Your Corfu Holiday

Choosing the right area to stay in Corfu can enhance your holiday experience significantly. Here’s a guide to some of the best destinations in Corfu, each offering unique attractions and amenities.

Corfu Town

Corfu Town, the capital of the island, is perfect for first-time visitors. It boasts a rich history, Venetian architecture, vibrant nightlife, and numerous dining options. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a must-see.

• Best for: History enthusiasts and city lovers.

• Highlights: Old Fortress, Spianada Square, and the Museum of Asian Art.

• Discover our holiday packages to Corfu Town.

Sidari

Sidari, located on the northwest coast, is famous for its beaches and nightlife. It’s a popular resort town known for the Canal d’Amour, a unique beach with natural rock formations.

• Best for: Beach lovers and nightlife enthusiasts.

• Highlights: Canal d’Amour, Cape Drastis, and Loggas Beach.

• Book your holidays to Sidari.

Kavos

Kavos, situated on the southern tip of Corfu, is the island’s nightlife hub. It’s renowned for its lively bars, clubs, and a beautiful sandy beach.

• Best for: Party-goers and young travellers.

• Highlights: Beach bars, water sports, and boat trips.

• Check out our cheap holidays to Kavos.

Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa is one of Corfu’s most scenic areas, known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s ideal for outdoor activities and exploring.

• Best for: Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

• Highlights: Paleokastritsa Monastery, The Blue Eye Cave, and hiking trails.

• Discover our holiday packages to Paleokastritsa.

Kassiopi

Kassiopi is a charming fishing village on the north coast, perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway. It offers a blend of traditional Greek atmosphere and modern amenities.

• Best for: Couples and romantic getaways.

• Highlights: Kassiopi Castle, pebble beaches, and the old harbour.

• Explore our holidays to Kassiopi.

Agios Gordios

Agios Gordios is known for its stunning sandy beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush greenery. It’s a great spot for a relaxing beach holiday.

• Best for: Families and beach lovers.

• Highlights: Agios Gordios Beach, water sports, and local tavernas.

• Find your holiday packages to Agios Gordios.

Kanoni Beach

Kanoni Beach offers breathtaking views and is close to Corfu Town. It’s a quieter area, perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.

• Best for: Tranquillity and sightseeing.

• Highlights: Mon Repos Palace, Mouse Island, and the Vlacherna Monastery.

• Discover our holidays to Kanoni Beach.

Dassia

Dassia is a lively resort area known for its long, pebbly beach and range of water sports. It’s ideal for families and those looking to enjoy both relaxation and activities.

• Best for: Families and water sports enthusiasts.

• Highlights: Dassia Beach, water sports, and local bars.

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Agios Georgios

Agios Georgios is a picturesque village with a beautiful sandy beach, perfect for a peaceful holiday. It’s ideal for families and those who enjoy nature.

• Best for: Families and nature lovers.

• Highlights: Agios Georgios Beach, hiking trails, and traditional tavernas.

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Agios Ioannis

Agios Ioannis is centrally located and offers a quiet, rural setting. It’s great for those who want to explore the island while staying away from the more touristy areas.

• Best for: Explorers and tranquillity seekers.

• Highlights: Aqualand water park, traditional village charm, and local cuisine.

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Choosing the right area to stay in Corfu depends on your preferences and what you want to experience during your holiday. Each area offers unique attractions and amenities, ensuring your Corfu holiday is memorable and enjoyable.

How to reach Corfu

• Flight time: Nonstop flights to Corfu from London and other major UK airports average about 3 hours 15 minutes.

• Transfer time: Corfu Town is a 10-minute bus (route No. 15) or taxi ride away.

• Price: Bus tickets are priced at €1.20, but you’ll pay a surcharge if you purchase onboard. Taxiing from the airport to Corfu Town typically costs around €15–€20.

Weather and best time to visit Corfu

The island’s appeal changes with the seasons, so the best time for your Corfu holidays depends on the kind of holiday (and weather) you have in mind.

• April to June is a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the island's beaches ahead of the summer crowds, with high temperatures ranging from 19°C in April to 29°C in June, petering rainfall (from 58 to 16mm), and daily sunshine climbing from 7 to 11 hours.

• July to August is Corfu’s high season. With temperatures soaring to 32°C, balmy seas (22 to 24°C), refreshing sea breezes and minimal chance of rain, these are the ideal months for sunseekers and beach lovers. However, be prepared for crowded beaches and busy tourist spots.

• September to October may be more comfortable months to visit if scorching hot temperatures aren't your thing. Temperatures dip to 27°C in September, dropping to 23°C in October. While it’s warm and bright enough (8 to 6 hours of daily sunshine) for beach days and sightseeing, expect some rain (104 to 140mm) and thunderstorms.

• November to March are wet months (December is the rainiest, clocking up 178mm), and you’ll only get about 4 hours of daily sunshine, though temperatures average 16°C. With few tourists, these months are a peaceful time to visit if you don’t mind cooler, wetter weather.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

• Currency: The currency in Greece is the euro (€).

• Getting around: Corfu has an efficient bus network. There are two zones for urban transport: A and B. Single tickets for Zone A cost €1.20 and €1.60 for Zone B (buy from a ticket vending machine to avoid paying a surcharge). Car hire is popular for exploring more remote areas; prices start at about €25 per day.

• Electricity and plug types: Corfu uses the standard European two-pin plugs (Type C and F).

• Time zone: Corfu is in the Eastern European Time Zone, 2 hours ahead of GMT.

• Travel documentation: UK travellers need a valid passport (issued less than 10 years before entry and valid for a minimum of three months after the departure date) but do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.

Best things to do in Corfu

Known for its rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, the island has plenty to offer visitors. Whether exploring historical sites or relaxing on beautiful beaches, holidays to Corfu have something for everyone.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Kanoni: One of the most famous views in Corfu is from Kanoni, where you can see the charming Mouse Island (Pontikonisi) and the white monastery of Vlacherna.

• Mount Pantokrator: The highest point on the island, Mount Pantokrator, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Corfu and the surrounding sea. On clear days, you can even see Albania.

The best districts

• Kérkyra (Corfu Old Town): A UNESCO World Heritage site with labyrinthine narrow streets, Venetian buildings and charming squares. Highlights include the Listón arcade and the Esplanade (Spianada), one of the largest squares in Europe.

• Campiello (Corfu Old Town): The oldest part of the Old Town, characterised by narrow alleys, tall houses and hidden courtyards. It's a wonderful place to get lost and discover small cafés and independent shops.

Parks and gardens

• Mon Repos Estate: This estate features lush gardens, ancient ruins, very strollable parkland, and the Neoclassical Mon Repos Villa, the birthplace of Prince Philip.

• Corfu Botanical Garden: Located in the heart of the island, this garden showcases a variety of Mediterranean plants.

Museums

• Museum of Asian Art Corfu: Housed in the Palace of St Michael & George in Corfu Town, this museum is unique in Greece. Its 15,000-strong collections span Chinese, Japanese, Nepalese, Tibetan, Southeast Asian and Central Asian Nomadic art.

Historical monuments

• Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio): Dominating the eastern side of Corfu Town, this 14th-century fortress houses a small museum, hosts cultural events throughout the year and offers spectacular views over the town and the sea.

• New Fortress (Neo Frourio): Built by the Venetians, this fortress offers insights into Corfu's military history. The views from the top aren’t half bad, either.

• Achilleion Palace: Located in the village of Gastouri, this palace was built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria and is dedicated to Achilles. The gardens and the views over the Ionian Sea are magnificent.

• Church of Saint Spyridon: This is the must-see church on the island. It houses the relics of Saint Spyridon, the patron saint of Corfu, and boasts the tallest bell tower in the Ionian Islands.

Day trips in the area

• Paxi: A 45-minute ferry hop from Corfu, diminutive Paxi offers secluded beaches, turquoise waters, underwater caves and verdant hills.

Activities for families in Corfu

There’s plenty to do on family holidays to Corfu, from swimming and sliding to close encounters with marine life.

• Swimming pools: Many hotels and resorts in Corfu feature large swimming pools with kids’ sections. Some even have water slides and splash zones.

• Playgrounds: Corfu has several playgrounds, particularly in Corfu Town and larger resorts, where children can play and make new friends while parents relax nearby.

• Aquarium and zoos: A hit with kids of all ages, the Corfu Aquarium in Paleokastritsa showcases local marine life and offers interactive experiences like touch tanks.

• Interactive museums: The fun Casa Parlante Museum in Corfu Town recreates 19th-century Corfiot life with animatronics and sound effects.

• Water parks: Aqualand, one of Europe's largest water parks, provides hours of fun with its numerous water slides, wave pools and lazy rivers.

Free things to do in Corfu

Corfu holidays don’t have to break the bank; numerous free activities will give you a taste of the island's culture and natural beauty.

• Free events: Corfu hosts several free cultural events throughout the year, including open-air concerts, religious processions and folk festivals. The annual Corfu Carnival in February or March is a vibrant celebration with parades and street performances.

• Free museums: Select museums in Corfu offer free entry on specific days. For example, the Archaeological Museum in Corfu Town, which showcases fascinating artefacts from ancient Greece, is free to enter from November to March on the first Sunday of each month.

• Explore Corfu by public transport: Take bus route 2, 6 or 7 to explore different parts of the island. A single ticket costs around €1.20, making it an affordable way to see the sights. Bus route 6, for instance, takes you from Corfu Town to Benitses, where you can explore ancient Roman baths.

• Free guided tours: Some companies offer free walking tours of Corfu Town, focusing on its rich history and architecture. Tours typically operate on a tips-only basis, so you can pay what you feel the tour was worth.

Wellness in Corfu

• Spas and thermal baths: Many high-end hotels in Corfu feature luxurious spas offering a range of treatments, including massages, facials and body scrubs. These spas often incorporate natural ingredients from the island, such as olive oil and sea salt, to enhance the therapeutic experience.

• Traditional body care: Embrace traditional Greek body care rituals at local hammams, where you can enjoy steam baths, exfoliating scrubs and soothing massages. These treatments often use locally sourced herbs and oils to promote relaxation and well-being.

• Yoga and meditation centres: Corfu has several yoga and meditation centres that offer classes in beautiful outdoor settings, such as on the beach or in olive groves.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: The 200km Corfu Trail traverses the island from south to north.

• Water sports: Try windsurfing, kitesurfing or paddleboarding in popular spots like Dassia and Glyfada. For a more relaxed experience, consider a kayaking or sailing trip along the coast.

• Paragliding: Several operators offer tandem flights that allow you to soar above the island's beaches and lush landscapes.

• Cycling and mountain biking: Corfu's varied terrain is ideal for leisurely cycling and challenging mountain biking. Numerous trails take you through picturesque villages, olive groves and along the coastline.

• Wildlife watching: Visit the Korission Lagoon, a protected area on the island’s southwest coast that is home to a variety of wildlife, including turtles and migratory birds.

• Horse riding: Several stables around Corfu offer horse riding excursions along scenic trails.

Exploring the Best Beaches on Your Corfu Holiday

Corfu, an emerald island nestled in the Ionian Sea, is famed for its diverse coastline, featuring everything from long sandy stretches to secluded coves. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a slice of paradise, Corfu's beaches offer something for everyone.

The best public beaches in Corfu

• Glyfada Beach: Known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, Glyfada is one of Corfu's most popular beaches, equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a variety of water sports.

• Paleokastritsa Beach: Spread across several small coves, these beaches offer stunning blue-green waters and are ideal for snorkelling and swimming.

• Sidari Beach: Famous for the Canal d’Amour, Sidari offers unique sandstone formations, shallow waters, and ample facilities, making it perfect for families.

Exclusive experiences at private beaches in Corfu

While Corfu is predominantly known for its public beaches, some luxury resorts offer exclusive beach sections:

• Private Resort Beaches: High-end resorts often have their private stretches of beach, offering exclusive sunbeds, umbrellas, and personalized service for guests, ensuring a tranquil and luxurious beach experience.

Hidden gems of Corfu’s coastline

• Rovinia Beach: Accessible only by boat or through a footpath, Rovinia is a secluded bay with crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush greenery.

• Myrtiotissa Beach: Dubbed the island’s unofficial nudist beach, Myrtiotissa offers stunning natural beauty, with turquoise waters and a backdrop of cliffs and greenery.

• Agios Georgios Pagon: Nestled in a bay on the northwest coast, this beach is less frequented by tourists and offers a peaceful retreat with breathtaking sunsets.

Beaches for water sports enthusiasts

Corfu’s diverse beaches cater to a wide array of water sports, making it a haven for enthusiasts:

• Windsurfing and Kite Surfing: The breezy conditions at beaches like Issos and Chalikounas are ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing.

• Scuba Diving and Snorkelling: With clear waters and rich marine life, sites around Paleokastritsa and the northeast coast offer excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities.

• Sailing and Boating: Explore Corfu’s coastline and nearby islets with boat rentals and sailing excursions available from most major beaches.

Beaches closer to important cities or resort areas

• Corfu Town Beaches: While Corfu Town itself doesn’t have beaches, nearby options like Mon Repos offer a quick escape to the sea, with historical sites nearby.

• Kontokali and Gouvia: Situated close to Corfu Town, these areas offer a mix of pebble and sandy beaches, with a variety of water sports and facilities, catering to those staying in or visiting the island’s capital.

Your holiday in Corfu unfolds on its stunning beaches, each with its own character and charm. From the lively shores of Glyfada to the serene hidden coves of Rovinia, and the water sports paradises like Chalikounas, Corfu’s coastline invites you to immerse yourself in its natural beauty, vibrant sea life, and the warm Ionian sun. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Corfu's beaches provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable holiday.

Local dishes in Corfu

One of the pleasures of holidays to Corfu is indulging in all the culinary delicacies (a blend of Greek and Venetian influences) that make it one of Greece’s best foodie destinations.

Some typical dishes

• Sofrito: A must-try for meat lovers, this Corfiot speciality is made with thinly sliced veal cooked in white wine and garlic sauce.

• Bourdeto: A spicy fish stew made with scorpion fish and flavoured with paprika and onions.

Meat dishes

• Pastitsada: One of the island’s signature dishes, beef or chicken cooked with tomatoes, red wine and spices, served over pasta.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Bianco: Bianco is a simple yet flavourful preparation of fish cooked with garlic, white wine and lemon juice. It’s often served with potatoes.

• Octopus stifado: Octopus cooked in a rich tomato and red wine sauce with onions. This dish highlights the island’s maritime culinary traditions.

Sweets and desserts

• Sikomaida: A traditional fig cake made with dried figs, ouzo and spices, wrapped in fig leaves. It's a unique treat that reflects the island’s agricultural heritage.

Local drinks

• Kumquat Liqueur: This sweet and tangy liqueur is made from local kumquat fruit.

• Tsitsibira: Corfu's non-alcoholic spicy ginger beer is perfect for hot days.

• Ouzo: Greece’s famous anise-flavoured spirit. It can be enjoyed straight or diluted with water and is often served as an aperitif with meze.

• Local wines: Corfu has several excellent local wines, including the white wine Kakotrygis and the red wine Petrokoritho. These wines are perfect companions to the island's cuisine.

Embracing Sports on Your Corfu Holiday

Corfu, a gem in the Ionian Sea, offers not just breathtaking landscapes and historical sites but also a plethora of sports activities for enthusiasts and amateurs alike. From water sports that capitalise on its stunning coastline to serene yoga sessions overlooking the sea, Corfu is a destination where sports and leisure blend seamlessly.

Dive into local sports events in Corfu

Immerse yourself in the local sports culture by attending a football match at Kerkyra Stadium, home to the local team, AO Kerkyra. The passion for football is palpable, offering visitors a chance to experience the local fervour and camaraderie.

Sports facilities for travellers in Corfu

• Swimming-Pools: Many of Corfu's resorts and hotels feature swimming pools, perfect for a refreshing dip or lounging by the water with a cocktail in hand.

• Yoga: With its tranquil settings and stunning vistas, Corfu is ideal for yoga practitioners. Many hotels and studios offer classes, allowing you to meditate and stretch with views of the Ionian Sea.

• Fitness, Dancing, Tennis: For those looking to stay active, Corfu boasts well-equipped gyms, dance studios, and tennis courts. Whether you're up for a morning workout, a dance class, or a game of tennis, you'll find excellent facilities across the island.

Cycling across Corfu

Explore Corfu's lush landscapes and picturesque villages on two wheels:

• Bike Rental: Numerous rental shops across the island offer bicycles for all levels of experience, from leisurely rides to challenging terrains.

• Popular Cycling Routes: The Corfu Trail offers cyclists a chance to explore the island's diverse landscapes, from olive groves and vineyards to coastal paths with stunning sea views.

Hiking adventures in Corfu

Corfu’s terrain is a hiker's paradise, offering trails that traverse through ancient olive groves, mountainous landscapes, and coastal vistas:

• Popular Hiking Routes: The Corfu Trail, stretching across the island, provides hikers with a comprehensive exploration of Corfu's natural beauty. Shorter trails, like those in the Ropa Valley or around Mount Pantokrator, offer rewarding hikes with breathtaking views.

Water sports in Corfu

The clear blue waters of the Ionian Sea invite a myriad of water sports:

• Sailing and Boating: Explore Corfu’s coastline and nearby islands with a sailing or boat tour, available for all skill levels.

• Scuba Diving and Snorkelling: Discover the rich marine life in Corfu's waters. Popular diving spots include the reefs and caves around Paleokastritsa and Nissaki.

• Windsurfing and Kitesurfing: The northern and western coasts of Corfu, with their favorable winds, are ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts.

Golfing in Corfu

Golf lovers will find Corfu a delightful destination:

• Golf Courses: The Corfu Golf Club in the Ropa Valley offers a challenging 18-hole course set amidst a beautiful landscape, making it a popular choice for golfers of all levels.

Your holiday in Corfu can be as relaxed or as active as you choose. Whether you’re exploring the island’s natural beauty through cycling and hiking, enjoying the thrill of water sports, or unwinding with yoga and leisure activities, Corfu offers a diverse range of sports opportunities to enhance your holiday experience.

Seasonal Events and Festivals on Your Corfu Holiday

Corfu, a picturesque island in the Ionian Sea, is not only celebrated for its stunning landscapes and rich history but also for its vibrant calendar of events and festivals. These cultural and festive occasions provide visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the island's traditions and join in the celebrations. Discover the best things to do in Corfu during your holiday in our guide.

Seasonal Celebrations in Corfu

• New Year: Corfu welcomes the New Year with music, dance, and fireworks. The tradition of the First Resurrection is observed on New Year’s Eve, marking a unique way to ring in the new year.

• Christmas Shopping and Markets: The lead-up to Christmas in Corfu is festive and vibrant, with markets and shops adorned with decorations and lights, offering traditional crafts, gifts, and sweets.

• Easter: Easter in Corfu is a profound and widely celebrated event, known for its unique customs like the "pot throwing" on Holy Saturday and the impressive processions and bands playing throughout Holy Week.

• Gay Events: Corfu is a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, with bars, clubs, and beaches known for their inclusive atmosphere. The island may not host large Pride events like bigger cities, but the community and visitors alike celebrate diversity openly.

• Carnival: The Carnival period before Lent is joyously celebrated in Corfu with parades, traditional dances, and costumes. The Corfiot Carnival blends Venetian influences with local traditions, making it a colourful and lively experience.

Festivals and Cultural Events in Corfu

• Varkarola: Celebrated in Paleokastritsa in August, Varkarola features boat parades, choirs singing cantatas, fireworks, and culminates in a re-enactment of the mythical arrival of Odysseus on the island.

• Feast of Saint Spyridon: Honouring the patron saint of the island, this festival occurs multiple times a year (April 11th, Palm Sunday, August 11th, and the first Sunday in November), with processions, music, and celebrations across Corfu Town.

• Corfu Beer Festival: A celebration of local and international beers, this festival takes place in Arillas, showcasing live music, traditional food, and, of course, a wide selection of beers.

• Easter in Corfu: Besides the unique customs of Holy Week, Easter Sunday is celebrated with communal meals, music, and dance in villages and towns across the island.

• Philharmonic Orchestra Concerts: Throughout the summer, the renowned Philharmonic Orchestras of Corfu perform free open-air concerts in various locations, offering classical and contemporary pieces.

These events offer a glimpse into the soul of Corfu, inviting visitors to partake in traditions that have been celebrated for generations. Whether you're visiting during the solemn yet beautiful Easter celebrations, experiencing the unique customs of the Corfu Carnival, or enjoying the festive atmosphere of the Beer Festival, Corfu's events calendar is sure to enrich your holiday experience.