Corfu
About Corfu
Corfu (Kerkyra) is the greenest and most lush of the Greek islands, draped in olive groves and cypresses in the Ionian Sea. Its elegant Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shaped by centuries of Venetian, French, and British rule — giving it a distinctly Italian feel unlike any other Greek island. Grand Liston arcades, narrow kantounia alleys, and two imposing Venetian fortresses define the townscape.
Beyond the town, Corfu offers dramatic cliff-backed beaches on the west coast, gentle sandy shores in the south, and traditional mountain villages where life moves slowly. The island inspired Shakespeare's "The Tempest" and the Durrell family's beloved memoirs. Its cuisine blends Greek and Italian influences — expect sofrito, pastitsada, and excellent local ginger beer.
Useful links:
Quick Tips
- Currency: Euro (EUR). Cards accepted in town and resorts. Cash essential in mountain villages and small beach bars.
- Transport: Blue buses serve Corfu Town area, green KTEL buses go island-wide. Renting a car or scooter is recommended for exploring the island's winding mountain roads.
- Tipping: Round up or leave 5–10% at restaurants.
- Ginger beer: Corfu is the only place in Greece that makes tsitsibira (ginger beer), a legacy of British rule. Try it at any café — refreshing on hot days.
- Kumquat: Corfu is famous for kumquat fruit — try kumquat liqueur, marmalade, and candied kumquats. Great souvenirs from shops in the Old Town.
Interesting Places to Visit
Corfu Old Town (UNESCO)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Venetian architecture, French arcades, and British-era buildings. Wander the narrow kantounia alleys, discover hidden churches, and enjoy the elegant Spianada esplanade — the largest square in Greece.
Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio)
A massive Venetian fortress on a rocky peninsula connected to town by a bridge. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the town, coastline, and Albanian mountains. Houses a small church modeled on a Doric temple. Sound and light shows in summer.
Achilleion Palace
A neoclassical palace built in 1890 for Empress Elisabeth of Austria ("Sisi"), dedicated to Achilles. Beautiful terraced gardens with statues, stunning views of the sea, and a museum about Sisi's life. 10 km south of Corfu Town.
Paleokastritsa
The most famous coastal area on Corfu — turquoise bays surrounded by green cliffs. Visit the 13th-century hilltop monastery, take a glass-bottom boat to sea caves, or swim in crystal-clear coves. Said to be the spot where Odysseus was shipwrecked.
Canal d'Amour (Sidari)
Unique sandstone rock formations creating a natural channel at Sidari beach on the north coast. Legend says couples who swim through the canal together will stay in love forever. Great for photos and snorkeling.
Mouse Island (Pontikonisi)
A tiny islet in the bay below Kanoni, topped with a Byzantine chapel among cypresses. One of the most photographed spots in Greece. View it from the Kanoni viewpoint or take a small boat to the neighboring Vlacherna Monastery.
Angelokastro
A ruined Byzantine castle perched dramatically on a cliff on the west coast. Once Corfu's most important fortress and last line of defense. The views from the summit are among the most spectacular on the island. Rewarding short hike.
When to Visit
Corfu has a Mediterranean climate with more rainfall than other Greek islands, which keeps it lush and green:
🌸 Spring (April – May)
Beautiful season. Warm (16–23°C), wildflowers everywhere, and the island is at its greenest. Easter in Corfu is spectacular — one of Greece's most famous celebrations.
- Corfu Easter traditions (pot-throwing, processions)
- Wildflowers and blooming orchards
- Uncrowded beaches and hiking trails
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Hot (26–33°C) and the peak season. All beaches, restaurants, and attractions are open and busy. The west coast gets the best sunsets. Sea temperatures are perfect for swimming.
- Corfu Festival — classical music (summer)
- Beach season at Paleokastritsa and Glyfada
- Vibrant nightlife in Corfu Town
🍂 Autumn (September – October)
Warm (18–27°C) and less crowded. September is still full summer weather. The olive harvest begins in October. Sea remains warm for swimming.
- Olive and grape harvest season
- Warm sea for swimming
- Reduced prices on accommodation
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Mild (6–14°C) with regular rain. The island is lush and green. The Old Town is atmospheric without crowds. Some tourist facilities close, but Corfu Town remains lively.
- Carnival celebrations (February)
- Atmospheric Old Town walks
- Cheapest accommodation rates
Where to Eat (Affordable & Good)
Corfu's cuisine is uniquely influenced by Venetian and Italian cooking — expect sofrito, pastitsada, and bourdeto alongside classic Greek dishes:
The Venetian Well$$ – $$$
Set in a romantic hidden square in the Old Town around an ancient Venetian well. Creative Mediterranean cuisine with Corfiot specialties. The slow-cooked beef sofrito and seafood risotto are exceptional. Book for dinner.
Rouvas$
A classic no-frills taverna near the Spianada serving authentic Corfiot home cooking since the 1940s. The pastitsada (rooster in red sauce with pasta) and sofrito are legendary. Huge portions, tiny prices.
To Tavernaki tis Marinas$ – $$
A charming family taverna in the Old Town serving traditional dishes with a modern twist. Excellent grilled meats, fresh fish, and house wine. The courtyard is a lovely spot for dinner.
Klimataria$ – $$
A beloved Old Town taverna with live Corfiot kantades (serenades) on some evenings. Traditional dishes like bourdeto (spicy fish stew) and pastitsada. The grape-vine-covered courtyard is magical.
Rex$$
An elegant restaurant on the Liston arcade overlooking the Spianada. Classic Corfiot and Mediterranean dishes. The setting is lovely for people-watching. Try the Corfiot-style veal with kumquat sauce.
Ninos on the Beach$ – $$
A relaxed beach taverna at Agios Gordios on the west coast. Fresh grilled fish, Greek salads, and cold beer with feet in the sand. Sunset views are spectacular. Great value for the setting.
Gyropolis$
The best gyros in Corfu Town — quick, cheap, and delicious. Generous portions of pork or chicken gyros wrapped in fresh pita. Perfect for a budget lunch or late-night snack. Under €4.