Corfu, one of the most enchanting Ionian islands, is a destination where history, culture, and natural beauty blend beautifully. Known for its Venetian architecture, emerald mountains, and turquoise waters, Corfu draws travellers in search of both relaxation and adventure. To fully appreciate the island, it’s helpful to know how to get there and the wide variety of experiences it offers.
Where is Corfu?
Corfu sits in the Ionian Sea, off the northwest coast of Greece, just a short distance from Albania. Its position has long made it a crossroads of civilisations, and you’ll notice Venetian, French, and British influences across the island, especially in Corfu Town.
How to Get to Corfu
Reaching Corfu is straightforward, and you can choose the option that suits your travel style:
- By Air: Corfu International Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias) welcomes direct flights from major European cities, especially during the summer months.
- By Ferry: Daily ferries run from Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland. Services also connect Corfu with Italian ports such as Bari, Brindisi, and Ancona.
- By Car and Ferry: If driving through Greece, you can take your car on the ferry from Igoumenitsa to Corfu, making it easy to explore the island once you arrive.
- By Bus: Long-distance buses link Athens and Thessaloniki with Igoumenitsa, where you can transfer to a ferry.
- By Boat: Smaller boats connect Corfu with nearby islands like Paxos and Lefkada, perfect for island-hopping itineraries.
How Long to Stay
A short three-day trip allows you to explore Corfu Town and relax on nearby beaches, but for a more complete experience, five to seven days is ideal. This gives you time to see charming villages, hike Mount Pantokrator, take boat trips, and discover quieter corners of the island.
Best Experiences in Corfu
Exploring Corfu Town (Kerkyra) is an absolute must. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its cobbled lanes, pastel Venetian façades, and landmarks like the Liston Promenade and Spianada Square offer endless charm. Within the Old Fortress, you’ll also find Saint George’s Church, a neoclassical gem that feels more like a temple than a church. The New Fortress, sitting higher above town, provides equally dramatic views of the harbour and sea.
Churches and Monasteries
Corfu is deeply connected to its religious traditions, and several sites stand out. The Holy Church of Saint Spyridon in Corfu Town is perhaps the island’s most revered religious landmark, housing the relics of Corfu’s patron saint. Its red-domed bell tower is one of the town’s defining features. Equally iconic is the Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna, a whitewashed chapel perched on a causeway, often photographed with Mouse Island (Pontikonisi) in the background. On the west coast, the Monastery of Paleokastritsa offers a serene visit, with spectacular sea views, gardens, and a small museum.
Palaces and Landmarks
The Achilleion Palace, built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, dazzles with its neoclassical style, terraced gardens, and statues of Achilles. The villa of Mon Repos, birthplace of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is surrounded by lush parkland perfect for strolling. History lovers should also visit Angelokastro, a Byzantine castle perched dramatically on a hilltop with sweeping views of the Ionian Sea.
Museums and Culture
Corfu’s museums reveal the island’s artistic and historical depth. The Corfu Museum of Asian Art, housed in the grand Palace of St. Michael and St. George, holds an impressive collection of art from across Asia. The Byzantine Museum of Antivouniotissa displays religious icons and artefacts in a beautifully preserved church. The Archaeological Museum of Corfu adds another layer, showcasing treasures from the Sanctuary of Artemis Gorgo and other ancient sites.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Families will find plenty to enjoy. Aqualand, one of the largest water parks in Europe, promises thrills for all ages with its slides and pools. Corfu Aquarium in Paleokastritsa introduces children to local marine life, while open-air squares like Spianada provide space for them to run and play. For more family safety advice, see our travel tips for parents with young children.
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Beaches and Nature
Beach lovers will find paradise on Corfu’s shores.
Paleokastritsa stuns with its dramatic bays, Glyfada buzzes with energy and water sports, while Agios Georgios and Issos promise tranquillity and wide sandy stretches.
Before heading out, check these beach safety tips to make the most of your time by the sea.
Hikers should venture up Mount Pantokrator, the island’s highest peak, where views extend as far as Albania and the Greek mainland. From the village of Spartilas, a scenic path leads to the monastery of Taxiarchis, offering sweeping sea views along the way.
In the north, the Kassios Dias paths near Kassiopi allow you to explore wild landscapes with a backdrop of mountains and sea. If you’re based in Benitses, the Stavros trail is a favourite, leading through lush countryside and quiet chapels.
Unique Viewpoints and Experiences
Corfu is rich in unforgettable views, and some are best enjoyed at sunset. One of the island’s finest vantage points is Kaiser’s Throne in Pelekas, where German Emperor Wilhelm II once admired the horizon. Today, it remains a magical spot to watch the sun sink into the Ionian Sea. For something quirkier, aviation enthusiasts will enjoy plane spotting at Café Royal near the airport runway — a local favourite where aircraft swoop low overhead as you sip coffee. If you prefer a more romantic atmosphere, head to Sunset Bar in Pelekas or one of the coastal tavernas offering open-air views across the sea.
Things to Do Nearby
A short ferry ride opens up more adventures. Paxos and Antipaxos are famous for turquoise waters and laid-back atmospheres — discover more in our guide to Paxos, Greece. On the mainland, you can visit Nikopolis, a sprawling archaeological site built by Octavian Augustus.
Nightlife in Corfu
Nightlife on Corfu caters to every mood. Resorts like Kavos are known for their clubs and lively beach bars that stay open until sunrise. For something more refined, Corfu Town offers elegant cocktail bars and atmospheric tavernas, while quieter coastal villages give you a chance to enjoy a romantic dinner by the sea.
Where to Stay in Corfu
Accommodation options reflect Corfu’s diversity:
- Corfu Town: Best for culture lovers and nightlife seekers.
- Dassia and Gouvia: Ideal for families, with calm waters and convenient facilities.
- Agios Stefanos and the North: Perfect for those seeking peace, scenic views, and hidden coves.
Weather in Corfu
Corfu enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate, but here’s how it feels throughout the year:
- Spring (March to May): Mild and colourful, with blooming flowers. Average temperatures: 15–22°C (59–72°F).
- Summer (June to August): Hot and sunny, perfect for beach holidays. Average temperatures: 28–35°C (82–95°F).
- Autumn (September to November): Warm early on, cooling later, great for hiking. Average temperatures: 18–27°C (64–80°F).
- Winter (December to February): Mild but wetter, with temperatures around 10–15°C (50–59°F).
Travel Tips
- Transport: Hiring a car is the best way to explore, especially if you want to discover mountain villages or secluded beaches. Public buses serve major routes, but they can be limited. Taxis are convenient but more expensive.
- Money: Many smaller shops and tavernas only accept cash, so carry euros with you.
- Food & Drink: Don’t miss local dishes like sofrito, pastitsada, and bourdeto. For more inspiration, see our Greek food bucket list. Finish your meal with kumquat liqueur, unique to Corfu.
- Language: English is widely spoken, but learning a few Greek phrases is always appreciated.
- Packing Tip: Bring comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets and a light jacket if visiting outside summer. To make life easier, check our guide on things travellers often forget to pack. For healthier journeys, bring along some tasty travel snacks.
Why Corfu Should Be Your Next Holiday Destination
Corfu offers more than just postcard-perfect beaches. With its rich cultural heritage, family-friendly attractions, lively nightlife, and diverse landscapes, it appeals to every kind of traveller. Whether you’re wandering through Venetian alleyways, hiking scenic trails, exploring monasteries and fortresses, or sailing to hidden coves, the island delivers unforgettable things to do in Corfu, Greece. It’s a destination that leaves every visitor longing to return.
