Things to do and travel tips for 2024

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About Corfu

Corfu, Greece, is just one of those destinations that I can visit again and again and never tire of. It is part of the Ionian Islands, a group of islands northwest of mainland Greece, not far from Albania and Italy. In fact you can take both ferries from Corfu to these countries.

The island of Corfu is a special place. My husband and I enjoyed visiting Corfu almost every summer while we lived in France. It features beautiful sandy beaches, incredible snorkeling and diving sites, delicious food, picturesque olive groves and super friendly locals.

There’s nothing better than waking up with a Freddo cappuccino (Greek iced coffee) in my hand while admiring the beautiful Ionian Sea. Life in Corfu is relaxed and the focus of a destination like this is on the surrounding natural beauty.

From Corfu you can visit nearby islands such as Paxos and the small island of Antipaxos on a day trip. It is an excellent destination for families and couples who like to play outside all day or relax under a parasol.

Best time to visit

Normally I recommend avoiding July and August (high season) if you plan to travel to Europe. However, Corfu is one of the few exceptions. While most Greek islands such as Santorini and Mykonos are flooded with tourists in the summer months, Corfu remains fairly quiet.

Late June to early July is the best time to visit Corfu. The weather is fantastic and everything is open, so there is a lot of fun to be had. May and September are also great times to visit, but depending on the year the sea can be too cold for swimming.

Avoid visiting out of season, especially in winter. Many hotels and restaurants are seasonal, so not many are open year-round.

About the area

Corfu Town

This is the main city on the island. Corfu’s Old Town has a rich history stemming from the past of French, British and Venetian rule. Due to its incredible history, beautifully preserved fortresses and remarkable harbour, the old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. Throughout Corfu Town you will find many bars, restaurants and great local shops.

• Attractions: Corfu Museum of Asian Art, Archaeological Museum of Corfu, Old Fort of Corfu, Church of Saint Spyridon (the patron saint of the island)
• Accommodation: You can find very affordable holiday homes in Corfu Town. It’s not the most scenic place to stay, but it’s convenient for getting to any part of the island.

Moraitika

Moraitika is the best place to stay on the island. There are plenty of great beachfront hotels for different budgets. It is perfect for families or couples looking for a romantic escape. My favorite hotel in Corfu, the Domes Miramare, is located here and is a big part of the reason why I look forward to going to Corfu every year. If you stay in Moraitika, I recommend renting a car. Otherwise you will have to change buses in Corfu Town to visit other parts of the island.

• Attractions: Moraitika Beach, Paralia Agios Ioannis Peristeron, Byzantine Fortress of Gardiki
• Accommodation: Hotels for all budgets – mostly luxury and mid-range.

Palaiokastritsa

Palaiokastritsa (also spelled Paleokastritsa), located on the west coast, is one of the most scenic and remote parts of the island. It is home to Corfu’s most picturesque beaches and most amazing natural beauty. This is a great place to rent a boat and discover the untouched beauty of sea caves and secluded beaches on this island. Snorkeling and diving are also popular activities here.

• Attractions: Monastery of Paleokastritsa, Paradise Beach, Blue Eye Cave, Rovinia Beach, La Grotta Bar, Agia Triada Beach
• Accommodation: Holiday homes range from budget to luxury. There are also many mid-range and luxury hotels available.

Kassiopi

Apart from the Domes Miramare, Kassiopi is my favorite part of Corfu. The beach is beautiful and has the clearest water I have ever seen – and that comes from a girl who grew up in Hawaii. The picturesque town has winding cobbled streets lined with lovely cafes, casual restaurants and cute souvenir shops. Kanoni Beach is the most beautiful beach on the island, but bring or buy water shoes as the beaches are rocky and not sandy.

• Attractions: Kanoni Beach, Kassiopi Fortress, Engagement Bay
• Accommodation: Budget and mid-range hotels and holiday homes.

Sidari

Sidari is one of the most important tourist towns on the north side of the island. There are many nice hotels here aimed at families with small children. Sidari has a great main street full of many restaurants and cafes and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors can rent kayaks and pedal boats from the main beach, Paralia Sidari, to visit the nearby sea caves.

• Attractions: Paralia Sidari, Canal d’Amour Beach, Sidari Water Sports, Cape Drastis
• Accommodation: Mid-range and budget-friendly hotels on the beach.

How to get there

With the plane: Corfu International Airport is very small and easy to navigate. There are many international and domestic flights daily, including from Spain, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Italy. You can island hop to different Greek island groups by connecting via Athens.

By ferry: Ferry is my favorite means of transport between the Greek islands. Although it takes more time than a short flight, most ferries resemble cruise ships and offer luxuries like private rooms, restaurants, and Wi-Fi. There are ferries between Corfu and the other islands, mainland Greece and even countries like Italy and Albania. If you like a slower pace of travel, you’ll love the ferries. Check Ferryhopper for the best deals on tickets.

How to get around

The driving: Renting a car is the best way to explore the island. Corfu is much larger than the most popular Greek islands such as Santorini, so you will definitely need a car rather than an ATV, moped or taking the bus. This allows for more flexibility in your schedule and allows you to reach places that are not near a bus line.
Public transport: Taking the public bus is the most affordable transportation option. Corfu’s bus routes are reliable, cost just a few euros and are easy to navigate. I’ve taken the bus a few times and never had any problems. The only downside is that it takes a while to get from one part of the island to the other, and if the bus is full you may have to wait in the blazing sun for the next bus to arrive.