Holidays to Corfu
Corfu highlights
Old Town
Kick off your holiday in Corfu by exploring its UNESCO World Heritage–listed Old Town and fortifications. Here, you’ll find the history of Corfu written in its architecture, from Venetian fortresses to British Neoclassical structures. Nestled between the Old Fortress and the misleadingly named New Fortress (it was built in 1572), Corfu’s Old Town hosts museums, restaurants and many churches. Stroll through the Central Market for a taste of Corfiot life.
Achilleion Palace
Achilleion Palace’s Romantic beauty belies its tragic origin as a refuge for Empress Elisabeth of Austria after the death of her only son. Admire the Italianate architecture and the many statues inspired by figures from Greek mythology. Stroll through the gardens to take in the monuments, greenery and views of the Ionian Sea. You’ll soon see why Corfu so captivated a heartbroken queen.
The Corfu Trail
Holidays to Corfu are rich in outdoor adventure. Stretching from the north to the south of the island, the Corfu Trail allows you to explore the rugged interiors most tourists miss. Sound too strenuous? Consider hiking Mount Pantokrator, whose overlooks offer panoramic views of the Ionian islands and Albanian coast.
Corfu: Know before you go
| Language | Greek |
|---|---|
| Currency | euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST) |
| High season | July – August |
| Low season | November – March |
Find the best time to go to Corfu
Weather in Corfu
March – May: Spring in Corfu is generally mild, warming up as the season goes on. Temperatures reach as high as 24°C, and you’ll see the least rain in May.
June – August: Summer brings hot, sunny and dry days — in other words, perfect beach weather. Get your hikes in early as daytime temperatures peak at around 32°C.
September – November: Early autumn might just be the best time to visit Corfu — it feels like summer minus all the island-hopping tourists. The rain usually starts picking up in November.
December – February: Winters in Corfu are rainy but relatively mild compared to mainland Greece. The occasional cold spell isn’t uncommon, and on rare occasions, Mount Pantokrator could see a sprinkling of snow.
Events in Corfu
Corfiot Carnival (February or March): Inspired by Venetian Carnival traditions, locals dress up in vibrant costumes and take to the streets. Expect a high-spirited parade in Corfu Town, plus parties and performances across the island.
Holy Week (March, April or May): Timed around Greek Orthodox Easter, this eight-day celebration starts with candlelit processions and special church masses. It ends with musical performances, church bells and locals tossing clay pots onto the streets.
Varkarola Festival (August): In 1716, Corfu famously held off the Turkish army. Islanders celebrate that battle, along with their patron saint, in spectacular fashion with fireworks, dancing and a ceremonial burning of a boat in the sea.
The best neighbourhoods in Corfu
Old Town
Old Town Corfu is the best neighbourhood to stay in Corfu for those who want culture with their cocktails. It’s packed with everything you could need in a city break, from interesting architecture to sweeping views to colourful nightlife. Need more convincing? The Old Town is surrounded by some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.
Good for: History, architecture, nightlife
Agios Gordios
The forested foothills of an imposing mountain provide the backdrop for Agios Gordios, where cliffside accommodation boasts sensational views of the bay below. This is where to stay in Corfu if you want easy access to a sandy beach with sun loungers and umbrellas. It’s also a fun neighbourhood for evening cocktails.
Good for: Sea views, the beach, bars
Gouvia
Cheerful Gouvia has everything a traveller needs, from Greek tavernas and international restaurants to a nightclub in the middle of the village and a natural harbour to take boat trips from. Mobility-impaired travellers in particular might consider this neighbourhood for its excellent Seatrac system that allows you to easily cross the sand and access the sea.
Good for: Boat trips, restaurants, accessible beaches
Things to do in Corfu
Take in the culture
Corfu has a healthy share of museums, including the Archaeological Museum of Corfu and the Corfu Museum of Asian Art. The Folk Museum Lefkimi is a lovingly curated collection of more than 3,000 historical items documenting life in Corfu. Make sure also to visit the ruins of the Old Fortress — even if history isn’t your thing, you’ll still get impressive views here.
Shopping
Shopping in Corfu is mainly found in the island’s central area. Pick up local products from the Patounis Olive Soap Shop, a family business that has been making soap since 1850. Other treasures to look for are olive wood sculptures, leather goods and the island’s famous kumquat liqueur.
Family friendly things to do
Searching for things to do with family in Corfu? The Casa Parlante Museum and its cast of robotic characters bring to life Corfu’s 19th-century nobility. Or try the Trailriders Horse Trekking centre. It’s ideally located for exploring the historical village of Ano Korakiana and the foothills of Mount Pantokrator (suitable for ages 6+).
Beaches
Divided by a lush strip of land with a golden beach on either side, Porto Timoni is one of the best and most unique beaches in Corfu. If you’re on the hunt for a soulmate, opt for the Canal D’Amour — superstition has it that those who pass each other within its narrow channel will eventually marry.
Places to eat
While its cosmopolitan history ensures a huge variety of international dining, the best restaurants in Corfu are the family-run tavernas showcasing healthy, fresh ingredients like lamb, fish and olive oil. Proximity to Italy and 400 years of Venetian rule mean you’ll find great Italian food here. Look for regional favourite ‘sofrito’, a fried veal served in a garlic and wine sauce.
Nightlife
The village of Kavos is the island’s party centre, with plenty of pubs, bars and clubs. If the days of foam parties and dancing till dawn are behind you, look for nightlife in Corfu in the lively Old Town. Try the Cavalier Roof Garden for the island’s best rooftop views.
Get ready for Corfu
Budget
It’s easy to enjoy a cheap holiday in Corfu, as prices are relatively low across the island. For even bigger bargains, consider travelling during the shoulder seasons. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around ten euros (€), and a domestic beer is less than €4. If you need to take a short taxi ride, expect to spend about €5.
Day Trips from Corfu
One of the most popular day trips from Corfu is to the island of Paxos. A ferry can get you there in as little as 45 minutes to explore its sleepy villages and blissfully empty beaches. Or take a private day cruise around Paxos and the even tinier isle of Antipaxos, with visits to enchanting sea caves along the way.
Getting Around Corfu
Corfu has a sound bus network that will take you to the most popular villages, beaches and ports. To explore the island in its entirety and make the most of your Corfu holiday, we recommend hiring a car. Old Town Corfu and beach towns like Gouvia are ideal for walking from your hotel to shops, bars and restaurants.
