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Bucket list destination:

Corfu

  • Corfu, Greek Islands, Greece

Last updated: 22 September, 2024
Expert travel writer: John Malathronas

The British have developed a deep connection to this fertile and fragrant island, whose dramatic landscape of sandy coastlines and turquoise waters sandwiched between wooded canyons feels like Britain in the Med: it’s greener than Kent, and even clocks the greatest rainfall in Greece.

Corfu and the Ionians feel Italian – more Bari than Paros – because they never experienced Ottoman occupation, moving from Byzantine control to rule from Venice. After a short French occupation, they passed to Great Britain and were gifted to Greece in 1864 upon the ascension to the throne of King George I.

Thus, along with the island’s Greek and Venetian aspect, it’s the vestiges of British culture (marching bands, cricket, ginger beer) that stand out.

Orientation

Corfu is the westernmost point in Greece at the junction of the Adriatic and Ionian seas, only 35km from Albania, at its closest point.

Corfu Town lies on the east of the island and its Historic Centre, a UNESCO site, is a walker’s delight.

Hotel-resorts in Corfu tend to be self-contained and spread out all over, built on their own stretch of shoreline.

Food & Drink

As might be expected, Corfiot cuisine owes much to the Venetians and uses a base of tomatoes and garlic for most dishes.

Pride of place goes to pastitsio (minced meat with bugatini pasta under a topping of bechamel), the Greek answer to lasagne.

Try also the sofrito (veal in white wine), bordetto (scorpion fish in a tomato, garlic and hot pepper sauce) and tsigarelli (local mountain greens in a, yes, tomato and garlic sauce).

There’s no way you won’t be trying tzitzibira (a non-alcoholic ginger beer) which is drunk in cafes as an alternative to Coke or lemonade.

The other drink to order is kumquat liqueur; the kumquat tree native to South-East Asia was introduced to Corfu by Sidney Merlin, a member of a British landowning family and immediately won the hearts and minds of the locals.

Also see John’s round-up of the best traditional Greek foods you must try in Greece.

Tours, tickets & transfers

16

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

  • Corfu

Embark on a Half Day or Full-Day Sightseeing Tour around Corfu' s most iconic landmarks in the comfort of your private vehicle and discover the Best that Corfu has to offer! Visit the imposing Achillion Palace, once home of Empress Elizabeth of Austria, explore the natural beauty spot of Paleokastritsa and lose yourself in the cobblestone streets of the UNESCO-recognised historical centre of Corfu Town!

Price €150

Min age 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [146 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Corfu

Enjoy a panoramic drive around the lovely island of Corfu. From the comfort of your coach, see many of the sights the island is famous for such as Palaiokastritsa resort, the Lakones area with a stunning view of the Ionian Sea, and Corfu Old Town. We will make sure you get as much knowledge as possible before leaving the island. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the island's most precious treasures, the Koum Kouat tree, the Olive Tree, and their products. You will also get great pictures around Palaiokastritsa Bay and the opportunity to join an optional boat trip to its legendary caves or admire the beauty of a local Byzantine monastery, as well the Balcony of the Gods in Lakones Village. Here you will have a Greek snack taste before continuing to the UNESCO site of the Old Town of Corfu.

Price €65

Min age 0

Rating 4.23 / 5 [137 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Corfu

Explore beautiful Corfu the way you wish on this private tour. Traveling by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, make the most of the custom itinerary and let your guide know what you want to see and do. Perhaps visit highlights such as Paleokastritsa famous for its natural beauty; the UNESCO World Heritage Corfu Town, a 15th century olive mill or simply relax on the famous Glyfada beach. Opt for a private guide for a more comprehensive experience.

Price €150

Min age 0

Rating 4.98 / 5 [108 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Corfu

- Customize your own sightseeing Trip and spend a day exploring Corfu your way with a local private driver - See top Corfu attractions, relax on the white sands of Corfu’s beaches, enjoy a boat cruise or ask for a culinary dive into Corfu's urban Foodscene - You can choose to have a professional guide join you throughout the tour for a more comprehensive experience.

Price €125

Min age 0

Rating 4.73 / 5 [76 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Travel advice

When to go

The best time to visit is spring when the flowers bloom, especially during Easter, when brass bands march around Corfu Town.

Unlike other islands, the high season in July and August does not feel that crammed – the capital excepted – because the island is large and resorts are spread around.

Beware the autumn rains that come sometime in September shortening the season; October is definitely out.

Getting there and away

Corfu’s Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport lies 2km south of Corfu Town with good connections to the centre.

There are over 30 ferry crossings daily in season to Italy (Brindisi, Ancona, Bari and all the way to Venice), Albania  (Saranda and Himare) and to Greece (Igoumenitsa) from Corfu’s two ferry ports: the main one 3km west of Corfu Town and a smaller one at Lefkimmi in the south operating only crossings to Igoumenitsa.

Getting around

Buses are frequent and cheap connecting Corfu Town with every village of note on the island, as well as to Athens and Thessaloniki. Extra services operate in the summer to seasonal resorts.

Because of this, taxis are only worth hiring locally.

Where to stay

First-timers should definitely budget for 2-3 days sightseeing in and around Corfu Town. So maybe choose resorts close to the capital: Gouvia with its fish tavernas, Ypsos/Pyrgi with their wide selection of activities in the north or bougainvillaea-strewn Benitses in the south.

Leafy Palaiokastritsa on the west coast is also a great introduction to the island with good connections to the capital.

Kavos in the extreme southeast is Corfu’s youthful 24/7 party capital, so avoid if you are not into drunken antics.

Where to eat or drink

For the best restaurants head for Corfu Town. The Venetian Well is set in a 15th-century square riffing well on Corfiot/Italian fare while Mpakalogatos in Corfu Old Town is a traditional ouzeri where you order a glass of ouzo and a plate of meze.

For a fish feast, go to Toula’s at Agni Bay for crayfish moussaka and her own inimitable bourdetto.

Where to shop

You’ll find the jazziest shops under the arcades of Liston at Corfu Town, on the central avenue built by the French, modelled on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris and just as elegant.