Corfu Travel Guide: Insider Tips & Greece Travel Blog

• By Air: Corfu International Airport (CFU) is the most convenient way to reach the island, offering connections to major European cities, especially in summer.
• By Ferry:
  • From Mainland Greece: Ferries run from Igoumenitsa (1-2 hours). There are also seasonal ferries from Patras.
  • From Italy: Ferries operate from Bari, Brindisi, and Ancona (8-15 hours).
• By Car: You can drive from Athens to Igoumenitsa (5-6 hours), then take a ferry to Corfu.
• By Bus: KTEL buses operate from major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki to Igoumenitsa, where you can catch a ferry.

• Renting a Car: Ideal for flexibility and freedom, car rentals allow you to explore remote beaches and villages. Be cautious when driving, as roads can be narrow and winding.
• Public Transportation:
  • Blue Buses: Local routes around Corfu Town and nearby areas, like Kanoni and Achilleion Palace.
  • Green Buses: Connect Corfu Town to other parts of the island, such as Paleokastritsa and Sidari.
• Taxis: Available around Corfu Town, the airport, and tourist spots. Ensure the fare is clear before starting longer trips.
• Scooters, ATVs, and Bicycles: Ideal for adventurous travelers, scooters and ATVs handle narrow roads well, while bicycles are great for exploring flatter areas.
• Boat Rentals and Ferries: Renting a small boat is a popular way to access hidden coves. No license is required for smaller vessels. Ferries also connect Corfu with the mainland and nearby islands like Paxos.
• Walking: Corfu Town and many villages are best explored on foot. Hiking trails, such as the Corfu Trail, offer fantastic views and lush landscapes.
• Organized Tours and Private Drivers: For a hassle-free experience, consider organized tours or hiring a private driver for a more personalized service.

Corfu offers year-round charm, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences:

• Spring (March to May): A beautiful time with blooming flowers, mild weather (15°C-25°C), and fewer tourists. Ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
• Summer (June to August): Peak tourist season with hot weather (25°C-35°C), perfect for beach lovers. Be prepared for crowds and higher prices.
• Autumn (September to November): Warm weather (20°C-30°C) and fewer tourists. Excellent for swimming in early autumn and hiking in late autumn.
• Winter (December to February): Quiet and peaceful with mild temperatures (10°C-15°C). Great for exploring Corfu Town and enjoying solitude, but many tourist services may be closed.

• Best for Beach Lovers: Summer (June to August).
• Best for Sightseeing: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).
• Best for peace: Winter (December to February).

• Luxury: Ikos Dassia, Corfu Imperial, Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa
• Mid-range: Mayor Mon Repos Palace, Corfu Holiday Palace
• Budget: The Pink Palace, Sunrock Backpackers Hostel

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• Old Corfu Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site with Venetian architecture, narrow alleys, and historic squares.
• Spianada Square: Greece’s largest square, perfect for strolling and enjoying cafes.
• Liston Promenade: Inspired by Paris’s Rue de Rivoli, lined with cafes and restaurants.

• Old Fortress: Offering stunning views of Corfu Town and the sea.
• New Fortress: Another Venetian structure with panoramic views.
• Achilleion Palace: Built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known for its beautiful gardens and statues of Achilles.
• Mon Repos Estate: A neoclassical villa with archaeological significance.

• Archaeological Museum: Featuring artifacts from ancient Corfu.
• Museum of Asian Art: Located in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George.
• Byzantine Museum: Displaying icons and religious artifacts.

• Paleokastritsa Beach: Known for its stunning beauty and clear waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and boat trips.
• Glyfada Beach: A popular sandy beach with a lively atmosphere and water sports.
• Agios Gordios Beach: Surrounded by cliffs and greenery, with a mix of sand and pebbles.
• Issos Beach: Famous for its golden dunes and ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing.
• Myrtiotissa Beach: Secluded, known for natural beauty and a nudist-friendly area.
• Sidari Beach (Canal d’Amour): Unique rock formations with a romantic legend.
• Barbati Beach: A serene, pebbly beach perfect for snorkeling.
• Agios Stefanos Beach: A family-friendly sandy beach with shallow waters.
• Rovinia Beach: A secluded beach surrounded by cliffs, near Paleokastritsa.
• Kassiopi Beaches: Pebble beaches with calm waters, ideal for snorkeling.
• Best 35 Sandy Corfu Beaches Ultimate Guide

• Mount Pantokrator: The island’s highest peak, with hiking trails and panoramic views.
• Lake Korission: A lagoon with diverse wildlife, near Issos Beach.
• Corfu Trail: A long-distance hiking trail that traverses the island.

• Highlights:
  • Old Fortress: Panoramic views of the town and the sea.
  • Spianada Square: The largest square in Greece, surrounded by historic buildings and cafes.
  • Liston Promenade: An arcaded street perfect for people-watching.
  • St. Spyridon Church: Dedicated to Corfu’s patron saint.

• Highlights:
  • Paleokastritsa Monastery: A beautiful 13th-century monastery with panoramic views.
  • Beaches: Ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Boat Trips: Explore hidden caves and secluded beaches.

• Highlights:
  • Statues and Art: Admire the statues of Achilles and other Greek heroes.
  • Gardens: Enjoy stunning sea views from the landscaped gardens.
  • Interior Tour: Learn about the palace’s fascinating history.

• Highlights:
  • Kassiopi Castle: Byzantine-era fortress ruins offering scenic views.
  • Beaches: Relax on Bataria and Kanoni beaches.
  • Harbor Area: Enjoy waterfront tavernas or take a boat trip.

• Highlights:
  • Canal d’Amour: Unique rock formations where legend has it that couples who swim through will stay together forever.
  • Beaches: Enjoy sandy shores with calm waters.
  • Nightlife: Sidari offers a lively nightlife with bars and restaurants.

• Highlights:
  • Beach: Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
  • Kaiser’s Throne: A nearby viewpoint offering panoramic island views.

• Highlights:
  • Beach: Enjoy long sandy stretches ideal for swimming and sunset views.
  • Local Taverns: Try authentic Greek cuisine in beachfront restaurants.

• Highlights:
  • Hiking Trails: Explore scenic paths leading to the summit.
  • Pantokrator Monastery: A 17th-century monastery at the peak.
  • Views: On clear days, see as far as Albania and mainland Greece.

• Highlights:
  • Traditional Stone Houses: Well-preserved old stone buildings.
  • Tavernas: Enjoy local cuisine in charming, traditional settings.
  • Hiking: Explore the surrounding scenic landscapes.

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• Corfu Carnival: Celebrate the island’s famous carnival, known for its lively parades, colorful costumes, and festive atmosphere, a tradition influenced by Venetian customs.
• Saint Spyridon’s Legacy: Saint Spyridon, the island’s beloved patron saint, holds a special place in Corfu’s history. Explore historical sites dedicated to his memory, including the Church of Saint Spyridon in Corfu Town, and experience the four annual processions that celebrate his miracles.
• Corfiot Dialect: Discover the charm of the Corfiot dialect, a blend of Greek with Venetian and Italian influences, with unique words that reflect the island’s rich linguistic history.
• Corfu Easter: Experience the island’s most important religious event, Corfu Easter, renowned for its grand processions, music, and the famous tradition of “pot smashing,” where clay pots are thrown from balconies in celebration.

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• Local Flavors: Corfu is known for its traditional tavernas where you can enjoy local dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Be sure to try Corfiot specialties like Pastitsada (a rich beef stew with pasta), Sofrito (veal in a white wine sauce), and Bourdeto (spicy fish stew).
• Where to Go:
  • Avli in Corfu Town: A charming taverna serving authentic Corfiot dishes in a cozy setting.
  • To Alatopipero in Kassiopi: Known for its fresh seafood and traditional recipes.
  • Taverna Agni in Agni Bay: A waterfront taverna offering fresh fish and local specialties with stunning views.

• Fresh from the Sea: Being an island, Corfu offers an abundance of fresh seafood. Enjoy dishes like grilled octopus, calamari, and freshly caught fish.
• Where to Go:
  • Etrusco in Kato Korakiana: A Michelin-recommended restaurant offering innovative Greek and Mediterranean dishes with a focus on seafood.
  • Rex Restaurant in Corfu Town: A historic restaurant serving both traditional Corfiot dishes and fresh seafood.
  • Toula’s Seaside in Agni Bay: Known for its gourmet seafood dishes and stunning seaside location.

• Elegant Dining Experiences: For those seeking a more refined dining experience, Corfu offers several upscale restaurants where you can enjoy gourmet cuisine in elegant settings.
• Where to Go:
  • The Venetian Well in Corfu Town: A fine dining restaurant offering a fusion of Mediterranean and Corfiot flavors in a romantic setting.
  • Pomo D’Oro in Corfu Town: An intimate restaurant offering creative Mediterranean dishes with a focus on local ingredients.

• Quick Bites: For a more casual dining experience, you’ll find plenty of eateries offering delicious and affordable options. Try a Souvlaki (grilled meat skewer) or Gyros (meat wrapped in pita bread with vegetables and sauce) from one of the many street food vendors.
• Where to Go:
  • Pane e Souvlaki in Corfu Town: A popular spot for casual Greek street food with a modern twist.
  • Taverna Tripa in Kinopiastes: A rustic taverna offering hearty, traditional dishes in a laid-back setting.

• Elegant Bars and Lounges: Corfu Town offers a sophisticated nightlife scene with chic bars, stylish lounges, and live music venues.
• Where to Go:
  • Cavalieri Hotel Rooftop Bar: Enjoy panoramic views of Corfu Town while sipping on cocktails.
  • Bristol Café: A popular bar in the heart of Corfu Town known for its vibrant atmosphere and live music.
  • Eikones Jazz Bar: A cozy bar offering live jazz and blues music in an intimate setting.

• Party Central: Kavos, located on the southern tip of Corfu, is the island’s party capital. It’s the place to be if you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene with plenty of bars, clubs, and beach parties.
• Where to Go:
  • Atlantis: A beachfront club known for its all-night parties and international DJs.
  • Future Club: One of the biggest clubs in Kavos, featuring top DJs and a vibrant atmosphere.
  • The Barn: A popular bar in Kavos offering live music, DJs, and a great party vibe.

• Lively Yet Laid-Back: Sidari offers a fun yet relaxed nightlife scene with a mix of bars, pubs, and live entertainment.
• Where to Go:
  • Fever Bar: A lively bar offering karaoke nights, live music, and a fun atmosphere.
  • The Hive: A popular spot for cocktails and dancing, with a great outdoor seating area.
  • Cactus Bar: Known for its friendly vibe and a great selection of drinks.

• Beachside Vibes: For those who prefer a more laid-back nightlife experience, the beachside areas of Glyfada and Paleokastritsa offer relaxed bars where you can enjoy a drink while listening to the waves.
• Where to Go:
  • Pazuzu in Glyfada: A trendy beach bar with a lively atmosphere, known for its cocktails and sunset views.
  • La Grotta Beach Bar in Paleokastritsa: A hidden gem built into the cliffs, offering stunning views and a chilled-out vibe.
  • Akron Beach Bar: Located on the beach, this spot offers a mix of relaxation during the day and lively music in the evening.

• Cultural Experience: For a more authentic Greek nightlife experience, many tavernas and restaurants host traditional Greek nights with live music, dancing, and plenty of food and drink.
• Where to Go:
  • Taverna Tripa in Kinopiastes: Famous for its traditional Greek nights with live music and dancing.
  • Nikos Taverna in Paleokastritsa: A great spot to enjoy live Greek music and dancing in a lively setting.

• Corfu Cuisine: Enjoy Corfiot dishes like Sofrito, Pastitsada, and Bourdeto at local tavernas.
• Best restaurants in Corfu
• Nightlife and Clubs: Kavos offers lively bars and clubs, while Corfu Town has numerous cafes and bars for a relaxed evening.

• Corfu Town Map: Navigate the charming, cobbled streets of the island’s capital, including the UNESCO-listed Old Town.
• All Corfu Maps: Explore Corfu with 6 large maps available in both Greek and English for easy use.

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• Transportation: Renting a car or scooter is highly recommended for exploring the island’s diverse attractions and hidden gems. Public buses are available but may run less frequently, making private transport a more convenient option.
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn (May to October) offers the most favorable weather for enjoying Corfu. Keep in mind that July and August are peak tourist months, so consider traveling during the shoulder seasons for a more relaxed experience.
• Local Etiquette: Greeks are known for their warm hospitality. Enhancing your experience by learning a few basic Greek phrases and respecting local customs can make your stay more enjoyable and immersive.

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