Corfu

Located in the Ionian Sea, the idyllic Corfu is one of the most famous holiday destinations in Greece, known for its beaches, natural landscapes, traditions, and local delicacies.

Find all the information you need about Corfu: must-see locations, beaches, nightlife, food recommendations, and ferry schedules. Book cheap ferry tickets to Corfu on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees!

The traditional mountain village of Giannarades

Vacation in Corfu

The island of Corfu, Kerkyra in Greek, is located in the north Ionian Sea. Known for its elegant style, impressive architecture and many historical monuments, the island is guaranteed to take your breath away.

A great starting point for your holidays in Corfu is the Old Town, located close to the main port. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has a unique natural and cultural beauty with its narrow alleys and majestic mansions.

The island has a long coastline with many beautiful beaches to discover. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday destination or a getaway option for couples and groups of friends, Corfu has everything you can ask for!

The best time to visit Corfu is from June to September, during the high season. Alternatively, you can plan a trip during Easter and enjoy local traditions and delicacies.

The emblematic Vlacherna Monastery and the islet of Pontikonisi in the background

How to get to Corfu

You can get to Corfu from mainland Greece by ferry or by plane. There are also flights to Corfu from more European countries, as well as seasonal ferry connections with 3 ports in Italy and a year-round ferry connection with 1 port in Albania.

See all Corfu ferry schedules below.

Tip: the Corfu International Airport is 2 km from the main town and 3 km from the closest port.

What to do in Corfu

Corfu is one of the largest Greek islands, boasting a diverse and interesting history that dates back to the Paleolithic Period.

There are plenty of things to see and do in Corfu. You can visit the island’s beautiful sandy beaches, explore castles and old mansions, experience its lively nightlife, and taste local delicacies.

Below, you can find detailed information for your holidays on the island, including the best beaches and the hidden gems of sightseeing!

Beaches in Corfu

The beaches of Corfu are great for swimming, diving and relaxation! Have a look at some picture-perfect beaches that Ferryhopper recommends:

• Rovinia: an idyllic beach, remote and great for relaxation. Its emerald waters, white pebbles, impressive rock formations, and green surroundings offer magnificent views. Keep in mind that there is limited shade at this beach.
• Paleokastritsa: this beach has been awarded with a Blue Flag certification for its quality and sustainable environmental management. It is a popular spot for water sports. 
• Halikounas: if you prefer sandy swimming spots with strong winds, make sure to visit Halikounas, the largest beach in Corfu. Here, you can try windsurfing, kitesurfing and other water sports.
• Issos: it’s a large sandy beach, located next to the cedar forest of Korission.
• Glyfada: close to the main town, it is one of the most popular beaches on the island. It is a perfect option for families, with its blue waters, various services, and many tavernes and bars nearby.
• Agios Gordios: this is a large, popular beach with golden sand, shallow waters and impressive greenery. You can find plenty of sun loungers and restaurants.
• Canal d' Amour: this is one of the most famous beaches in Corfu, thanks to its impressive landscapes. Canal d’ Amour was formed due to the corrosive power of the sea on the sandstone, which has created several caves and passages. If you’re visiting in the summer, make sure to arrive early to find a good spot!
• Mirtiotissa: this is a wild, remote beach with natural surroundings, which is also nudist-friendly. To get there, you need to drive on a narrow dirt road.
• Stelari: this is a heavenly pebble beach with crystal-clear waters and beautiful greenery. The only way to visit Stelari is by boat.
• Porto Timoni: this is one of the least explored beaches in Corfu, despite its amazing landscape. It is made up of 2 sandy coasts and is ideal for underwater exploration and snorkeling. There’s also a small sea cave with reinvigorating waters. The beach is only accessible by boat or via a hiking trail.

The idyllic coasts of Porto Timoni and Limni

Sightseeing and activities in Corfu

There are numerous monuments in Corfu, all of which encompass the island’s rich history. As for its natural landscapes, there are wild mountains, impressive waterfalls and dreamy viewpoints.

Here are some of the most popular sights and best experiences in Corfu:

• Archaeological Museum of Corfu: here, you can admire impressive findings and learn more about the past of the island. The museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility and vision impairment.
• Old Fortress of Corfu: this Venetian fortress emerged during Byzantine times and offers beautiful views.
• Spianada Square and Liston Street: this is one of the largest squares in Europe. You can find the famous Liston Street right by the square, with its French architecture and elegant cafés.
• Kanoni: this is a cosmopolitan neighborhood, ideal for walking and getting to know the beautiful architecture of the island.
• Achilleion Palace: this palace was built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria in honor of Achilles, the mythical Greek hero. You can admire the palace’s marvelous architecture and explore beautiful gardens.
• Angelokastro Castle: this Byzantine castle is built on the top of a steep hill. It takes about 20 minutes to reach it on foot. The climbing will reward you with an impressive view.
• Korission Lagoon: the lagoon of Korission is the largest lagoon in Corfu with great biodiversity and protected by the Natura 2000 treaty. Here, you can take a walk through reeds, tamarisk trees, cedars, and sand dunes!
• Nymfes Waterfalls: these impressive waterfalls are located in a lush forest. To get there, you first have to reach the village of Nymfes and then follow a 2-km dirt road.
• Mount Pantokrator: it’s the highest mountain in Corfu (about 900 m). Here, you can visit pretty picturesque villages, follow hiking trails and enjoy views of the Ionian Sea and the coast of Albania.

Columns of the majestic Achilleion Palace with colored capitals

Nightlife in Corfu

Corfu is an island with nightlife options for all tastes! In the Old Town and nearby villages, there are many traditional and fine-dining restaurants, nightclubs, bars, and tavernes. From trying out local delicacies to experiencing the island’s vibrant nightlife, Corfu has everything you need!

If you’re looking for some relaxation under the moonlight, we recommend you have a drink at Liston Gastrotheque in the Old Town.

Alternatively, if you want to dive deep into the energetic nightlife of Corfu, you can visit the clubs at Emporiko, located close to the port. Other popular resorts include Acharavi, Paleokastritsa, Sidari, Benitses, and Dasia. 

Food in Corfu

Corfu is one of Greece’s gastronomic capitals. The island is famous for its traditional cuisine and delicious products, encompassing several culinary traditions.

During your holidays in Corfu, we recommend trying:

• pastitsada (pasta with braised meat and fresh tomato-based sauce)
• sofrito (veal cooked in wine with garlic and parsley)
• bourdeto (fish cooked in red pepper broth)
• bianco (fish stew with garlic and lemon juice)
• savoro (fish cooked with garlic, vinegar and rosemary)
• mandolato (soft nougat with honey and almonds)
• kumquat (citrus fruit used to make alcoholic drinks, marmalade and spoon sweets)

A scenic alley with restaurants in the Old Town of Corfu

Villages in Corfu

Apart from visiting the impressive town of Corfu, we recommend exploring the scenic villages of the island.

Here are some of our favorite places on the island:

• Corfu Town: the capital of Corfu, with impressive buildings and cute little shops. Here, you can observe how the island’s architecture has been influenced by Venetian, French and British artistry.
• Agios Mattheos: mountain village that dates back to the 16th century CE. There are numerous narrow alleys, stone-built mansions and beautiful squares for you to explore.
• Old Perithia (Palea Peritheia): this is the “ghost” village of Old Perithia, an uninhabited village nested in wild greenery, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
• Varipatades: listed as a cultural heritage site, this village offers a magical mix of traditional houses, impressive mansions and charming alleys.
• Giannades: it’s a traditional mountain village with superb architecture. Here, you can enjoy beautiful views and try out traditional delicacies at the local kafeneia and tavernes.
• Kassiopi: this charming village of unspoiled beauty is a busy tourist resort with a vivid nightlife and fantastic restaurants. If you’re in Corfu on the 15th of August (Dormition of Virgin Mary), you can attend the village’s various festivals and celebrations.
• Sinarades: in the village of Sinarades, you can lose yourself in scenic alleys and try the traditional Corfiot noumboulo (cured pork) at a local taverna.

The picturesque Old Town and fortress of Corfu under dim sunset light

Tips for Corfu

Read below our top tips for your vacation on the island of Corfu:

• We highly suggest visiting Corfu during Easter and experiencing the amazing local traditions and celebrations throughout the Holy Week. One of the most memorable and unique festivities takes place on the day of Early Resurrection: locals throw large clay pots, known as botides, from balconies to celebrate life.
• Kavos, located in the southern part of the island, is one of the most popular destinations in the world for summer parties. It attracts many young travelers from the UK and other European countries thanks to its wild nightlife.
• In Corfu, you can easily get around by water taxi and discover more secluded parts of the island, including hidden beaches and coves. You can find water taxis in most major towns and ports of the island.

The exciting tradition of “botides” in Corfu Town

Useful information about Corfu

The large island of Corfu has everything you might need during your stay. In Corfu Town, there are ATMs, banks, gas stations, pharmacies, rental services, and a hospital.

When it comes to accommodation, there are numerous options across the island, including organized camping spots.

We highly recommend staying in Corfu Town, as it is located close to many attractions and beaches and has a variety of restaurants and bars. On the other hand, if you wish to relax by the sea during your vacation, there are numerous seaside hotels, resorts and villas.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Corfu

Here are some useful contacts for your holidays in Corfu:

• Corfu Port Authority: +302661045551
• Port of Lefkimmi: +302662023277
• Igoumenitsa Port Authority: +302665099400
• Port of Igoumenitsa: +302665099300
• Corfu General Hospital: +302661360400
• Tourist Police: +302661029168
• Public bus service (KTEL): +302661028900
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Corfu

When it comes to transportation in Corfu, there are buses that travel across the island. This is a convenient way to move around and explore central locations, as well as secluded villages and beaches.

You can also find taxi ranks. If you want to explore every corner of the island, however, we suggest you bring your own vehicle or rent one. There are various rental services to choose from all over the island.

Ports in Corfu

The island of Corfu has 2 ports: the port of Corfu Town and the port of Lefkimmi. Ferries from the Corfu Town port, which is the island's main port, travel to Igoumenitsa, the Ionian Islands, Albania, and Italy. The port of Lefkimmi, located further southeast, primarily serves routes to the main port of Corfu as well as Igoumenitsa.

There is also a small marina in Sidari.

Island hopping from Corfu

Corfu is a great starting point for island hopping in the Ionian Sea. There are regular ferry departures from the port of Corfu Town and some from the port of Lefkimmi and Sidari.

The most popular ferry connection is from Corfu to Paxi, operated by the ferry companies Lefkada Palace, Joy Cruises and Kerkyra Lines. There are daily crossings from Corfu to Paxi all year round and the trip lasts from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours.

Other destinations that you can visit directly by ferry from Corfu are:

• Kefalonia (Sami)
• Zante (Zakynthos)
• Ithaki (Pisaetos)
• Lefkada
• Meganisi
• Ereikoussa
• Mathraki
• Othonoi

The frequency of the ferry crossings from Corfu to the rest of the Ionian Islands depends on seasonality and the company you’re traveling with.

Tip: on our Map of ferries, you can find more about the available connections and schedules, and book ferry tickets from Corfu to neighboring destinations in the Ionian Sea with no hidden fees.

The beautiful bay and harbor of Sidari in Corfu

Corfu ferry: schedules and tickets

You can easily travel by ferry to Corfu from the port of Igoumenitsa in mainland northwestern Greece. The Igoumenitsa - Corfu ferry route is available all year round, with at least 16 daily crossings and increased ferry frequency in the summer months. The duration of the ferry trip is around 1.5 hours. Tickets start at €5.

You can get to the port of Igoumenitsa from Thessaloniki in 3.5 hours by car or bus. Alternatively, you can get there from Athens in 5.5 hours by car or bus.

Ferries from Corfu to Italy

You can travel by ferry from Corfu to Italy during the summer. There are routes to Brindisi, Bari and Ancona, with all ferries to Italy having large car decks. As such, this is a popular and convenient way to travel with your car or caravan between Greece and Italy.

Find more information about ferry crossings from Corfu to Italy below:

• Corfu - Brindisi: the ferry from Corfu to Brindisi is available from June to September with around 3 crossings a week. Ferries reach Brindisi in about 6.5 hours.
• Corfu - Bari: the ferry from Corfu to Bari is available from June to September with up to 6 weekly crossings. The trip lasts from 8 to 10 hours 15 minutes.
• Corfu - Ancona: you can also catch a ferry from Corfu to Ancona. There are up to 5 weekly sailings to Ancona from June to September and the trip can last from 18.5 to 19.5 hours.

Tip: as the ferry trip from Corfu to Italy is long and usually overnight, we recommend booking a cabin to enjoy a more comfortable journey. Find out about the latest discounts and offers for ferries between Greece and Italy and book tickets at the best prices!

Ferries from Corfu to Albania

From Corfu, you can also travel directly to 1 port in Albania: Sarandë. The Corfu - Sarandë ferry crossing is available all year round with up to 30 daily departures in the summer. The trip can last from 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. The companies operating on this crossing are Finikas Lines, Ionian Seaways and Albania Luxury Ferries.

What ferries go to Corfu?

The ferry routes to Corfu are mostly served by standard ferries that allow you to bring along your vehicle.

The ferry routes to the port of Lefkimmi are mainly served by small passenger vessels.

The majestic Venetian fortress in Corfu Town

Book ferry tickets to Corfu online

On Ferryhopper, you can find all crossings to Corfu, compare prices and timetables, and book your ferry tickets online with no hidden fees! Your dreamy vacation in Corfu is just a few clicks away!