Greek Islands · Destination Guide
Corfu
Greece
Corfu is different from almost every other Greek island. Where the Cyclades are rocky and sun-bleached, Corfu is lush, green and beautifully dramatic. Over four million olive trees cover the island. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architecture tells the story of centuries of Venetian, French and British rule, and the result is one of the most distinctive and characterful islands in the Mediterranean.
People who love Corfu really love it. Many come back year after year, and it is not hard to understand why.
Corfu Town is the obvious base for first-time visitors. The UNESCO-listed old town is beautiful to wander, with its Venetian alleyways, elegant Liston promenade, imposing fortresses and wonderful restaurants. For beaches and a more resort-style feel, Paleokastritsa on the west coast is widely regarded as the most beautiful spot on the island, with its dramatic coves and clear azure water. Kassiopi in the north is a charming fishing village that offers a quieter, more local atmosphere. For families wanting a full resort experience, the north-east coast around Dassia and Ipsos has excellent facilities.
Start with the old town. Get lost in the narrow kantounia, the alleys that wind between Venetian buildings. Stop for coffee along the Liston arcade overlooking Spianada Square, the largest public square in Greece. Visit the Achilleion Palace, once the retreat of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, with its extraordinary gardens and panoramic views.
The beaches are varied and wonderful. Canal d'Amour near Sidari is genuinely romantic, a sandstone cove with clear water. Glyfada on the west coast is a long sandy beach with excellent facilities. For something quieter, Porto Timoni involves a short walk but rewards you with one of the most beautiful double-coved beaches in Greece.
Corfu is the Greek island for people who love culture as much as they love the beach. It gives you both in abundance.
Food in Corfu has a distinctly Italian influence thanks to centuries of Venetian rule. The local dish sofrito, veal cooked slowly in white wine and garlic, is something you will not find on many other Greek islands. Wash it down with local Corfu beer or kumquat liqueur, made from the tiny golden oranges that are unique to the island.
Late May to mid-June and September are the best times to visit. Temperatures sit around 25 to 30 degrees, the sea is warm, and the island is lively without the intense crowds of high summer. July and August are busy and hot. Easter is spectacular in Corfu, with musical traditions and pot-smashing ceremonies that are unlike anything else in Greece.
Direct flights from major UK airports operate from late March to October, with a flight time of around two and a half to three hours. The island is compact enough to explore without a car if you are staying in Corfu Town, but hiring a car opens up the coastline beautifully.
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