A first-timer's guide to Corfu, Greece

Corfu was one of the first mainstream Greek vacation destinations, and it remains one of the most popular.

Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Ionian sea, the island has a long and rich history and boasts impeccable architecture – with Venetian, French, and British influences – lush greenery, a versatile coastline with world-class beaches, delectable cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and kind-hearted, music-loving locals.

Plan your visit with our first-timer's guide to Corfu.

When should I travel to Corfu?

The Mediterranean climate makes Corfu a year-round destination, with each season offering a unique mix of relaxation, adventure and cultural interests.

The high season (June to September) is hot and busy, and the island’s tourist machine runs at full speed, with holidaymakers flocking to Corfu in the hundreds of thousands. Spring and autumn are quieter, the weather is pleasantly warm, and prices are reasonable. While winters can be rainy, a visitor can experience the island’s true colors, interact with the locals, and enjoy a truly authentic Greek experience.

Easter, in particular, is the best time to visit for an extraordinary cultural experience. A week of sanctity and devoutness is followed by the triumphant mayhem of church bells and clay pots thrown from balconies and breaking on the alleys’ cobblestones below. A thunderous cannonade from the fort is mixed with the sublime music of the island’s 18 – no less – philharmonic orchestras, creating an overwhelming atmosphere and celebrating the triumph of life over death.

The local carnival celebrations in February resemble those of Venice, attracting large crowds, and are a perfect opportunity for partying and all-out reveling.

How much time should I spend on Corfu?

Visitors are guaranteed a rewarding stay, whether it is for a long weekend or a full two-week vacation. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the perfect base if your time is limited. Here, you can lose yourself in the spectacular alleyways and piazzas, admire the unique architectural blend, visit the numerous museums, savor local fare in small, elegant restaurants, and join the fun of the vibrant nightlife.

For a longer stay, the island's lush nature and world-class beaches offer a variety of different things to do, ranging from outright relaxation to highly charged adventure.

Is it easy to get to and around Corfu?

Ioannis Kapodistrias is Corfu’s international airport (named after the first governor of Greece who was born on the island), and there are many daily flights to and from Athens, all year round. During the tourist season, a continuous stream of chartered flights makes the airport one of the busiest in the country.

There are daily ferry connections between Corfu and Igoumenitsa on the mainland and, during the summer months, the Italian cities of Brindisi, Bari and Angona. There are multiple daily connections to the other Ionian islands and Saranda, Albania.

The public transport is excellent. City buses (blue) and intercity KTEL (green) reach even the most remote villages and beaches of the island, with extra services during the peak months.

Plenty of taxis offer a more flexible and comfortable, but pricey, means of transport. However, as in many large island destinations, the best way to experience Corfu is to hire a car; plenty of quality rental companies operate on the island.

Top things to do on Corfu

There are a few unmissable sights, even if you plan to stay on Corfu for a few days.

• Even on the shortest stay on the island, make time for a stroll in the labyrinthine kantounia (alleys) of the Old Town. Stop for a leisurely coffee or a delicious kumquat liquer, made with the celebrated local "golden orange," along the Liston, the magnificent pedestrian arcade located on Greece’s largest public square, the Spianada.

• Achilleion Palace is a majestic building once home to Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sissy) and Kaiser Wilhelm II. Although the interior is undergoing restoration and is closed to the public, its marvelous gardens and panoramic views of the town and the island are well worth a visit.

• Wander the Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio), a magnificent Venetian construction built on a rocky peninsula — the old Byzantine capital’s site — that dominates the eastern part of the Old Town.

• For nature-loving and adventurous types, the Corfu Trail is a more than 200km (124-mile) route crossing the entire island from south to north. It passes through villages both inland and on the coast, where intrepid trekkers wishing to complete the trail can refuel and rest overnight. For those with less time or stamina, though, any part of the trail is a rewarding acquaintance with the island’s pristine nature.

• Corfu’s 217km (135-mile) coastline boasts countless stunning beaches, and it is impossible to visit them all during a single stay. There is a perfect match for every taste and preference, ranging from long sandy stretches to tiny pebbly bays and overcrowded cosmopolitan spots to deserted coves. The beaches nearby Palaiokastritsa, Benitses, Sidari and Porto Timoni, Agios Georgios Pagon, and Ipsos are just some of the island's best beaches.

• Romantic souls will absolutely adore the Canal d'amour, a psammite fjord with a wonderful, tiny beach. Legend has it that couples who swim in the canal stay in love forever. Bring a diving mask with a snorkel and arrive early in the morning to secure a spot on the beach.

My favorite thing to do on Corfu

The highlight of my Corfu vacation is taking a cruise to some of the island's most beautiful and remote corners. Especially during the summer, the island’s superb beaches can get extremely busy, so hiring a private small boat (no need for a professional license) is the ultimate escape from the crowds.

There are dozens of otherwise inaccessible bays and secluded small beaches, especially along the northeastern coast between Kalami and Kasiopi, and a day out there in the vast blueness with the bright sky above and the crystalline Ionian sea beneath is a treat for the senses.

What local foods should I try?

Corfu cuisine boasts several mouthwatering recipes that visitors can savor exclusively on the island. Top among them are sofrito, a garlicky veal dish cooked in wine; pastitsadha, local pasta with chicken or beef seasoned with myriad spices; and bourdeto, fish cooked in a red spicy sauce.

What's the best day trip from Corfu?

Unspoiled by tourism may sound like a meaningless cliché, but the three remote Diapontia islands of Othoni, Erikousa and Mathraki on the northernmost corner of Greece have been unduly overlooked by travel guides and visitors. Serene sandy beaches, small villages and tranquil footpaths render the islands the perfect getaway from the bustling crowds. There are regular daily connections by ferry, caïque and private mini-cruise.

How much money do I need for Corfu?

As in every other hugely popular destination, accommodations and service prices tend to peak during the busy months. However, Corfu offers choices for every budget, from backpackers to high-end travelers.

Public transport is very affordable, and there are plenty of casual local tavernas that won’t break the budget. Of course, the sky is the limit for those who want and can enjoy a luxurious stay with every possible desire catered for. Here is a guideline to daily costs in Corfu.

• Hostel dorm €25–40

• Basic room for two €60–100

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): €90–150

• Intercity public transport ticket €2–5 (depending on distance)

• Coffee €3–5

• Sandwich €5–8

• Dinner for two: €50–80

• Beer at the bar: €5–8

• Self-drive boats (half day): €80–120 low season €100–150 high season

• Private mini-cruises with a skipper: €100–150 per hour.