A nighttime view of Corfu Town, Greece, showing the illuminated buildings and streets against a dark blue sky. The town features a mix of architectural styles with warm lighting highlighting the structures. A bell tower and the Old Fortress are visible in the background. The sky is dark with a few stars visible. The image captures the charm and beauty of Corfu at night.

The Ultimate Corfu Explorer’s Handbook: Insider Tips for the Perfect Island Experience

Nestled in the Ionian Sea, Corfu blends Venetian elegance, pristine beaches, and lush landscapes into a captivating Greek island experience. This Corfu travel guide 2025 unlocks the island’s potential, guiding you from arrival to hidden gems. Perfect for first-timers or returning visitors, create unforgettable memories with our comprehensive tips.

An aerial view of Corfu Town at night, showcasing the city lights illuminating the buildings and streets. The town is nestled along the coastline, with the dark blue sea surrounding it. A prominent building with a courtyard is visible on the left, and a pier extends into the water. The lights create a warm and inviting atmosphere, highlighting the urban landscape. The sky is dark, suggesting twilight or night.

Getting to Corfu: Transportation Options

Arrival Options: Air, Sea, and Airport Tips

Reach Corfu via multiple routes depending on your starting point. By Air: Corfu International Airport (CFU), 3km from Corfu Town, welcomes over 3 million passengers annually with direct flights from European cities via EasyJet, Ryanair, and Aegean Airlines. Summer schedules offer the most options, with flights taking 3 hours from London.

By Ferry: Year-round ferries from Igoumenitsa (1.5 hours, €20) and Patra (7 hours) connect from mainland Greece. Seasonal routes from Italian ports like Bari and Venice offer scenic alternatives. Ferries often accommodate cars, ideal for island exploration. By Cruise: Mediterranean cruises dock at the New Port near Corfu Town.

CFU Airport features a single terminal with duty-free shops, cafés, ATMs, and car rentals. Expect peak crowds in summer (10:00 AM–3:00 PM). From the airport to Old Town (3km), take the Blue Bus (Route #15, €1.80, 15-20 minutes), a taxi (€15-20), a pre-booked transfer, or walk (35-40 minutes).

Drop luggage at our port and airport solutions or Corfu airport luggage storage to explore freely upon arrival. Learn more about our services at how our luggage storage works.

Top Attractions: Must-See Sites in Corfu

Corfu Old Town: UNESCO Heritage

Corfu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases Venetian, French, and British influences. Visit the Old Fortress (15th century, €6, open 8:00 AM–8:00 PM in summer) for sea views, Spianada Square for social vibes, New Fortress (€3) for harbor vistas, and the Palace of St. Michael and St. George for Asian art.

Explore narrow streets without luggage using our luggage storage services in Corfu.

Saint Spyridon Church: Spiritual Heart

Saint Spyridon Church (1580s) houses the mummified remains of Corfu’s patron saint, featuring intricate ceiling iconography and a silver sarcophagus. It hosts four annual processions, with the grandest during Orthodox Easter. Learn more in our Saint Spyridon Church Corfu guide.

A nighttime scene of a waterfront dining area in Corfu, Greece. The area is illuminated with warm lights, showing tables and chairs set for dining along a wooden boardwalk next to the water. A decorative lamppost is prominent in the foreground. Lounge chairs are neatly arranged along the boardwalk. The water is dark and reflective, and a building is visible on the cliffside in the background. The sky is dark with a few stars visible. The image captures a serene and inviting atmosphere of a night out by the water.

Beaches & Outdoor Adventures

Top Corfu Beaches

Corfu’s 200+ beaches cater to all. Paleokastritsa offers six turquoise bays and a historic monastery. Glyfada is a popular sandy beach with water sports. Sidari features the romantic Canal d’Amour. Kardaki Beach provides a quiet escape near Corfu Town. Use our oversized equipment storage for beach gear.

Hiking Trails and Water Activities

Corfu Trail (220km) spans the island, ideal for scenic hikes through olive groves. Mount Pantokrator (906m) offers panoramic views. Enjoy Corfu boat tours to the Blue Caves or Paxos islands, private boat rentals (€50/day), and Corfu scuba diving or water sports like windsurfing at Glyfada. Explore freely with our luggage transfer service.

A scenic view of Corfu Town, Greece, showing the densely packed buildings with terracotta roofs stretching towards the coastline. The Old Fortress is visible on a hilltop in the background. A large green tree is in the foreground, framing the cityscape. The blue sea and distant mountains are visible in the background under a bright blue sky with white clouds. The image captures the charm and historical architecture of Corfu.
Corfu skyline

Cultural Experiences: Traditions and Heritage

Corfu Easter and Festivals

Corfu Easter traditions include Holy Saturday pot-throwing, Good Friday processions, and midnight Resurrection fireworks at Spianada Square (April 27, 2025). Other Corfu festivals feature Saint Spyridon processions, the Summer Cultural Festival (July-August), Varkarola (August), and olive harvest celebrations (November-February). See our Corfu Easter guide for details.

Corfu History and Culture

Corfu history and culture reflect Venetian, French, British, and Greek influences. Explore archaeological sites, the Archaeological Museum, and the Asian Art Museum. Enjoy philharmonic concerts and local dishes like sofrito and kumquat liqueur. Dive deeper with our attractions in Corfu guide.

Practical Information: Plan Your Trip

Best Time to Visit and Weather

Best time to visit Corfu: May or September offers mild weather (18-24°C), fewer crowds, and lower prices. Summer (June-August, 25-32°C) is busiest, while winter (9-14°C) brings rain but lush landscapes. Pack for your season: sunscreen for summer, layers for shoulder seasons, and rain gear for winter.

Island Geography and Transportation

Corfu spans 592 square kilometers, with a 217km coastline and Mount Pantokrator (906m) as its peak. Use green KTEL buses (€2+) from San Rocco Square, rent cars (€30/day, book early), or take taxis (€15+). Our luggage-free exploration program helps you travel light.

A black Mercedes-Benz V-Class minivan is parked at an airport, with three people standing beside it. Two are dressed in suits, one male and one female, each with a rolling suitcase. The third person, a man in a suit, is holding the sliding door open. The airport terminal, featuring a modern glass facade, is visible in the background along with palm trees and other greenery. The scene suggests a luxury airport transfer service.
Luxury airport transfer

Accommodation and Dining

Where to Stay: Sea Views and Budget Options

Corfu hotels with sea views include luxury resorts in Kommeno, boutique hotels in Corfu Town, and hillside villas. For budget accommodation in Corfu, opt for family-run guesthouses, inland village stays, campsites, or off-season deals (May, October) to save 30-50% while enjoying pleasant weather.

Local Cuisine and Wine Tasting

Dine at Corfu restaurants with local cuisine, savoring pastitsada, sofrito, and fresh seafood at harbor-front tavernas or mountain villages. Try Corfu wine tasting with Kakotrygis whites and kumquat liqueur at Ropa Valley wineries or Corfu Town wine bars, reflecting the island’s unique flavors.

Activities for Every Interest

Family, Romantic, and Hidden Gems

Corfu for families: Enjoy Aqualand, the Donkey Sanctuary, and glass-bottom boat tours. For romantic things to do in Corfu, try sunset dining or private boat charters. Discover Corfu hidden gems like Rovinia Beach, Old Sinies village, and Gardiki Castle. Use our luggage storage services in Corfu.

Day Trips and Local Markets

Take Corfu day trips to Kassiopi, Mount Pantokrator, or Paxos with our luggage transfer service. Shop at Corfu local markets in Corfu Town for fresh produce, or village markets for crafts and kumquat products, immersing in local culture.

An illustrated map of Corfu Town, Greece, showing streets, landmarks, and points of interest. The map features icons representing various locations, such as the Old Fortress, New Fortress, Old Port, and Mandraki. Text labels in Greek and English identify the sites. The map also includes a compass rose and a legend explaining the icons. The image is colorful and detailed, providing a tourist-friendly guide to the town. The location is Peristeri, Decentralized Administration of Attica, Greece.
Illustrated map of Corfu Town

Plan Your Corfu Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary and Extended Stays

Corfu itinerary 3 days: Day 1: Explore Corfu Town’s Old Fortress and Saint Spyridon Church, dine at The Liston. Day 2: Visit Paleokastritsa beaches, take a boat tour, and watch the sunset at Pelekas. Day 3: Tour Achilleion Palace and Kalami Bay, ending with dinner in Kassiopi. Use luggage storage services.

For longer stays, explore interior villages, hike the Corfu Trail, join cooking classes, visit multiple beaches, and take day trips to neighboring islands for a deeper experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Corfu Travel

Essential Tips for Your 2025 Trip

1. What’s the easiest way to reach Corfu?

Fly to Corfu International Airport (CFU) from European cities with airlines like EasyJet, or take a ferry from Igoumenitsa (1.5 hours, €20). Cruises also stop at the New Port. Use our luggage storage services to explore freely upon arrival.

2. How much should I budget for a Corfu trip?

Budget travelers can expect €50-100 daily for accommodation, food, and transport. Mid-range trips cost €150-200, while luxury experiences start at €300+. Visiting in May or September offers better value with fewer crowds.

3. What are Corfu’s must-see historical sites?

Explore the Old Fortress, Saint Spyridon Church, and Achilleion Palace in Corfu Old Town. The New Fortress and archaeological sites like the Temple of Artemis provide a deep dive into Corfu’s Venetian and Byzantine history.

4. Which beaches are best for a relaxing day?

Paleokastritsa’s turquoise bays, Glyfada’s sandy shores, and Kardaki Beach’s clear waters are perfect for relaxation. Sidari’s Canal d’Amour adds a romantic vibe. Store beach gear with our oversized equipment storage for a hassle-free day.

5. What cultural events can I attend in 2025?

Join Corfu’s Easter celebrations (April 27, 2025) with pot-throwing and processions, or the Summer Cultural Festival (July-August) for concerts and theater. Varkarola in August and olive harvest festivals (November-February) offer authentic cultural experiences.

6. What local foods should I try in Corfu?

Savor pastitsada (spiced beef with pasta), sofrito (veal in wine sauce), and kumquat liqueur at local tavernas. Try fresh seafood by the harbor or bougatsa (custard pie) from street vendors for a taste of Corfu’s culinary heritage.

7. How do I get around Corfu efficiently?

Use green KTEL buses (€2+) from San Rocco Square to reach beaches and villages. Rent a car (€30/day) for flexibility, or take taxis (€15+). Our luggage-free exploration program lets you travel light across the island.

8. What’s the best time to visit Corfu?

May or September offers mild weather (18-24°C), fewer crowds, and lower prices, ideal for sightseeing and hiking. Summer (June-August, 25-32°C) is peak season, while winter (9-14°C) brings rain but a lush, green landscape.

9. Are there family-friendly activities in Corfu?

Yes, visit Aqualand or Sidari Water Park for slides and pools, explore the Donkey Sanctuary, or take glass-bottom boat tours. Beaches like Agios Gordios are shallow and safe. Use our luggage storage for easy family outings.

10. What hidden gems should I explore in Corfu?

Discover Rovinia Beach for seclusion, Old Sinies for an abandoned village experience, and Gardiki Castle for history without crowds. Village panigyria festivals offer authentic culture. Our luggage transfer service helps you explore these offbeat spots comfortably.