Corfu Travel Guide 2026. Best Things to Do, Beaches and Where to Stay

Corfu is unlike any other Greek island. Centuries of Venetian, French and British rule have given it a unique character — lush green landscapes, elegant architecture, world-class beaches and a sophistication that sets it apart from the rest of Greece. Here is everything you need to know before you visit.

Why Corfu is special

While most Greek islands are dry and rocky, Corfu is covered in olive trees, cypress forests and wildflowers — the result of heavy rainfall and a mild climate. The island has over 4 million olive trees, many of them hundreds of years old. Combined with its Venetian old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), stunning beaches and excellent food scene, Corfu offers one of the most complete travel experiences in Greece.

Top things to do in Corfu

1. Corfu Old Town — UNESCO World Heritage Site

📍 Corfu Town  ·  ⏱ Half day to full day

Corfu's old town is one of the best preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean. Narrow Venetian alleyways (called "kantounia"), elegant French-style arcades, Byzantine churches and two impressive fortresses make it endlessly explorable. The Liston promenade — modeled after the Rue de Rivoli in Paris — is the perfect place for a morning coffee.

2. Paleokastritsa — the jewel of the west coast

📍 West Corfu  ·  ⏱ Full day

Paleokastritsa is arguably the most beautiful area in Corfu — a series of small coves with crystal clear turquoise water, dramatic cliffs and a 13th century monastery perched on the headland above. The snorkeling here is exceptional. Visit the monastery for stunning views over the whole coastline.

3. Canal d'Amour — Sidari

📍 North Corfu  ·  ⏱ Half day

The Canal d'Amour is a series of dramatic sandstone rock formations carved by the sea into tunnels, arches and channels. According to local legend, couples who swim through the canal together will be together forever. Whether or not you believe the legend, it's one of the most unique swimming spots in Greece.

4. Achilleion Palace

📍 Gastouri village, central Corfu  ·  ⏱ 1-2 hours  ·  🎟 €10 entry

Built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi) in 1890 and later owned by Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, the Achilleion Palace is one of Corfu's most visited attractions. The neoclassical palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens with statues of Achilles and stunning views over the sea. A fascinating piece of European royal history on a Greek island.

5. Glyfada and Myrtiotissa beaches

📍 West Corfu  ·  ⏱ Full day

Glyfada is one of Corfu's most popular beaches — a long stretch of golden sand with clear water, good facilities and a lively atmosphere. A short drive north brings you to Myrtiotissa — a wilder, more secluded beach set beneath dramatic cliffs, described by Lawrence Durrell as "perhaps the most beautiful beach in the world."

6. Kassiopi village

📍 Northeast Corfu  ·  ⏱ Half day

Kassiopi is one of Corfu's most charming villages — a small fishing harbor with a ruined Byzantine castle, excellent tavernas and a relaxed atmosphere far from the mass tourism of the west coast. Julius Caesar and Cicero both visited Kassiopi in ancient times. Today it's one of the best places on the island for fresh seafood.

7. Angelokastro — the Byzantine fortress

📍 Northwest Corfu  ·  ⏱ 1-2 hours  ·  🎟 €4 entry

Perched dramatically on a rocky promontory above the sea, Angelokastro is one of the most impressive medieval fortresses in Greece. It protected Corfu's population from Ottoman invasions for centuries and was never captured. The views from the top — over the west coast and out to the Ionian Sea — are breathtaking.

💡 Local tip: Rent a car or scooter to explore Corfu properly. The island is larger than most people expect and the best beaches and villages are spread across the whole island. Public buses only cover the main routes.

Where to stay in Corfu

• Corfu Town — best base for culture, restaurants and nightlife. Walking distance to the old town and good transport links to the rest of the island.
• Paleokastritsa — best for scenery and swimming. Ideal for couples and nature lovers.
• Glyfada — best for beach lovers. Long sandy beach, good facilities, lively atmosphere.
• Kassiopi — best for a relaxed, authentic experience. Great tavernas and a beautiful harbor.
• Sidari — best for families. Calm waters, sandy beaches and good facilities.

Getting to Corfu

• By plane: Corfu International Airport (CFU) has direct flights from most major European cities in summer. Athens to Corfu is a 55-minute flight.
• By ferry: Regular ferries from Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland (1.5 hours) and from Patras (7 hours). Also ferry connections from Italy (Bari, Ancona, Venice).

Best time to visit Corfu

• May – June: Perfect weather, lush green landscapes, uncrowded. Best overall.
• July – August: Peak season — hot, busy, expensive but maximum atmosphere and all facilities open.
• September – October: Still warm, fewer crowds, great deals on accommodation.
• Easter: Corfu has the most spectacular Easter celebrations in Greece — a unique cultural experience with processions and the famous pot-throwing tradition on Holy Saturday.

Corfu food — what to eat

• Sofrito — thinly sliced veal cooked in white wine, garlic and parsley. The signature dish of Corfu.
• Pastitsada — slow-cooked rooster or beef in a rich tomato and spice sauce, served with pasta. A Venetian-influenced classic.
• Bourdeto — spicy fish stew with scorpionfish and red pepper. A fisherman's dish unique to Corfu.
• Kumquat liqueur — Corfu is the only place in Europe that grows kumquats. The local liqueur is a must-try souvenir.
• Mandolato — Corfu's traditional nougat, made with honey, almonds and egg whites.

Frequently asked questions

Is Corfu good for families?

Corfu is one of the best Greek islands for families. It has calm, shallow beaches perfect for children (especially in the north and east), good facilities, excellent food and plenty of activities. Sidari and Dassia are particularly family-friendly areas.

How many days do I need in Corfu?

A minimum of 5-7 days is recommended to see the highlights. With 7-10 days you can explore the whole island at a relaxed pace and discover some of the quieter corners most tourists miss.

Is Corfu expensive?

Corfu is more affordable than Santorini or Mykonos. Mid-range hotels cost €80-€150 per night, a meal at a good taverna is €20-€40 per person and car rental starts from €30-€40 per day. It offers excellent value compared to the Cyclades.

Is Corfu better than Crete?

They offer very different experiences. Corfu is greener, more European in feel and better for culture and architecture. Crete is larger, has more variety and more dramatic landscapes. Both are excellent — it depends on what you're looking for.