Corfu (Kerkyra) is the most cosmopolitan of the Ionian Islands, off Greece’s northwest coast – greener and more lushly wooded than the Aegean islands, with a distinctly Venetian and Italian flavour, an elegant UNESCO old town, and beaches ranging from lively resorts to hidden coves. Here’s how to plan Corfu for 2026, a very different Greece from the whitewashed Cyclades.
Corfu Old Town
The Old Town of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shaped by centuries of Venetian rule and later British and French influence. Wander its elegant, Italianate lanes (the kantounia), the arcaded Liston promenade (built by the French, café-lined and lovely), the vast Spianada square, and two Venetian fortresses guarding the harbour. It’s one of the most atmospheric town centres in Greece.
The Beaches and Coast
Corfu’s coastline is wonderfully varied:
- Paleokastritsa (northwest) – a series of stunning coves beneath green cliffs, with a hilltop monastery.
- Northeast coast (“Kensington-on-Sea”) – smart, low-key resorts (Kalami, Agni, Kassiopi) with pebbly coves and tavernas on the water.
- West coast – bigger sandy beaches (Glyfada, Agios Gordios) and dramatic sunsets.
- Canal d’Amour (Sidari) and Cape Drastis – sculpted sandstone formations in the north.
Beyond the Beach
- Achilleion Palace – a grand 19th-century palace built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria (“Sisi”), with gardens and views.
- Mount Pantokrator – the island’s highest peak, for panoramic views to Albania.
- Corfu’s villages and olive groves – the green interior rewards a slow drive.
- Vidos and nearby islets, plus day trips to Paxos and Antipaxos for their famous blue water.
Best Time to Visit
Corfu is greener (and rainier in winter) than the Aegean. May-June and September-October are ideal – warm, sunny, and quieter than the busy July-August peak. Spring is especially lush and flower-filled. See our guide on the best time to visit Greece and Visit Greece for more.
Getting There and Around
Corfu has an international airport with seasonal direct flights, and ferry links from the mainland port of Igoumenitsa (and onward to the other Ionian islands and Italy). A rental car is the best way to explore the spread-out coasts and villages, though buses and boat excursions cover the highlights. Corfu is harder to combine with the Cyclades (they’re on opposite sides of Greece), so it’s usually a destination in itself or paired with other Ionian islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Corfu worth visiting?
Yes – it combines a UNESCO-listed Venetian old town with green landscapes and a huge variety of beaches and coves, giving a different, lusher feel than the Aegean islands. It suits both culture and beach lovers.
Which is the best area to stay in Corfu?
Corfu Old Town for culture and nightlife, the smart northeast coast (Kalami, Kassiopi) for quiet coves, Paleokastritsa for dramatic scenery, or the west coast (Glyfada, Agios Gordios) for bigger sandy beaches and sunsets.
When is the best time to visit Corfu?
May-June and September-October for warm, sunny weather and fewer crowds. Spring is beautifully green and flowery; winter is mild but wetter than the Aegean.
Can you island hop from Corfu?
Corfu connects easily to the other Ionian islands (Paxos, and via the mainland to Kefalonia and Zakynthos), but not directly to the Cyclades, which are on the other side of Greece. It’s usually its own trip or paired with the Ionian.
How many days do you need in Corfu?
Three to five days lets you enjoy the Old Town, a couple of different coasts, and a day trip such as Paxos or the Achilleion Palace.
Corfu is the Ionian at its most refined – a Venetian old town wrapped in olive groves and ringed by coves. Rent a car, split your time between the town and a quiet coast, and let its green, Italian-tinged character set the pace.
