
Destination guide
Corfu
Greece
Corfu (Greek: Κέρκυρα, Kerkyra) is the northernmost of the Ionian Islands in Greece. Located off of the far northwest coast of the country, Corfu lies in the Adriatic sea, east of Italy and southwest of Albania.
AI insights
AI-written from the Wikivoyage listings, transport section and the video stats on this page
When choosing a rental vehicle, opt for the smallest car available; many of the island's roads are extremely narrow, making large vehicles a liability when navigating village streets or remote coastal routes.
For popular tavernas that lack online booking systems, such as Ammos Grill Room, visit the restaurant in person earlier in the day or the day prior to secure your table; waiting until the evening often results in disappointment.
If you want to explore hidden coves and beaches inaccessible by road, rent a small boat; vessels up to 30HP do not require a license, offering the most freedom to discover the coast at your own pace.
Distinguish between the two bus networks: use the Blue buses for travel within Corfu Town and its immediate surroundings, and the Green buses for all excursions to the rest of the island.
Look for local, unassuming tavernas tucked away in side alleys, such as Taverna Ninos, to find traditional Greek dishes at lower prices compared to the main tourist thoroughfares.
How we vet these picks
Every pick is drawn from real sources — YouTube creators, Wikivoyage, and Wikipedia. We only surface sources that actually exist and that we've checked for authenticity — no filler, no dead-end searches.Watch first
Ranked by views and how well each landed with the people who watched it, judged against the other coverage of this place — plus a local creator where we found one.
Best time to go
Best window: February–August
November and December are the months to avoid — very heavy rain. The window below is when it is genuinely pleasant.
Rated from ten years of daily temperature and rainfall recorded at this destination, via Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis. Hover a month for its real numbers.
Getting around
By bus
There are two types of bus in Corfu - Blue buses serve Corfu town and the environs, Green buses serve the rest of the island. The Blue bus terminal in Corfu Town is in San Rocco Square.
By bicycle
In the city traffic is pretty wild and noisy. An automatic bike sharing scheme, called EasyBike Brainbox was available to rent bicycles. As of April 2014 the system looked pretty dysfunctional.
By quad bike
There is nothing better than renting a quad bike and driving round the villages, it's a lot of fun and a lot quicker than walking!
By boat
A great way to explore the island and access beaches that can't be easily accessed otherwise is to rent a boat. Most towns have at least one boat rental company and boats up to 30HP do not require a licence to hire.
By car
You can rent a car at the airport or through one of many local companies. In general, it is cheaper to book a hire car via the Internet before arriving. Many of the roads are very narrow so it can be better to choose a small car.
Transport notes from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
What to see
Places are listed from Wikivoyage and our own sourced research. Worth it means a second, independent source names the place too; “3 sources agree” means three or more do — and each card names them, so you can check.
Paleokastritsa
3 sources agreeAlso recommended by Lonely Planet and 2 others
A string of turquoise coves below a clifftop monastery, ringed by cedar-green headlands that make it Corfu's most photographed bay.
Vetted sources
Liston
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet and 1 other
The Liston is a building complex with long arcades built in 1807 by the French imperial commissioner Mathieu de Lesseps, father of the constructor of the Suez Canal.
Vetted sources
The Liston
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet and 1 other
A grand arcaded promenade built by the French in imitation of Paris's Rue de Rivoli, lined with cafe tables facing the cricket-pitch Spianada.
Vetted sources
Spianada
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
Spianada is the central square and the meeting point of Corfu's residents and visitors. It is built in the style of the Royal Gardens of Europe. At one time it was a firing range for Venetian troops.
Vetted sources
Old Fortress
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
· Cheap
A Byzantine fort rebuilt under Venetian rule. The fortress successfully repulsed Ottoman sieges in 1537, 1571 and 1716. The old Fortress houses the church of St.
Vetted sources
Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio)
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
A Venetian citadel on a rocky peninsula where you climb ramparts for sweeping views over the Old Town's terracotta roofs and the Ionian Sea.
Vetted sources
Corfu Old Town
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
A UNESCO World Heritage tangle of Venetian, French and British-era alleyways, piazzas and 39 churches best explored on foot with no map.
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Myrtiotissa Beach
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
A secluded scoop of golden sand backed by cliffs and cypress that novelist Lawrence Durrell called perhaps the most beautiful beach in the world.
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Museum of Asiatic Art
· Cheap
More than ten thousand objects, from China, Japan, India, Tibet and Southeast Asia. The museum is housed in the former Royal Palace, an imposing three-storied building and a fine example of neoclassical architecture, located at the…
Vetted sources
Gardiki Castle
Gardiki Castle is a 13th-century Byzantine fortress on Corfu’s southwest coast near Agios Matthaios. Built by the Despotate of Epirus, it formed part of a defensive triangle with Angelokastro and Kassiopi, protecting the island before…
Vetted sources
Angelokastro Byzantine Castle
Perched dramatically on a sheer cliff above the northwest coast of Corfu, Angelokastro is one of the island’s most important Byzantine fortresses.
Vetted sources
Archaeological Museum
1, Vraila Str
The museum hosts collections of archaeological finds, including the impressive Gorgon pediment from the Temple of Artemis, dating from 585 BC. It is the oldest stone pediment in Greece and is described in the New York times review of the…
Vetted sources
Roda Beach
on the waterfront of Roda
The beach at Roda is long and sandy and extremely popular. It offers nice views out to sea and towards the Albanian coast. If you are interested, you can also see a wide range of ships passing through the strait.
Vetted sources
"The Tree"
walk along the beach to its western end next to the Afrodite Hotel, then join the beach by the taxi rank and walk west along the coast; or, from the taxi rank, follow the road over the small bridge heading out of town, then take the first track you find off to the right and follow to the end of it
[Update 2026] - It is understood through social media that The Tree was heavily damaged and fell during a storm over the winter 2025 period. It is unknown if attempts will be made to provide any support to the landmark.
Vetted sources
New Fortress
Less impressive, the new fortress was built by the Venetians on the 16th century atop the San Marco Hill. The most significant attractions of the New Fortress are: the British barracks, the underground stoas, water ducts, ammunition…
Vetted sources
What to do
Corfu Trail
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
A 200km waymarked route the length of the island — walk any single stretch through olive groves and hill villages for a quieter, on-foot view of Corfu.
Vetted sources
Halikounas Beach
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
A windswept southwest-coast beach backed by dunes and juniper groves, popular with kitesurfers and far removed from the resort strips.
Vetted sources
Aqualand
from Corfu Town: Blue Buses No.8 (Corfu Town – Afra/Agios Ioannis); Aqualand is the final stop of the No.8 bus route from Corfu Town to Afra/Agios Ioannis; the bus stop is approximately 100 m from Aqualand’s entrance
One of the biggest water parks in the world. Equipped with 51 slides, pools and a wide variety of other games.
Vetted sources
Katreena Horse Riding
over the bridge at the western end of the beachfront, past the Afrodite and Taxi Rank· Pricey
The centre caters to a range of experience levels, from beginners to advanced riders, with well-trained horses and supervised treks. Various ride durations are available, including short introductory rides and longer excursions for those…
Vetted sources
Chalikounas beach
A very long, virgin stretch of land, caught between Chalikiopoulos' Lake and the Adriatic sea. The natural landscape here is unique, it is a great place to get away from the world and just enjoy both sea and sun.
Vetted sources
Sidari
A fair-sized resort dominated by British tourists. At one end of the beach is the "Canal de l'Amour": sand stone cliffs with narrow inlets, a natural archway and small paths to explore.
Vetted sources
Dasia and Ipsos
A narrow stony beach with relatively calm waters. The resort runs along the road so there's a good variety of shops and tavernas.
Vetted sources
Prasoudi beach
High cliffs hang over your head, clean waters and a mix of sand and pebbles. A remote beach that will not leave you unsatisfied.
Vetted sources
Issos beach
Next to Chalikounas, again on the southwest of Corfu, this beach has a desert motive, because of the high sand hills right next to the seashore. Bring your bike and enjoy the terrain, or just enjoy the panoramic view from high above.
Vetted sources
Kanoni Beach
Slightly larger, with great views and deep blue water.
Vetted sources
What to eat
Venetian Well
Worth itAlso recommended by Condé Nast Traveler and 1 other
Dine in a candlelit Venetian mansion on Kremasti square — widely called the most atmospheric restaurant address in the Old Town.
Vetted sources
Etrusco
Worth itAlso recommended by The Culture Trip and 1 other
Chef Ettore Botrini's summer kitchen on the island he grew up on, plating refined Mediterranean food that regularly tops critics' lists of Corfu's best table.
Vetted sources
Rex Restaurant
Worth itAlso recommended by Condé Nast Traveler
A Corfu Town institution open since 1932 near the Liston, serving Corfiot classics like pastitsada in a room that has barely changed in decades.
Vetted sources
Alexandros Taverna on the Beach
further out west, follow the beach and coastline past "The Tree" and keep going until you reach the restaurant, but beware that the path can get cut off by high tide
Open daily for breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, and evening dinner, it serves traditional Greek and international cuisine, fresh fish, snacks, and ice cream.
Vetted sources
Roda Park
from the beachfront, walk down the side street that runs perpendicular to the main strip; go past the church and keep walking toward Main Street; the restaurant is covered in vine leaves
Lots of traditional Greek food: specialities include local fresh fish and lots of meat dishes. The Kleftiko in particular is a favourite among diners.
Vetted sources
Alexandros Greek Taverna
Along the beachfront going out eastward
Greek taverna with roof garden. It is apparently is open for breakfast if you are there early enough. Lots of local specialties and a variety of set menu options, including sharing options. Greek night is Saturday evening here.
Vetted sources
Ammos Grill Room
along the waterfront out east, keep going as if you were walking out of time, and you will find it on your right
Meat and fish galore—Ammos has a very large grill that regularly serves large plates of food every day. Grilled meats include chicken, beef, and lamb, and fresh fish is always on the menu.
Vetted sources
Captain George
opposite Corfu Holiday Palace
A traditional, family run taverna. The food is hearty and home-cooked. Vast menu includes traditional Greek favorites like spanakopita, tzadziki, and hummus but also spaghetti and burgers!
Vetted sources
Taverna Ninos
Sevastianou 44· Cheap
An unassuming local taverna with a takeaway deli counter and table service, located in a small alley right off one of the main tourist streets. Good typical Greek dishes at low prices.
Vetted sources
Where to stay
Palms and Spas, Corfu Boutique Apartments
18km from Corfu Town· Pricey
Elegant apartments within olive groves and palm trees, overlooking the Ionian Sea. The accommodation has Suite rooms (with private outdoors jacuzzi/hot-tub, living-room) and smaller quaint Studios; all have sea views and Messonghi beach is…
Vetted sources
Castelli Cottage
Acharavi, Fourni
Castelli cottage is a traditional 150-year-old stone house, that was restored and renovated. The guesthouse is in a green natural environment among old olive trees and cypresses, with a spectacular view of the northern coast of the island…
Vetted sources
Hellinis Hotel
Kanoni suburb
3-star hotel. 86 standard, 4 superior rooms fully Air-conditioned. Wi-Fi Wireless Internet, Internet Corner, parking, garden, games room, swimming pool, children's pool, restaurant, lounge bar, poolside bar
Vetted sources
Quayside Village Hotel
Kavos village
Beachside hotel which is renowned for its swimming pool parties and live entertainment. It's not particularly recommended for families or those who want a more serene experience in Corfu.
Vetted sources
River Studios & Apartments
Bus servise or taxi· Pricey
River studios & apartments for two people, or group of friends. Rooms equipped with TV, air conditioning, kitchenette, fridge, bathroom. Swimming pool for guests available.
Vetted sources
Zambeta Apartments
· Pricey
Small, family-run pension near the centre of Arillas but still quiet, with a beautiful garden. Clean, light and spacious apartments for couples or singles.
Vetted sources
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Travel content from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Encyclopedic context from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Videos via the YouTube Data API.








