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Corfu Complete Travel Guide

Located on the northwestern side of Greece and acting as a bridge between the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea, Corfu is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and popular Greek islands. With its lush terrain, crystal clear waters and Mediterranean climate, it is an ideal sanctuary for those who want to experience a unique summer experience.

Because of the countless opportunities and areas to explore, making plans and organizing your schedule in Corfu can be a little overwhelming.

Therefore, a comprehensive travel guide can be a useful tool that will save you from wasting time unnecessarily. 

Among the areas of high interest worth a visit are: the town of Corfu with the part of the old town having significant historical value, as well as the seaside villages of Gouvia, Ipsos and Dassia on the east coast of the island.

Among the sights of the island that most deserve your attention are: the old town of Corfu with the new and old fortress, Paleokastritsa, Achilleio and Angelokastro. Also the Mon Repos Palace and the Museum of Asian Art cannot be missed.

As for the beaches of the island, thanks to its vast coastline Corfu has many beautiful beaches characterized by crystal clear blue waters and golden sand. Some of the islands most beautiful and popular beaches include Mirtiotissa, Paleokastritsa beach and Agios Gordios beach.

However you decide to spend your holidays in Corfu, the bottom line is that each area of the island has its own unique charm which you can take advantage of for exciting summer moments. So no matter which part of Corfu you visit, your experience is expected to be unique!

Travel to Corfu

Located in the Ionian Sea on the western side of Greece, Corfu is a majestic Greek island that boasts both natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage dating back centuries. Thanks to its immense geopolitical value over the centuries, it is now a mosaic of different cultural events that reflect its vast history and classical character.

 

But beyond its unique cultural charm, Corfu has developed in recent years its infrastructure and facilities in such a way that it meets the modern needs and requirements of the tourist market. With a travel to Corfu Corfu you will experience a total holiday experience with a wide range of services tailored to your needs and preferences.

 

In this regard a Corfu travel guide can be a useful tool in order to plan your Corfu travel. You can travel to Corfu and experience an authentic tourist experience mainly in two ways: either by plane or by ferry.

 

The first option is ideal for a fast and convenient Corfu travel. You can easily book a flight to Corfu airport directly from either Athens or Thessaloniki. The journey takes just one hour and the arrival point is Corfu International Airport ‘’Ioannis Kapodistrias’’, which is a very short distance from Corfu town.

 

Choosing the second way, you can travel by road to the coastal town of Igoumenitsa and take the ferry from there to travel across to Corfu; the routes are quite frequent and the journey takes about one and a half hours.

 

Alternatively, you can of course travel to Corfu by your own boat using the island’s marinas, such as the Gouvia marina on the north-eastern coast.

 

For more information regarding corfu travel advice, restrictions and requirements please check the official instructions from the greek government.

Corfu Sightseeing

 

 

The second-largest of the Ionian Islands was one of the first Greek destinations to embrace mass tourism. Yet Corfu has far more to offer than just sun, sea and souvlaki. It is located just west of the Greek mainland and the southern coast of Albania. Shaped like a sickle, with its hollow side facing inwards, the island is about 65 kilometres long and 32 kilometres across at its widest point.

 

There are 217 kilometres of coast, although anyone venturing inland will find that the interior has at least as much to offer as the shore. Much of Corfu is mountainous. At 906 metres above sea level, its highest peak, Mount Pantokrator, is visible from most places on the island.

 

These days, Corfu caters for everyone, including those who prefer to travel independently or who want to elude busy resorts.

 

Corfu is an island which enchanted poets and kings It’s the port which linked the East to the West.

 

This place offered shelter to Ulysses , the divisive hero of Homer, it was chosen by Poseidon to indulge into his love for Amphitriti, and still it continues to welcome and inspire its visitors to this day: With its pretty, romantic, natural, historic and above all spontaneous nature, visitors find Corfu to be a really charming place. Visitors tend to ask hotel reception desks the same question: “Can I stay here a little more?;”

 

Europeans no longer consider it to be an exotic destination, however it continues to be one of the most fascinating places in Europe. It offers an impressively varied flora, desert beaches, crystal water, narrow paths through thick, perennial olive trees , Byzantine churches , medieval villages, traditional Greek taverna’s (small restaurants) as well as modern accommodation and amusement facilities. Corfu is a place which refreshes the mind and reactivates the human senses.

 

The climate of the archipel of Corfu is warm Mediterranean. The summer here is warm and relatively dry with a blue sky, often cooled by seasonal breezes, offering the ideal conditions for Surfing, while rarely is it interrupted by rains. The mountainous areas are cooler. The winter here is mild. Rainfall occurs mainly from November till March. On average, there are 3000 hours of sun per year with an average daily sunshine duration of 8,5 hours.

Corfu Weather

Without a doubt weather is one of the most important criteria for choosing a travel destination. Good weather brings out the beauty of the place and allows you to get the most out of your trip.

 

The popular tourist Greek islands, apart from their natural scenery and vivid nightlife, are also famous for their excellent climate and weather in Corfu could not be an exception.

 

The cosmopolitan island of the Ionian Sea has a very rich natural environment combined with excellent weather that makes it attractive to visit throughout the year. Weather in Corfu is characterized by a typical Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters followed by hot, sunny summers.

 

The winters on the island of Corfu are quite mild in temperature with rains being quite frequent but sunny days are not rare at all. They start around December and last until March. From March onwards the weather improves markedly, with temperatures rising and rain becoming increasingly rare.

 

Reaching the heart of summer, the temperature is hot and sunshine is in abundance, creating the perfect conditions for a refreshing swim on the island’s beautiful beaches. Weather in Corfu begins to get its hot Mediterranean touch from June onwards.

 

This is the ideal time to visit Corfu for your summer break, with the hot summer weather lasting from June to August, while for those who choose September for their holiday the weather remains nice and warm.

Corfu Reviews

Countless visitors from all over the world choose Corfu for their holidays on an annual basis, attracted by the unparalleled natural beauty of the island combined with its vast historical heritage.

Those who have experienced their holidays on the cosmopolitan Ionian island report in most cases glowing  Corfu reviews, commenting positively on all aspects of their trip to Corfu.

In particular, they speak highly of Corfu’s weather, highlighting the many hours of sunshine and the succession of heat during the midday hours with a pleasant breeze during the night.

As for the various areas and sights of the island, Ipsos, Dassia and last but not least Corfu Town are highly praised. Especially for Corfu Town, visitors recognize its great diversity and historical character.

Regarding the other top attractions of the island that left positive and lasting impressions on their visitors, most Corfu reviews include: the Paleokastritsa, Mount Pantokrator (the highest in Corfu), Angelokastro as well as buildings of historical and cultural value such as Achillion and the Museum of Asian Art.

Overall, the vast majority of those who chose to spend their holidays on the island of Corfu report extremely positive Corfu reviews, highlighting the indelible experiences and memories they gained, while at the same time expressing their desire to repeat their trip in the near future.

Corfu Airport

Corfu Airport is the most important among the Ionian islands. It is located only 2 km away from the city center and the route is simply amazing since it combines natural beauty and modern facilities.

 

What also makes it unique, is that it looks like you are landing on water because its location is in Kanoni, an area right next to the sea. It is very easy to find the check-in point and the departure gates, so this saves you stress and energy.

 

After your arrival, you can decide to walk, take the bus, rent a car or use a taxi. At the exit of the Corfu Airport, taxis are at your disposal to drive you to the city center or to another region of your preference. Buses are also available, next to the arrivals hall and they serve a variety of destinations with frequent itineraries.

 

 

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Gouvia

Gouvia is immediately presented as a small but modern village, equipped to meet the needs of every visitor. Gouvia, is a beautiful village of Corfu, an Ionian island in Greece. According to the locals, the village took its name from the gobious or goubious, a fish that can be easily found in Greek seas and called kokovi in the Greek language.

 

The village of Gouvia Corfu stretches mainly along the coastal road and offers the visitor the opportunity to choose between numerous restaurants, traditional taverns, and nightclubs where he can have fun until midnight.

 

On the outskirts of Gouvia and more specifically between the port and the beach, hidden from the vegetation are the ruins of the Venetian shipyards. The beach of Gouvia from pebbles and sand is small but equipped for water sports and boat trips as well as with umbrellas with sunbeds for rent.

 

 

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Corfu Town

Corfu Town is the capital and largest town on the island of Corfu, Greece. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its beautiful architecture, narrow streets, and impressive fortresses.

 

The town has a rich history and cultural heritage, influenced by the Venetians, French, and British. It is a popular destination for visitors who want to explore historical landmarks and experience Greek culture.

 

Located on a peninsula on the eastern side of the island, Corfu Town is an important tourist destination with significant historical value. The town was built in a highly strategic location, both because of its harbour and because of the morphology of the terrain which favoured the construction of forts.

 

Some top attractions worthy of your attention include: the old and new fortress of Corfu, the church of Saint Spiridon, the Spianada square as well as the Liston, an elegant, Italian-style pedestrian street filled with all kinds of shops.

 

 

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Corfu Port

Corfu Port, also known as Corfu Harbour or Port Corfu, is a bustling hub of maritime activity located on the eastern side of the Greek island of Corfu. As the main point of entry for visitors arriving by sea, Corfu port plays a crucial role in the island’s economy and tourism industry.

 

In recent years, it has also become a popular destination for cruise ships, with many of the world’s top cruise lines making regular stops at Corfu cruise port.

 

The port itself is well-equipped with modern facilities, including several large passenger terminals, numerous berths for cargo and passenger ships, and a range of services for travelers such as shops, restaurants, and car rental agencies.

 

From here, visitors can explore the charming town of Corfu, with its picturesque old town, ancient fortresses, and stunning beaches.

 

They can also venture further afield to discover the island’s many natural wonders, from rugged mountains to idyllic coastal villages. All in all, Corfu port is a gateway to a world of adventure and discovery, and an essential stop on any visit to this beautiful part of Greece.

 

 

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Ipsos

Ipsos Corfu is a picturesque village located on the northeast coast of the island of Corfu in Greece. The village is situated just 15 kilometers from Corfu Town and is known for its long, sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views of the Ionian Sea.

 

Ipsos Corfu is a popular tourist destination, particularly for young people, due to its lively nightlife and abundance of bars, clubs, and restaurants. The beachfront is lined with beach bars and water sports centers, where visitors can enjoy activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.

 

Despite its party scene, Ipsos Corfu also offers a quieter, more traditional side. The village has a number of local tavernas where visitors can sample authentic Greek cuisine, and the surrounding hills offer beautiful hiking trails and stunning views of the island.

 

Overall, Ipsos Corfu is a great destination for those looking for a mix of relaxation, adventure, and nightlife on the beautiful island of Corfu.

 

 

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Dassia

Dassia is a charming village located on the eastern coast of the island of Corfu, Greece. Known for its long sandy beach and crystal-clear waters, Dassia is a popular tourist destination that offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.

 

Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, swim in the sea, or explore the local shops and restaurants, Dassia has something for everyone. The village is surrounded by lush green hills, making it a great place for hiking and biking.

 

It is also conveniently located near other popular tourist destinations such as Corfu Town and Ipsos.

 

With its relaxed atmosphere, stunning scenery, and welcoming locals, Dassia is the perfect place to experience the best of Corfu. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Dassia is not to be missed.

 

 

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Corfu FAQs

  • What’s Corfu like? 

Corfu is a beautiful Greek island with a unique blend of stunning beaches, lush landscapes, charming villages, and a rich history. It offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration.

 

  • What’s Corfu famous for? 

Corfu is famous for its picturesque beaches with turquoise waters, historic landmarks like the Old Town, and its vibrant cultural heritage influenced by various civilizations. It is also renowned for its olive oil, local cuisine, and lively festivals.

 

  • Where is Corfu located? 

Corfu is located in northwestern Greece and is the capital of the Ionian Islands region. It is also located east of Italy and acts as a junction between the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea.

 

  • Is Corfu expensive? 

Like other major tourist islands, Corfu offers a wide range of services and facilities to suit all budgets. You can therefore find everything from cheap, budget products and services to more luxurious facilities.

 

  • How big is Corfu?

Corfu is the second largest island of the Ionian Islands and one of the largest in Greece. Its area is estimated at 592 km² and it also has a huge coastline, to which it owes the existence of its beautiful beaches.

 

  • Is Corfu nice?

Corfu is an idyllic Greek island that welcomes countless visitors every year. It combines its rich lush green territory with its immense historical and cultural value, which makes it one of the top tourist destinations.

 

  • Why is Corfu so popular? 

Corfu is popular for several reasons. Its natural beauty, including its beaches, mountains, and green landscapes, attracts nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The island’s rich history and architectural treasures captivate history buffs, while its lively atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and warm Greek hospitality appeal to those seeking a fun and vibrant holiday experience.

 

  • Corfu what to do, see and visit? 

In Corfu, you can explore the charming streets and historic sites of the Old Town, visit the iconic Achilleion Palace, relax on the stunning beaches like Paleokastritsa and Glyfada, take a boat trip to the beautiful Blue Caves, and explore the traditional villages of the island’s interior.

 

  • How many days should I stay in Corfu? 

The number of days you should stay in Corfu depends on your personal preferences and the activities you plan to do. Generally, a duration of 5 to 7 days is recommended to fully explore and experience the island.

 

  • Corfu what to eat? 

When in Corfu, you must try the local specialties, including sofrito (tender beef cooked in garlic and white wine sauce), bourdeto (spicy fish stew), pastitsada (pasta with meat and tomato sauce), and the island’s renowned olive oil. Don’t forget to sample the local wines and indulge in delicious Greek desserts like baklava and loukoumades.

 

  • Which group of Greek islands is Corfu part of?

Corfu is part of the group of the Ionian Islands also called the Heptanese. It is the second largest island of the group and the capital of the regional unit of the Ionian Islands.

 

  • Which side of Corfu is best?

Corfu has beautiful resorts on both sides of Corfu, but the eastern side is more commercial with places like Corfu Town, Dassia, Gouvia and Ipsos.

 

  • Corfu when to go? 

The best time to visit Corfu is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) months when the weather is pleasant, and the island is less crowded. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

 

  • When does Corfu season start and end? 

The tourist season in Corfu typically starts in late April or early May and extends until October. However, the peak season with the highest number of visitors is during the summer months, from June to August.

 

  • Why is Corfu so green? 

Corfu’s lush greenery can be attributed to its favorable climate and abundant rainfall. The island receives a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, especially during the winter months, which contributes to its verdant landscapes and thriving vegetation.

 

  • Can you drink Corfu water?

Yes, the tap water in Corfu is generally safe to drink. The local water supply is treated and meets the European standards for drinking water. However, some people may prefer to drink bottled water for personal preference or convenience.

 

  • How was Corfu formed?

Corfu’s formation dates back millions of years when it emerged as part of the geological processes that shaped the region. It is primarily composed of limestone and was formed through the collision of tectonic plates and subsequent uplift and erosion. The island’s varied geological history has contributed to its diverse landscapes and geological formations.

Map of Corfu

Main Office - Gouvia, Corfu 49 100
Corfu Airport Office - EO Kerkiras Achiliou, Kerkira 491 00
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