Corfu
Corfu, a jewel of the Ionian Sea, is steeped in history, culture, and maritime tradition. Its strategic location made it a coveted naval and trading hub for centuries, drawing Venetians, Byzantines, French, and British powers, each leaving a lasting imprint on the island’s architecture, fortifications, and cultural life. Corfu Town’s Old and New Fortresses, elegant squares, and narrow streets reflect these layered influences, while the island’s ports facilitated trade in olive oil, wine, and spices throughout the Mediterranean. Corfu also played a key role in the Napoleonic Wars and the unification of Greece, serving as a refuge and administrative center. Today, the island blends its storied past with vibrant modern tourism, maintaining a deep connection to the sea that continues to shape its identity from fishing villages to bustling harbors.
💡Corfu: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: Greece (including Corfu) allows visa-free entry for citizens of many countries, including the US, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, for short stays (typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period under the Schengen Agreement).
✈️ Closest Airport: Corfu International Airport “Ioannis Kapodistrias” (CFU)
💬 Language: Greek is the official language. In Corfu, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Italian is also occasionally heard due to the island’s historical ties.
🏷️ Price Level: Moderate — generally more affordable than Athens or Santorini, especially for local tavernas, cafes, and accommodations.
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Greece: US$4.50
💰 Currency: Euro (€) | 1 USD ≈ 0.90 EUR
☀️ Best Times to Visit: May to October — warm Mediterranean weather, with hot summers and mild, sunny winters.
🚆 Transportation: buses, taxis, and rental cars; walking is ideal for Corfu Town and nearby beaches.
🔌 Adapter: Greece uses type C and F plugs. No adapter is needed if you are from Europe, but it is required if coming from the US.
🛜 WiFi: Widely available in hotels, cafés, restaurants, and public areas. Free WiFi is common in tourist hotspots and some public squares.
🏧💰 ATM and “Cash or Card”: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including contactless payments. ATMs are easy to find, but carrying some cash is recommended for small tavernas, markets, or street vendors.
💸 Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated. At restaurants, 5–10% is customary for good service. Rounding up fares is polite in taxis, and small tips are welcome for hotel staff providing extra service.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Corfu Cruise Port, Kerkira 491 00, Corfu, Greece (docked)
✈️ 🚇 🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ Getting around Corfu is easy and enjoyable, offering a mix of scenic walking routes, local transport, and convenient taxis. Corfu Town is fairly compact, with attractions like the Old Fortress, Liston Promenade, and the charming narrow streets all easily explored on foot.
For trips beyond Corfu Town — such as Paleokastritsa, Kanoni, or beaches along the northern and southern coasts — the local bus network (KTEL) is reliable, frequent, and affordable. Buses connect the main towns, villages, and popular tourist spots across the island.
Taxis are widely available and provide a faster, more convenient option for reaching remote beaches or attractions. Renting a car, scooter, or ATV is also popular for visitors who want the freedom to explore the island at their own pace.
Tickets for buses can be purchased on board or at kiosks in Corfu Town. Multi-trip tickets or day passes offer good value for travelers planning to use public transport frequently.
✈️ Corfu International Airport “Ioannis Kapodistrias” (CFU) is located about 3 km (2 miles) from Corfu Town, making it extremely convenient for visitors arriving by plane.
Local buses run between the airport and Corfu Town, taking around 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Taxis are readily available outside the terminal and typically take 10–15 minutes to reach Corfu Town, costing approximately 10–15 EUR.
🚇 Corfu Cruise Port is the main arrival point for ships visiting the island and is conveniently located near Corfu Town. The terminal is within easy walking distance (about 5–10 minutes) of the Old Fortress, Liston Promenade, shops, cafés, and historic sites.
Public transport options are available nearby, including local buses (KTEL) connecting the port with towns, beaches, and popular attractions across the island.
Taxis are plentiful at the cruise terminal, offering quick and convenient rides to hotels, Corfu Airport, or destinations further afield.
For visitors wanting more flexibility, car, scooter, or ATV rentals can be arranged at or near the port, making it easy to explore Corfu’s beaches, villages, and scenic countryside.
🚌 The City Sightseeing Corfu bus operates two bus routes covering the most important sights around the city and nearby beaches (more info here).
⭐️ Top Sights in Corfu
"Corfu Town’s Old Fortress was built on a rocky peninsula by the Venetians in the 16th century
and has never been captured in battle."
📸 Old Fortress of Corfu: Perched on a rocky peninsula overlooking the town and sea, this Venetian fortress dates back to the 15th century. Climb its walls for panoramic views of Corfu Town and the Ionian coastline, while exploring the bastions and historic cannons. Inside, you can also find small museums and exhibitions detailing the fortress’s history and its role in defending the island from invaders.
📸 Spianada Square: The expansive main square in Corfu Town, surrounded by elegant neoclassical buildings and cafés. It’s a hub for locals and visitors alike, hosting concerts, festivals, and leisurely strolls beneath the sun. The square is lined with charming cafés and restaurants, making it a perfect spot to relax and people-watch.
📸 Achilleion Palace: Built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria in the 19th century, this neoclassical palace is dedicated to the legendary hero Achilles. Wander the gardens and admire statues and frescoes that celebrate Greek mythology and imperial elegance. The palace also offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Ionian Sea.
📸 Liston Promenade: A picturesque pedestrian street lined with arcaded cafés, inspired by Parisian architecture. Perfect for sipping a coffee, watching the world go by, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Corfu Town. Street musicians and performers often entertain visitors, adding to its lively charm.
📸 Mon Repos Palace: A neoclassical villa set in lush gardens, once home to the British governor and birthplace of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Visitors can explore the estate and enjoy views of the surrounding greenery and coastline. The gardens are also home to peacocks and beautiful walking paths, making it ideal for a peaceful afternoon stroll.
📸 Museum of Asian Art: Housed in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, this museum features an impressive collection of Asian artifacts, textiles, and sculptures. It’s a hidden gem for culture lovers seeking something unique in Corfu Town. Many exhibits are carefully curated to show connections between Eastern and Mediterranean art traditions.
📸 Corfu Archaeological Museum: Showcasing finds from ancient Corfu and surrounding areas, including sculptures, pottery, and inscriptions. A must-visit for those interested in the island’s classical past. The museum also highlights Corfu’s role in ancient trade and cultural exchanges across the Ionian Sea.
📸 Corfu Market (Agora): A lively market where locals sell fresh produce, olives, cheeses, and handmade goods. It’s the perfect place to sample local flavors and mingle with residents. The market also hosts occasional cultural events and traditional music, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.
📸 Gouvia Marina: A modern marina with yachts and fishing boats, ideal for a scenic stroll or waterfront dining. Enjoy sunset views over the Ionian Sea while sampling fresh seafood at nearby tavernas. Many visitors also use it as a starting point for sailing trips and boat excursions around the island.
📸 Paleokastritsa Beaches: Stunning beaches and turquoise waters on the northwest coast of Corfu. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing while surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush greenery. Nearby, you can also visit the Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin, which offers panoramic views of the coastline.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Corfu’s food scene is a vibrant reflection of its rich Greek heritage, coastal location, and Mediterranean influences. As a historic crossroads of Venetian, French, and British rule, the island has long embraced a mix of culinary traditions, blending local flavors with European and Ionian influences. Today, Corfu offers an exciting array of fresh seafood, traditional Greek dishes, and regional specialties—from grilled octopus and fresh fish to sofrito, pastitsada, and creamy local cheeses. Charming tavernas, bustling markets, seaside cafés, and modern restaurants thrive side by side, all infused with a warm, welcoming atmosphere where sharing food is central to island life. For food lovers, Corfu promises a flavorful and memorable culinary journey that captures the essence of Greek cuisine and hospitality.
🍽️ Sofrito: A traditional Corfiot dish of tender veal cooked in a white wine, garlic, and vinegar sauce. It’s slow-cooked to perfection and often served with mashed potatoes, highlighting the island’s Venetian culinary influence.
🍽️ Pastitsada: A hearty beef or veal stew cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and Corfiot spices, usually served over pasta. This flavorful dish is a staple at local tavernas and a favorite for festive occasions.
🍽️ Bourdeto: A spicy fish stew, typically made with scorpion fish or local catches, simmered with red peppers, garlic, and lemon. It’s a beloved dish along Corfu’s coast, showcasing the island’s fresh seafood heritage.
🍽️ Bianco: A lighter fish dish prepared in a white wine, garlic, and olive oil sauce. Perfect for those who enjoy delicate flavors and traditional Ionian cooking techniques.
🍽️ Local Cheeses (Anthotyros & Graviera): Fresh and aged cheeses made from sheep or goat milk. They are often enjoyed in salads, pastries, or simply drizzled with olive oil for a classic Corfiot snack.
🍽️ Baklava and Mandolato: Sweet treats influenced by Venetian rule; baklava is a layered pastry with nuts and honey, while mandolato is a nougat candy. Both are popular desserts and perfect companions to Greek coffee.
🥤 Greek Coffee (Ellinikós Kafés): Thick, strong coffee brewed in a briki and served with a small glass of water. It’s a daily ritual on Corfu, best enjoyed slowly while chatting with friends or enjoying a seaside view.
🥤 Kumquat Liqueur: Corfu is famous for its locally grown kumquats, made into a sweet, tangy liqueur. It’s often served as an aperitif or dessert drink, reflecting the island’s unique agricultural produce.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🚕 Uber