Corfu sits in the Ionian Sea off Greece’s west coast. It blends history, beaches, food, and easy island travel. Corfu Town is a UNESCO-listed Old Town with narrow lanes, Venetian forts, and the Liston Promenade beside Greece’s largest square. Across the island you’ll find clear water, hill villages, olive groves, and viewpoints. Popular spots include Paleokastritsa, Achilleion Palace, Mount Pantokrator, Kassiopi, and Sidari’s Canal d’Amour. Food is a highlight, with dishes like sofrito and pastitsada served in simple tavernas. Corfu is also a major cruise destination. When ships dock, expect crowds in the Old Town, longer lines at the forts, and busy cafés around the Esplanade. We found the cruisemapper website great for seeing what ships would be in any port on any given day. Arrive early or late, book key tickets ahead in peak months, and plan escapes to quieter beaches or inland villages during midday. Our Corfu Travel Guide covers the top things to do, nearby day trips, where to stay, costs, budgets, money-saving tips, the best time to go, and how to get around.
Our Corfu Travel Guide
Top Things To See & Do in Corfu
Corfu Old Town (UNESCO)
Walk the lanes between pastel buildings, small squares, and churches. The Old Town shows layers of Venetian, French, and British rule. Start at the Esplanade, then drift into Kantounia (the narrow alleys). Stop for coffee under the Liston’s arcades. Visit small museums or churches as you go. Look up for iron balconies and wooden shutters. Early morning and late afternoon are quietest, especially on cruise days. Shops sell local olive oil, kumquat sweets, and ceramics. Plan 2–3 hours to wander without a strict route. Wear flat shoes; surfaces are uneven. If you want photos without crowds, arrive before 9 a.m. In summer heat, take shade breaks near the square or by the seafront. The Old Town is also lively at night with music, relaxed bars, and family-friendly tavernas.
Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio)
The Old Fortress guards the eastern edge of Corfu Town. Built by the Venetians, it offers views of the sea, the Esplanade, and the Old Town’s roofs. Walk the causeway, explore the ramparts, and climb to the lighthouse for the best panorama. Exhibits are simple, so focus on the outdoor spaces and lookout points. The site can be windy and hot in summer; bring water and sun protection. Mornings are the best time to avoid lines from cruise groups. Allow 60–90 minutes. The scale of the walls and the setting help you understand why Corfu was so difficult to conquer. Check opening times outside of summer as hours change. If you like photography, the golden hour light across the town is excellent from here.
New Fortress (Neo Frourio)
The New Fortress sits above the port area and looks back over the Old Town and sea. Built later by the Venetians, it adds another chapter to Corfu’s defences. The paths and bastions are wider and give different angles for photos. It is usually quieter than the Old Fortress, even on busy days, making it a calm stop in peak season. Plan about an hour to walk the main levels and viewpoints. Combine it with a visit to the nearby market streets for fresh fruit and snacks. Wear sturdy shoes as some sections are steep or uneven. If you enjoy history, compare how both forts controlled approaches by land and sea. Check seasonal hours; parts may close for events or restoration.
Liston Promenade & Esplanade (Spianada)
This is the social heart of Corfu Town. The Liston is a long arcade with cafés that face the Esplanade, the largest square in Greece. Sit for a coffee and people-watch while kids play and locals stroll. On some days you may see cricket on the lawn, a tradition from British times. The area is busiest late morning and evening, especially when cruise ships are in port. For a quieter feel, come early. Prices are higher on the arcade itself; nearby side streets offer better value. This is a good meeting spot before exploring the Old Town or forts. Stay alert for events or festivals that may close parts of the square and add crowds and music to the scene.
Paleokastritsa is a short drive from town and known for clear water and cove beaches. Rent a sunbed, swim, or take a small boat to nearby sea caves and hidden coves. The 13th-century Monastery of the Virgin sits on a hill above the bay with views over the coast. Modest dress is expected inside. The roads can be winding and parking tight in summer, so arrive early or use a bus or tour. Water is calm most days, good for swimming and snorkelling. Cafés line the beach for simple meals. Plan half a day if you add a boat trip. Bring water shoes for pebbly sections and consider a late afternoon visit for softer light.
Achilleion Palace (Gastouri)
Built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi), Achilleion shows her love of Greek myth. Inside you’ll see rooms with period decor and statues of Achilles in the gardens. The terraces give wide views across the island and sea. The visit is straightforward: museum rooms, garden walk, then photos from the viewpoint. Peak summer gets busy by mid-morning; arrive at opening time to avoid queues. Combine with nearby villages for lunch. Allow 60–90 minutes. Check for any partial closures due to maintenance. The palace helps link Corfu to European royal history and adds variety to a beach-heavy itinerary.
Mount Pantokrator
This is the island’s highest point. You can drive most of the way or hike from nearby villages. The summit offers long views across Corfu, the Ionian Sea, and on clear days the Albanian coast. A small monastery stands near the top. Weather can change fast; bring a light layer, even in summer. If you like photos, aim for late afternoon for softer light. Roads are narrow in places; drive slowly and use pull-outs. Allow 2–3 hours round trip by car with stops, or more if hiking. This outing balances the coast with mountain scenery.
Kassiopi Village
Kassiopi, in the northeast, has a small harbour, beaches, and the ruins of a Byzantine-era castle. Walk the headlands for sea views and swim at pebbly coves with clear water. The village has relaxed tavernas and cafés. It is a good choice for families and for a slower day. Parking near the centre is limited in peak months, so use paid lots if needed. Plan a half day for a loop: harbour, castle path, swim, lunch. Boat rentals are popular here for exploring nearby coves.
Sidari & Canal d’Amour
Sidari is known for sandstone cliffs shaped into small channels and coves. The Canal d’Amour has a local legend for couples. Paths along the cliffs give easy views and access to small beaches. The area can be windy, and the sea changes the shapes over time. Bring sandals or water shoes for mixed sand and rock. Early morning is calmest before beach clubs fill up. Plan a couple of hours for walks and a swim. Combine with dinner inland if you want a quieter evening.
Other Places To Visit Near Corfu (Day Trips)
Paxos & Antipaxos by Boat
Small islands south of Corfu with clear water and coves. Day cruises run from Corfu Town and Lefkimmi. Expect swimming stops and time in Gaios village.
Saranda & Butrint (Albania)
Fast ferries link Corfu Town with Saranda. From there, visit the ancient site of Butrint, a UNESCO park with ruins in a wetland setting. Bring passport and check ferry times.
Parga (Mainland Greece)
A pretty mainland town reachable by boat or road via Igoumenitsa. Colorful harbour, a hilltop castle, and beaches nearby. Good for a relaxed full-day visit.
Where To Stay (In or Outside the “CBD”)
- In the “CBD” (Old Town/Corfu Town): Best for walking to sights, cafés, and ferries. Expect higher prices and more noise, especially on cruise days. Good for short stays and first-time visitors.
- Outside Town (beach areas like Paleokastritsa, Gouvia, Dassia, Benitses, Kassiopi, Sidari): Better for beach time, pools, and space. You’ll rely more on buses, taxis, or a rental car. Prices range widely; family resorts and apartments are common.
Suggested areas:
- Without a car: Corfu Town, Gouvia/Dassia (good bus links).
- With a car: Paleokastritsa for scenery, Kassiopi for coves, Benitses for south-coast access.
Travel Costs (Typical 2025)
- Coffee: €2.50–€4 in town; €2–€3 in side streets
- Gyro/souvlaki: €3.50–€6
- Taverna main: €10–€18
- Beer (500 ml): €3.50–€6
- Museum/fort tickets: €4–€12
- Sunbed set (2 + umbrella): €10–€25 (location-dependent)
- Local bus (one-way): €1.70–€3.50 (distance-based)
- Taxi (airport to Old Town): €20–€30
- Car rental (peak, compact): €40–€80/day
- Boat trip (Paxos/Antipaxos day cruise): €40–€70
Suggested Budgets (Per Person, Per Day)
- Budget: €45–€70
- Hostel or budget room, bakery breakfast, gyro lunch, simple taverna dinner, buses, one paid sight.
- Mid-range: €100–€170
- Mid-range hotel/apartment, café meals plus one sit-down dinner, a beach club day or boat tour, some taxis.
- Comfort/Luxury: €220–€400+
- 4–5 star stay, sunbeds, taxis or car hire, fine dining, private boat hire or guided tour.
Money-Saving Tips
- Eat one meal off the main squares; prices drop on side streets.
- Use regional buses for airport and beach runs.
- Refill a water bottle; potable water is common in town.
- Visit major sights early or late to avoid cruise crowds and peak heat.
- Share sunbeds or bring a compact beach mat to skip rental fees.
- Book car rentals and ferries early for summer.
- Choose apartment stays to cook simple breakfasts.
Best Time To Go
- April–June and September–October: Warm weather, swimmable sea from late spring, fewer crowds, better hotel rates.
- July–August: Hottest, busiest, and most expensive. Many cruise ships; expect lines in the Old Town and at forts.
- November–March: Quiet, some closures, cooler and wetter, but good for low-cost city breaks.
Cruise crowd note: On heavy cruise days, the Old Town, Liston, and the Old Fortress are busiest from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Plan inland beaches or village visits during this window.
How To Get Around
- On foot: Best for Corfu Town.
- Bus: Blue buses serve the town area; green KTEL buses connect resorts and villages.
- Taxi: Easy at airport and town; use official ranks or apps where available.
- Car rental: Best for flexible island trips; roads can be narrow and winding.
- Scooter/ATV: Only if experienced; wear helmets and check insurance.
- Boat trips: Good value for beaches and day cruises to nearby islands.
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