Corfu Travel Guide: The Complete Island Guide

Corfu has a history unlike any other Greek island. Venetian for four centuries (1386–1797), then briefly French, then British (1815–1864) before joining Greece — the architectural result is extraordinary. The Old Town is the most intact Venetian urban fabric in the Ionian Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels genuinely like a small Italian city transplanted to the Adriatic. The island also has exceptional beaches on every coast, a developed food scene, and terrain that ranges from the flat resort south to the lush, wooded hills of the north.

Corfu Old Town (Kerkyra)

The old town occupies a peninsula of two Venetian fortresses — the Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio) to the east, the New Fortress (Neo Frourio) to the northwest. Between them, the Venetian street grid survives largely intact: the Liston arcade (modelled on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, built by the French), the Spianada square (the largest in Greece), narrow lanes called kantounia, and dozens of small Venetian churches.

Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio): Built by the Venetians on a naturally defensible promontory, connected to the town by a drawbridge. Entry €6 adult (as of 2026), open 8am–8pm daily in summer. Good views from the lighthouse tower.

Museum of Asian Art: Housed in the former British Residency (the Saint Michael and Saint George Palace), this is an unexpectedly excellent museum — 11,000 Japanese, Chinese, and Indian artefacts collected by the diplomat Gregorios Manos. Entry €6 adult, open 8am–3pm Tue–Sun.

The Liston: The arcaded promenade along the western edge of the Spianada — cafés and bars under the arches, tables in the square. Coffee approximately €3–5; drinks approximately €8–14.

Paleokastritsa

The most scenic bay on the island — a series of small coves surrounded by steep wooded hills, a Byzantine monastery perched on the headland, and exceptionally clear water. It is the one place on Corfu that consistently overcrowds in high summer (arrive before 9am or after 4pm).

Paleokastritsa Monastery: Founded in the 13th century, rebuilt in the 18th — a working monastery with a small museum of Byzantine icons. Entry free, modest dress required, open 7am–1pm and 3pm–8pm daily.

Boat trips from Paleokastritsa: Local fishermen run trips to the sea caves (spilies) and the Blue Eye spring from the main beach — approximately €15–20 per person, 30–45 minutes. Well worth it for the cave light effects.

Beaches

Corfu has more than 40 named beaches — Glyfada is the island’s best all-rounder (wide golden sand, clear water), while Porto Timoni (a 45-minute walk from Afionas village) is arguably the most beautiful. Canal d’Amour at Sidari is striking but crowded in summer; Kavos in the south is a party resort. Our Corfu beaches guide covers the best of each coast.

Where to Stay in Corfu

The Old Town is the most atmospheric base — Venetian mansion hotels from approximately €110/night — while Paleokastritsa has good options with bay views from €80/night. For a resort experience, Domes Miramare near Moraitika starts from €400/night in peak season. Our Corfu where-to-stay guide covers all zones and budgets.

Where to Eat in Corfu

Corfu has a distinct cuisine — sofrito, pastitsada, and bourdeto are not found elsewhere in Greece. The Old Town has the best concentration of tavernas, with prices rising steeply closer to the Liston. Full picks across the island are in our Corfu restaurants guide.

Getting Around Corfu

Buses (KTEL Corfu) run from the bus station near the New Port to most villages and beach areas — approximately €1.50–3 per journey. The network is reasonable for the main resorts but limited for smaller beaches. Taxis from the old town to Paleokastritsa cost approximately €35–40. Corfu Airport is just 2km from the Old Town — Welcome Pickups covers the transfer if you want a greeter at arrivals. Car hire gives the most flexibility — approximately €35–60/day for a small car. The island’s road infrastructure is good by Greek island standards.

For detailed guides, see: things to do in Corfu, best beaches in Corfu, restaurants in Corfu, where to stay in Corfu, and Corfu tours.

Book Corfu tours, sailing trips, and Old Town walks with GetYourGuide.

See Also

• Things to Do in Corfu — the Old Town, Paleokastritsa, and the best beaches
• Best Beaches in Corfu — Paleokastritsa, Glyfada, Canal d’Amour, and Sidari
• Restaurants in Corfu — Corfiot specialties and the best tavernas
• Best Tours in Corfu — Old Town walking tours, boat trips, and quad adventures
• Where to Stay in Corfu — Corfu Town vs. beach resorts
• Corfu vs Crete — Ionian vs Aegean island comparison
• Corfu vs Zakynthos — Ionian island head-to-head
• Zakynthos Travel Guide — the other major Ionian island to the south
• Lefkada Travel Guide — the Ionian island accessible by road
• Greek Island Ferry Guide — ferries to and from Corfu
• Greece Car Rental Guide — essential for exploring Corfu’s villages