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 at every level of development.

Glyfada: One of the best beaches on the island — wide golden sand, two beach bars, clear water. The main Glyfada beach gets busy; the smaller Glyfada Mega Ammos to the north is quieter.

Agios Georgios (north, near Afionas): A long curved bay backed by low dunes, with clear water and a quieter atmosphere than the more-developed south coast beaches.

Canal d’Amour (Sidari): A narrow sea channel eroded through pale sandstone on the north coast — photogenic, crowded in summer. The sea floors are dramatic but shallow.

Kavos: The southernmost resort area, dominated by British party tourism. Not recommended for anyone seeking a peaceful beach.

Porto Timoni: Two small coves connected by a narrow sandbar, accessible only on foot (approximately 45 minutes’ walk from Afionas village). One of the most beautiful spots on the island.

Where to Stay in Corfu

Old Town: Bella Venezia Hotel (renovated neoclassical mansion, central location, from approximately €110/night), Siorra Vittoria Boutique Hotel (old Venetian town house, garden courtyard, from approximately €130/night), Hermes Hotel (simpler but well-located, from approximately €70/night).

Paleokastritsa area: Akrotiri Beach Hotel (directly above the bay, from approximately €120/night), Zefiros Hotel (quieter hillside position, from approximately €80/night).

Resort areas: Domes Miramare (luxury resort near Moraitika, from approximately €400/night peak), MarBella Corfu (large resort at Agios Ioannis Peristeron, from approximately €200/night peak).

Budget: Pink Palace (youth hostel at Agios Gordios, famous backpacker hangout, from approximately €25/dorm), various small studios in the old town from approximately €60/night.

Where to Eat in Corfu

Corfu has a distinct cuisine influenced by Venetian and French cooking — sofrito (veal in white wine and garlic), pastitsada (slow-cooked meat in tomato sauce), and bourdeto (spiced fish stew) are Corfiot specialties not found elsewhere in Greece.

Etrusco (Kato Korakiana): Consistently ranked one of the best restaurants in Greece — modern Greek-Mediterranean food with exceptional technique. Approximately €60–90 per person. Book well in advance.

Rouvas (Corfu Old Town): The classic old-town taverna — excellent pastitsada and grilled fish, fair prices for the location (approximately €20–35 per person, 13 Guilford Street).

Vergina (Corfu Old Town): Reliable traditional restaurant under the arches near the Liston, good for lunch (approximately €15–25 per person).

Rex Restaurant (Corfu Old Town): 1930s-established restaurant, extensive menu including Corfiot specialties, good for tasting the local dishes (approximately €25–40 per person).

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. 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.

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