Corfu is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, known for its spectacular beaches, Venetian heritage, lush green landscapes, and charming coastal villages.

Corfu has been a special place for me for many years. I first visited the island on vacation and quickly fell in love with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant local culture. In 2013, I decided to take my connection to Corfu a step further by building a villa there. During the construction process, I traveled to the island almost every month, experiencing Corfu in all seasons—from the lively summer months to the quiet beauty of winter. To this day, I return every year, continuing to explore every corner of the island. Thanks to these experiences, I can offer firsthand recommendations on where to stay, the best places to visit, what to do, the ideal time to go, and how to get there. Whether you’re visiting Corfu for the first time or looking for new discoveries, this guide will help you make the most of your trip.

Where is Corfu ? 

Corfu is a Greek island located in the North West of Greece, in front of Albania. The island is 58 km long and 27 km large at its widest point. Its highest point is Mount Pantokrator, at an altitude of 906 meters. But you shouldn’t rely too much on distances as transport times can be long within the island due to the somewhat winding roads. And even longer on the coast, because of the traffic.

The airport is located next to the main town, also known as Corfu town, roughly in the center of the island. From the airport, it takes about an hour to reach the north of the island or the south of the island. So you have to choose carefully where you will stay ! 

Best Places to Visit in Corfu

The most beautiful sites are located in the north of the island:

• Old Perithia, the oldest village in Corfu, at the foot of Mount Pantokrator
• the double beach of Port Timoni, in Afionas
• Corfu town
• Achilleion, the former palace of Empress Sissi
• the port of Kassiopi and the nearby beaches of Agios Stefanos and Avlaki
• the beaches of Paleokastritsa
• Peroulades and its impressive cliffs

Corfu Town

The cultural heritage of Corfu Town witnesses to all the years spent under Venetian, French and British rule, before its attachment to Greece in 1864.

The town of Corfu is dominated by two imposing Venetian fortresses. But its charm lies above all in the winding streets. You can also have a coffee under the French-inspired arcades and visit the grand palace of St. Michael and St. George.

The Easter period is particularly festive with fanfare parades and religious processions.

Achilleion

Very close to Corfu Town you can visit the Achilleion. Achilleion or more commonly, Sissi’s Palace, is a neoclassical palace built at the end of the nineteenth century by Empress Sissi in honor of the Greek hero Achilles. The whole palace has a certain old-fashioned charm and is worth a visit. There are 128 rooms but today only the ground floor can be visited. The gardens are also very romantic and offer a very nice view of the sea. A timeless break that allows a cultural break between two beaches ! Be aware that The Museum Achilleion is currently undergoing restoration works. As a result, the outdoor open spaces and the Imperial Gardens are the only parts of the Museum that are open to visitors until further notice.

Kassiopi

Kassiopi is a very charming little port located about 35 kilometers northeast of Corfu town. In Roman times Kassiopi was the second most important city on the island. Cicero would have stayed there, as well as Nero!

The fortress which dominates the port dates from the fourteenth century. Today its many restaurants and small, well-protected beaches make it a popular destination for tourists. It is also possible to rent boats without a license for the day to reach the nearby small deserted coves.

Kassiopi beaches are nice and you will also find, very close to Kassiopi, San Stefano and Avlaki beaches.

Old Perithia

Old Perithia is also definitely in the top 5 of places to see in Corfu. It is the oldest village in Corfu. This village is located in a protected heritage area, just below Mount Pantokrator. The remains of the village date back to the middle of the 14th century, but the village was probably inhabited many centuries before.

About 130 houses have been built, completely by hand, many of which are being restored. The village, once inhabited by some 1,200 people, was one of the richest on the island, surrounded by vineyards, oaks and thousands of sheep. Surrounded by eight churches and nestled under the island’s highest mountains, Old Perithia was once a haven from pirate attacks. Now only a few houses are inhabited and apart from the tavernas it looks like a ghost village.

Best beaches in Corfu

Porto Timoni

Porto Timoni is clearly in the top 3 of places to see in Corfu. This double cove, located in Afionas is a rather incredible place, accessible after about twenty minutes of walk by a small path which goes down the cliff. You can also pay for the donkey descent for a few euros …

Or take a boat from Agios Georgios, opposite. The place is very peaceful and the landscapes are magnificent ! You can choose your beach and your cove. Plan to bring an umbrella and especially water because the ascent is tough.

Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa, or Palaiokastritsa, is also one of my favorite places to see in Corfu. It is a small port located about 25 kilometers west of Corfu town. The relative proximity to the city also explains why there are so many people …

A good option is to rent a small boat to go around the beaches, especially Paradise Beach where you will be very quiet. But where it is better to bring your picnic because there is nothing there. You can also go to La Grotta which is a kind of quiet beach club in the morning but packed in the afternoon. And be sure to visit the monastery above the port where you can buy olive oil.

You can also visit not very far, on top of a hill dominating Palaiokastritsa bay, an old byzantine castle called Angelokastro.

Peroulades

The village of Peroulades is practically abandoned but the place is especially famous for the impressive view of the cliffs which fall steeply. The sunsets are magnificent there. Or you can simply come and have a drink or a meal at the little restaurant that bears its name well: the 7th heaven! There is a very small beach below and swimming at the foot of this immense cliff is an experience in itself … The beaches are very small but spectacular!

Hiking in Corfu

Mount Pantokrator

The most comprehensive guide to hikes to do in Corfu lists nearly a hundred hikes, including 15 in the Mount Pantokrator massif. You start the hike from Old Perithia, the oldest village in Corfu. The path starts to the right of the main church of Old Perithia which can be seen arriving by road. Just outside the village, after passing a concrete cube which serves as a reservoir, a small, barely traced path starts off to the left. Two orange and yellow markings are hardly visible so you have to be particularly careful, except to continue on the main path which is also a beautiful walk!

The view over Old Perithia and the sea on one side, and the other part of the coast on the other are very beautiful. By taking a dirt road to the right you will arrive after another half an hour at an asphalt road which will bring you to the top of Mount Pantokrator after about twenty minutes. You can visit the monastery there, refresh yourself and have a bite to eat before starting the descent which is faster. Stunning scenery and incredible views throughout the hike will be your best reward !

Best Things to do in Corfu 

There are a lot of activities to do in Corfu.

• Discover the amazing beaches of the Northern Coast
• Nautical sports : sailing, waterskiing, scuba diving or simply rent a small boat with licence and discover hidden creaks
• Hiking. Mount Pantokrator offers many hiking opportunities
• Visit Corfu Town, Achileon, Museum of Asian Art, the old and the new fortress
• Simply rest around a nice pool in a great villa and enjoy Corfiot food
• there is also a night life around Sidari, in Kassiopi, in Ipsos and in the south of the island

When to Visit Corfu

The touristic season usually starts with Easter (the orthodox Easter) and ends up in October. But the after season is usually very nice, with less tourists and smaller prices for everything (villa, car, restaurants, etc.). The sea on the East coast remains very warm until November because it is not very deep between Corfu and Albania. I remember having swam in the sea some years until mid December and it was super nice !

The sea gets colder in winter and remains cold at the beginning of spring with the snow melting from the Albanese mountains.

How to get to Corfu 

You have two main options to get to Corfu. By air or by sea.

During the touristic season there are many direct flights from most of the main cities in Europe. Transavia starts its flights from France on April 3rd 2025 and from Amsterdam later in April 2025. And Easyjet starts its direct flight to Corfu at the end of March 2005 from London and in June from Milano!

If you choose to bring your car, you will find ferries from Igoumenitsa in Greece, from Venice, Bari, and Ancona in Italy and from Saranda in Albania.

Where to Stay in Corfu

Choosing where to stay in Corfu depends largely on the type of holiday you are looking for. The island is quite large, and each region offers a different atmosphere, from lively beach resorts to quiet villages surrounded by nature.

If you want to explore the island’s cultural heritage, Corfu Town is a great base. The historic center, with its Venetian architecture, narrow streets, and lively squares, offers plenty of restaurants, museums, and historical landmarks within walking distance.

Travelers looking for beautiful beaches and a relaxed seaside atmosphere often prefer staying in the north of Corfu, around villages such as Kassiopi, Agios Stefanos, or Avlaki. This part of the island combines charming harbors, clear waters, and easy access to some of the most scenic landscapes, including Mount Pantokrator and the historic village of Old Perithia.

On the western coast, Paleokastritsa is another popular place to stay thanks to its spectacular bays, turquoise water, and dramatic cliffs. The area is ideal for boat trips, swimming, and exploring some of the island’s most beautiful coves.

👉 For a more detailed overview of the best areas and accommodation options, read my guide on where to stay in Corfu.

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Conclusion: Discover the Best of Corfu

With its stunning beaches, historic villages, lush green landscapes, and vibrant culture, Corfu is one of the most diverse islands in Greece. Whether you spend your days exploring Venetian streets in Corfu Town, relaxing on spectacular beaches like Porto Timoni, hiking in the mountains around Mount Pantokrator, or discovering charming villages such as Kassiopi and Old Perithia, the island offers something for every traveler.

Thanks to its rich history and varied landscapes, Corfu is a destination that rewards exploration, and every visit reveals new hidden corners to discover.

If you’re planning a broader trip in the country, you can also read my Greece Travel Guide, where I share more destinations and travel tips for exploring one of Europe’s most fascinating countries. Read also my guide for the best beaches in Corfu.

Frequently Asked Questions About Corfu

Where is Corfu located?

Corfu is a Greek island located in the Ionian Sea in northwestern Greece, just off the coast of Albania. It is one of the northernmost Greek islands and part of the Ionian Islands archipelago. Thanks to its lush green landscapes, historic towns, and beautiful beaches, Corfu is one of the most popular travel destinations in Greece.

Is Corfu worth visiting?

Yes, Corfu is considered one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. The island combines spectacular beaches, Venetian architecture, charming villages, and lush green mountains. Visitors can explore historic sites such as Corfu Town and the Achilleion Palace, relax on famous beaches like Porto Timoni or Paleokastritsa, or hike in the mountains around Mount Pantokrator.

What are the best beaches in Corfu?

Some of the most beautiful beaches in Corfu include Porto Timoni, a spectacular double cove near Afionas, Paleokastritsa, known for its turquoise bays, and Logas Beach in Peroulades, famous for its dramatic cliffs and stunning sunsets. Many smaller coves and hidden beaches can also be reached by boat around the island.

How many days should you spend in Corfu?

Most travelers spend 3 to 5 days in Corfu to explore the island’s main attractions. This allows enough time to visit Corfu Town, relax on several beaches, explore villages such as Kassiopi, and discover natural sites like Mount Pantokrator or Paleokastritsa.

What is the best time to visit Corfu?

The best time to visit Corfu is from May to October, when the weather is warm and sunny. The summer months of July and August are the busiest, while May, June, September, and October offer pleasant temperatures with fewer tourists. The sea often remains warm enough for swimming well into autumn.

Where should you stay in Corfu?

The best area to stay in Corfu depends on your travel style. Corfu Town is ideal for culture and nightlife, while the north of the island around Kassiopi, Agios Stefanos, and Avlaki offers beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. The western coast around Paleokastritsa is also popular for its spectacular bays and crystal-clear water.