Travel Guide Corfu
It is in the Ionian Sea, off the northwest coast of Greece, oppositeAlbania, that the charming Greek island of Corfu thrives. Its strategic position, at the entrance to the Adriatic Sea, has made it a coveted territory for various European peoples over the centuries, a fact that can be seen as you travel around the mountainous island: the remains of the Franks, Venetians, Turks and British are scattered everywhere. It is perhaps this aspect of the Ionian island that attracts travelers inclined to linger here more than elsewhere on a culture between Europe and the Balkans, like the archaeological heritage of the city of Corfu Chora, its two Venetian fortified complexes, its French arcades, its Byzantine chapels, its ancient treasures and its imposing palaces. The Corfu tourist guide will help you discover the unspoiled nature of this unmissable destination, a small paradise for walkers and other outdoor sportsmen, but also a unique Greek cuisine mixing Mediterranean and Italian flavors (the sofrito, veal cooked with white wine, is divine!) And let's not forget the warm welcome of the Greeks, sipping tsipouro with traditional music on the terrace of an ancient bar, but also the nights of parties that animate the island all summer, attracting a young population frequenting the beach bars and dancing to electronic music. Culture, nature, gastronomy, relaxation, numerous idyllic beaches and parties, what more could you want?
What to visit Corfu?
Suggested addresses Corfu
When to go to Corfu?
When to go to Corfu? In the islands, the tourist season traditionally lasts from the beginning of May, when the weather is already mild, until mid-October - or even the end of October - when the rain starts to fall. The months of July and August are considered the high season (or even very high season in August). The climate of the islands allows you to discover them in much calmer and serene periods, i.e. in May, June and September. Spring is indeed the best time to go to Corfu and the Ionian Islands: few people, a green and flowery nature, a pleasant climate for hiking and swimming..
For a stay on the occasion of a great popular holiday, opt for a trip at Easter (be careful: check the date of the Orthodox Easter on a calendar!). It is a great popular and warm holiday for about ten days but it has a price: they increase by 9% everywhere because of a religious tax.
You can also opt for the carnival period, very festive and less known by tourists. When to go to Corfu? All year round, trying to avoid July and August.
Weather at the moment
The weather in Corfu? Every year, 3,000 hours of sunshine are announced... In concrete terms, the climate is very hot in July and August and pleasant from May until October. In winter, the weather remains mild and there can be very nice sunny days, but you should bring a little wool or a raincoat. During the year, temperatures in Corfu vary between 15 and 35°C.
Greece is part of the euro zone like France. Despite (or because of) the crisis, the cost of living in Greece and Corfu remains a little lower overall than in France. Off-season, the traveller will still be surprised by the sweetness of some prices in bars and restaurants. In hotels, it is still possible to find a cheap and negotiable room outside August, which is still full of tourists.
For European Union citizens, an identity card or passport is sufficient to travel to Corfu. For unaccompanied minors, an authorization to leave the country is required (form available at the town hall or police station). No visa is required for Canadian nationals if their stay is less than three months. For Swiss nationals, it is necessary to be able to show a valid identity card or passport to go to Corfu.
The health situation is quite good in Corfu and no mandatory vaccinations are required for a stay in Greece. However, it is important to check that the usual vaccinations are up to date. If the water is quite drinkable in the whole of Greece, it is not always the case in the small villages and on the islands. Ask the locals in Corfu for information and don't hesitate to bring a bottle of mineral water.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Corfu? Our advice & tips
Corfu and the Greek islands have been well known destinations for French speaking tour operators for many years. They offer a wide range of organized trips that will potentially suit all profiles: honeymooners, family vacations, all-inclusive stays, self-tours and customized tours. If these specialists take a commission for the organization of the trip, the combined offers remain interesting.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationAverage price of direct flights from France to Corfu: from €150 with a low-cost airline, around €300 with an ordinary airline. Please note that there are few or no direct flights to Corfu in the low season, so you will have to make a stopover in Athens. To obtain attractive rates, it is essential to do so well in advance. Remember to buy your tickets six months before departure!
Due to the Mediterranean Sea, it will be easy to travel by boat on the coasts of Corfu. The national bus company, called KTEL, has a fairly extensive network and buses connect Athens to Zante or Corfu. Car travel on the island can be complicated, due in particular to the very narrow and often poor roads and the driving of the Corfiotes. Corfu also has taxis. This can help, but the prices remain quite high.
Corfu travel inspiration
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Other destinations Corfu
- Corfou Chora
- Achilleion
- Paleokastritsa
- Mont Pantokrator
- Notos
- Kassiopi
- Peroulades
- Kato Korakiana
- Lac De Korissia
- Lefkimmi
- Pelekas
- Nissaki
- Barbati
- Ipsos
- Aghios Stefanos
- Agios Georgios
- Vieux Perithia
- Benitses
- Almyros
- Sidari
- Avlaki
- Kavos
- Vatos
- Dassia
- Île Erikoussa
- Messonghi
- Cap Drastis
- Le Canal D'Amour
- Glyfada
- Agios Gordios