Ionian
Corfu
Lush, green, and Venetian — the most un-Greek-looking island in Greece.
Getting around
Car recommended
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Busy in peak
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Flight or ferry
In pictures
Corfu
Corfu is the most visited of the Ionian islands and looks nothing like the Cyclades — it's intensely green, with Venetian architecture in its old town, olive groves covering the hills, and a more Italian feel to its food and culture. The beaches on the west coast are stunning. It's a great all-rounder for families and couples, though popular with British package tourists in peak season.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Kavos in the south is an infamous British party strip. Very heavy British tourist presence across the island in July–August.
Hidden gem
Drive up to the abandoned village of Old Perithia — the oldest village on the island, now a handful of tavernas under Mount Pantokrator.
Where it sits
Ionian, Greece
Corfu — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Corfu? +
- The best months to visit Corfu are May to October. Avoid late July and August if you can — the island is crowded in July and August.
- How do you get to Corfu from Athens? +
- Corfu has an airport, so you can fly direct from Athens in under an hour or take the ferry.
- Is Corfu good for couples? +
- Corfu is a charming pick for couples, especially shoulder season.
- Is Corfu good for families with kids? +
- Corfu is a great choice for families — calm swims, walkable towns, and short transfers.
- Is Corfu expensive? +
- Corfu is affordable by Greek-island standards — value-for-money is on the weaker side, so set expectations.
- Do you need a car on Corfu? +
- You'll want a rental car on Corfu — distances are longer and the best beaches are spread out.
- What's the catch with Corfu? +
- Kavos in the south is an infamous British party strip. Very heavy British tourist presence across the island in July–August.