Corfu Travel Guide

Corfu remains one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations. Located in the Ionian island group in the western part of the country, it is composed of white sand beaches, an active nightlife, and stunning mountains. It’s very crowded during the summer months, especially with young backpackers looking to party and sit by the beach. Despite that, there are still many quiet places to stay on the island to avoid this atmosphere. Corfu tends to be a popular stop for people coming or going to Italy as it’s relatively near the ferry. If you get a chance, visit Corfu! It’s one of my favorite destinations in Greece!

Typical Costs

• Hostel prices – Hostels in Corfu cost around $15 USD per night for a dormitory room. During the peak summer months, prices rise to about $30 USD. Privates start at $25 USD per night in the off-season.
• Budget hotel prices – Double rooms start around $50 USD per night and come with breakfast included.
• Average cost of food – Restaurants will cost no more than $20 USD for a nice dinner even in a tourist area. If you really want to eat cheap, eat a gyro. A Gyro is only about $3 USD and the best cheap food in Greece. You can also find sandwiches and snacks for less than $10 USD.
• Transportation costs – The main bus terminal in Corfu is the San Rocco Square. Tickets are $2.50 USD and buses run about every 30 minutes. You can also take a taxi but they are very, very expensive.

Money Saving Tips

Stay in nearby Messonghi – This village lies 15 miles out of Corfu, but it has the same seaside atmosphere. If you want a small-town feel without the crazy tourism, you can take advantages of the budgets prices here.

Rent a bike – A great way to see Corfu is by bike. Day rentals should cost under $20 USD.

Top Things to See and Do in Corfu

• Explore Kassiopi – A small and quaint ancient town, it’s worth spending a half day here exploring the ancient Greek and Roman ruins. It will give you something to do other than the beach.
• See the Church of Saint Spiridon – Visit this three hundred year old church, which is full of relics. It’s free to get in and is very beautiful.
• Lounge on Lakkeiss Beach – This quiet beach is a good place to go when the main beaches near town fill up with tourists and drunk backpackers.
• Take a day trip to Paleokastritsa – This relaxing seaside town has good beaches, some nearby caves, and delicious waterfront seafood restaurants. It’s a quiet option on this otherwise busy island.
• Check out Nymphes – According to a legend, in ancient times the Nymphs used to bathe in the village’s nearby waterfalls. Just outside the village, you can visit Askitario, a small but historic monastery.
• Explore Achilleion – This is a palace built in Corfu by Empress of Austria Elisabeth of Bavaria. In 1890 she had a summer palace constructed in the region of Gastouri about ten kilometres south of the city of Corfu. The palace was designed with the mythical hero Achilles as its central theme.
• Visit Aqualand – This is a small waterpark with only a few main “rides”. It’s a little cheesy but it gives you something different to do after you’ve spent a few weeks on the beach.
• Take the Corfu trail – Corfu is an ideal location for people who like to hike. The Corfu trail is a 222 km long distance footpath covering the full length of the islands. The route is well signed.
• Hit the beaches – There is no end to the beautiful and captivating beaches throughout the island. The western side of Corfu is host to a long stretch of sandy beaches, while the eastern side is more peaceful with calmer waters. Messonghi beach is a great place to spot some fish.
• Go yachting – Thanks to the calm water and consistently beautiful weather, Corfu is an ideal place to go out on a boat. There are various companies that offer charter trips and many of which offer lunch packages and open bars. Many of the hostels run day long party boats.
• See Kynopiastes – This is a traditional little village in the Messi Region. It is a short distance from the town of Corfu. There are several old mansions and churches to see; many of which were built during the 17th century.
• The Museum of Coins – Founded by the Ionian Bank, this coin museum can be found in Corfu Town. There is a large collection, featuring several coins, stamps, bank documents, banknotes (post-Greek liberation), books, and foreign banknotes. The exhibits show an interesting contrast to life before the spread of the Euro.
• See an olive grove – Olives play a huge part in Greece’s culture. There are tons of olive groves throughout Corfu. It is nice to stroll through the narrow lanes, beneath the shade of the old trees. It’s really awesome when you get to sample the olive products from various groves.