About Corfu
Why Corfu?
Corfu is the second-largest Ionian island and one of the most popular destinations in all of Greece - a UNESCO old town with Venetian fortifications, beaches ranging from sandy to dramatic cliffs, and an interior densely covered with olive groves and cypresses. A Corfu holiday in 2026 is for travellers seeking a combination of cultural experiences, world-class beaches and authentic Greek gastronomy.
Corfu has around 100,000 permanent residents and doubles in population during the season. The old town (Palaia Polis) is a UNESCO site - Venetian, French and British architecture blend in a unique atmosphere. It differs from Aegean islands (Crete, Rhodes) in its greenery - Corfu has 4 million olive trees and the climate is wetter than on most Greek islands.
Position: 60 km from the Albanian coast, 250 km north of Athens, 90 minutes by ferry from Sivota or Igoumenitsa.
Beaches and the sea
Corfu has over 200 km of coastline with varied beaches. The north has dramatic cliffs and turquoise coves (Paleokastritsa, Liapades). The east is more developed with sandy beaches (Dassia, Ipsos, Kalami). The south has longer sandy beaches (Glyfada, Pelekas, Issos).
Top beaches:
- Paleokastritsa - a complex of bays with white cliffs and turquoise water, in the northwest
- Glyfada - a long sandy beach on the western coast with pines
- Sidari (Canal d'Amour) - sandy rock formations, popular with couples
- Kassiopi - a luxury village with a marina and small beaches in the north
Blue Flag on 20+ beaches. The Ionian water is warm with excellent visibility.
Where to stay
Corfu old town - boutique hotels in Venetian buildings, waterfront restaurants, cultural programmes. For couples and those who want atmosphere.
Kassiopi and Acharavi (north) - luxury hotels and private villas, quieter.
Dassia and Ipsos (east coast) - family packages with all-inclusive hotels.
Glyfada and Agios Gordios (west coast) - long beaches, less dense.
Browse all current Corfu listings.
Getting there
Corfu airport (CFU) is the main entry:
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Flight from Belgrade - direct seasonal flights (Air Serbia, Wizz Air, Aegean), 1 hour 30 minutes. Return fares 200 to 350 €.
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Ferry from Igoumenitsa - 90 minutes, multiple daily departures, 8 to 12 € per person. A good option for travellers driving from the Balkans (1,000 km to Igoumenitsa).
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Ferry from Italy (Bari, Brindisi, Venice) - 8 to 18 hours depending on the departure. Fare 60 to 120 € per person.
Best time to visit
May–June - cool, sea 19–22 °C, natural greenery at its prettiest. Low crowds.
July–August - peak. Sea 24–26 °C, land 30–34 °C. The old town is busy, beaches full.
September - excellent month. Sea 24 °C, prices drop 20 to 30 percent.
October - first half still warm, second half slides into off-season.
Things to see and do
Corfu old town - UNESCO site, Spianada square (the largest in Greece), the Old and New Fortress (Venetian), Saint Spyridon church.
Achilleion palace - the former residence of Austrian Empress Sissi, with neoclassical architecture and gardens.
Paleokastritsa monastery - a Byzantine monastery above the bay with island views.
Aristotelous flight over Corfu - jet-ski and tandem paragliding from Pelekas.
Mouse Island and Vlacherna Monastery - an iconic location with a small monastery on the island, near the airport.
Day boat trip around the island - a cruise with swimming stops in inaccessible bays.
Pricing - what to expect
Accommodation: a four-person apartment is 60 to 130 € per night in shoulder, 90 to 200 € at peak. Four-star hotels with half-board from 100 € per person shoulder, 140 € peak. Villas inland 130 to 280 €.
Weekly cost per person: 420 to 650 € shoulder, 600 to 900 € peak.
Restaurant prices: main course 10 to 18 €, fresh fish 15 to 28 €, glass of wine 4 to 6 €. Old town restaurants are more expensive than in beach villages.
Ferry from Igoumenitsa: 8 to 12 € per person, 22 to 35 € for a car.
Frequently asked questions
Is Corfu better for couples or families? Both. The old town for couples (atmosphere, restaurants). The east coast for families (sandy beaches, animation). The west and north coasts for all (variety).
What is the difference between Corfu and Kefalonia? Corfu is more developed and has richer cultural heritage (UNESCO). Kefalonia is less touristy, with more dramatic beaches and nature. Corfu for culture; Kefalonia for nature.
Is renting a car worth it? Absolutely. Corfu is a 60 km long island with different regions - without a car you stay tied to one beach.
Is Corfu more expensive than mainland destinations? Yes, but less than Mykonos or Santorini. Prices sit between Halkidiki and the premium Cycladic islands.
Are there direct flights from Belgrade? Yes, seasonal. Air Serbia and Wizz Air occasionally operate the route, as do charters. Worth booking 2 to 3 months ahead.