Corfu Travel Guide: Old Town, Best Beaches & Where to Stay

Corfu, or Kerkyra, is the greenest and arguably most elegant of the Ionian Islands. Centuries of Venetian, French, and British rule have left it with a unique character, from the cypress-covered hills and olive groves to a Old Town that feels closer to Italy than to the Aegean. Add some of the prettiest beaches in Greece and a relaxed, cultured atmosphere, and it is easy to see why Corfu has charmed visitors for generations.

Here is what to see, where to base yourself, and how to plan a trip to the emerald isle.

Why Visit Corfu?

Corfu offers a richer, more varied experience than a simple beach holiday. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of the finest in the Mediterranean, the landscape is lush and mountainous, and the coastline ranges from buzzing resorts to hidden coves. It is also extremely well connected and family-friendly, with a long history of welcoming visitors that shows in its easy-going hospitality.

Best Things to Do in Corfu

Explore Corfu Old Town

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Corfu Town is a delight to wander, with narrow Venetian alleys (the kantounia), grand French-built arcades along the Liston, and the vast green Spianada square. Stop for a coffee, browse the boutiques, and let yourself get lost among the faded elegance.

Visit the Two Fortresses

The Old and New Fortresses guard either side of the town and offer terrific views over the rooftops and out to sea. The Old Fortress, set on its own promontory, is especially atmospheric at sunset.

See the Achilleion Palace

Built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi), the Achilleion Palace south of town is a grand neoclassical villa with beautiful gardens and statues dedicated to the hero Achilles, plus sweeping coastal views.

Discover Paleokastritsa

On the west coast, Paleokastritsa is a series of stunning bays backed by green hills, with clear water, sea caves to explore by boat, and a hilltop monastery worth the climb for the views.

The Best Beaches in Corfu

Corfu's coastline is wonderfully varied. Paleokastritsa offers scenic coves and snorkelling. Glyfada and Agios Gordios on the west coast have long sandy beaches backed by cliffs. The hike to Porto Timoni rewards you with a dramatic double bay. In the north, Sidari's Canal d'Amour features unusual rock formations, while the quieter northeast coast hides pretty pebble coves near Kassiopi.

Where to Stay in Corfu

Corfu Town is ideal for culture, dining, and atmosphere. Paleokastritsa suits those after west-coast scenery and beaches. The upmarket northeast around Kassiopi and Agios Stefanos is popular with families and couples seeking a quieter, more refined stay. Acharavi and Sidari in the north are good value and family-friendly, while Kavos in the far south is the island's party resort.

Food and Drink in Corfu

Corfiot cuisine reflects the island's Venetian past. Seek out sofrito (tender veal in a garlic and white-wine sauce), pastitsada (a rich pasta and meat dish), and bourdeto (spicy fish stew). For something sweet or to take home, the island's kumquat liqueur, made from the small citrus fruit grown locally, is a Corfu speciality.

Best Time to Visit Corfu

Late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October) are the best times, with warm weather, green landscapes, and manageable crowds. July and August are hot and at their busiest, particularly in the resorts. Spring is beautiful for walking among the wildflowers and olive groves, thanks to the island's mild, relatively wet climate that keeps it so green.

Getting to and Around Corfu

Corfu has an international airport close to the Old Town, with seasonal flights from across Europe, plus ferries from the mainland port of Igoumenitsa and links to Italy. A hire car is the best way to explore the island's varied coastline and hill villages, though buses connect the main resorts and the Old Town in season.

Final Thoughts

Corfu rewards travellers who want more than just a beach. Spend time in the Old Town, drive out to the west-coast bays, and seek out a village taverna or two, and you will discover an island with real depth and a gentle, cultured charm that keeps visitors coming back.