Located in the Ionian Sea off Greece’s northwestern coast, Corfu Island (Kerkyra) is a verdant gem that stands apart in Mediterranean history. “Corfu was one of the few parts of Greece never conquered by the Ottomans”[1]. Its Old Town – a living tapestry of Venetian, French, British and Greek influences – was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007[2][3]. Walking its labyrinthine alleys at dawn (when only church bells and stray cats stir) or watching the sunset from the Spianada Square, one immediately senses this Italian-meets-Greek soul. In this definitive guide, we trace Corfu’s 3,000-year history (from its mythic 8th-century BC founding by Corinthian Greeks[4], through Venetian rule and legendary Ottoman sieges, to union with modern Greece in 1864[5]), and reveal the enduring culture that UNESCO praises as “an outstanding example of… universal value”[3].
Corfu’s story begins in Greek antiquity. According to legend, the island’s ancient name “Corcyra” came from a nymph, and the Homeric Phaeacians (in the Odyssey) were said to live here. Historically, Corinthians founded Corfu city around 734 BC, giving rise to the name Corcyra[4]. Its deep harbor became a major Greek port. The island had a Ionian Pelasgian and Dorian population before Classical Greece. Though it never fought in the Persian Wars, Corcyra later allied with Athens in the Peloponnesian War, illustrating its active role in ancient Greek politics.
After Athens’ defeat, Corcyra oscillated between independence and larger empires. In 229 BC, Illyrians seized it briefly before the Romans intervened, making Corcyra a Roman free city[4]. Under Rome (31 BC onward), Corfu enjoyed relative peace and prosperity in the Pax Romana[11]. Remnants of Roman villas and early Christian basilicas still lie buried near the old city (“Paleopolis”).
Roman rule brought infrastructure but few lasting Roman monuments on Corfu today. Corfu remained part of the Byzantine Empire after Constantine’s reforms (395 AD). During Byzantine times (330–1204 AD), the island was a remote outpost. Saint Spyridon, a 4th-century Cypriot bishop, settled in Corfu in the 1400s bringing Christian relics (his right hand, still in the main church). His enduring veneration (see Section 4.5) dates from this era. The Byzantines initiated city fortifications: the Old Fortress’s core citadel was first built here around the 8th century[12].
However, by 1204 Corfu’s allegiances shifted. After the Fourth Crusade fragmented Byzantium, Corfu passed into Latin and regional hands.
From the 9th through 13th centuries, Corfu saw a revolving door of powers. It was raided by Saracens, sacked by Normans under Robert Guiscard (1082), and fought over by rival Christians. By 1204 it briefly joined the Despotate of Epirus (a Byzantine successor state)[13]. In 1259 it fell to Manfred of Sicily and then (1267) to the Angevin Kingdom of Naples[13].
Ultimately, Corfu’s Ionian location lured Venice. In 1386 (or 1401 by some accounts), the Republic of Venice took over Corfu as part of its maritime empire[14]. Under Venice, Corfu would remain semi-autonomous for four centuries.
The Venetian Age is Corfu’s defining epoch. Republic of Venice authorities governed Corfu from 1386 until Napoleon’s conquest in 1797[14][15]. They fortified the island into a bulwark against the Ottomans.
Corfu weathered three major Ottoman sieges during Venetian rule.
Each siege failure cemented Corfu’s reputation as impregnable. Tip: Visit the New Fortress battlements – you can still see bullet scars and can imagine Ottoman ships below.
The Venetians left an indelible mark on Corfu. They rebuilt and expanded the Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio) and the later New Fortress (Neo Frourio), engineering marvels of stone and bastion design[8][3]. Their town planning filled the old walls with a prosperous cosmopolitan port city. In 1671 they commissioned the Liston, an elegant arcade of cafes inspired by Paris’s Rue de Rivoli, still the social hub today. Venetian Gothic and Baroque palaces were erected for nobility and clergy, blending with later neoclassical styles.
Culturally, Venice introduced Catholic churches (e.g. the Catholic Cathedral) and promoted trade. It also implanted Mediterranean cuisine (the spice-laced pastitsada and bourdeto are legacies[19]) and gave Corfu a love of the philharmonic bands. To this day, a handful of Venetian-era patrician family names remain among Corfiots, and local pasta dishes recall those “pioneering Venetians put Corfu on the spice trail”[19].
Venice fell in 1797, and Corfu briefly became a French possession (part of Napoleon’s Ionian Republic). A Russo-Ottoman fleet soon ousted the French, and from 1815 Corfu became the capital of the British Protectorate of the United States of the Ionian Islands. Under Britain, new institutions (like the Ionian Academy) and English customs (cricket, see §7.3) took root. Britannia fortified Corfu further (the sea wall at the Old Fortress was completed). Yet British rule was often resented as heavy-handed. Finally, in 1864 Corfu (with all the Ionian Islands) was ceded to the Kingdom of Greece[20]. The Union of 1864 ended centuries of foreign rule. Notably, British Princesses were born in Corfu’s Villa Mon Repos, and the first Greek king, George I, even summered here before moving the capital to Athens.
Once part of Greece, Corfu entered the modern nation-state era. King George I’s heirs used Mon Repos as a summer palace (Prince Philip of Britain was born here in 1921[21]). The island avoided the disastrous 1953 Ionian earthquake that leveled nearby islands; many older buildings (especially in Corfu Town) survive intact. In World War II it was occupied by Italian then German forces, suffering some bombardment (the British-built Palace of St. Michael & George was bombed but largely spared[21]).
In the late 20th century, Corfu developed mass tourism but also worked to preserve its heritage. Today (as of Dec 2025) Corfu combines luxury resorts with family-run pensions, and medieval churches with beach bars. Greek remains the language, but English is widely spoken. The local economy thrives on tourism, olive oil, and kumquat liqueur (a Corfiot specialty introduced by Venice).
Corfu’s Old Town is a walled renaissance city unlike anywhere else in Greece. Strewn between two Venetian fortresses (Old and New) and bounded by the sea, the Old Town’s grid of alleyways was largely built under Venetian rule but layered with later British, French, and Greek styles. It’s rightly a UNESCO site (inscribed 2007) for Criterion (iv): “the urban and port ensemble of Corfu, dominated by its fortresses of Venetian origin, constitutes an architectural example of outstanding universal value”[22]. In practice, walking the Old Town feels like strolling a Venetian fortified port city[10].
UNESCO highlighted how Corfu’s Old Town exemplifies Mediterranean history in stone. Key points from the inscription include: Corfu’s fortifications (Old & New Fortresses) at the Adriatic’s gate, and a historic core dating to 8th BC and Byzantine times[8]. The Venetian influence (15th–18th c.) defined its layout and style. Visitors should note the criteria: authenticity and integrity of the urban fabric[3]. In other words, little in the Old Town has been lost to modern development. Its winding Spianada square, arcade-lined Liston, and stone bastions are preserved exactly as described in UNESCO documents. (In fact, UNESCO calls Spianada “Europe’s largest seaside piazza”[8].)
You’ll see plaques around the town marking this status. The UNESCO designation also means conservation – city plans strictly limit altering historic buildings. For travelers, it’s a reassurance that strolling Corfu Town really is like stepping back to the Venetian age, complete with original city gates, Venetian columns and even cobbled streets.
The Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio) crowns the northeastern tip of Corfu Town. Built on ancient Byzantine walls by the Ottomans in 1386 and extensively rebuilt by the Venetians (especially in 1546–58 under military engineer Michele Sanmicheli), it is one of Europe’s finest bastion fortresses[23]. Its maze of ramparts, dry moat, and cisterns was never breached by the Ottomans. Key sights here include San Rocco’s (a Venetian chapel), the St. George Tower (with statues of Saint George slaying the dragon), and panoramic terraces.
Facing the Old Fortress across the Spianada, the New Fortress was built by the Venetians in 1576–1718 to cover landward approaches. Unlike the Old Fort, it remained under military use (by British and even Italian forces) well into the 20th century. Today parts are abandoned and graffitied, but it offers superb views of Spianada and the sea (especially at sunset). Unlike the Old Fortress’s stone, the New Fort has lime-washed facades; it is more tree-lined and less visited. Explore its spiral road, gate towers, and hidden battlements.
Spianada is the vast lawned square at Corfu Town’s heart. Over a third of it was once a Venetian shipyard; today it’s a leafy recreation ground. At over 50 acres, it’s one of Europe’s largest squares. You’ll find cricket wickets (a British legacy) on one end, and the neo-classical Palace of St. Michael and St. George on another. On summer evenings locals stroll here, and philharmonic bands (see §7.2) play impromptu concertos. Nearby is the Asian Art Museum, in the Palace’s left wing.
Inspired by the Rue de Rivoli, the Liston was built under French rule (c. 1807) to imitate the elegance of Europe. With its arcaded salons, it became the island’s dining and social center. Though tourists enjoy it today, for Corfiots the Liston remains the promenade. Sidewalk tables spill onto the Spianada, and every café claims “the best brisket in Corfu.” Nearby stands the Napoleon Rotunda (Louise’s Rotunda) – a round temple Napoleon had built for his Empress Josephine (1807), now a British-built Orthodox church.
To truly appreciate Corfu’s layered architecture, take a short walking tour:
Notice even laneway names blend languages: Regal Road (French), Karaiskaki (Greek hero) Street, Corfiot Square. Each turn yields another testament to Corfu’s hybrid heritage.
Achilleion is Corfu’s grandest villa, located ~10 km south of Corfu Town. Built in 1890–91 for the Austrian Empress Elisabeth (“Sisi”) as a refuge after her son’s death[24], the palace is decked with Greek mythological motifs. Inside, the grand dining room frescoes depict scenes like the Triumph of Achilles. Outside are statues of Achilles (walking and dying) and a panoramic terrace overlooking Corfu and the sea.
After touring the palace interior, wander the green hillside paths. Look back toward the palace for the Achilleus thneskon statue and ahead for 360° views of bays and mountains. The gift shop sells local postcards featuring Sisi and Achilles.
Paleokastritsa (palaios “old” + kastritsa “castle”) is arguably Corfu’s most iconic coastal village. From dramatic cliffs emerge six sandy coves with clear blue water. Famous spots include Angelokastro ruins on a high promontory (accessible by a steep trail, 4×4 recommended) and Agios Spyridon (Lighthouse) further out.
Just south of Corfu Town lies Kanoni, a viewpoint over a shallow lagoon. The postcard scene here is unmistakable: in the lagoon’s middle sits the tiny white Vlacherna Monastery with its cypress-tree isle (Pontikonisi, “Mouse Island”) just behind it. The 17th-century Vlacherna has a tiled roof and is still used for weddings and baptisms – you may hear a bride’s saxophone echo over the water on busy days.
Kanoni evokes both calm and motion: the flutter of gulls, church bells in the distance, engines of small boats. If you linger until sundown, the last light coats the White Cliffs of Corfu Town in pastel pink.
Just outside Kanoni lies Mon Repos (“My Rest”), a neoclassical villa once home to British governors and later the Greek royal family. Built in 1828–31 for Lord High Commissioner Sir Frederick Adam[25], it was renamed by King George I after 1864[26]. (Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was famously born here in 1921[21].)
Today Mon Repos hosts the Museum of Palaiopolis, an archaeological museum of local Greek, Roman and Byzantine artifacts. The gardens (now a public park) contain ancient tombs, temples and even an old temple ruin. It’s a peaceful retreat: people walk their dogs here, children fly kites on the lawn, and squirrels chase each other among peonies. (Tip: read the multilingual plaques – the site was a major open-air museum in the early 1900s.)
Saint Spyridon (270–348 AD) is Corfu’s patron and the island’s guardian. His relics (a right hand bone) are housed in Saint Spyridon’s Church in the Old Town (built 1596). The church’s tall red-brick bell tower (topped with a grey dome) is Corfu’s highest point visible from anywhere in town.
Every hour on the hour, Saint Spyridon’s tower bell tolls across the town, followed by smaller bells echoing through the alleys – a sound unique to Corfu. On quiet Sunday mornings you can hear them plainly, with fishermen’s boats putting out to sea.
Unlike the arid Cyclades, Corfu is famously green. Years of rain and mild winters have made it the emerald isle of Greece: hills cloaked in olive groves and cypress forests roll down to azure seas. Mount Pantokrator (906 m) is the highest peak, often topped with snow in winter, and offers a panoramic island vista. From every hilltop (or coastal road) you see verdant hillsides dotted with white-washed villages. In spring, the island blooms with wild tulips, orchids and banana plants (yes, Corfu has banana trees in sheltered spots).
Geologically, Corfu is mainly limestone, so the coasts are a mix of pebble coves and sandy beaches. Inland, you’ll find freshwater springs and gorges (like the Roman Baths cave with its pool, south of the city). Korission Lagoon on the southwest coast (see below) is a wetland reserve where flamingos sometimes winter, adding a splash of pink to the greenery.
Because of this lushness, Corfu’s scenery feels a world apart from the more barren east Greek islands. The constant accentuating of deep blue sea against chartreuse hills is simply stunning.
Swimming and sunbathing are major draws. Notable beaches include:
Feature table:
Beach / Feature | Sand/Water | Vibe | Tip |
Paleokastritsa Main | Pebble; clear shallow | Family-friendly, scenic vistas | Arrive before 11 AM to avoid crowds[28] |
Glyfada | Sandy; warm | Popular, easy access | Avoid mid-August if possible (crowded) |
Agios Gordios | Sandy; waves | Bustling tavernas & bars | Hike to Korission Hill behind beach |
Kassiopi beaches (Kalamaki, etc) | Pebble/Sand mix | Relaxed, local vibe | Take lunch in Kassiopi village (center) |
Canal d’Amour (Sidari) | Pebble; unique rock formations | Youthful, party atmosphere | Check water depth before jumping off rocks |
Note: many beaches have limited shade – bring umbrella, especially in July–Aug. December 2025 update: Most taverna open year-round in main resorts; off-season has few sunloungers but wild swimming is still possible in sunny spells.
Beyond the beach, Corfu’s interior is a hiker’s paradise. A network of trails (some Roman-era) links hillside villages. Highlights include:
Bring sturdy shoes: some paths are cobbled with ancient stones. Trail markers (red-white) exist, but always carry water and a map or GPS. If you hike in summer, start at dawn to avoid midday heat (the island’s shade is welcome!).
On Corfu’s southwest corner lies Korission Lagoon, a protected nature park with sand dunes, reed beds, and cedar trees. It’s a beloved spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers. In winter and spring, flamingos and herons flock here; in summer, the dune-backed Alykes Beach is popular with families (but beware jellyfish season in August).
Korission is also one of Europe’s northernmost colonies of the rare Mediterranean sand-mining grass Spinifex, and the dunes are peppered with blooming Cretan viper’s-bugloss and sand lilies. A narrow channel connects the lagoon to the sea, and kayakers often paddle out at sunset to watch pink clouds over shallow waters.
Other protected spots:
Visiting these sites, you’ll hear fewer languages and more bullfrogs and crickets – a welcome contrast to the Old Town’s bustle. Even in mid-summer, the only sounds at Korission at dawn might be cicadas and the swoosh of surf on the lagoon’s sandbar.
Travelers often wonder how Corfu stacks up against the famous Cyclades or other Adriatic gems. Below are balanced comparisons of key aspects:
Aspect | Corfu | Santorini |
History | Millennia of history (Greek colony, Byzantine, Venetian 4 centuries)[8]. Only Greek island never conquered by Ottomans[1]. Old Town UNESCO site. | Ancient Minoan civilization (Akrotiri) and later Venetian/Russian eras; geology shaped by volcanic eruption ~1600 BC. Not Ottoman-held either, but less strongly fortified. |
Architecture | Venetian fortresses, spianada, neoclassical mansions[10]. Medieval Old Town with Italian-style alleys. | White-washed Cycladic villages on high cliffs, blue-domed churches. Iconic caldera rim. |
Beaches | Wide variety: green-hills beaches (Paleokastritsa), sandy stretches (Glyfada), secluded coves (Desimi). Waters range turquoise (NW) to deep blue (SE). | Volcanic sand: red, white and black pebble beaches (Kamari, Perissa) with deep blue Aegean. Magnificent views, but no sand—mostly pebbles/rocky. |
Scale & Nature | Medium-sized (585 km²), lush & mountainous interior, olive groves. Many hike options. | Very small (90 km²), dramatic caldera cliffs. Interior mostly barren; hiking limited to rim trails. |
Tourism vibe | Historically-oriented, relaxed family or culture-focused tourism. Lively but less frenetic nightlife. | Party island vibe (esp. Fira, Oia), romantic sunset-watching (world-famous Oia sunset). Packed with cruise crowds at peak. |
Culinary Scene | Venetian-influenced dishes (pastitsada, bourdeto)[19], island wine (dry white Robola), kumquat liqueur. Tavernas in olive groves. | Traditional Cycladic fare: fava, tomatokeftedes, fresh seafood. Many rooftop restaurants overlooking caldera. |
Unique fact | Only Ionian/Grecian community playing cricket (British legacy)[29]. | Only Greek island to “lost” a portion of itself in antiquity (sunken Akrotiri). |
Aspect | Corfu | Crete |
Size | 585 km²; relatively small. Drive around in ~3–4 h. | 8,336 km²; largest Greek island. Extensive drives (10+ h). |
Landscape | Hilly and green; tropical flora (bananas, cypress). | Vast mountains (Psiloritis 2,456 m), gorges (Samaria), plains. More arid south. |
History/Culture | Layers of Venetian/Byzantine; Ionian League heritage. Long British influence (cricket, philharmonics). | Minoan palaces (Knossos), Byzantine/Arab/Venetian/Ottoman sites. Vibrant folk music/dance traditions. |
Architecture | Venetian forts & neoclassical towns. Unspoiled villages. | Venetian old towns (Chania, Rethymno), Ottoman mosques, modern resorts. |
Beaches | Few sandy stretches; mix of pebble/sand. Calm Ionian Sea (no swells). | Many extensive sandy beaches (Elafonissi, Balos, Falassarna) on both north & south coasts. |
Food | Venetian-Greek fusion (spicy stews, pasta). Kumquats. Olive oil. | Cretan cuisine (olives, cheese, raki, herbs). More variety of mountain herbs and cheeses. |
Activities | Snorkeling, sailing, hiking Pantokrator. Quiet villages. | Scuba diving, rafting (rivers), skiing (some winters). Larger city nightlife (Heraklion, Chania). |
Tourist type | Families, history buffs, couples seeking culture & calm. | Wide spectrum: backpackers, history enthusiasts (Minoan sites), party-goers (Malia), families. |
Aspect | Corfu | Rhodes |
Medieval heritage | Venetian fortresses (Old/New), medieval Old Town | Knights Hospitaller castle & walls, well-preserved medieval Old Town of Rhodes (UNESCO) |
Ottoman influence | Never fell to Ottomans (forts held). | Ottoman ruled 1523–1912; built hamam, mosques in Old Town. |
Beaches | Pebble and sandy Ionian beaches; waters very calm. | Extensive beaches (Faliraki, Tsambika); occasional wind/swells from Aegean side. |
Interior | Hills with Greek Orthodox villages; olive groves. | Arid mountains (Attavyros 1,215 m), cedar forests. Less green, more low shrubland. |
Cuisine | Ionian seafood stews, Italianate cuisine. | Dodecanese specialties (fish with ladotyri cheese, honey cakes). Turkish influences (baklava). |
Cultural vibe | Quiet off-beach nights, local music (philharmonics). | Bustling nightlife districts (see Faliraki), Dodecanese music (zeibekiko). |
Weather | Mediterranean with extra rainfall (greenscape). | Semi-arid; drier, hotter summers, mild winters. |
Access | Easy via Corfu Airport (many charters), ferry links to Italy and Igoumenitsa. | Rhodes Airport (major European routes), ferry to Athens/Cyprus/Turkey. |
Aspect | Corfu | Dubrovnik (Croatia) |
Fortifications | Venetian-built Old/New Fortresses (wedges). Moderate city wall (small part intact). | Massive city wall encircling the Old Town (postage-stamp shape); a UNESCO site. |
Architecture | Mediterranean pastel facades (Venetian/Gothic). Mix of Venetian and British styles. | Red-tiled Gothic-Renaissance façades of Old City (Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace). |
Islamic influence | None (Ottomans never took it). | Significant: 16 Ottoman attacks repelled; some mosques existed briefly. |
Beaches | Natural beaches a drive away (no beach inside walls). Mild Ionian waters. | Limited beaches near Old Town (Banje); most Ionian-style beaches are external. |
Atmosphere | Lush greenery, vineyard-covered hillsides outside walls. | Rocky cliffs; views of Elaphiti Islands; emphasis on Old Town tourism. |
Crowds | Busy Old Town in summer, but vast countryside to escape. | Old Town is often overrun by cruise ship crowds during day. |
Unique feature | Cricket matches in April on Spianada (British legacy)[29]. | Walls and fortresses featured in film “Game of Thrones” (as King’s Landing). |
Corfiot cuisine is a gastronomic bridge between Italy and Greece[19]. Expect pasta-heavy dishes and warm spices uncommon elsewhere in Greece:
As National Geographic notes: “With Corfu having been under Venetian rule for hundreds of years, pasta plays a central role in dishes such as pastitsada”[9]. Don’t skip the simpler tavern fare either: fresh-caught gialos (whitefish) grilled whole, or bianco fish stew (fish, potatoes, lemon, olive oil).
Corfu has a vibrant musical life, far more than most Greek islands. Every village has a band, and the philharmonic tradition (brass bands in Greek style) dates to Venetian times. In fact, Corfu has some of Greece’s oldest philharmonic societies. You’re likely to hear marches on warm evenings: bands parade weekly through the Liston or play in the Spianada amphitheater (check local bulletin boards for concert schedules).
Annual festivals:
Unlike more secular islands, here Orthodox traditions are lively. But Corfu also has Catholics; Easter Mass at the Catholic Cathedral (under the Liston) attracts mixed crowds. Music isn’t all sacred – on summer nights you might find rembetiko (Greek blues) under plane trees in village squares, or contemporary Greek pop in beach bars.
Walk the Spianada lawn on any Sunday in spring, and you might see people playing cricket in long whites with wooden bats. This is not a joke – cricket was introduced by the British in 1823 and persists in Corfu alone! As Neos Kosmos explains: “The first time the modern game of cricket was played in Greece was on the Ionian Island of Corfu during British rule (1815–64).”[29] Two small cricket grounds (Gymnastic Club Field and Cricket Club Ground) still host weekend matches April–October.
Lawrence Durrell (who lived in Corfu) remarked wryly, “Cricket is a mysterious and satisfying ritual which the islanders have refused to relinquish.”[30] Watching a game here is like peering into a quirky cultural time capsule. Don’t be surprised if children as young as 6 are competitive bowlers, and the honorary presence of a peacock wandering the outfield (they roam freely in some parks). After a match, Corfiot cricketers often retire to a local kafeneio for ouzo – a uniquely Corfiot tradition.
We’ve mentioned Easter processions, but Corfiots observe many religious festivals with pageantry:
Spyridon’s legend is tied to everyday life: weather events are sometimes greeted with “Άγιος Σπυρίδων” (“St. Spyridon!”) as thanks. His presence feels tangible here more than anywhere in Greece.
By air: Corfu International Airport (CFU) has year-round flights from Athens (45 min) and frequent European charters (UK, Germany, Italy, etc). In summer, budget airlines connect from across Europe. December 2025 update: There are also direct flights to Corfu from Doha and Istanbul. Corfu’s small airport (old school terminal) sits at the north tip; arrivals often shuffle through a corridor over the runway.
By sea: Ferries link Corfu with Italy and mainland Greece. Year-round ferries run from Igoumenitsa (north-west Greece) and Patras to Corfu port (one hour on the car ferry). In summer, ships run from Venice, Ancona, Bari (Italy) to Igoumenitsa or directly to Corfu. Book in advance for a summer Italy-Corfu car ferry. Seasonal catamarans connect nearby Greek islands (Paxos, Lefkada).
Inter-island ferries: Corfu is somewhat off the Ionian ferry routes. You can sail from the south: [Paxos/Lefkada > Corfu] or [Preveza (mainland) > Corfu]. Otherwise, the quickest way from Athens (or islands like Santorini) is to fly to Corfu or ferry to Igoumenitsa and drive up.
Corfu Island has a lodging option for every style:
For academicians or culture buffs, add museum time: the Archaeological Museum (Corfu Town) and the Museum of Asian Art (Liston) are worthwhile.
By following these tips, you’ll blend in with locals and discover a more authentic Corfu beyond the guidebooks.
Q: Is Corfu safe to visit?
A: Yes. Corfu has low violent crime. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas (as in any city), so keep bags zipped. Roads can be narrow; drive carefully. Overall, common-sense precautions suffice – it’s among the safer Greek islands. (UNESCO sites and beaches have friendly police presence.)
Q: What language do they speak in Corfu?
A: Greek. Modern Greek (Kerkyra to locals) is spoken by everyone, but English is widely understood in tourist zones. You might hear a local dialect or Venetian terms (e.g. gouvia for georgia, meaning olive yard).
Q: What is the currency?
A: Euro (EUR). Credit cards are accepted in most city shops/hotels. Small tavernas and buses may prefer cash (Euros); ATMs are plentiful in town but sparse on remote beaches. No need for other currency.
Q: Do I need a visa?
A: If you’re an EU, UK, US, Canadian, Australian or NZ passport holder, you don’t need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days). Always carry your passport. For other nationalities, check Schengen rules.
Q: What’s the weather like in winter?
A: Mild Mediterranean winter: daytime highs 14–18°C (57–64°F), nights 8–12°C. It rains a few days a week, mostly Nov–Feb. Snowfall is extremely rare even on Mount Pantokrator. Winter can be pleasant for off-season sightseeing if you don’t mind occasional showers.
Q: Are there any UNESCO site inside Corfu besides the Old Town?
A: No, only the Old Town of Corfu city is inscribed. But the entire Old Town (with its fortresses) is the UNESCO area, so visiting that core covers everything UNESCO-protected. (The rest of the island is beautiful but outside UNESCO boundaries.)
Q: How do I get from the airport to Corfu Town?
A: Taxi to the Town Center is a fixed price (~€20, Dec 2025) or shuttle buses run at peak season. For a local experience, take Bus #15 or #7 from right outside Arrivals (they drop you on Sarandá Plaká, near the old harbor).
Q: Is Corfu suitable for families with children?
A: Absolutely. Corfu has calm beaches (Acharavi, Barbati, Kerasia) and family resorts with kids’ clubs. Many restaurants are family-friendly. Corfiots love children, who often eat free with parents. However, watch small kids around the sea (currents can be strong off some coasts).
Q: Can I drink the tap water?
A: Yes, in Corfu Town tap water is chlorinated and safe. On the island’s west side (rural areas), it’s also generally drinkable but has a higher mineral content (not harmful). Many locals still prefer bottled water, but feel free to refill a filter bottle.
Q: What should I pack?
A: Summer: light clothing, sunhat, reef-safe sunscreen, and water shoes (for pebbly beaches). Spring/fall: layers for cool evenings (light jacket or sweater). Formal churches require modest attire (cover shoulders/knees). Always pack a power adapter (Greece uses Type C/F plugs, 230V).
Q: Is Corfu worth visiting off-season?
A: Yes. Off-season (Oct–Apr) shows a quiet side of Corfu. Old Town is nearly empty on rainy days, and you can strike up conversations with locals in coffee shops. Ferry connections to the island become less frequent after mid-Oct, so plan accordingly. Dining at seaside tavernas can feel exclusive in winter. Note that some attractions (Achilleion, Asian Art Museum) may have shorter hours or close Jan–Feb, but most historic sites remain open.
Corfu Island captivates visitors with its unusual blend of cultural influences and natural beauty. From the moment you set foot in its Old Town – where Venetian palaces brush shoulders with Byzantine churches and British cafes – you feel history beneath your feet. UNESCO described Corfu’s urban ensemble as “an outstanding example of fortified port cities of the Mediterranean”[3], and that rings true at every turn.
But Corfu is more than its forts and churches. It is the sound of a cricket ball hitting bat amidst Venetian pavilions[30], the aroma of pastitsada simmering with cinnamon[19], and the sight of fishermen casting nets as a Spyridon procession passes by. It is an island where East meets West not in conflict, but in harmony: Greek and Italian soul, British legacy and Balkan flair coexisting.
Whether you’re a history buff, a beach lover, or a student of culture, Corfu rewards your curiosity. As UNESCO’s reviewers noted, Corfu stands “alongside other major Mediterranean fortified port cities” in its heritage[10]. Indeed, an overqualified island that seems to have it all: UNESCO treasures, emerald coasts, and a community fiercely proud of its identity.
For planners and travelers alike, Corfu remains an evergreen destination: its summery attractions and winter heritage alike will captivate every generation. As of December 2025, Corfu continues to evolve (new luxury hotels and hiking trails have opened) yet still invites us to walk its ancient streets just as centuries of visitors have done. Visit once, and Corfu’s legend and beauty will linger long after your footprints have washed away with the waves[10][2].
[1] [7] [14] [17] [18] Corfu – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corfu
[2] [4] [5] [13] [15] [20] Corfu | Greece, Map, History, & Facts | Britannica
https://www.britannica.com/place/Corfu
[3] [8] [10] [22] UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Decision – 31 COM 8B.40
https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/1339/
[6] [16] Siege of Corfu (1537) – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Corfu_(1537)
[9] [19] A taste of Corfu, surprising Italian influences and generations-old recipes | National Geographic
[11] [12] A journey through time – Ancient Beginnings… – Discover Corfu
https://discover-corfu.com/the-history-of-corfu-island/
[21] [25] [26] Mon Repos, Corfu – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mon_Repos,_Corfu
[23] Old Town of Corfu – UNESCO World Heritage Centre
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/978/
[24] Achilleion (Corfu) – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilleion_(Corfu)
[27] [31] Corfu Churches, Religion & St Spyridon | Bella Vista Hotel & Studios
https://bellavistahotel.gr/corfu-churches-religion-st-spyridon/
[28] File:Corfu Paleokastritsa Beach R01.jpg – Wikimedia Commons
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Corfu_Paleokastritsa_Beach_R01.jpg
[29] [30] Howzat! The story of Hellenic Cricket – from Corfu to Lemnos and Melbourne – Neos Kosmos
