We’ve been to Greece a few times, but wanted to go somewhere new for our 10th anniversary together. We opted for Corfu, and it turned out to be a perfect location for the celebration!
A lush and beautiful interior, pristine coastline, unique rock formations and a romantic capital… all this and more can be found on the island of Corfu. It’s a destination that really surprised us during our trip to Greece. There are endless things to do in Corfu, you will never get bored.
When to visit Corfu
The best time to visit Corfu is from late May to early October, but if you ask us, mid-May to June and early September are the ideal time.
In May, daytime temperatures often hover around 22-26°C. In June, temperatures are around 25-30°C, the sea warms up and you can spend long, lazy days on beaches that are still uncrowded.
The evenings are warm, the island is lush and green, and with the season just starting, it feels like you’ve arrived before the masses!
September is just as fantastic, with warm sea temperatures, sunny days, fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere after the summer rush.
We visited Corfu during shoulder season (May) which runs from April to May and October, these times can be beautiful to visit, less crowded and less expensive, but the weather can be less reliable.
By mid-October, many taverns and seasonal businesses begin to close their doors.
July and August are very hot, with temperatures up to the mid-thirties, as well as larger crowds and higher prices. So while they are perfect for summer vibes and beach days, we would choose May/June or September every time.
Where to stay in Corfu
There is really no bad area to stay in Corfu – there is something to offer in every part of the island. We stayed at 2 places during our week-long trip to Corfu: Hotel in Marbella (Agios Ioannis) and TRYP by Wyndham (Dassia).
Here’s a look at what other regions of the island have to offer:
- Corfu Town: Authentic culture and wide choice of restaurants and attractions
- Arils: Natural beauty and spiritual scene
- Paleokastritsa: Magnificent views, hidden bays and beaches (and a monastery!)
- Coffee: Nightlife, beaches and water sports
- Cassiopeia: Upscale accommodation with luxury options
- Sidari: Ideal for families and couples
How to get around Corfu
To visit all the sites and beaches of Corfu, it is best to rent a car. We rented a car for our week-long trip and it was the best way to explore! Find the best rates here.
If you prefer not to drive, Corfu’s public bus network connects many popular areas with Corfu Town and can be a good economical option, but Corfu Town’s historic center is best explored on foot.
Corfu is the northernmost (and most popular) of the Ionian Island chain, and it’s actually very close to mainland Greece and Albania – it’s actually just a quick 40-minute ferry ride between the two! Check FerryHopper for times and prices.
Quick Answer: Top 5 Best Tours and Activities in Corfu:
- Drive the private boat rental yourself
- Governor’s Olive Mill Tour with Olive Oil Tasting
- Corfu Town Food and Culture Tour
- Visit to the beaches of Corfu, Paleokastritsa and Glyfada
- Sunset cruise on a wooden ship with cocktails and bites
Best things to do in Corfu
Due to its proximity and history to mainland Europe, the island of Corfu was actually one of the first Greek Islands experience mass tourism.
For this reason, Corfu has many accommodation options, plenty of restaurants and bars, and a more cosmopolitan atmosphere than many other Greek islands.
We spent a week in Corfu (including our 10 years anniversary) and have had many unique experiences along the way. It is one of the the best places to visit in Greece for good reason!
Here is my list of the top 15 attractions, places to visit and things to do in Corfu.
1. Hire a boat independently (one of the most unique things to do in Corfu)
Did you know that on many Greek islands you can rent a boat yourself and cruise the coastline? Even if you don’t have a boat license?!
If you are looking for unique and fun activities in Corfu, rent a boat This is definitely it.
We first heard about it during a tour with Luxury Island Events on the island of Zakynthos. It’s one of the best things to do in Zakynthosand although we didn’t have the chance to rent one during our stay, we knew we had to try it elsewhere in Greece.
That’s exactly what we did for our tenth anniversary.
We drove to the northeast of Corfu and met the rental company. After a very informal signing of documents and a tour of the boat, we were ready. The boat was 45 horsepower and could have accommodated six people, four of them comfortably.
Cruising the beautiful coastline, stopping at seaside tavernas to eat and drink, and mooring in secret coves to take a dip in the Ionian Sea, isn’t that fun?! This is definitely one of the best things to do in Corfu for couples or friends.
Rent a car is a must for getting around the island and exploring the interior, but renting a boat is a great way to explore the coastline. Learn more about being your own captain for the day and renting a boat. here.
- You can book your own boat here
- We paid €80 for the boat in low season/off-season (it would be more like €130 in high season)
- Gasoline for the boat for a day of driving cost us €40.
- Make sure there are life jackets on board and you will need your own food and water.
Don’t forget your travel insurance for Corfu!
Make sure you have travel insurance for your trip to Corfu. This is the one thing you should always carry with you. Security wing is a great option for travelers, adventurers, and remote workers.
2. Visit Corfu Town
This UNESCO listed the city is absolutely beautiful. Due to Venetian rule from the 14th century to the end of the 18th century, this amazing architecture can still be found on this island, especially in the capital of Corfu Town.
With its Venetian-style buildings, two fortresses, narrow little streets and numerous restaurants, Corfu Town is a place you’ll want to spend time exploring.
We went twice, both times at sunset when the temperature was a little cooler and the lighting was amazing!
Stroll through pastel-colored houses with wrought-iron balconies and wooden shutters. Travel through cobbled streets full of character… streets so narrow that laundry can be hung on a rope strung between two adjacent houses.
I recommend visiting during the day and evening to see the city in two different lights. This is one of the most romantic places to visit in Corfu – we loved walking around then stopping for a glass of wine. Our favorite place was Leapthey had an excellent selection of food and wine!
There is a very well rated walking tour you can join to discover more about Corfu Town. You can participate in the morning or evening. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, visits to important city sites, food tastings, a drink and a full meal. Click here to find out more and book your ticket – you can book now and pay later, and there is also cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour!
Another option is this walking tour with a guide that includes a glass of wine at the end! This trip is one of the best things to do in Corfu Old Town.
☞ SEE ALSO: Weather in Greece – When is the best time to visit?
Notes on Corfu Town Tour
- Parking can be difficult to find in Corfu Town. Park just outside of town and go inside.
- We strongly recommend that you eat and drink at Salto wine bar. Greek wines are offered here (€20/bottle, €5.50/glass). Two starters and two main courses cost us €38. The food, drinks and service are excellent.
- Wander the alleys and get lost. Visit the sights, but spend some time wandering around, it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Corfu Town.
- Entrance to the Old Fortress costs €10. Wear sturdy shoes and note that there isn’t much shade.
3. Stay in nice accommodation
It’s a bit weird to have accommodation as the highlight of an island, but there are some great options available in Corfu. We have stayed at two beautiful properties and can recommend them both, for different reasons.
Learn more about where to stay in Corfu in our complete guide.
MarBella Corfu is a true 5-star luxury resort, featuring all-inclusive menus, four a la carte restaurants, four bars and a buffet-style restaurant serving fresh dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The best hotels and apartments in Corfu:
S Located just a short walk from Agios Ioannis Peristeron Beach, near the southern end of Corfu, it’s a great place to explore this half of the island.
MarBella Corfu is truly luxurious accommodation and if you are looking for a resort holiday then this is the place for you. We spent four nights here, but only dined out twice – there were too many local restaurants we wanted to check out!
The welcome drink and free wine and fruit are a nice touch, the building itself is modern and the staff are incredibly helpful and friendly. It was the perfect place to have fun our 10th anniversary.
At the northern end of the island, we spent two nights at TRYP by Wyndham Corfu Dassia (formerly Corfu Palma Boutique Hotel), and I highly recommend it.
With only four floors, this low-rise hotel has an intimate atmosphere. We were on the 4th floor of the Superior Designer Suite, which was absolutely stunning. The rooms are spacious, bright and the modern decoration is exquisite.
The hotel offers a gym and spa, as well as a large outdoor swimming pool. The only downside is that it is not located directly on the beach, but within walking distance. The staff is friendly and the manager, Spyros, will make you welcome!
We really enjoyed our stay at this boutique hotel and would recommend it because of the modern room itself, the lovely staff, the delicious food and the amenities on offer.
Since there are so many things to do in Corfu and the island is quite large, I suggest splitting your time between the north and south, if you can.
This way, you can use your base in the north to explore nearby sites, then transfer to your hotel in the south and discover this area of the island. Otherwise, you may end up driving a lot. The two hotels I listed above worked well for us.
If you want to stay in a small apartment or guesthouse (rather than a hotel or resort) during your trip to Corfu Island, Click here to compare prices and search through many options on Booking.com.
4. Take an olive oil tasting and tour
There are over 4 million olive trees on the island of Corfu, 95% of which are lianolia varieties. There are a few products that Greeks have used throughout the ages, and olive oil is one of them. It has always been an integral part of their diet, their traditions and their history.
The Governor is a 5th generation family owned establishment here on the island. It is one of the most awarded premium olive oils.
We joined this popular day trip and I learned everything about olive oil. We spent a lazy afternoon tasting olive oil and morsels of food and enjoyed the company of the owners of The governor. The passion these two brothers have for their family business is inspiring.
The flavor of olive oil is exceptional and the health benefits are incredible! We really enjoyed meeting the Dafnis family, discovering the product and of course tasting it.
Olive groves provide work and food for people, and have done so for many years. Learning about olive oil production is one of the most important things to do in Corfu and Greece as a whole.
5. Learn about bees and honey production
Another Greek product that has been used for centuries is honey, both for pleasure and to cure illnesses.
Hippocrates said that this Nectar of the Gods “cleans wounds and ulcers, softens hard ulcers of the lips, heals carbuncles and running sores”. Aristotle believed that honey prolonged life.
We had heard about “Mr. Honey” (whose real name is Panagiotis Vasilakis) from Spyros, the manager of the Wyndham hotel where we were staying.
Upon arriving at Mr. Honey’s officewe met a soft-spoken, laid-back man who told us how he left a very stressful career in Athens for beekeeping in Corfu… a profession he did not know before arriving here!
We met his bees, learned about the process of collecting honey, and learned about many of the natural products he makes.
This is one of the most unique places to visit in Corfu and one of the best things to do in Corfu for families. Don’t miss a day with Mr. Honey. Panagiotis – he is passionate about beekeeping and wants to share his knowledge about bees and honey with you.
The honey store is called MKV – Melissokomiki Kerkyras Vasilakis, which is located here.
6. Visit an ancient monastery
There are more than 250 churches and monasteries on the island of Corfu! Some of the most notable are Vlacherna Monastery And Paleokastritsa monastery. This private day trip includes these monasteries and many other Corfu highlights.
Best Monastery Tours in Corfu:
- Corfu sightseeing tour by minibus (including Paleokastritsa Monastery)
- Guided excursion to Paleokastritsa and Corfu
Driving south from the airport, it would be hard to miss the Vlacherna Monasterywhich is located on the water, on a separate island. The island is actually connected to the mainland by a stone bridge that crosses the bay.
The chapel was built in 1685 and was actually a monastery. Nowadays, Vlacherna Monastery is a quiet place surrounded by cypress trees and surrounded by dogs and cats.
Fun fact, the Just for your eyes The James Bond movie had a scene set here. The monastery is one of the best places to see in Corfu.
The second must-see monastery is Paleokastritsa – we went there on our first day on the island.
The location of this religious site is magnificent. Situated on a lush hillside above the beach of the same name and surrounded by steep cliffs and pretty bays, a visit to this monastery (dedicated to the Virgin Mary) is a must.
Paleokastritsa still functions as a monastery today and you may see a monk or two passing by during your visit. It is important to dress appropriately and respectfully when entering the resort.
This is one of the popular places to visit in Corfu, there will probably be group tours here. But regardless of the crowds, it’s worth the trip. Click here to open the GoogleMaps location of Paleokastritsa. Click here for the Vlacherna monastery.
7. Relax by the beach in Paleokastritsa
While you are in the area visiting the monastery, be sure to visit the beaches and the town of Paleokastritsa. There are 6 stunning bays here surrounded by olive and cypress trees.
Best beach tours in Corfu:
- Private Shore Excursion: Beaches of Corfu, Paleokastritsa and Glyfada
- Private tour to Corfu Paleokastritsa and Glyfada beaches
It’s the perfect place to spend the afternoon swimming or just lazing on the beach. You will also find many taverns and restaurants, especially nearby. Akron Beach Barwhich we loved – it provides a perfect setting for a meal or a drink.
You’re in Greece, so it’s no surprise that relaxing on a beautiful beach is one of the best things to do in Corfu. In fact, the main beach of Paleokastritsa itself is known to be one of the best beaches in Greece.
8. Sip cocktails at sunset
Located in the far northwest of the island of Corfu, you will find the 7th Heaven restaurant. With stunning cliff-top views over the Ionian Sea, it’s the perfect place to watch the sun go down.
Best Sunset Tours and Activities in Corfu:
- Corfu: Sunset Cruise on a Wooden Ship with Cocktails and Snacks
- Corfu: Sunset Cruise on a Classic Boat with Cocktails and Snacks
- Private Corfu Sunset Cruise
- Guided hike and sunset at Angel Castle
It’s best known as a place to have a sunset drink, but they also offer food. Cocktails cost around €7 and if you don’t have your own vehicle, a taxi from Sidari to here costs around €9.
The drinks may not be the cheapest, but you’re paying for the setting. Click here to see the Google Maps location of the restaurant.
If you prefer to exercise, enjoy the beautiful sunset and SO heading for a cocktail, watch this hike with a guide. After a leisurely hike through beautiful villages and landscapes, you will enjoy the incredible sunset from Angel Castle. Learn more here.
9. Swim at the Canal d’Amour in Sidari
While you’re on the north end of the island, be sure to visit the Canal of Love, or Canal d’Amour. The rock formations around this area are colorful, crumbly and quite unique.
We rested on the beach and swam in the clear water for a few hours. There is also a channel here that leads under the cliff. It is said that if you swim, you will soon get married – hence the name “Canal of Love”. Whether this is true or not, it is still one of the most popular activities in Corfu.
While swimming in the canal you won’t be completely submerged in the water and will be able to breathe the whole time, so don’t worry! Also, the canal is not very long.
On a windy day, the waves can be a little rough here if you plan to take a boat around the coast, but being at the beach is nice.
You will find many hotels, restaurants and taverns in the town of Sidari, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon or longer.
Best Tours and Activities in Sidari, Corfu:
- Parasailing Experience for 2 in Sidari
- Stand Up Paddle Board in Sidari
- Private Full-Day Tour of Northern Corfu (includes swimming at Amou Canal r)
10. Go mountain biking around Corfu
We didn’t get a chance to do this, but try to get away from beautiful beaches and romantic towns to get some exercise on your bike!
Renting an ATV to explore independently or on a tour is a great way to experience the island’s off-road interior. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced, there is a course for you.
Check out the guys at The Corfu mountain bike shop to rent a GIANT bike. If you prefer to have a little help while riding, you can also rent an electric Fat Bike! Check Corfu Fat Bikes for more details.
Best Cycling Tours and Activities in Corfu:
11. Treat yourself to a decadent meal
For our special anniversary meal, we went to the Michelin star chef, Ettore BotriniThe restaurant. It is an Italian Corfiat, with three restaurants in Greece: Corfu, Rhodesand Athens.
If you are looking for a fine dining experience, be sure to visit Etruscan restaurant in the commune of Dassia – classified among the the 50 best in the world.
Trust me, this highly acclaimed chef knows presentation! Every dish we had was perfectly maintained, with a story behind each plate. The outdoor dining area is surrounded by trees and pretty pink bougainvillea flowers.
Plus, the kitchen is behind a large window, so you can watch all the action unfold while you wait for your food.
You can order a la carte or choose from one of two menus: My Origins or Akron Aoton.
Both have the option of including a wine pairing and cost around €130 for 7-12 courses, so it’s more of a “special occasion” type of place and we enjoyed our meal for our anniversary.
Click here find the Etrusco restaurant on Google Maps, and Click here to reserve and view the menus offered.
12. Go Sailing (one of the best day trips from Corfu)
We rented our own boat in Corfu, so we didn’t do a sailing trip – we had to save something for our next trip!
With Corfu’s location, it’s no surprise that you can take amazing sailing and boat day trips! Cruise the crystal clear waters towards Antipaxos and Paxos, or sail to the Sivota Islands.
The day is spent admiring the scenery, swimming in crystal clear waters and visiting small villages. Getting out on the water and visiting these hidden islands and coves is definitely one of the best day trips from Corfu.
There are many tours you can join, but this one at Anitpaxos and East Paxos very well rated and at around $45, it’s a steal. If you prefer to discover the Sivota Islands and the old town of Parga, this trip is also highly rated and also costs around $45.
Finally, if you would like to have a sailboat all to yourself and enjoy a private day on the water, this trip is a must. The day is completely customizable and is perfect for a family or group of friends. Snacks, beer, wine and water are also included. You really can’t go wrong. Click here for more details.
13. Volunteer with donkeys
If you have extra time on the island, why not spend some time giving back?
One of the best things to do in Corfu with animals is to volunteer to care for abandoned, abused, old or injured donkeys. Give them some love, groom them and even walk the donkeys.
Surrounded by olive groves and the magnificent mountains of Corfu, the setting of this donkey sanctuary is charming. Click here to learn more about visiting the refuge – one of the most rewarding and unique things to do in Corfu.
14. Join a food tour
I still think about our meals in Corfu! Greek cuisine is definitely one of my favorites and you will be spoiled for choice in Corfu.
Foodies, this one is made for you! Spend the day strolling through Corfu’s beautiful Old Town, while learning about the island’s history and sampling local cuisine.
On this fun touryou will meet an English-speaking guide and you will stroll through the old town. Highlights and stops include St. Michael and St. George’s Palace, hidden corners and squares, Old City Walls, fountains, St. Spyridon’s Church and much more.
Throughout the 3-hour journey, you will stop to eat several times. The tour includes a local breakfast and a sit-down lunch at the end of the walking tour. Find out more and reserve your place here.
Best Corfu Food Tours:
15. Rent a scooter
We rented a car and a boat in Corfu, but many people enjoy riding scooters – do like the locals and enjoy the day on two wheels.
There are several options for renting a Vespa scooter in Corfu. You can either rent one for yourself and discover all the best places to visit in Corfu for yourself, or join a private day tour so you don’t get lost!
Best Scooter Tours and Rentals in Corfu:
- Vespa 300cc scooter rental in Corfu
- Vespa Scooter Tour “Off the Beaten Path Local Villages” 3 Hour Scooter Tour
- Vespa scooter tour above and beyond Palaiokastritsa Corfu
16. Bonus! Go to Albania
Another interesting activity during your stay in Corfu is to take a day trip to a neighboring country. Did you know that you can take a boat from the island of Corfu to country of Albania?
We passed 10 days trip to Albania and I had a great time, it’s definitely worth the detour from Corfu!
You can either take the ferry and go there yourself, or join a tour. On this fun day tripyou will visit the UNESCO town of Butrint, the beautiful seaside town of Sarandathe Venetian Tower, the Temple of Asclepius and much more.
Everything is included in this full-day tour, including a professional guide, bus tickets, boat tickets, entry to museums and UNESCO sites, and a delicious lunch in Saranda. Don’t forget your passport! Click here for more details.
What to do in Corfu: FAQ
Here are the answers to some questions travelers ask about visiting Corfu.
Is Corfu in Greece worth the detour?
Corfu is worth the detour. It is one of the most popular islands in Greece for its beautiful coastline, cosmopolitan vibe, mountains and vibrant nightlife. Whether you have a long weekend, a week or just a day trip from the cruise ship or neighboring island, add Corfu to your list.
What is Corfu known for?
Corfu is known for its sandy beaches, cosmopolitan vibe, incredible restaurants, stunning scenery and vibrant nightlife. And of course, the Chain of Love!
How many days are enough in Corfu?
Two days is the minimum time you should spend on the island of Corfu. It’s a fairly large island, so you’ll want to take a day trip to see as much as possible. Ideally, you could spend a week here!
Do you need to rent a car in Corfu?
If you want to explore off-piste places in Corfu, you should rent a car. We love the freedom to move at our own pace, so we chose to rent a car. Otherwise, if you plan to stick to a nearby beach, you can get around on foot. There are also buses available and day trips you can take to provide transportation.
In conclusion
With so many islands to visit in Greeceit can be difficult to decide which one to choose. If you are interested in beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants, religious sites, culture and history and stunning accommodation, then the island of Corfu is for you.
And since Corfu is so close to mainland Europe, it’s easy to get there.
You can take a quick flight from anywhere in Europe, with a short stopover in Athens, or if you are traveling from North America, you will need to make a stopover in Europe before continuing to Corfu. There are many ferry routes throughout Greece, search for boats to Corfu here.
Check Aegean Airlines for flights or search engines such as Expedia.com and Google Flights. For ferry routes, see Ferry Hopper. Once in Corfu, I recommend rent a car to move around and explore at your own pace. We always rent cars in Greece and it makes the trip even more special. Find the best rates here. Enjoy Corfu!
Discover our Corfu travel videos
Thanks to Discover Greece for helping us with our trip to Greece. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain our own. Some of the images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.