Corfu Island (the Greeks call it Kerkyra, Κέρκυρα) is one of the popular tourist destinations in Greece. Corfu has been a popular travel destination since the late 18th century. In the 19th century, wealthy people from some European countries often spent their summers on the island. Mass tourism has come to the island since the end of the 20th century. Residents of many European countries spend their holidays in Corfu. You can buy a package tour, or come to the island on your own. The best time to spend your holidays in Corfu is from May to October. Rainy days occur more frequently between October and March.
Corfu is located in northwestern Greece, between mainland Greece and Italy. The distance from the island to mainland Italy is about 100 kilometers. In the northeastern part, the island is only 2 kilometers (1.3 miles) away from Albania (separated by a strait).
Guidebooks call Corfu the greenest island in Greece. This makes the island even more attractive for a summer vacation.
The length of the island of Corfu from west to east in the widest (northern) part of the island is about 27 kilometers, in narrow places - about 5 kilometers. The length from north to south is about 60 kilometers. The coastline is just over 210 kilometers (135 miles) long.
The island is a very popular holiday destination in Europe. Therefore, if you want to spend a summer holiday in Corfu, then it would be better to book a hotel (buy a package tour) in advance. By the beginning of the season, the best places in the best hotels, the best holiday homes and villas will (most likely) already be occupied by other tourists.
Tourism infrastructure began to develop on the northeast coast. Now there are good holiday hotels in almost every part of the island.
Corfu Town, the administrative center and largest city of the island, is located in the central part of Corfu on the east coast. The population of the city is about 30 thousand people. Some vacationers prefer to choose hotels near the city, while others prefer hotels far from the city, but located next to a good beach. You need to decide what you prefer.
Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport is located about two kilometers south of Corfu city center (Kerkyra). During the summer holiday season, the airport receives aircraft from many European countries. From the airport to the bus station of Corfu can be reached by bus (route number 15). From the central bus station, you can take a bus to anywhere on the island.
The distance from the airport to the most remote point of the island does not exceed 45 kilometers. You can rent a car at the airport and drive to your resort.
Beaches, sea, nature and comfortable weather are the main factors that attract tourists to the island.
There is a category of tourists who are interested not only in beaches. The island is a popular place of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians, as the relics of Saints Spyridon of Trimifuntsky and Blessed Theodora reside in the temples of the island.
Saint Spyridon is considered the patron saint of the city and the island. Church of St. Spyridon is located in the old town of Corfu. The Easter celebration on the island is considered one of the most magnificent in Greece. Pilgrims can also visit the Italian city of Bari, with which there is a ferry service.
Beaches
Corfu has a lot of beaches. Guidebooks tell us that there are about 60 beaches on the island, long and short, sandy and pebbly, in different parts of the island. You have a wide choice. (It is reported that the most good beaches are on the east coast of Corfu. But good beaches can be found in both the northern and southern parts of the island. Which do you prefer? Places where there are a lot of tourists, or beaches where there are few tourists.)
- East Coast - Dassia Bay, Kontokali.
- West coast - Paleokastritsa, Glyfada.
- South coast - Issos, Halikounas.
- North coast - Sidari, Astrakeri beach, Avlaki Beach.
If you do not want to leave the city life, then you can choose a hotel in Corfu town. There are several beaches in Corfu town and nearby.
Faliraki beach. Faliraki Beach is located in the city center. This is a small beach with a beautiful view of the Old Fortress. There is no sand, but the water is clear. You can go down the stairs from the museum to the beach.
Kontokali Beach. This small beach is located at a distance of about 7 kilometers north of the city of Corfu.
Mon Repos beach. Mon Repos beach is located in Kanoni, about 2.5 kilometers south of the city center of Corfu.
Glyfada Beach. This is a very nice beach, which is located on the west coast of the island and at a distance of only 17 kilometers from the city center of Corfu. (You can get there either by car or by bike.)
How to get to Corfu
Most vacationers from European countries get to Corfu by plane, but this is not the only mode of transport. The easiest way is to buy a package tour that includes flights and accommodation. But you can buy plane tickets on your own. There should be no difficulty in booking a hotel and ordering an airport transfer 🚕.
Corfu International Airport is located at a distance of about 2 kilometers from the main city of the island. You can continue your journey around the island by bus, taxi or rental car.
You can also get to Corfu from mainland Greece by ferry.
The Igoumenitsa - Corfu ferry route is available all year round. Ferries to Corfu depart from Igoumenitsa daily. The duration of the trip is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Igoumenitsa (Ηγουμενίτσα) is a city in northwestern Greece, 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the city of Corfu.
Departing from Athens, you can get to Igoumenitsa by bus, then from Igoumenitsa to Kerkyra by ferry.
Departing from Patras, you can buy a ticket for one of the ferries from Greece to Italy because they stop in Corfu along the way. (The route Patras - Corfu is available from May to September.)
The trip from Patras to Corfu takes about 7.5 hours.
You can get from Italy to Corfu by ferry. There are routes from Bari, Brindisi, Ancona and Venice. These ferries may be suitable for those traveling from Central Europe to Corfu with their own car. These routes are seasonal. Ferries usually run during the holiday season. (Check the schedule online.)