The Ultimate Corfu Travel Guide
Venetian fortresses, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of Greek salad - Corfu has it all
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Looking at the history of Corfu Town, the quaint fishing villages that stud the coastline, and the buzzing nightlife scene, it’s easy to see why this particular isle is among the most popular holiday destinations in Greece. Planning a trip can be a daunting prospect, with seemingly endless decisions to make: When to go? Where to eat? What to do? But your Greek getaway needn’t be this way - here at Plum Guide, we’ve put in the legwork for you, and sought out the very best of Kerkyra (as Corfu is known in Greek). We pride ourselves on offering expert tips to make sure your holiday goes off without a hitch, so you don't have to worry about a thing. Dive (much as you will in the turquoise Ionian Sea) into our Corfu travel guide to get the lowdown on this most inviting of islands.
When to visit
A white house with blue windows and numerous potted plants, Corfu, Greece
Corfu has a Mediterranean climate - think hot, dry summers and relatively mild winters. If you’re looking to lie back on one of the island’s acclaimed beaches and get some much-needed Vitamin D, prime time to visit Corfu is between June and September. Bear in mind, though, that the peak of summer is inevitably the busiest period - be prepared to jostle for space on the most popular beaches. To be in with a good chance of some stellar weather without the crowds, we recommend going either at the start or towards the end of the summer season. If you’re more excited by delving into local history and exploring the landmarks of Corfu Town, spring or autumn are both great (and significantly less sweaty) choices.
Under The Olive Branch, Plum Guide home in Corfu, Greece
Where to stay
A wooden bench on a terrace on a sunny day in Paleokastritsa, Corfu, Greece
Whether you’re looking for an idyllic retreat away from it all, or want to be in the heart of the action, we’re confident our Corfu travel guide will help you find the perfect spot. If your ideal holiday centres on discovering local history and culture, Corfu Town is a one stop shop, with the beaches at Agios Georgios and Agios Gordios big hits with families - expect paddle-perfect shallows and water sports options. For calm and seclusion, make a beeline for the hidden beach at Kanouli, or the charming villages of Paleokastritsa, Koloura, and Kalami. Staying close to Nisaki also means easy access to a wealth of walking trails.
Pearlescent, Plum Guide home in Corfu, Greece
Where to eat
A close up view of a bowl of Greek salad
Experiencing the fresh flavours of the famed Mediterranean diet should be central to any Corfu itinerary. Classic Corfiot cuisine includes the signature spicy fish dish bourdeto, and the meaty pasta pastitsada - top spots to sample such specialities include Venetian Well in Corfu Town (where elevated local staples are accompanied by a robust wine list), and Ambelonas, set within a vineyard at the heart of the island. For fresh fish, you’d be hard pressed to find better than Klimataria Nikos Bellos in Benitses, while foodies looking for a fine dining experience will swoon when perusing the menu on the bougainvillaea-lined terrace at Etrusco.
Pastoral Panorama, Plum Guide home in Corfu, Greece
Where to drink
A bottle of white wine standing on a rock by the sea in Corfu, Greece
No Corfu travel guide would be complete without some tips on where to enjoy ouzo, cocktails, or local wines - or perhaps even dance the night away. There’s no shortage of sleek bars in Corfu Town, with NAOK Azur a local institution for sipping drinks with a view of the sea (and later turning into a fully fledged nightclub). Painting-adorned Arthaus is a laidback spot to work your way through a selection of Greek wines. Firi Firi - The Beer House, on the other hand, is (unsurprisingly) a must-visit if sampling some local brews is the order of the day. To get a taste of the party atmosphere, all the while experiencing Corfu 's other key selling point (beaches), there’s nowhere better than Dassia Beach, whose Edem Beach Club has been drawing partygoers for over 30 years.
Those Summer Nights, Plum Guide home in Corfu, Greece
The finest beaches
A view of the bright blue sea at Agios Georgios from the top of a nearby hill, Corfu, Greece
Corfu is flush with options when it comes to ideal spots for swimming and sunbathing. A big hit with families, the relaxed resort of Agios Georgios has a charming stretch of golden sands and gentle waters, perfect for creating sandcastles and paddling the days away (it also boasts Blue Flag status). For those in search of thrills courtesy of the wind and waves, Acharavi in the north of the island, and Chalikounas in the east, are prime spots for surfing, sailing, and windsurfing. Kalami Beach (where you’ll find the former residence of British authors Gerald and Lawrence Durrell) and Rovinia Beach are more secluded and peaceful options. Feeling romantic? Head to the coves and rock formations of Canal D’Amour - legend has it that any couple that swims together through the narrow canal, formed by the rocks, will soon get married.
Explore Corfu Town
A leafy canopy outside a cafe in front of a church in Corfu Town, Greece
Although it can be tough to drag yourself away from the sun lounger, take a while away from the beach to discover the riches of Corfu Town. The island’s rich cultural heritage - reflecting time spent under Roman, Venetian, French, and British rule - makes the town a veritable treasure trove for history lovers. Flanked by two imposing Venetian fortresses, Corfu Town has been declared a Kastropolis (“castle city”) by the Greek government, with other key heritage sites including the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, and the neoclassical Achilleion mansion. For a fix of more ancient history, the Archaeological Museum of Corfu and the Doric Temple of Kardaki are a stone’s throw away, while the labyrinthine streets of the old town are well worth an afternoon of exploring.
