Corfu

Where is Corfu?

Corfu or Kerkyra is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is one of the main Ionian islands and belongs to the Corfu regional unit.

How to get to Corfu island

You can get to Corfu island by ferry or plane from other islands and cities in Greece, as well as several European and non-European countries. Read on to find the best ways to get to Corfu!

Getting to Corfu by plane

The easiest way to get to Corfu -especially if you are an international traveler- is by plane. Corfu International Airport ‘Ioannis Kapodistrias’ serves domestic flights from Athens and Thessaloniki all year round.

It also serves international flights in peak season, lasting from April to October. Specifically, Corfu Airport receives flights from many countries, including Brussels, Germany, the UK, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

Getting to Corfu by ferry

Another way to get to Corfu is by ferry from Igoumenitsa and Patras on mainland Greece. Frequent daily ferry crossings from Igoumenitsa take you to Corfu in just 1 and a half hours, making them a convenient option if you want to be flexible with your ferry bookings.

There are also ferry crossings from Patras to Corfu about twice a week that last 7.5 hours. And if you’re traveling from Italy, you can reach Corfu by ferry from Bari and Ancona ports.

When is the best time to visit Corfu?

Corfu is one of those Greek islands that are beautiful all year round, so you will enjoy it no matter when you choose to visit it. However, spring and summer are the best seasons to experience the best of what Corfu has to offer!

Orthodox Easter, which falls in April or May in Greece, is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the local culture and participate in the revival of fascinating Corfiot customs. So, if you want to feel like a local, take a glimpse into the island’s history, and experience Corfu’s authentic side, spring is the best time to visit this Ionian gem.

If, on the other hand, you want to swim in the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, soak up the sun at the paradisiacal sandy beaches of Corfu, and do outdoor activities, visiting Corfu in summer is your best bet.

No matter when you choose to visit this beautiful island, here are some must things to do in Corfu:

• Meander through the narrow streets of Corfu Old Town.
• Feel like a royal at the Achillion Palace.
• Visit the New and Old Fortress in Corfu Town.
• Go to Porto Timoni, Love Canal (Canal d’Amour), Agios Gordios, and other exotic Corfu beaches.
• Take a day trip to the Paxos and Antipaxos islands.
• Visit Paleokastritsa and Pontikonisi island.
• Browse the Asian Art Museum.
• Go on a day trip to a nearby island.
• Visit Mon Repos.
• Take a stroll at the Spianada Square.
• Explore modern Corfu.
• Go on a boat tour to Syvota and the Blue Lagoon.

How many days should you stay in Corfu?

The ideal number of days to stay in Corfu to enjoy the island to the fullest, discover its rich history, and explore it at your own pace is 5 to 7. But, even if you can’t stay on the island for this many days, you can still enjoy it as long as you visit the most popular attractions, hidden gems, and beautiful beaches and do the best activities in Corfu.

So, even if you can stay for 2-3 days, make sure you visit Achillion Palace, Pontikonisi Islet, Palokastritsa, New and Old Fortress, Canal d’Amour Beach, Agios Gordios Beach, and Corfu Old Town!

The History of Corfu

In ancient times Corfu was known as Corcyra, which settlers from Corinth and Eretria inhabited. According to some scholars, the ancient city of Corcyra was mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey as Scheria, the island of the Phaecians, although there’s no irrefutable evidence for that.

In the Roman times, a big part of the island converted to Christianity after two disciplines of Saint Paul taught the gospel to the inhabitants. From the 9th century, Corfu along with the rest of the Ionian islands formed a naval theme, the theme of Cephallenia, which protected the Byzantine Empire from Western threats. However, the island was attacked by the Normans, who occupied it until 1084, and Genoese privateers, who occupied it until 1207.

The Venetian Rule followed, with the Venetians making the island one of the most fortified places in Europe to defend it against the Ottomans. After the Venetian Rule followed the French, the British, the Italian, and the German rule in the Second World War. In 1944, Corfu was liberated by British troops and then rebuilt by the Greek government.

The best attractions in Corfu

The best attractions on the island of Corfu you should visit during your stay are:

• Achillion Palace
• The Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Spianada Square
• Angelokastro Castle
• Museum of Asian Art
• Kaizer Bridge
• Archaeological Museum
• Kassiopi Tower
• Museum of Music
• Kanoni and Mouse Island
• Kapodistrias Museum
• New Fortress
• Saint Spyridon Church, the city’s cathedral
• Old Fortress
• Pantokrator Monastery
• Byzantine Museum
• Mon Repos Palace
• The Folklore Museum in Acharavi
• Paleokastritsa
• Kapodistrias Mansion

How to get around Corfu

Corfu is a big island, so you will need a means of transportation to get around it. There are two ways to get around Corfu, either by public or private transportation.

Public transport

Corfu has a public transportation network consisting of public buses that connect Corfu Town with many villages and beaches throughout the island. There are two types of public buses in Corfu: small public buses that run frequent routes in the city and bigger coaches that run routes throughout the island.

The frequency of public bus routes depends on seasonality, with summer being the season with the most frequent routes due to tourism.

Taxis

Another way to get around the island is by taxi. You can find taxis at many popular spots throughout the island, including Corfu Airport, Corfu Port, and Corfu Town or you can call one. Keep in mind that taxi fares aren’t usually fixed, meaning that it’s possible to be charged more than your journey’s worth.

Private transfers in Corfu

Private transfers in Corfu are the best way to get around the island and go from one place to another safely and without delays. By choosing a legitimate private transfer company, like Ride & Hire, you can go anywhere you want in Corfu using the vehicle that meets your needs, from shuttle buses to cars and minivans!

FAQs

When is the peak season in Corfu?

The peak season in Corfu typically lasts from April to October, with Easter, July, and August being the busiest times to visit the island.

How far is Corfu from Athens?

Corfu is 377 km away from Athens. You can get to the island by catching a one-hour flight from Athens or driving to Igoumenitsa (5 hours) and then taking a ferry to Corfu (1 and a half hours).

Does Corfu have an airport?

Yes, Corfu has an airport, Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport, which is located 3 km from Corfu Town.

How do you get a taxi in Corfu?

Taxis are a popular means of transportation in Corfu, though they are not as reliable as private transfers. You can take a taxi from various spots throughout the island or call one to pick you up from your desired location.

What is the cost of a taxi transfer in Corfu, and how is it calculated?

The cost of taxi transfers in Corfu depends on the distance between your departure location and final destination. However, you can end up paying more than the standard taxi fee, because taxi drivers often don’t have fixed rates. At Ride & Hire, we have fixed prices, so you will know exactly how much you will pay for your transfer before booking!

What tours can you take in Corfu?

In Corfu, you can take several tours that will introduce you to the island’s authentic side. Some of the best tours you can take are Paxos and Antipaxos cruises from Corfu, olive oil tasting tours, boat trips to the Blue Caves, day trips to other Ionian islands and the Albanian coast, sightseeing tours, food tours, and more!

How can I book a private transfer in Corfu?

You can easily book a private Corfu transfer in advance on our website, choosing from a wide variety of vehicles, from private cars to shuttle buses.

To book a transfer in Corfu with Ride & Hire, fill out the booking form with your destination, date and time of arrival, and the number of passengers, and choose the vehicle type you want. Finally, enter your personal information and flight number (if you’re booking a Corfu airport transfer), and pay online.

After completing the process, you will receive a confirmation email with all the information regarding your booking!

Can I book a transfer in Corfu for a specific time or date in advance?

Yes, you can book a transfer in Corfu between any locations you want and choose the pickup date and time you prefer by filling out the booking form on our website.

Do Corfu transfer services include meet-and-greet options at the airport or other pickup locations?

They do! One of our experienced drivers will be waiting for you at your desired location on your desired day and time. For airport pick-ups, the driver will wait for you at the arrival hall, holding a sign with your name.