Skip to main content
SherryStay
Corfu travel guide

SherryStay Destination Guide

Corfu

The greenest Ionian island — Venetian old town, hidden coves and olive groves.

Greece

About Corfu

If you're after a destination that feels like a real escape from routine, Corfu is your answer. This isn't just another Greek island on a worn-out tourist trail; it's a place where green forests meet unbelievable turquoise water, all at a slow pace that simply forces you to shift down a gear. Don't make the mistake of getting stuck in the resort lobby — renting a car here is a must. Give one day to driving out to Paleokastritsa: the coves there look like a frame from a film, and the water is so clear you'll feel like you're swimming inside a natural aquarium. And in the evening? Ditch Google Maps and get lost in the lanes of the old town. Sit down at a small taverna, order a local dish without asking too many questions, and let the music and the Greek wine do their thing. This is a "less is more" destination — no packed itinerary, no pressure — just connecting the kids to nature, yourself to the atmosphere, and heading home genuinely recharged.

Sherry's Take

Base yourself in Corfu Old Town for culture or the northeast coast (Kassiopi, Agni) for quiet bays. Skip Kavos unless you want a party-strip crowd. Late September has warm seas and half the August prices.

Best For

CouplesBeach loversHistoryFamiliesFood
Go in
MayJuneSeptemberOctober
Avoid if possible
August

Where to Stay

Corfu Old Town

UNESCO Venetian streets, fortresses, cafés

Northeast coast (Kassiopi / Agni)

Quiet pebble coves, tavernas, calm sea

Paleokastritsa

Dramatic cliffs, monastery, snorkelling bays

Glyfada / Agios Gordios

Long sandy west-coast beaches, sunsets

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1Eat at village tavernas inland (a few km from the beach) for half the seafront price.
  • 2The blue KTEL buses reach most beaches cheaply if you skip a rental car.
  • 3Visit the Achilleion and both fortresses on a combined culture day rather than separate taxis.

Getting Around

  • 1Corfu (CFU) airport is 3 km from the Old Town — a taxi is ~€15, the bus far less.
  • 2A rental car is the most efficient way to reach the north and west coasts; roads are narrow but scenic.
  • 3Ferries from Corfu Port reach Paxos, Sarandë (Albania) and the mainland (Igoumenitsa).

Most Common Mistake

Booking the far-south Kavos strip expecting a quiet getaway — it is a young UK party resort. Match the coast to the trip.

Ideal Stay

46 nights

Combine with
  • Paxos (1h ferry)
  • Sarandë, Albania (30 min ferry)
  • Meteora (via mainland)

Useful Local Hotel Phrases

Greek
  • HelloΓεια σαςYAH-sas
  • Thank youΕυχαριστώef-kha-ri-STO
  • PleaseΠαρακαλώpa-ra-ka-LO
  • Check-inΆφιξηA-fi-ksi
  • Check-outΑναχώρησηa-na-KHO-ri-si
  • HotelΞενοδοχείοkse-no-do-KHEE-o
  • ReceptionΡεσεψιόνre-sep-SYON
  • BreakfastΠρωινόpro-i-NO
  • Wi-FiΓουάιφαιwai-fai
  • TaxiΤαξίta-XI
  • AirportΑεροδρόμιοa-e-ro-DHRO-mi-o
  • Train stationΣταθμός τρένουstath-MOS-TRE-nou
  • HelpΒοήθειαvo-EE-thya
  • How much?Πόσο κάνει;PO-so-KA-ni
  • Where is...?Πού είναι...;poo-EE-ne

Corfu at a glance

  • Corfu is in Greece.
  • The nearest airport to Corfu is Corfu (CFU).
  • Getting in from the airport takes 10 min to Old Town; 40–60 min to the coasts.
  • The best way in is Taxi or pre-booked transfer; rent a car for the rest of the trip.
  • A day in Corfu costs roughly €60–100 per person on a budget, €140–280 mid-range and €450+ at the luxury end.
  • Sherry suggests 4–6 nights in Corfu.
  • May is usually the cheapest month to visit Corfu, August is the busiest, and September offers the best value.

Common questions

Do I need a car in Corfu?
Strongly recommended — the best coves and villages are spread out; buses are limited. Old Town itself is walkable.
Where should I stay in Corfu?
Old Town for culture, the northeast (Kassiopi/Agni) for quiet bays, Paleokastritsa for scenery, the west coast for sandy beaches.
How many days for Corfu?
4–6 nights to mix the Old Town, a few beaches and a boat day.
When is the best time to visit?
May–June and September–October for warm seas without August crowds and prices.
Is Corfu good for families?
Yes — calm bays, easy boat trips and family tavernas; just avoid the Kavos party strip.

Where to stay in Corfu

From the magazine