Corfu holidays

Corfu holidays

Deals from £220 per person

Idyllic beaches surrounded by lush scenery, sleepy fishing villages and some of the best nightlife Greece has to offer, Corfu holidays have couples and families covered. 

Hidden among olive groves and lapped by the Ionian Sea, this stunning island is home to a host of beautiful resorts. Find beach towns like Roda and Sidari nestled on the northern coast alongside the beautiful charms of Corfu Town. History fans will love wandering its old town, where pastel-coloured architecture and cobblestone streets are a throwback to its Venetian rule. There’s plenty to see in the south too, from the pumping party scene of Kavos to long stretches of sand in Agios Georgios.

Things to do

Whether you want exploration, relaxation or a night on the tiles, holidays to Corfu offer for every type of traveller. Head along the winding mountain pass to Mount Pantokrator on the northeastern coast to reach the island’s highest point. And don’t forget to explore the traditional villages hidden amid the steep slopes on your way up to the summit. Elsewhere, older couples will love delving into Corfu’s enchanting mixed heritage, from Georgian palaces built by the British to century-old Venetian fortresses. After dark, it’s time to hit one of Europe’s top clubbing resorts, Kavos! Packed with lively bars, quiet nights are off the cards here. Or if you prefer something a little tamer, head a little further up the coast to Ipsos and Dasia for a more relaxed evening.

Breathtaking scenery

Nicknamed the ‘Emerald Isle’ for its green rugged landscape, you’re bound to be blown away by  Corfu’s mountain meets sea views, some even stretching as far as Albania. And the old fortress in Corfu Town should be your first stop. Celebrated for its incredible panoramas with terracotta rooftops on one side and the Ionian on the other, the vistas are spectacular! The monastery at Paleokastritsa is another must-visit, especially in the evening when you’ll get to witness one of the island’s most amazing ocean sunsets.

Amazing nightlife

If sleepy Greek villages aren’t your thing, then it’s time to sample the island’s lively side. Perfect for party-mad couples or those wanting to let their hair down with a group of friends, Kavos promises plenty of sleepless nights. Stacked with bars and clubs, the strip comes alive every evening until the late hours of the morning. For a less hectic alternative, Sidari has a great after-dark atmosphere with a good selection of night spots, from karaoke to shisha bars.

Great for families

With plenty of hotels suited towards families, you can easily stay in one place during your holidays to Corfu. But if you want to get out and explore, beach-hopping is a must! Find Blue Flag shores dotted right across the island, like Agios Spyridon, whose clean sands and safe swimming conditions are great for mini paddlers. Too hot to hit the coast? Then, take a scenic trek through the olive groves with a visit to one of the many child-friendly horse riding schools. Or, you can always hop on a glass-bottom boat from Corfu Town, where there'll be opportunities to feed the fish. And for more fast-paced fun, don’t forget to visit Sidari waterpark.

Places to stay

Found on Corfu’s north coast, Sidari attracts a good mix of families and couples, who come here to soak up its untouched, natural beauty. Sugar-coloured rock formations lead into the sea to create a string of isolated beaches, meaning you’ll have swathes of sand all to yourself. Close by, you’ll find the charming fishing village of Agios Stefanos. Its golden beach is a real gem with lush scenery on one side and the calm Adriatic on the other. Or, if you’re looking for a buzzing post-exam paradise, Kavos is just the place. From 90s floor-fillers to the latest chart-toppers, there’s no such thing as a dull night in this party mecca. 

Kanoni
Sitting on a peninsula, on the east coast of Corfu, this small village is perfect for a relaxed and tranquil Greek holiday. It’s most famous for its stunning views over Mouse Island, which can be easily reached by a very short boat ride. Or book into the 5 star beauty, Corfu Holiday Palace, overlooking the island, and boasting its very own private stretch of sand. Stay at this standout hotel and you’ll also be placed just 4km from the historic town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Barbati
A serene and beautiful village on the northeast coast of Corfu, Barbati is loved for its white pebbled coves, backed by olive groves and cypress trees. Nestled between two hills, it’s a great spot for a quiet Greek holiday for couples or families, away from the bustling crowds. It’s well worth booking into Golden Mare Resort if you want to be close to the idyllic Barbati Beach. This charming hotel is just a 10-minute stroll, or free minibus ride away from those sapphire waters. 

Kavos
A lively resort on the southern coast of Corfu, Kavos is a popular spot for party-goers, with a vibrant after dark scene and buzzing atmosphere. It’s also home to a long, sandy beach, stretching over 5km, watersports galore, and larger than life music festivals. So you can stay up until the early hours of the morning, before relaxing on the blissful shoreline. Check into Capo Di Corfu to be right on the edge of those crystal-clear waters.

Sidari
Famous for its stunning coastline and vibrant nightlife, Sidari is great for families, couples and groups of friends. When you’re not kicking-back on the sandy beaches, or hitting up the clubs and bars, there’s historic landmarks to explore, such as the historic town of Corfu and the Achilleion Palace. If you want to be at the foot of its most famous beach, Canal d' Amour, book into Amour Holiday Resort.

Saint George South
A laid-back, natural beauty, Saint George South begs you to unwind. You could spend your days soaking up the sun on its long sandy beach, one of the most beautiful on the island, or head out by boat to explore its nearby coves. A must-see if you do visit is Lake Korission, a natural lagoon surrounded by wildlife. If you’re seeking an All Inclusive Greek paradise, check out Labranda Sandy Beach Resort, set on the edge of toe-sinking sands.

More travel guides
Make sure you check out our other travel guides, including Arillas | Kassiopi | Kavos | Roda | Sidari 

 

Map of Corfu

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10-25 ℃

The island has a Mediterranean climate with warm, bright summers and mild winters.

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3 hours

Corfu International Airport, or ‘Ioannis Kapodistrias’ (CFU), is a 10-minute drive from Corfu Town.

Corfu is best for...

Sightseers: Like all Greece holidays, Corfu has plenty of camera-worthy spots! Most of its best sights can be found in Corfu Town, but its 16th-century fortress has to be its historical highlight. And you must check out Achilleion Palace. Sitting just 10 kilometres south of the capital, it’s one of the island’s most important buildings with status of Greek gods decorating its gardens.

Scuba divers: See the true beauty of the Ionian sea and enjoy a scuba diving adventure with a PADI-approved instructor. Kassiopi, the Pipitos and the Kalami Reef all offer fantastic underwater experiences.

Nature lovers:  Head to Sidari and its Canal d’Amour beaches to see the sandstone rock formations sculpted by the wind and waves. Or, put on your best walking boots and hike the Corfu Trail. Covering the whole island, discover hidden spots, from amazing gorges to tucked-away coves.

Fast facts for Corfu

Language: The language spoken in Corfu is Greek. English is also widely spoken, buta few basic phrases in the local language will always be appreciated.

Currency: The currency used is the Euro (€).

Local time: Corfu is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Corfu International Airport. Transfers take around 20 minutes to Corfu Town and 2.5 hours to Arillas, depending on your resort of course. Kavos is 1.5 hours away.

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Corfu is 3 hours.

Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found at the official website for tourism in Corfu. 

Visa / Health: Before you travel, check the latest advice from The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Holiday destinations related to Corfu:

 

Getting around Corfu

By car/scooter hire: You can easily make your way around the island when you hire a car or scooter. There’s also the buggy option for real thrill-seekers. Watch out for the potholes, though, especially if you take some of the more remote mountain roads!

By bus: The local bus service runs frequently to and from Corfu Town to the rest of the island. It’s affordably priced and simple to spot: keep an eye out for blue buses that run in Corfu Town and its outskirts, and the green ones that operate around the rest of the villages and resorts. Simply flag them down at the roadside.

By boat: Take advantage of the child discounts offered by most boat trips; tickets are up to half price for children and free for infants.

Events in Corfu

Corfu Carnival: If you’re travelling in early spring, and staying in Sidari, don’t miss the Corfu Carnival. The costumes and parades resemble the Carnival of Venice, with local music and dancing through Liston and Spianada Square.

Easter in Corfu: Another must-see in Spianada Square is Corfu’s Easter celebrations. Easily the biggest event of the year, watch elaborate processions, firework displays and a unique custom called "Pot Throwing" where people throw pots out of their windows, symbolising the new beginnings of spring.

Achilleion Palace Concerts: If you love classical music, then a visit to the Achilleion Palace should be on your to-do list. Over the summer, you can get giddy in the sunshine while listening to beautiful music from the palace gardens.

Corfu weather

Temperature: 10 - 25°C

Best time to go?

In peak summer months of July and August, daytime temperatures average a glorious 32˚C, dropping to 18˚C in the evening. The sun stays out for about 12 hours a day, so it’s a great time to dine alfresco. 

For a slightly cooler climate, visit in spring or autumn when the weather in Corfu is comfortably warm, around the mid-teens to low 20s. Winter on the island is relatively mild, too, but watch out for rain in November; the island’s wettest month.

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