Corfu Guide

Corfu, or Kerkyra, is among Greece’s most important islands and an ideal destination for your holiday.

Noble and refined, alongside its welcoming towns, the island boasts stunning beaches and enchanting hidden spots nestled within its lush, verdant woodlands. From a historical and cultural perspective, Corfu represents a perfect harmony of Greco-Corinthian, Venetian-Italian and English influences.

Throughout Corfu’s towns, you’ll discover remarkably atmospheric sights such as charming piazzas with Venetian arcades and magnificent Byzantine churches.

Corfu’s beaches are remarkably diverse: some feature golden sand or colourful pebbles, while others are dominated by dramatic rocky outcrops. What unites all the beaches is the crystal-clear water that laps against Corfu’s coastline.

The island’s shoreline is utterly captivating, with trees frequently reaching right down to the water’s edge, whilst the underwater world is rich and vibrant—ideal for diving enthusiasts, with numerous sea caves to explore, or for those who prefer snorkelling.

The island’s beauty has long enchanted and inspired many great artists who have stayed here, including Goethe, Sisley and Durrell. For instance, writer Durrell and his wife chose to live in a small house on the glorious Kalami beach, and every summer countless visitors are captivated by Gardenos beach or the western shores.

The southern coast is perfect for families travelling with children: the water is shallow and sandy beaches offer plenty of shade and charming little tavernas serving the freshest fish. The western beaches are equally excellent, facing towards Italy, with long stretches of sand, shallow emerald-green waters and some of Corfu’s most spectacular cliff formations.

Northeast of Corfu lie three small islands, Mathraki, Othonoi and Erikoussa, perfect for day trips. The islands of Paxos and Antipaxos boast truly paradisiacal beaches well worth visiting.

If you’re seeking a less touristy, more authentic Corfu, leave the beaches behind and venture into the hinterland of this verdant island, characterised by imposing olive groves cascading from hillside slopes down to the coast. Explore by bike, horseback, motorbike or car, and discover one of its 100 villages, each with its own distinct character.