If mainland Greece is sun-baked and golden, Corfu is green — a Venetian-flavoured island in the Ionian Sea where cypress hills roll straight down to calm, clear water.
Ruled by Venice for centuries and never taken by the Ottomans, Corfu wears its history in elegant arcades, honey-stone alleys and a gentler, slower mood. It is one of the easiest Greek islands to fall for — browse our Corfu holiday packages to see current departures.
Corfu Town
The UNESCO-listed old town is the star: two Venetian fortresses, arcades modelled on Paris, and narrow lanes — the kantounia — strung with laundry and cafés. Spend a slow evening here and order a plate of pastitsada, the island's signature dish.
Beaches for every mood
Northeast — calm and clear
Around Kassiopi you'll find sheltered, turquoise coves that are ideal for families and easy swimming.
West coast — drama and sunsets
Paleokastritsa, Glyfada and Agios Gordios have the bigger, wilder beaches and the island's best sunsets.
Rent a car for at least a day — Corfu's best beaches and mountain villages simply aren't on the bus routes.
When to go
Corfu is greener than other islands precisely because it gets more rain, so spring is lush and the sea warms nicely by June.
| Month | Sea | Crowds | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | Warming | Low | Sightseeing, hiking |
| June | Warm | Medium | Beaches + value |
| Jul–Aug | Warm | High | Peak season, nightlife |
| September | Warm | Low–Med | Best all-rounder |
WAYLY tip: September brings warm water, thinner crowds and lower prices. See available Corfu departures or explore all our destinations.
Good to know
- A car unlocks the island — public transport is limited.
- The west coast is best for sunset, the east for calm swimming.
- Try local specialities: sofrito, bourdeto and pastitsada.
Prefer an island with a famous caldera sunset? Read our guide to Santorini next.
