From bustling family-friendly promenades to rugged, unspoilt wilderness, the Corfu of today blends two worlds: the Kerkyra (as the locals call it) of time-honoured literary works, and the vibrant tourist haven of today. Cobalt blue waters lap golden sands, charming villages are dotted among luscious hilltops, and cobbled streets line ancient towns.
You may have seen Corfu, depicted in popular comedy-drama the Durrell’s (inspired by autobiographical accounts of Gerald Durrell), as a picturesque, rustic Greek island with artistic roots – and it is. With a Unesco-listed main town, warm European hospitality and long, warm summers, mythology and literature ring true (reportedly the Greek God, Odysseus, was soothed by the beauty of Corfu).
Our destination experts have scoured the length and breadth of the island to discover the best intimate hideaways, rural idylls and beachfront locations for our Corfu villa collection.
There’s something to suit the whole family on this sun-baked island: beachgoers will be impressed by its sandy coastline, culture fiends will appreciate its history and art, families will love its waterparks and lively esplanades, foodies will devour its gastronomic offerings, and outdoor adventurers will have plenty to do, from hiking and biking to thrilling water-sports.
Style and character are everything at Oliver’s Travels, and our collection of handpicked villas in Corfu have this in spades.
We have destination experts who know the ins and outs of all our regions, picking villas, chateaux and holiday cottages in Corfu that aren’t only unique, but also in the best locations. What’s more, our villas are 100% family-friendly, and have the ‘wow’ factor.
Our helpful concierge team are on-hand to make your stay extra special. Whether you want a fully-stocked fridge, a local in-house chef to cook your meals, housekeeping or any other extra service – consider them your holiday genie, who will happily grant your wishes.
A Grecian getaway is picture-perfect, and Corfu doesn’t disappoint. Although it can be considered a well-trodden island, there’s actually so much more to discover in Corfu than is often considered. Just like many popular European islands, you don’t need to venture far to get a taste of the local Corfu lifestyle, whether that’s bustling food markets and hilltop villages or secluded beaches and the vibrant cultural scene. Plus, long, warm summers mean it’s a year-round destination!
Give our Corfu Travel Guide a read for more handy tips and information, from the best time to visit to the hidden gems of the island.
Greek cuisine is focused on fresh, local produce – the Mediterranean diet is well-known for its long-life benefits and downright tastiness. From freshly-caught seafood being served in charming family-run tavernas to fine dining from beautiful rooftop restaurants, Corfu caters for every type of foodie. Be sure to wash it all down with a shot of ouzo, a local favourite.
We’ve pulled together a list of what we think are the top foodie experiences to help immerse you in the Corfiot food and drink scene, from walking tours to brewery tastings.
Well-known for its sandy coastline, beachgoers have so much to choose from on this action-packed island – Blue Flag beaches that are perfect for families, secluded bays for those typical island vibes and sandy swathes lapped by crystal-clear water that’s ideal for a spot of snorkelling. And, you can experience the beauty of these beaches at any time of the year, as the pleasant temperatures reach well into November, meaning if you’re looking for a holiday that doesn’t coincide with tourist season, you’re covered.
We put together a one week itinerary for Corfu, which includes our top five beaches on the island.
Whether you want a jam-packed itinerary, or you want to kick back and take it easy, Corfu is the type of destination you can make your own. You could easily spend your holiday beach hopping, but if you’re interested in thrilling activities like mountain biking along the rugged scenery and partying on a speedboat, or more laid-back activities like wine-tasting at a local vineyard and delving into local history you’ve chosen the right place.
Check out our blog for the Top 10 Things to Do in Corfu.
If you avoid the blistering summer months, Corfu is the ideal destination for babies. Greeks are very family-oriented so restaurants will be well-equipped.
As well as an assortment of Blue Flag beaches, perfect for little swimmers, Corfu also boasts an impressive waterpark – Aqualand.
Whether they’re beach dwellers, water-sports junkies or love to shop, the bustling towns, promenades and coastline is sure to be a hit!
Our list of top 10 family-friendly activities in Corfu might give you a bit of inspiration!
Public transport: If you’ve got kids younger than four, they’ll often be able to travel for free on buses and boats.
Avoiding tourists: If you’re looking to swerve the crowds, then travel outside of the summer months – Corfu benefits from good weather into November!
Late night dining: Greeks tend to have their evening meals later than you may be used to – the restaurant atmosphere doesn’t really pick up til 9pm.
The fact you can make Corfu your own – you can enjoy the comfort of your villa by the pool, spend your days lazing about on beaches or go out and explore local culture! Every holidaymaker is catered for.
From sleepy fishing villages to lively towns, Corfu’s landscape is punctuated with a variety of different places to stay and explore. On the one hand you have streets and laneways bursting with local culture, and on the other you have places well-catered to tourists.
When it comes to our Corfu villa collection you can choose from secluded havens tucked away in the countryside, boltholes by the beach or places only a short walk to a local village. We suggest hiring a car if you want to go and explore other towns and villages beyond your villa as you’ll find some of the most charming are dotted among the hilltops.
Have a look at a selection of the best towns and villages in Corfu.
The authentic village of Agni Bay is an unspoilt shingle and sand beach on a sleepy cove, backed by lush green wilderness. With a handful of local tavernas serving freshly-caught seafood, it’s a tranquil oasis.
The largest village on the northeast of the island, Kassiopi was once a quiet fishing village and is now a popular haunt for tourists, while still retaining its authenticity. Beaches vary from small to secluded, and are backed by rugged mountain scenery.
Another historic fishing village, San Stefanos is nestled amongst picturesque scenery with views out to Albania. This family-friendly spot offers gorgeous sandy beaches, and the warm hospitality Greeks are well-known for, with family-run tavernas and shops.
The bustling UNESCO town of Corfu is the perfect place to explore, with its gorgeous Venetian architecture and cobbled streets paved with history. Local restaurants are tucked away in charming back lanes, while boutique shops and intriguing museums can be found amongst its busy maze-like streets.
Pelekas is a picturesque hilltop village that can be found southwest of Corfu, and boasts incredible panoramic views. The cosy village is lined with traditional narrow streets with a handful of local tavernas, old churches and lovely little shops. You’ll also find a smattering of sandy beaches, some undeveloped.
This charming seaside village manages to perfectly combine a lively resort-like vibe with an idyllic island escape. Its beaches and harbour are set to a backdrop of lush mountainous scenery, which offers the ideal setting for hiking and biking. Made up of five settlements, authentic Corfiot life is right at the heart of Benitses.
Corfu Town offers a short-term bike share service called EasyBike BrainBox, but if you’re going along the rugged mountainous terrain a mountain bike/scooter may be better.
You may struggle for a bus service on Saturdays and Sundays, as timetables are greatly reduced/non-existent on these days.
If you’re getting a taxi, be sure to negotiate the price beforehand.
Corfu is one of Greece’s most accessible islands, whether you’re flying there, getting the ferry, hopping on a Eurail route, or even driving (if you’re looking for a lengthy roadtrip!). It’s perfectly positioned to explore other areas of Greece if you’re there for an extended stay, or there’s plenty to do and see if you’re looking for a Corfu-only holiday.
Corfu International Airport is serviced by many airlines, and airlines that fly direct include Ryanair, Jet2, and easyJet. The flight duration will take around 3 hours.
If you’re heading off on a European roadtrip then you could even head to Corfu by car – it’ll take a long time if you were to go direct, however you’ll cross France, Switzerland and Italy (ferry needed) which would make an ideal long holiday. We do recommend once you’re in Corfu, hiring a car if you want to really explore the island.
You can do a lot of your exploring on foot (provided you’re staying in your area), but if you’d like to see a little bit more without needing to rent a car, there are two lots of buses on the island: the blue, which service Corfu Town and its surroundings, or the green which cover more of the island. Buses in Corfu are pretty reliable. You’ll also find water taxis and sea buses, which are both efficient and scenic.
Taxis are a more expensive way to get around Corfu, but they’re an easy way to get from A to B if you require it. You’ll usually be able to find them easily at the port, airport and around central areas.
Corfu benefits from gorgeous rugged, mountainous scenery which is perfect for cycling! Whether you’re looking for some thrilling mountain biking, or a scenic slow-paced peddle, you’ll find an array of great cycling routes.
