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Where to go in Corfu depends on the holiday you want. Corfu Town suits culture and walking, the north east coast suits families who like pebble coves and views of Albania, the north west suits sandy beaches and sunsets, the south suits quieter beaches and a slower pace, and a few resorts are built around nightlife. This guide explains the main areas, towns and resorts so you can choose the right base.
Hotels, flights and ferry details change, so treat this as general guidance and check current information with your airline, hotel and local tourist boards before you book.
Where is best to stay in Corfu?
Corfu is a long, curved island, and the area you choose shapes your trip more than the hotel itself. Distances can look short on a map but take longer on winding roads, so pick one base and plan day trips from there instead of trying to see everything.
Corfu Town
The island capital is known for its old town, narrow lanes, squares, fortresses and a mix of Venetian, French and British influences. It suits couples, history lovers and anyone who wants cafes, restaurants and evening strolls. It is not a classic beach resort, so you would normally travel to a nearby beach for swimming. It also works well for a short city style break combined with a few beach days.
North east coast
Resorts such as Kassiopi, Agios Stefanos, Nissaki, Kalami and Barbati are often chosen by travellers who like pebble coves, clear water and green hills. The area is popular with couples and families who want a relaxed pace and views across the water. Beaches are often pebbly or rocky, so water shoes can help, and some coves are small and get busy in peak season.
North west coast
Sidari, Roda, Acharavi and the area around Paleokastritsa have a different feel, with sandy stretches, rock formations and dramatic bays. Paleokastritsa is known for its scenery, boat trips and coves, while Sidari is known for its beaches and lively atmosphere. This side of the island is popular for sunsets and is often busy in summer.
Central east coast
Resorts such as Ipsos, Dassia and Gouvia are close to Corfu Town and have plenty of restaurants, bars and water sports. They suit travellers who want convenience, a lively strip of restaurants and easy transport. Beaches are often pebbly, and the main road runs near the coast in places, which can mean some traffic noise.
South east coast
Benitses, Moraitika, Messonghi and Boukari offer a mix of resorts and quieter villages. Kavos at the southern tip is known for nightlife and a younger crowd, while nearby villages are calmer. If you want to avoid party areas, choose your resort carefully and read recent reviews.
South west coast
Agios Gordios, Agios Georgios and the area around Issos Beach offer long sandy beaches and a quieter feel. They suit travellers who want a beach holiday with fewer crowds, although there are fewer shops and restaurants than in the busiest resorts.
What is the best time to visit?
Corfu is greener than many Greek islands, with more rain in the cooler months. The main holiday season runs from late spring to early autumn.
- May and June: warm, green and generally quieter. A good time for walking, sightseeing and lower prices, although the sea is cooler.
- July and August: the hottest and busiest months, with the highest prices and the most lively resort atmosphere.
- September and early October: often warm with a warmer sea, and many travellers consider this a sweet spot for value and comfort.
- Winter: many resorts close and the weather is cooler and wetter, so it suits visitors who want a quiet trip, mainly around Corfu Town.
Dates, weather and opening times vary from year to year, so check forecasts and your accommodation before you go. If you are watching the budget, our cheap holidays guide explains how to find better value in shoulder months.
How do I get there from the UK?
Most visitors fly to Corfu International Airport, which is close to Corfu Town. Several UK airports have had seasonal direct flights to Corfu, mostly in the main holiday season, and some are sold as part of package holidays. Flight availability changes from year to year, so check which airlines fly from your departure airport and which dates operate.
If you live in the South East, our holidays from Gatwick guide explains how to plan your journey to the airport. Some travellers combine a trip with a ferry from the Greek mainland or from Italy, but this takes longer and depends on schedules.
Once on the island, you can use taxis, buses, transfers or a hire car. A hire car gives you the most freedom, especially for beaches and villages away from the main resorts, but roads can be narrow and winding. See our car hire guide for how to compare prices and avoid extra charges.
What are the best beaches or sights?
Corfu has beaches and sights for different tastes. Here are some well known places to consider. Check current opening times and access before you go.
- Corfu Town old town: lanes, squares, cafes and historic fortresses.
- Paleokastritsa: a scenic area of bays, coves and boat trips.
- Sidari: known for its beaches and rock formations, with a lively resort feel.
- Kassiopi and the north east: pebble coves, harbour views and relaxed evenings.
- Kanoni: a viewpoint near Corfu Town with views over a well known small island and the airport runway.
- Agios Gordios and the west: longer sandy beaches and sunsets.
- Hill villages: traditional villages inland that suit a drive, lunch and a break from the beach.
Beach conditions, facilities and crowds vary through the season, so read recent guest reviews and check travel advice before you go.
How many days do I need?
For a beach holiday, a week is a common length, and many travellers choose seven to ten nights. That is enough to settle into one area and take a few day trips. If you only have a long weekend, base yourself in or near Corfu Town and focus on the old town and nearby beaches. If you want to see more of the island, a longer trip lets you split your stay between two areas, such as the north east and the south west, but this means more travelling with luggage.
You can also book a package that includes flights and accommodation. Our guide to cheap package holidays abroad explains how to compare packages, and our all inclusive holidays guide helps if you prefer meals and drinks included.
Which area is best for different travellers?
- Families: look at resorts with shallow beaches, restaurants nearby and easy transfers, such as parts of the north west and central east coasts.
- Couples: consider the north east coast, quieter parts of the south west or a stay in or near Corfu Town.
- Groups of friends: livelier resorts have more bars and nightlife, but read reviews for noise levels.
- Walkers and culture lovers: base yourself near Corfu Town or inland villages and take day trips.
- Budget travellers: compare resorts and accommodation types, and consider shoulder months.
Tips for planning your trip
- Choose one base, and plan day trips from there.
- Check the distance between your hotel and the beach, shops and bus stops.
- Read recent reviews rather than older ones.
- Bring water shoes if you plan to use pebble beaches.
- Arrange travel insurance before you travel, especially if you plan to hire a car or take boat trips.
- If you want flexible dates, see our last minute holidays guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Corfu good for families?
Yes, many resorts suit families, with beaches, restaurants and activities. Check beach type and facilities for the area you choose.
Is Corfu good for couples?
Yes. The north east coast, quieter parts of the south west and Corfu Town are popular choices.
Do I need a car in Corfu?
Not always. If you stay in a resort and take organised trips, transfers and taxis can be enough. A car helps if you want to explore.
Is Corfu expensive?
Prices vary by season and area. Shoulder months and package deals can be better value.
Are the beaches sandy?
It depends on the area. The north west and parts of the south west have sandy beaches, while many other coves are pebbly.
Is Corfu good for nightlife?
Some resorts are lively and others are quiet. Check the character of the resort before booking.
Is Corfu in the Euro area?
Yes. Greece uses the euro, so bring a card that works abroad and check fees.
Final thoughts
Corfu has a resort and area for most kinds of holiday, which is why choosing where to go matters. Decide whether you want culture, sandy beaches, quiet coves or nightlife, pick one base and read recent reviews before you book. With the right area, Corfu can be an easy and rewarding holiday from the UK.