Corfu lies in the Ionian Sea, just a few kilometres off the coast of Albania. Unlike the barren islands of the Aegean, Corfu is lush and green. Olive groves cover the hills, cypresses rise between them, and on the coast the forest comes almost down to the water. Add an old town that is more reminiscent of Venice than of Greece.
The island at a glance
| Place | Location | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Corfu Town | East coast | Old town, fortresses, cafés |
| Paleokastritsa | West coast | Coves, monastery, boat trips |
| Kassiopi, Kalami | Northeast | Quiet shingle coves, views of Albania |
| Sidari | North | Sandstone cliffs, families, lively |
| Agios Gordios | West coast | Long sandy beach, sunsets |
| Issos | South | Dunes, wide beach |
Corfu Town: Venice in Greece
The old town of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For four centuries the Venetians ruled here, later the French and the British. You see it everywhere: tall houses with green shutters, narrow lanes, two mighty fortresses by the sea and the arcades of the Liston, where you drink coffee as if in Paris. On the big square in front of it, cricket is even played in summer.
South of the town lies the Kanoni peninsula, with a view of the small monastery on an islet in the lagoon and tiny Mouse Island. A little further on stands the Achilleion, a palace built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria.
Paleokastritsa: turquoise coves
On the west coast lies Paleokastritsa, one of the most beautiful places on the island. Several small coves with clear turquoise water cut into the green cliffs. An old monastery stands on a hill overlooking the sea. Boats leave from the coves to grottoes that can only be reached from the water.
High above the coast are the ruins of Angelokastro castle. The view from there reaches far along the west coast.
The north and south
In the northeast there are quiet villages such as Kassiopi and Kalami by small shingle coves with very clear water. Across the strait you can see the mountains of Albania. In the north, near Sidari, the sea has carved pale sandstone cliffs into coves and arches. The resort is lively and popular with families.
The south is flatter and quieter. At Issos a long sandy beach runs in front of dunes, and in the south of the island you can find quiet stretches even in high season.
When is the best time to go?
The swimming season runs from May to October. In July and August it is warm, usually around 30 °C, and the sea reaches up to 26 °C. May, June and September are more pleasant and quieter, and nature is especially green then. In winter it rains much more on Corfu than in the south of Greece, and many hotels are closed.
Good to know
The flight from Frankfurt takes about two and a half hours. The clocks go forward one hour. You pay in euros. Try the island’s specialities, such as sofrito, veal in garlic and white wine, and liqueurs made from kumquats, which are grown on Corfu.
flug-123.de editorial team, updated 10 November 2026. We review our guides regularly. Rules can change. If in doubt, the details in your booking apply.
