Backpacking Corfu On A Budget: Complete Guide

Is Corfu A Good Backpacking Destination?

Yes, Corfu is a great destination for backpackers!

The island is large with many free or cheap things to do – stunning beaches, picturesque villages, and amazing hiking trails. 

My favorite thing about Corfu is how diverse the island is, and how easily you can escape the crowds. 

The island vibe is more laid back compared to the Cyclades, like Santorini or Paros.

Still, I wish there were more hostels, as Corfu is not quite a backpacker hot spot like islands in Thailand. Also, I felt like you need a car to get the most out of your visit. 

PROS

• Affordable: Most of the tourist attractions in Corfu are completely free
• Great atmosphere: There is something about the Greek islands in the summer
• Safety: Corfu is a safe destination for solo travelers with friendly locals
• Diverse: From stunning beaches to hiking trails, Corfu is a beautiful island

CONS

• Public transport: It is complicated to get around by public transport
• Hostels: I wish there were more hostel options on the island
• Seasonal: Corfu can feel quite deserted outside the peak summer months

Best Time To Visit Corfu As A Backpacker

Generally, I’d say the best time to visit Corfu is in the shoulder season – before or after peak summer months.

However, if you’re traveling solo and want to meet other backpackers, the best time to go is in the high season. 

Sure, there are cons of traveling in Europe in summer, mainly high prices and crowds, but it is also the most popular time to visit for a reason!

The island is the liveliest in July and August, hostels are full, and something is going on every day. 

If you want to stay on a budget, you can also go in June or September, but it might be harder to meet other travelers. 

Earlier or later than that, the island can feel a bit empty if you’re traveling alone. I went to Corfu in May, but I wasn’t solo on this trip, so I didn’t mind.

How To Get To Corfu

When you see where is Corfu located, you can guess that you either have to fly or take a ferry to the island. 

Flying is the easiest way to get to Corfu unless you’re already backpacking Greece or island-hopping the Ionian islands.

Flying To Corfu

Corfu has an international airport, and it is well-connected to many European destinations. 

One of the main reasons to visit Corfu is that it is so easy to reach it!

I took a flight from Bordeaux to Corfu, but over 100 destinations are offering direct flights to Corfu.

Corfu is served by many budget airlines, like Ryanair, easyJet, and Volotea. You can sometimes find flights for under 20€ in one direction!

When I travel with European budget airlines, I always try to pack in a small bag only so I keep the ticket price low.

You can browse all flights to Corfu on this website!

How To Get From Corfu Airport To Corfu Town?

Corfu Airport is basically in the city. My flight landed super late, so instead of grabbing a taxi, I simply walked for 20 minutes to my accommodation. 

Don’t worry, walking is not the only alternative to taxis!

You can also grab a bus! 

You need to catch the bus 15, which goes from the airport to the port, through the city center. 

The bus is very affordable, and it also passes by the main intercity bus station.

If you’re staying in a hostel in Agios Gordios, and you’re not renting a car, you’ll have to get a Green Intercity Bus.

Taking A Ferry

If you’re already in northwest Greece, island hopping the Ionian islands, or backpacking in Albania, you can also take a ferry to Corfu!

I always book ferries with Ferryhopper, as you can easily browse all ferry lines and operators, and compare the prices.

Theoretically, you can also take a ferry from Italy. It is an overnight ferry and might be an interesting choice if you’re in the area.

Getting Around Corfu

The best way to get around Corfu is to rent a car. But don’t despair, you can still have a fantastic time in Corfu without a car. 

Corfu has a public transport system that works quite well in high season.

However, it only connects the main tourist areas, and you can’t reach some of the more remote, picturesque Corfu villages. 

Renting A Car

I rarely rent a car when traveling, but I felt like Corfu deserved to be discovered by car. 

Also, renting a car in Corfu can be surprisingly affordable if you book in advance and for multiple days!

Driving in Corfu can be challenging, as the terrain is quite hilly. It gets especially tricky if you rent an economy car that is not powerful enough to conquer steep mountain roads. 

However, it is not impossible and everybody is doing it. 

Having a car in Corfu allows you to get off the beaten path and discover less-visited towns and villages in Corfu.

🚗 Check the price of rental cars in Corfu here!

Renting A Quad Or A Scooter

If renting a car is too expensive or you simply don’t want to do it, another option is to rent a quad or a scooter. 

To rent a scooter, you need to have a proper license; it is not SE Asia here. 

However, quads are also quite a popular option on the island, and I’ve seen many people with quads on the roads. 

If you stay in The Pink Palace Hostel, they can organize the quad for you, and you can join a group of travelers for a day of exploring!

Taking Buses

Finally, it is possible to explore Corfu by public transport. 

Corfu has quite a reliable and affordable bus network connecting Corfu Town to most villages on the island. 

However, to take full advantage of public transport in Corfu, I think you should stay in Corfu Town as that is where all intercity buses depart. 

Corfu Bucket List For Backpackers

So, what are some of the best things you should do in Corfu?

From beach hopping to hiking, Corfu offers a plethora of fun activities to add to your itinerary!

Watch Sunset From Loggas Beach

The northwestern coast of Corfu has some of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen. 

If you want to see the best sunset in Corfu, head to Loggas Beach. 

There is a bar on the top of the cliffs where you can grab a drink and enjoy the sunset, but you can also just sit on the benches and enjoy a homemade picnic.

See Canal d’Amour

Canal d’Amour is one of Corfu’s most popular landmarks. According to the local legend, the couples who swim together in the canal will stay forever in love. 

Even if you’re not coming to Corfu for love, this unique landscape is well worth visiting!

Party In Kavos

Kavos is Corfu’s party town. While you could enjoy nightlife throughout the island, Kavos seems to be focused on just that!

Since there are no hostels in Kavos, I wouldn’t go there as a solo traveler. But if you’re in a friend group, it should be on your bucket list!

Discover Picturesque Villages

I loved driving sound Corfu and passing through traditional villages. Some of the places that should be on your list are Old Perithia, Chlomos, Kassiopi, and Afionas. 

You don’t need to spend a whole day at any of these locations, but they make for a fantastic road trip!

You can also visit Paleokastritsa and discover the historic hilltop monastery and hidden blue caves.

Find All Byzantine Fortresses

Thanks to its strategic position, Corfu had an important role throughout history.

Today, you can find several Byzantine fortresses throughout the island. 

The most famous and well-preserved ones are the Old and the New Fortresses in the Old Town of Corfu. They date back to the Venetian era, and are even listed as a UNESCO site!

However, there are more fortresses around the island, from the period preceding the Venetian period. You have Gardiki Castle, Kassiopi Castle, and Angelokastro.

Hike To Porto Timoni

You can’t go to Corfu and not visit the most famous Corfu landscape. 

The double bay of Porto Timoni looks like it belongs on a tropical island in Thailand. Still, it is a part of Corfu and one of the most popular day trips from Corfu Town.

You need some kind of vehicle to get here. First, you need to get to Afionas village, where you’ll park your car. Then you take a trail from the top of the village to the beach. 

It takes about 20 minutes to reach the beach, but the best viewpoint is about ⅔ of the way down.

Go On A Day Trip To Paxos 

While island hopping from Corfu is not as easy as island hopping the Cyclades, you can go on a day trip from Corfu to Paxos!

The easiest way to do this trip is to join one of the boat trips from Corfu.

You could also organize the trip yourself by booking a ferry, but a tour is easier and can be cheaper depending on when you book the ferry. 

🤩 Check out this budget-friendly Paxos boat tour!

Admire Cape Drastis

The northwest of Corfu is a gift that keeps on giving. Another stunning landscape in the area is Cape Drastis. 

The best viewpoint is actually at the top of the hill, right after you park your car. Don’t take your car down the dirt path, even if it looks fine at first; it gets progressively worse. 

If you follow the path all the way down to the sea, you’ll get to a little bay where you can swim.

You can also take a small boat tour around the Cape.

Best Hostels In Corfu

So, where should you stay in Corfu?

If you want to stay in a hostel, your options are limited. There are just 3.5 (I’ll explain) hostels on the island.

I love staying in hostels in European cities, as they are usually affordable and ideally located in the city center. Unfortunately, there are no hostels in the city center of Corfu Town.

Also, if you’re not traveling solo, staying in private accommodations might give you more flexibility with the locations and be cheaper. 

It was cheaper for me to share a private room in a nice “hotel” than to book two dorm beds in a hostel!

The Pink Palace (Agios Gordios)

The Pink Palace is the iconic Corfu hostel. It is known as the best party hostel in Corfu, and it is huge! I read somewhere that they have a capacity of 700 people.

Honestly, I think most Corfu backpackers simply stay here and don’t look further for different hostels.

If you want to make friends in a hostel, you have everything you need here. The hostel organizes events, day trips, and meals, and you have free sun loungers at the beach.

As the place has been around for a long time, it is a bit run-down nowadays. Don’t expect luxury.

Also, it is not as much of a wild party place as it once was, but I guess it depends on the popularity of the destination each year. 

🤩 Check rates and availability in The Pink Palace!

Corfu Backpackers Beach Hostel (Agios Gordios)

Now, Corfu Backpackers Beach Hostel is listed on Hostelworld as a separate place, but according to the reviews, it is run by the same people as The Pink Palace Hostel as one hostel.

🤩 Check rates and availability in Corfu Backpackers Beach Hostel!

Local Hostel & Suites Corfu (Alykes)

Local Hostel is the closest hostel to Corfu Town, which is the best area to stay in Corfu if you don’t have a car.

Still, it is not within walking distance of the Old Town. I mean, if you consider a 30-minute walk walking distance, then it is. 

Luckily, there is a bus stop right in front of the hotel, and you can be in the city in 15 minutes. 

You have a communal kitchen and female-only rooms available, so it is the most “hostel-like” among Corfu hostels.

🤩 Check rates and availability in Local Hostel & Suites!

Sunrock Hostel (Kontogialos)

Finally, Sunrock Hostel is a place you’ll love or hate. The general consensus is that it is a good place to stay if you have a car. 

The main downside of this place is that it is quite remote, and while they offer shuttles to Corfu Town the cost can add up. 

On the flip side, you are right next to the beach, so if you want to relax, escape the crowds, and chill for a couple of days. Also, the view from the terrace is stunning!

Depending on how many days in Corfu you have, it might not be worth it for a short stay.

🤩 Check rates and availability in Sunrock Hostel!

Corfu Backpacking Budget

So, is Corfu expensive for backpackers?

Generally, Corfu is quite an affordable summer destination in Europe. However, it is not so cheap that you can just buy whatever you want without looking at prices.

On average, this is what you should budget for a Corfu backpacking trip.

Shoestring Backpacker: 30-50€ per day 
Mid-range Backpacker: 50-80€ per day

Depending on your travel style, you can visit Corfu for 30-80€ per day as a budget traveler.

This budget assumes you’ll stay in hostels or share a private room, so you only pay half of the price.

You can have one restaurant meal a day, but you should be eating breakfast at your accommodation or buying it in a supermarket.

Activities and going out are where it gets hard to say how much you’ll spend. 

You can just do free activities; there are plenty of those on the island, or you can splurge on a boat tour or rent a quad for a day.

Local Corfu Cuisine

Local food in Corfu is quite affordable compared to Western European prices, and you can find something for any budget.

Gyros are always a quick and cheap option.

I could live off the mushroom gyros I had in Sidari. It would probably not be a very healthy life, though!

However, you can get a meal for under 15€ even in a nicer sit-down restaurant.

If you’re backpacking on a budget, head to Lidl and get groceries for your time on the island. I always prepare breakfast in my accommodation.

Is Corfu Good For Vegans?

Yes, I was pleasantly surprised by the vegan options in Corfu!

Greek cuisine can be accidentally vegan-friendly, as Greeks are Orthodox Christians. They practice lent, fasting periods, where they’re not allowed to eat meat, fish, or animal prod­ucts 

There are many vegan-friendly restaurants in Corfu, and there is always something vegan on the menu.

Corfu Safety Tips

If you’re worried about safety in Corfu as a solo traveler, you don’t have to be.

Corfu is one of the safest places in Greece, which is already one of the safest countries in Europe.

Violent crimes are rare, and the only thing you should be careful about is pickpocketing. 

However, the usual safety rules for solo female travelers apply. Avoid unnecessarily dangerous situations, and know your limits when drinking. Especially if you go out in Kavos.