Is Corfu Worth Visiting? 13 Reasons To Visit In 2025
Planing a trip to Greece and wondering is Corfu worth visiting?
You came to the right place, as I spent quite some time exploring this beautiful Greek island.
When people think of Greece, most think of whitewashed houses and blue domes of the Cyclades.
However, Greece is more than that, and Corfu is a perfect example!
Corfu is one of the most underrated Greek islands, with breathtaking landscapes, stunning beaches, and vibrant towns and villages.
Let’s get started with the top reasons why visit Corfu Greece!
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Is Corfu Worth Visiting?
The short answer is yes, Corfu is well worth visiting!
Corfu is a beautiful island, with beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea lining the coastline.
But Corfu is more than just the beaches! Some of my favorite parts of the island were inland mountain villages and quaint seaside towns.
Corfu also boasts majestic landscapes you wouldn’t believe are in Greece!
While Corfu used to be known for soulless resorts catering to package tourists, the reality of visiting Corfu couldn’t be further from that!
Corfu is safe and diverse, offering something for every type of traveler.
Now, do you want a longer answer?
Here are all the reasons why visiting Corfu should be on radar this year!
Why Visit Corfu, Greece?
1. Corfu Old Town
If you’re wondering is Corfu Old Town worth visiting, the answer is 100% yes!
Sure, Corfu is best known for its beaches, but I think Corfu Town is the first place you should visit.
It is well worth visiting even if you visited other Greek islands before. The architecture on the island is completely different than the Cyclades or Athens itself!
The Old Town of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its Venetian fortifications and neoclassical housing.
There are no small whitewashed houses on this island. Instead, I found the Old Town of Corfu similar to Italian cities and even Nice in France.
The difference in architecture makes sense when you know the island’s history, and how it was the subject of many territorial disputes throughout the centuries.
2. Beautiful Beaches
Corfu beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever swam on!
This island has a beach for everyone – from sandy beaches in the south to beautiful pebbled coves in the north.
I’m not the biggest fan of sandy beaches, so when I go back to Corfu, I’ll skip the sandy beaches in the South.
However, the pebbled beaches of Corfu are some of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen!
The sea is so clear! You can clearly see the pebbles on the bottom as you walk in the sea, and the sea glistens on a sunny day.
Some of my favorite beaches in Corfu are Barbati Beach, Paleokastritsa Beach, and Porto Timoni.
But there are beaches all along the coastline, and you can easily find beachfront accommodation options in Corfu!
Generally, the sea in Corfu is slightly colder due to the melting snow from the Albanian mountains.
Still, I visited Corfu in May and the sea was already warm enough to swim!
3. Stunning Landscapes
There’s no doubt Corfu is a beautiful island, but some spots are downright ethereal!
What impressed me the most about Corfu is the variety of landscapes – from endless sandy beaches along the island’s southern end to tropical-looking Porto Timoni and the cliffs along the northwestern part of the island.
The best-known natural attraction is Porto Timoni. I was so surprised to see it, as this double cove looks like it belongs to a tropical island in Thailand!
However, I was even more impressed by the cliffs along the north-western side of the island!
Cape Drastis and the cliffs along the north-western part of the island are breathtaking, it is one of the best spots to watch sunset in Corfu!
4. Many Cultural And Historical Sites
There’s more to Corfu than just the beaches!
Corfu is located in a very strategic position. Sitting on the entrance to the Adriatic Sea, this island had an important role throughout history.
Today, you can visit the ruins of several ancient fortifications and castles dating back to Venetian times.
The most famous are the fortifications around the port in the Old Town. However, there is more to discover throughout the island.
Aggelokastro on the western side of the island is one of the most significant Byzantine Castles in Greece.
In the south of the island, you can visit the 13-century Byzantine Fortress of Gardiki. The castle is free to enter, but there isn’t much of it left apart from the outside walls.
In the north, you can find Kassiopi Fortress. It is also free to enter and walk around and it offers a stunning view over the port of Kassiopi.
Also, if you take a day trip to Paleokastritsa, you can visit a historic Monastery and see its impressive collection of religious artifacts!
5. Quaint Villages
I love quaint villages, and Corfu has a plethora of mountain and seafront villages to discover.
Sure, there are also plenty of seaside resorts and towns that feel like they just exist for tourists (Yes, I’m talking about Kavos).
Some of my favorite villages in Corfu are Kassiopi, Lakones, Chlomos, and Old Perithia.
If you like traditional houses, with colorful facades and clay tiled roofs, you’ll love strolling these villages.
All of them also have at least a couple of Greek tavernas where you can try local dishes in an authentic island atmosphere.
6. Great Hiking Trails
If you like hiking, Corfu is the island for you!
The highest peak in Corfu is Mount Pantokrator at 906 m. While that is not that high in the grand scheme of things, Corfu is quite a hilly island.
You’ll especially notice it when driving in Corfu with an economy rental car. There were moments when I was afraid the car would roll downhill instead of advancing uphill!
I did several hikes in Corfu, including a hike from Old Perithia village. The view was stunning!
Another more popular hike is the Porto Timoni trail. Unlike most hiking trails, this one is going downhill, to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
There are several walking trails along the southern coast of Corfu. I walked for a while along the beach Halikounas Beach and met several people who were hiking along the coastline from one village to another
If you’re really into hiking, you could do the whole Corfu trail – 150 km from the north to the south of the island!
7. Fun Day Trips
Corfu is a fantastic island for day trips, especially if you have a car!
While you can visit Corfu without a car, having a car allows you to easily get around and discover hidden gems like the oldest village on the island, an animal farm, or hidden beaches!
Also, you can take a day trip from Corfu to Albania, by hopping on a ferry from the Old Town to
Albania is usually not on many people’s radar, but it is a beautiful country with plenty of places to discover. The country is significantly more affordable than Greece, so it makes
Another fun idea is to hop on one of Corfu Town boat trips and discover more Ionian islands. Paxos and Antipaxos are the closest islands to Corfu and a popular day trip option!
8. Endless Activities
Corfu is a popular tourist island, so there are so many things to do in Corfu!
Summer is the best time to visit Corfu for the beaches, and there is an abundance of beaches to choose from.
You can also try sea kayaking along the coastline, or opt for a boat tour from Corfu to neighboring islands.
Parasailing is one of the activities that are high on my bucket list, and you go parasailing near Corfu Town or even tandem paragliding if you’re more adventurous!
Corfu also has a water park where you can spend a day sliding down 51 water slides!
Hiking is a great activity to add to your itinerary regardless of the time of the year you visit.
If you like Greek food, how about learning to cook the staple dishes yourself in a Greek cooking class?
You can even go rock climbing on Corfus’s dramatic cliffs!
Your options are basically endless, and you can easily spend your entire summer vacation enjoying everything this island has to offer!
9. Delicious Food
I love Greek food! Even as a vegan, there are so many traditional local dishes to enjoy.
Vegan Corfu cuisine is quite simple, with plenty of fresh vegetables, olive oil, and minimal seasonings.
Still, I’d say there is beauty in the simplicity! Corfu produces a lot of fruits and vegetables, and you can really taste the difference with the high-quality local food.
Rose’s Bakery in Corfu Town is a fantastic place to try local pastries, including a delicious baklava.
My favorite restaurant in Corfu was Squirrel in Ipsos. It is worth the drive even if you’re staying in Corfu Town. The restaurant is very popular, so I suggest you book a table before driving there!
10. Vibrant Nightlife
Corfu is also known for its nightlife!
Now, there are several types of nightlife on the island. It is not just the “Brits gone wild” type of parties you can find in Kavos.
But let’s start with Kavos, it is the most well-known party spot on the island after all.
Kavos is a party town. I would compare the nightlife in Kavos to the nightlife in Albufeira but on a slightly smaller scale. You have several nightclubs blasting music, karaoke bars, and cheap alcohol.
If that’s not what you’re after, don’t worry. It is not my type of a night out anymore either.
Luckily, there are bars and clubs in other towns on the island too!
Corfu Town has several nicer cocktail clubs and bars. Sidari and Ipsos have karaoke and sports bars which get very lively in the summer.
Finally, if you just want to have a nice meal and enjoy traditional music, many villages like Benitses offer just that.
11. Easy To Reach
Another reason why you should visit Corfu is that it is so easy to reach! Corfu has an international airport, with many flights from all over Europe.
Many companies flying to Corfu are budget airlines, so it is possible to get to the island for less than 20€!
Sure, you’ll have to pack in a personal item bag to keep the cost that low, but it is worth it for a short island getaway!
Also, watching planes land at Corfu Airport is one of the fun things to add to your Corfu Town itinerary. You stand on the bridge and watch the planes fly over you as they land several meters behind you!
12. Cheaper Than The Cyclades
While the Cyclades are certainly the better-known island group, Corfu and the Ionian Islands are significantly more affordable!
Corfu is a great choice for summer holidays, popular with both Corfu backpackers and families.
Many people spend more than 1 week in Corfu!
This island offers the typical Mediterranean summer vacation, with active beach days and lively nights.
Corfu is not cheap if you compare it to Albania, but it is considerably more affordable than places along the French Rivera and the Cyclades.
13. Diverse Island
Finally, I’m sure you’ll love the island of Corfu because it offers something for every type of traveler.
Depending on how many days in Corfu you have, you can enjoy multiple different activities!
If you want to stay in a luxury villa with private beach access, you can find that in Corfu.
However, you can also stay in one of the hostels or family-run apartments and have a fantastic summer holiday on a budget.
You can also visit Corfu outside the peak season. It is a place where many locals live and work, so it doesn’t feel abandoned like some other summer destinations.
I visited Corfu in the shoulder season, and I enjoyed hiking and sightseeing before the island got too crowded!
FAQ: Is Corfu Worth It?
Yes, it is worth going to Corfu. This Greek island has an international airport, so it is easy to reach from all over Europe. Corfu offers many activities for every type of traveler, from beautiful beaches to vibrant towns. The most popular time to visit is in summer.
Yes, Corfu is a great summer holiday destination, with plenty of seaside towns to stay in. Corfu has beautiful beaches, affordable accommodation options, and lively summer nightlife, making it a great destination for a summer getaway.
Yes, Corfu is a nice island to visit with beautiful beaches, charming villages, and lively holiday atmoshpere.
Final Thoughts: Is Corfu Worth Visiting?
After visiting Corfu, this Greek island quickly became one of my favorite places in Europe.
If you’re still wondering if is Corfu worth visiting, the answer is yes.
Whether you’re looking for your next summer holiday destination or you want to escape the big city in the shoulder season, visiting Corfu is a fantastic idea!
With its beautiful beaches, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant towns, there’s no shortage of things to do in Corfu.
While crowds can be a drawback of European summer destinations overall, it’s still possible to escape the crowds and discover secluded hidden gems in Corfu.
