Corfu

Corfu

Plan Corfu with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.

Step out of your hotel in Corfu Old Town and the island greets you with the sound of church bells carried down narrow lanes, then the sight of tall Venetian houses in faded ochre and peach, with green shutters thrown open to the morning. Laundry sways overhead, cats doze on warm stone steps, and the arcades of the Liston open on to the broad green sweep of the Spianada.

Corfu Day Tours

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Corfu Airport Transfers

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Corfu Flight Tickets

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Corfu Ferry Tickets

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Corfu at first sight

Corfu, the northernmost of the Ionian islands, has been Venetian, French and British in turn, and each ruler left a mark on its architecture, its music and its cooking. The result is a Greek island unlike any other: elegant, leafy with olive and cypress, and wrapped in a deep blue sea that laps pebble coves and the cliffs of the western coast.

Why include Corfu in your itinerary?

  • Corfu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a graceful maze of Venetian, French and British architecture crowned by two sea fortresses. It feels more Italian than Greek, and it is wonderfully walkable.
  • The island has a gentler, greener landscape than the Cyclades, with olive groves, cypress-covered hills and beaches from Paleokastritsa to Sidari. It is a place for slow days, coastal drives and swimming in clear water.
  • Corfu is a superb base for the Ionian Sea. Paxos and Antipaxos, the mainland coast of Greece and even the ancient Albanian ruins of Butrint are within easy reach by boat, ferry or road for a memorable day out.

Signature experiences in Corfu

The Old Fortress and Corfu Old Town

The Old Fortress rises from a rocky headland on its own island, defending the town as Venetian engineers intended. Cross the drawbridge and climb to the lighthouse for a sweeping view over the red roofs, the Spianada and the mountains of Albania beyond. Below, the Liston arcades, the Palace of Saints Michael and George and the narrow kantounia lanes reward unhurried exploration. Our guided day tour of Corfu brings the layers of history to life.

Pastitsada, Sofrito and Island Flavours

Corfiot cooking is a gentle mix of Venetian and Greek traditions. Sofrito is veal slowly cooked in a bright garlic, parsley and vinegar sauce, pastitsada is rooster or beef simmered with spiced tomato over thick pasta, and bourdeto is a peppery fish stew. Finish with kumquat sweets and local honey. Our guided day tours include stops at village tavernas, and our team can recommend trusted local favourites in the Old Town.

Kanoni, Vlacherna and Pontikonisi

South of the town, the Kanoni peninsula gives the postcard view of Corfu: the white Vlacherna Monastery floating on its tiny islet, and beyond it, wooded Mouse Island, Pontikonisi, with its small chapel. Aircraft glide low over the lagoon as they land, which delights children and adults alike. A short drive from the centre, it fits neatly into our guided day tour or a private car with driver arranged by our team.

Paleokastritsa and the Western Coast

On the west coast, Paleokastritsa is the island's most beautiful bay, a necklace of coves, sea caves and turquoise water beneath a cliff-top monastery of the same name. Beyond it, Lakones offers a famous viewpoint known as the Bella Vista. The roads are narrow and winding, so our guided day tours and private cars with driver, arranged by our team with trusted local partners, make the journey easy and safe.

Achilleion Palace and Paxos

South of the town, the Achilleion Palace was built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sisi, as a neoclassical retreat among terraced gardens above the sea. It is among the island's most distinctive landmarks. For a full day on the water, our guided day tours also reach Paxos and Antipaxos, small Ionian islands with cave-filled coastlines and sheltered, clear bays.

Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Corfu

Corfu Old Town

The historic centre is Corfu at its most atmospheric, with Venetian lanes, the Liston arcades, museums and countless cafés. It is compact, lively and very safe to walk, even in the evening. Stay here if you want to explore on foot and be near everything the island's capital has to offer.

Kanoni and Garitsa Bay

Just south of the centre, the leafy Garitsa waterfront and the Kanoni peninsula combine sea views, small hotels and a relaxed local feel. The Old Town is a short walk or drive away. It suits travellers who want calm mornings and easy access to beaches, the Achilleion Palace and the airport.

Paleokastritsa

The west coast resort sits around a series of beautiful bays surrounded by green hills. It is quiet, scenic and perfect for swimming, boat trips and sea caves. Choose it for a peaceful base, with the understanding that you will rely on a car or transfers to reach Corfu Town.

Kassiopi and the North-East

The north-east coast faces Albania across a narrow strait, with pebble coves, the old fishing harbour of Kassiopi and a cluster of villages below Mount Pantokrator. It is relaxed and family-friendly, with calm water for swimming. It suits those who prefer a village atmosphere to the busier south. Day trips to Kassiopi's old fortress and the Pantokrator mountain villages are easy from here.

How long to stay in Corfu and how to pair it

Recommended stay

Three to four nights suit most travellers: one day for Corfu Old Town and its fortresses, one for the west coast and Paleokastritsa, and one for a boat day to Paxos or a trip to the Achilleion and Kanoni. Add extra nights if you simply want beach time, swimming and slow Ionian evenings.

How to pair it

Corfu works beautifully as a relaxed finale to a Greek journey. In a seven-day plan, pair it with Athens for the Acropolis and then fly or ferry across to the island. Over ten days, add Thessaloniki and Santorini. In fourteen days, link Athens, Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu, or fly from Thessaloniki. Our team arranges the flights, ferry tickets and private transfers that join them smoothly.

Best time to visit Corfu and the rhythm of the day

Best months

May, June, September and early October are the finest months, with warm sunshine, swimmable water and softer crowds. July and August are hot, lively and busy, and prices and demand climb accordingly. Spring brings green hills and wildflowers, while Greek Orthodox Easter in Corfu is a remarkable festival with processions and music. Winters are mild but quiet, with many resorts closed.

The daily rhythm

A day in Corfu begins late and unhurried with Greek coffee and bread on a shaded terrace. Mornings are for the fortress or the beach, afternoons for a long, relaxed lunch followed by a rest in the heat. As the light softens, locals stroll the Liston and the Spianada, and dinner is served late, often after nine o'clock.

On-the-ground logistics in Corfu

Arrival

Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport lies just a few kilometres south of the Old Town, about fifteen minutes by road in normal traffic, while the main ferry port is close to the centre. Our team arranges private airport transfers with a driver waiting at arrivals, as well as transfers from the port to your hotel, wherever on the island you stay.

Getting around

Corfu Old Town is compact and best explored on foot, with pleasant, shaded lanes. Beyond it the island is large and hilly, and public buses are infrequent, so a car or driver is more practical. Licensed taxis operate from ranks, and ride-hailing apps are limited, so a private car with driver arranged by our team is the easiest way to reach Paleokastritsa or Kassiopi.

Local etiquette tip

Corfiots are warm and hospitable, and they respect modest dress in churches and monasteries. Cover shoulders and knees, and do not photograph icons or services unless permitted. Visits should avoid the afternoon rest, when many small churches and village shops close. A friendly kalimera in the morning, followed by a smile and a few Greek words, will always be appreciated.

Must-do things in Corfu

  • Stroll the Liston arcades and the Spianada at golden hour.
  • Climb the Old Fortress for a panorama over the town and the sea.
  • Wander the kantounia lanes of the UNESCO-listed Old Town.
  • Taste pastitsada, sofrito and bourdeto at a family taverna.
  • See the Vlacherna Monastery and Mouse Island from the Kanoni viewpoint.
  • Visit the Achilleion Palace and its terraced gardens above the sea.
  • Swim and boat among the sea caves of Paleokastritsa.
  • Take a day trip by boat to Paxos and Antipaxos.
  • Cross the narrow strait to the ancient ruins of Butrint in Albania.
  • Try kumquat sweets and local olive oil at a village producer.

Do’s and don’ts in Corfu

Do

  • Carry a scarf or shawl for churches and monasteries.
  • Book boat days to Paxos in advance in July and August.
  • Use sun protection and carry water on summer excursions.
  • Learn kalimera, efharisto and parakalo for warm greetings.
  • Allow extra time for the winding roads to the west coast.

Don’t

  • Do not photograph icons or services inside churches without permission.
  • Do not rely on infrequent public buses for the western bays.
  • Do not climb on fortress walls or ancient stonework.
  • Do not plan visits to small churches during the afternoon rest.
  • Do not underestimate the heat when walking the Old Fortress at midday.

Corfu at a glance

Plan Corfu with Haqqi Tours

Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.

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Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Corfu.

Where should first-time visitors stay in Corfu?

Most first-time visitors choose Corfu Old Town for its history, restaurants and walkability, or the Kanoni and Garitsa area for a calmer setting near the airport. Paleokastritsa suits beach lovers who want scenery. Our team can recommend a hotel and arrange your private transfer to match your plans.

Can Corfu be done as a day trip, or does it need an overnight stay?

Corfu is an island, so a day trip is only realistic for visitors on a cruise or a ferry crossing. A proper visit needs at least two or three nights to see the Old Town, the west coast and a boat excursion. We advise staying overnight and slowing down.

What is the dress code and etiquette in Corfu?

Dress is relaxed and informal, with lightweight summer clothes. For churches and monasteries, cover shoulders and knees, and carry a scarf. Beachwear belongs on the beach, not in town. Greet people politely, expect a relaxed rhythm of service, and remember that many small sites close during the afternoon rest.

Is Corfu tourist friendly?

Yes. Corfu has welcomed visitors for generations, and English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and shops. Signs are clear, and the Old Town is easy to explore. Our team can arrange guided day tours, private transfers and ferry tickets so everything runs smoothly from arrival to departure.

Is it safe to travel to Corfu now?

Corfu is generally a calm and welcoming destination. Take normal precautions with valuables, drive carefully on the winding rural roads and protect yourself from the summer sun. We recommend checking the official travel advice of your own government before departure and keeping our WhatsApp line handy during your trip.

What are the must-do things in Corfu?

Stroll the Liston and the Old Town, climb the Old Fortress, see Kanoni and Mouse Island, visit the Achilleion Palace and swim at Paleokastritsa. A day trip by boat to Paxos and Antipaxos is a highlight. Our team can arrange guided day tours and private transport for all of them.

How many days do you need in Corfu?

Three to four days is ideal for first-time visitors, allowing time for the Old Town, the west coast and one boat or palace excursion. A week lets you slow down, add beach days and explore the north. If you are short of time, two nights still give a good introduction.

What can I book in Corfu with Haqqi Tours?

Day tours, private airport transfers, flight tickets and ferry tickets, including Corfu Coast Full-Day Cruise with Lunch and Swim Stops, Corfu Pirate Ship Coastal Cruise with City Views and Corfu Sunset Cruise on a Classic Wooden Boat with Snacks. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.

How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Corfu?

Corfu Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport (CFU) is a single-terminal airport about 3 km south of Corfu Town, with the New Port about 4 km away and the north coast resorts about 40 km away. Our private transfer meets you at arrivals with a name board, tracks your flight and takes you door to door at a fixed price for the whole vehicle; the transfer pages list every route.

Is there public transport from the airport to Corfu?

Local buses run from the airport area to Corfu Town but not directly to most resorts, and taxis queue at the terminal; a private transfer is the simplest way to reach the north and west coasts, especially with luggage or children. With luggage, a family or a late flight, the private car is the simpler choice.

Which tours are available in Corfu?

Among them: Corfu Coast Full-Day Cruise with Lunch and Swim Stops, Corfu Pirate Ship Coastal Cruise with City Views, Corfu Sunset Cruise on a Classic Wooden Boat with Snacks, Paleokastritsa Sea Caves and Paradise Beach Speedboat Tour Corfu and Paxos, Antipaxos and Blue Caves Day Cruise from Corfu. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.

Are the tours private or in a group?

Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.

How do I book?

Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.

Are the prices fixed?

Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.

Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?

It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.

Can I change or cancel a booking in Corfu?

Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.