Corfu, Greece, is just one of those destinations that I can visit over and over again and never get tired of. It is part of the Ionian Islands, an island group located northwest of mainland Greece, not far from Albania and Italy. In fact, you can take a ferry boat from Corfu to both of these countries.
Corfu Island is a special place. My husband and I enjoyed visiting Corfu almost every summer while we lived in France. It boasts gorgeous sandy beaches, incredible snorkeling and scuba diving locations, delicious food, picturesque olive groves, and super-friendly locals.
There’s nothing better than waking up with a Freddo cappuccino (Greek iced coffee) in my hand while admiring the magnificent Ionian Sea. Life in Corfu is laidback, and the focus of a destination like this is the surrounding natural beauty.
From Corfu, you can visit nearby islands on a day trip, such as Paxos and the tiny island of Antipaxos. It is an excellent destination for families and couples who love to be outside playing all day or relaxing under an umbrella.
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Welcome to Corfu
Best Time to Visit
I usually recommend avoiding July and August (peak season) when planning to travel to Europe. However, Corfu is one of the few exceptions. While most Greek islands like Santorini and Mykonos are inundated with tourists in the summer months, Corfu remains pretty low-key.
Late June to early July is the prime time to visit Corfu. The weather is sublime, and everything is open, so there is a ton of fun to be had. May and September are also great times to visit, but depending on the year, the sea may be too chilly for swimming.
Avoid visiting during the off-season, especially in winter. Many hotels and restaurants are seasonal, so you won’t find many of them open year-round.
Local Customs and Etiquette
- Greetings: When you arrive at a shop, museum, or restaurant, it is customary to greet the person welcoming you. “Yas sas” means hello, but you can also say “kalimera” or “kalispera“, which means good morning and good evening, respectively.
- Try local delicacies: Move over, Greek salad. Greek food is bursting with incredible, unique flavors. Some of my favorite Greek dishes include pork gyros, grilled octopus, and lamb Kleftiko. If you don’t know where to begin, I’ve found that Greek restaurant owners are always enthusiastic to give their recommendations.
- Dress code: Most people are dressed very casually in Corfu. When walking around town or eating at restaurants, do not arrive in beachwear. At the minimum, throw on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. Cover up when visiting churches or other religious sites.
- General conduct: Don’t be that rowdy tourist. While Corfu has a robust nightlife, it is much more laid back than other places like Mykonos. This is more of a family destination. Be kind and courteous, and you’ll fit right in.
- Toilet paper: In many parts of Greece, it is forbidden to throw toilet paper in the toilet. Instead, a bin is provided to dispose of it. The plumbing system is not suited for flushing toilet paper, so avoid the potentially embarrassing issue and just use the bin.
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Plan Your Trip to Corfu
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Corfu, Greece. From its rich cultural heritage to its vibrant neighborhoods, this destination offers a unique blend of experiences for every traveler.