Corfu · Getting there
Corfu is the most northerly of the large Ionian islands, a short crossing from the mainland of Greece and only 2 km from Albania at the narrowest point. Most visitors fly into the airport next to the town. Others drive to Igoumenitsa and take the ferry, or arrive by sea from Italy.
By plane
On the coast just south of Corfu Town, about 3 km from the centre
Many direct flights in summer from across Europe, including the UK, Germany, Scandinavia, France, Italy and the Netherlands. Athens is about an hour away, with several flights a day all year.
Into town: Corfu Town is about 10 minutes by taxi or bus. Paleokastritsa takes about 40 minutes, Kassiopi about 50 and Pelekas about 25. Hire cars can be collected at the airport.
By ferry
Corfu is not on the Piraeus ferry lines. The main crossing is from Igoumenitsa on the mainland, with boats from Patras and across the Adriatic from Italy.
Igoumenitsa Corfu Town
The main route. Boats also sail to Lefkimmi in the south. Check which port your ferry uses.
Patras Corfu Town
Slower and often overnight. It links with the Italian lines.
Bari, Brindisi or Ancona Corfu Town
Overnight boats across the Adriatic, many continuing to Igoumenitsa or Patras.
Venice Corfu Town
Book a cabin. A slow way to arrive.
Island hopping
Corfu Town Paxos
The nearest island to the south, an easy day trip or a stay.
Corfu Town Saranda, Albania
Take your passport. Many people go on to the ruins of Butrint.
Corfu Town Othonoi, Ereikoussa and Mathraki
The little Diapontia islands off the north-west coast. Check times and book ahead.
Lefkimmi Igoumenitsa
A useful crossing if you are driving and staying in the south.
When you land
Hire a car
Corfu is about 60 km from north to south and the best places are in the hills and on the coast. Buses run from Corfu Town, but they are slower and less frequent in the north and west.
Choose your base
Corfu Town is best for history and food, the west coast for sunsets and swimming, and the north-east for quiet bays facing Albania. Roads are narrow, so plan one area per day.
Easter and August
At Easter and in August the island is busy and rooms are hard to find. Book several months ahead.
Times and frequencies are typical for the summer season and change every year. Check the current timetable before you book.
Rooms with a view, picked for how they feel, not for star ratings.
See where to stay