Corfu

Corfu, also known by the name Kérkyra, is an island located in the Ionian Sea. The Greek name Kérkyra is related to Poseidon, the God of the Sea, like much else in the Greek islands. Corfu is the most northern island of the Ionian island and sits by the northernmost point of Greece and the south of Albania. The island has around 105,000 local residents being accompanied by the many tourists finding their way here during the summer months.

The beautiful island Corfu will give you cool surroundings where green lush mountains plunge down and collide with the gorgeous sandy beaches of the west coast. The mountains in the east area, unlike the west, are not as steep and will give you a dreamlike view of the crystal clear water breaking on the coast of Albania.

Corfu shows how beautiful Greece is to the rest of the word. Its beauty is defined by the crystal clear water, long beaches on the west coast and lush olive groves. The beautiful landscape provides a smell of pine trees and cypress and a string of small villages, beach resorts, and nice beaches. The climate is mild and pleasant most of the year, which means you can go hear almost any time of the year.

Olive oil, wine, fruit and vegetable farms are one of the main sources of income here as well as fishing and tourism.

The island has a bit of a messy history – Corfu has been under the wings of many different nationalities and powers. Nevertheless, the Italian culture has had the most distinct influence on the island – which can be seen in both cooking and architecture. For example, many houses are built with inclining tile roofs instead of flat roofs, and houses are painted in pale pastel colours like pink and light blue instead of white. In the city of Corfu, Italian heritage is especially noticeable.

The main city of the island, Corfu city, has around 40 000 residents and is an interesting city imprinted by the many conquerors over time. Here, you will find graceful French arcades and Venetian castles all mixed in with the traditional Greek architecture. In the centre of the city, you will find the square Spianada Plaza with its famous cricket ground surrounded by chic cafés and lush greenery. Patrician villas and small palaces prove that Corfu city has had both royal families and celebrities from all over Europe as guests. The city is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and is today the host of several colleges and a reputable university.

During summer entertainment is hectic, and in the suburb Mandouki, on the way to Dassia, you will find the “Disco Strip” where plenty of discotheques, rock bars, and night clubs have been jammed together.

If you prefer an active holiday, then Corfu is a good choice. The lush inland is incredibly suitable for hikes, and you also have the opportunity to explore the surroundings when going horseback riding. Corfu is also one of the few places in Greece where scuba diving is allowed.

Musical concerts are popular during the summer months in Corfu. Take the opportunity to experience a classical concert or a rock concert during your stay.

When it comes to beaches, there is something for every taste. If you prefer wide sandy beaches with crystal clear water, visit the west coast. If you prefer a more adventurous swim, then Paleokastritsa beach is perfect with its sandbanks and cool rock formations. In Gouveia and Dassia on the east coast, there is a two-kilometre long pebble beach. On the north side of Corfu, you find Issos beach with more sandbanks and smaller rock formations.

Welcome to Corfu – The coolest island in Greece!

Good to know:

Electricity

Corfu operates on 220 W. No adapter is needed.

Internet

Data roaming and WiFi are generally unstable and can vary in service for longer or shorter periods of time. This is out of our control.

Passport and Visa

Swedish residents do not have to acquire a visa when travelling to Corfu. Your passport just has to be valid during the whole period of your stay. For more information, please refer to the Greek Embassy.

Price

The average price for dinner with greek salad and moussaka at a typical Greek tavern is around 150 SEK per person. A litre of water will cost you around 5 SEK and a beer 20 SEK.

Tax

Greece has imposed an accommodation tax for all commercial overnight stays from the 1 January 2018. The tax varies depending on the classification on the hotels and apartments, the length of your stay and will be paid directly to the hotel when checking in.

Beaches

Sandy beaches are found on the west coast of Corfu, and pebble beaches on the east. You might want to keep in mind that the winds are stronger on the west coast which will create more waves. Nevertheless, all the beaches are more or less shallow and suitable for children.

Transportation

Buses run between Corfu city and most towns on the islands. There are plenty of taxis and car rentals, as well as scooters and bicycles. Local boats run between several nearby islands as well as the mainland.