Corfu is the most culturally layered of the Greek islands, a consequence of its position at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, which made it a strategic prize fought over by the Byzantines, the Normans, the Angevins and most consequentially the Venetians, who ruled for four centuries and left an architectural legacy unlike anything else in Greece. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of Corfu Town is the finest Venetian city outside the Adriatic itself, its arcaded streets and shutter-fronted buildings reminiscent of Venice with a Hellenic character entirely its own.
For the luxury traveller, Corfu combines the cultural richness of the Old Town with some of the finest private villa rental in the Mediterranean, the island's deeply green interior (fed by more rainfall than most Greek islands) and the extraordinary Ionian water (warmer, calmer and a more vivid turquoise than the Aegean) create a setting for villa holidays of the highest quality. The north of the island, around Kassiopi and the Corfu Trail ridgeline, is particularly sought after for its combination of dramatic views and excellent villa inventory.
Corfu Town: A Venetian City in Greece
Corfu Town's Old Town is genuinely unlike any other Greek urban environment, the Liston arcade (a direct copy of the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, built during the brief French occupation), the arcaded streets of the Campiello quarter (the oldest part of the town, unchanged since the Venetian period), the two Venetian fortresses (the Old and New Fort, both accessible and offering extraordinary views) and the churches displaying the distinctive Venetian baroque that spread throughout the Adriatic empire.
The Spianada square, one of the largest in the Balkans, hosts a cricket pitch, a legacy of the British Protectorate period (1815-1864) that Corfu has maintained with considerable pride. The Sunday morning games attract local and visiting spectators in equal measure and provide one of the more surreal sporting experiences available in the Mediterranean.
The Best Beaches in Corfu
Corfu's beaches reflect the island's variety, from the relatively developed but beautiful sandy beach of Glyfada on the west coast to the extraordinary Canal d'Amour at Sidari (a narrow channel carved through golden sandstone where the water is an improbable turquoise). Palaiokastritsa in the northwest, a series of small coves beneath a Byzantine monastery on the clifftop, is the island's most photographed landscape. The north coast beaches, Kassiopi, Avlaki, Agios Stefanos, combine excellent swimming in calm Ionian water with a more undeveloped and tranquil atmosphere.
Antipaxi (reached by boat from Corfu or from Paxos) offers the finest beach swimming in the southern Ionian, caves with brilliant water ranging from turquoise to deep blue, accessible only by boat. A day trip by private boat from Corfu Town combining Paxos village and Antipaxi beaches is one of the finest single-day excursions in the Greek islands.
Villa Holidays in Corfu
Corfu's villa rental market is among the finest in the Mediterranean, the island's dramatic topography, its deep green landscape and the Ionian's extraordinary light create villa settings of great beauty. The north and northeast of the island (Kassiopi area, Kaminaki, Agni) concentrate the finest private villa inventory, many with private pools and direct sea access or sea views of extraordinary quality.
For a fully catered villa experience, several operators offer private chef, boat and car hire as integrated packages, an approach that combines the privacy of a villa with the service and indulgence of a hotel. The villa holiday formula suits families and groups of friends particularly well, and Corfu's concentration of excellent villa stock makes it one of Europe's best destinations for this type of travel.
Exploring Further: Paxos and Albania
Paxos, a tiny island two hours south of Corfu by catamaran, is arguably the most beautiful small island in the Ionian, a densely olive-covered landscape with turquoise coves and a single small town (Gaios) of considerable charm. The island barely has a beach to speak of but its caves, the sea and the atmosphere of a place where nothing has changed in decades make it exceptional. A day trip from Corfu or an overnight stay in Gaios is well worth the effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Corfu?
May, June and September offer the best combination of warm temperatures, calm seas and manageable visitor numbers. July and August are the busiest months, Corfu Town remains beautiful but the popular beaches are crowded. The island is largely closed from November to April, though Corfu Town itself functions year-round.
Do you need a hire car in Corfu?
A hire car is strongly recommended for exploring beyond Corfu Town, the island's roads, while sometimes narrow, lead to beaches and villages accessible no other way. The north coast in particular requires a car. For villa holidays in the north, a car is essential.
How do you get to Corfu from the UK?
Direct flights operate from most major UK airports including London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh with easyJet, British Airways and TUI. The flight takes approximately three hours. The airport is on the edge of Corfu Town, with the Old Town walkable or a short taxi ride.
Is Corfu good for a family holiday?
Corfu is one of the finest family Mediterranean destinations, the calm Ionian water is ideal for children, the villa holiday formula gives families space and flexibility, and the island's gentle pace and easy logistics make it low-stress. We recommend the north coast for families combining beaches with the Old Town.
