Corfu (city) Travel Guide

City Historic island known for its beautiful beaches

Venetian fortresses watch over Corfu town, where limestone alleys lead to Liston cafés and Orthodox churches; visitors come for Ionian bay ferries, sesame-coated kumquat liqueur and green hills that invite short drives and beach swims.

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Costs
$80-160 / day
Island prices; budget options exist off-season, summer rates climb.
Safety
Generally safe
Low violent crime; watch for tourist scams and busy harbours.
Best Time
May-September
Beach season with warm sea temperatures and cultural events.
Time
Weather
Population
40,047
Infrastructure & Convenience
Pedestrian-friendly Old Town, buses and ferries serve the island; English widely spoken in tourism areas.
Popularity
Attracts beach tourists, history buffs, and cruise passengers.
Known For
Old Town architecture, Venetian fortresses, Liston promenade, Spianada Square, Achilleion Palace, beaches, Orthodox churches, nightlife, Greek cuisine, museums
Corfu was ruled by Venice for about four centuries, which heavily influenced its distinctive Venetian architecture.

Why Visit Corfu (city)? #

Anchored by a UNESCO-listed Old Town, Corfu City combines Venetian fortresses, narrow alleys and a humid Ionian harbour atmosphere. Wander the Liston and Spianada square, explore the Old and New Fortresses and sample local dishes like pastitsada in family-run tavernas. The city’s layered architecture, maritime museums and lively café culture reflect centuries of Mediterranean influences.

Top Things to Do in Corfu (city)

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Corfu Old Fortress - Explore Corfu Old Fortress's ramparts, sea views and Venetian-era fortifications.
  • The Liston and Spianada Square - Stroll the Liston arcade and Spianada square for cafés and people-watching.
  • Saint Spyridon Church - Visit Saint Spyridon Church to see Corfu's patron saint's gilded relics and icons.
Hidden Gems
  • Mon Repos Palace - Discover Mon Repos's gardens and archaeological exhibits on the island's east coast.
  • Pontikonisi (Mouse Island) - Boat to Pontikonisi (Mouse Island) to visit its small Byzantine chapel and pine grove.
  • Museum of Asian Art - Browse the Museum of Asian Art's varied collections inside the Palace of St. Michael.
Day Trips
  • Achilleion Palace - Take a short drive to Achilleion Palace, Empress Elisabeth's neoclassical villa and gardens.
  • Paleokastritsa - Visit Paleokastritsa for sea caves, crystal waters and the Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin.

Best Time to Visit Corfu (city) #

Corfu is sunniest and warmest from late spring to early autumn; summer delivers hot, lively beach days. Winters are mild and wetter, with many tourist services reduced but pleasant off-season charm.

Winter
December - February · 9-14°C (48-57°F)
Winters are mild and wet with quiet streets-museums and tavernas still welcoming, though many seasonal businesses are closed or reduced hours.
Spring
March - May · 13-21°C (55-70°F)
Spring feels fragrant and green-perfect for exploring hill villages, orchids and quieter beaches before the intense summer heat arrives locally.
Summer
June - August · 25-34°C (77-93°F)
Summer is hot, sunny and lively-ideal for beaches, nightlife and boat trips, but expect crowds and very high afternoon temperatures.

Best Time to Visit Corfu (city) #

Climate

Temperate climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1021 mm/year), wettest in November with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
39°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

February

February is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
14°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

122 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.6h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 19°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.3
UV Index
High
13.1h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).

87 Excellent

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 24°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

35 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
14.2h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
18° 29°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
14.7h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 11 mm and clear sunny skies.

99 Ideal

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 32°
65%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
14.5h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.

97 Ideal

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 32°
64%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
13.5h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

87 Excellent

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
17° 28°
67%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.3
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).

77 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
14° 23°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

137 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
11.0h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (178 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 18°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

178 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
9.9h daylight

December

December is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (163 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

163 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

How to Get to Corfu (city)

Corfu town is best reached via Corfu Airport (CFU) or by ferry; airport transfers into town are short. The island has no rail network, so buses, taxis and ferries are the transport backbone.

By Air

Corfu Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport (CFU): Corfu’s airport is the main entry point for Corfu town. From the airport it’s roughly a 10-20 minute taxi or local bus ride to the city; taxis cost around €15-€30 depending on time and exact drop-off.

By ferry/sea: Many visitors arrive by ferry from mainland Greece or nearby islands into Corfu port; ferries dock close to the town centre with short onward walks or taxi rides.

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no train service on Corfu island.

Bus: The island’s KTEL bus company runs regular services between the airport, Corfu town and other villages. The ride from the airport to town takes about 15-25 minutes and fares are typically low (a few euros). Local buses also connect to beaches and tourist areas.

How to Get Around Corfu (city) #

Corfu town (Kerkyra) is very walkable, particularly the medieval Old Town and the Spianada square; cobbled streets and narrow alleys are best explored on foot. KTEL buses connect the town to other parts of the island, while taxis and scooter rentals are common for short hops; driving and parking in the Old Town can be difficult.

Where to Stay in Corfu (city) #

Budget
Old Town / Port - €20-70/night
Corfu town has many small pensions and budget hostels near the Old Fortress and port. Options increase in shoulder seasons but shrink in summer.
Mid-Range
Esplanade / Old Town - €80-170/night
Mid-range hotels line the seafront and historic center, offering comfortable rooms, terraces, and easy access to museums and tavernas.
Luxury
Esplanade / Nearby Peninsulas - €180+/night
High-end hotels and small luxury boutiques provide sea views and concierge services; grand resort options sit a short drive from the town centre.

Where to Eat in Corfu (city) #

Corfiot Taverna Classics
Corfu town offers Ionian cuisine: fresh seafood, meze plates and local cheeses served in tavernas across the Old Town and seafront.
  • The Venetian Well - Old-town taverna with local recipes
Cafés & Gelato
A lively café culture serves Greek coffee, gelato and light bites - ideal for strolling the narrow streets and historic sites.

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Corfu (city)'s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Greek
Pizza
Seafood
Regional
Fish
Barbecue
Italian
Burger
Sandwich
Mediterranean
Grill
Kebab
Coffee Shop
Diner
Local
Indian
Chinese
Hot Dog
Mexican
Fine Dining

Nightlife in Corfu (city) #

Nightlife in Corfu Town is busiest in the summer, with bars and tavernas around the harbour, Liston and the New Port. You’ll find a mix of relaxed wine bars and livelier spots near the waterfront. For clubs and late-night venues, the island’s larger summer hotspots are where most late-night action happens.

Shopping in Corfu (city) #

Corfu Town has a good selection of shops selling local products - kumquat liqueur, olive oil, ceramics and textiles - alongside tourist-oriented boutiques in the Old Town. For antiques and speciality finds, wander the side streets off the main shopping arteries.

Nearby Cities #