Corfu’s the kind of place that ticks every holiday box – laidback beaches for family chill time, buzzing bars for party crews, and stunning scenery that works for everyone in between.
☀️ Corfu Holiday Highlights 2026/2027
🏖️ 50+ beaches - you could hit a new one every day and still have some left for next year's trip
🏰 Old Town glow-up - cobbled streets, pastel buildings, rooftop bars. Corfu Town is giving Greek island charm with a side of cool.
🍷 Foodie goldmine - from beachside gyros to tucked-away tavernas dishing up sofrito and pastitsada, it's all proper good
💶 A pint costs around €4-5 in the resorts (less inland), and a meal for two at a taverna runs about €30-40.
☀️ Corfu gets long, hot summers with highs of 30°C+ in July and August.
🎉 3 Fun Facts About Corfu You Didn’t Know
James Bond Fan? – channel your inner 007 at Kanoni and the Achilleion Palace, where iconic scenes from For Your Eyes Only were filmed.
Green All Year – thanks to millions of olive trees and mild winters, Corfu stays lush year-round, making it a dream for off-season hikers.
Cricket in Greece? – a quirky leftover from British rule, Corfu boasts the oldest cricket club in Greece, with matches still played on the Spianada Square.
📍 Where to Stay in Corfu 2026/2027
👨👩👧👦 Best for Families
Acharavi - a chilled seaside town with a long, shallow beach and loads of local tavernas. Great for relaxed family jollies.
Sidari - famous for the Canal d'Amour, buzzing with restaurants and family-friendly fun. Shallow waters and plenty to keep kids entertained.
Roda - a classic all-rounder. Shallow beaches, easy-going vibes, and enough tavernas to keep everyone happy.
💑 Best for Couples
Kassiopi - a charming fishing village turned boutique escape. Turquoise waters, swanky villas and some of Corfu's best secret beaches.
Nissaki - small, peaceful, and big on views. Ideal for snorkelling, relaxing, and getting away from it all.
Corfu Town - a stunner of a capital packed with Venetian charm, boutiques, and tavernas. Perfect for culture lovers and scenic evening strolls.
🎉 Best for Groups & Nightlife
Kavos - if you're after a party, this is where it's at. Legendary nightlife, golden beaches and water sports galore.
Gouvia - a proper mix of relaxation and nightlife with a swanky marina and cracking beach bars. Good for groups who want a bit of everything.
🏖️ Best for All-Inclusive & Beach
Dassia - a top spot for all-inclusive stays with mega beaches and calm waters. Home to the Ikos Dassia and some of the best resort hotels on the island.
Moraitika - a lively coastal spot mixing beach bars with old-school Greek charm. Great base for both couples and families.
Other resorts to stay at in Corfu:
Aghios Stefanos - Agios Georgios North - Agios Georgios South - Agios Gordis - Agios Ioannis - Agios Ioannis Peristeron - Almiros - Alykes Potamou - Apraos Bay - Barbati - Benitses - Boukari - Danilia - Ermones - Gastouri - Glyfada - Ipsos - Kalami - Kanoni - Kato Korakiana - Kommeno Bay - Kontokali - Lefkimi - Liapades - Messonghi - Paleokastritsa - Pelekas - Perama - St Spirodon - Vitalades
🏖️ What are the best beaches in Corfu?
Beach holidays in Corfu are certainly ‘gram-worthy. Its crystal-clear waters and picturesque scenery are everything you need for a relaxing day - and the best bit? Sunbathing on one of these bad boys doesn't cost a thing, which makes it the perfect activity for a cheap holiday to Corfu, no matter how last-minute you're thinking of jetting off. Here are the best beaches to look out for on your Greece holidays:
Paleokastritsa Beach – One of Corfu’s crown jewels. With its crystal-clear waters and surrounding cliffs, this beach is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or simply soaking up the views. Don’t forget to check out the nearby monastery for some extra culture.
Myrtiotissa Beach – Known for its rugged cliffs and waters, Myrtiotissa is an unspoiled paradise. It’s a bit tricky to get to, but the reward is a serene beach that feels like your own private escape.
Rovinia Beach – Only accessible by boat (fancy!), Rovinia Beach is tucked between mountains and offers a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. Perfect for a relaxing day of sunbathing and swimming in some of the clearest water you’ll ever see.
Kavos Beach – Party people, this one's for you! Kavos Beach is non-stop action, with beach bars, water sports, and entertainment all day long. You can go from lounging to partying in seconds.
Sidari Beach – Famous for the Canal d'Amour, a unique sandstone formation that forms a natural swimming canal. Legend has it that if you swim through with your partner, wedding bells aren’t far behind!
🏨 Where to Stay: Top Hotels in Corfu
Whether you're after a swanky all-inclusive in Corfu, an adults-only escape, or a family-friendly resort with all the bells and whistles, Corfu's got you sorted. Here are our top picks:
For Families
Mitsis Messonghi | Moraitika - right on the beach with four pools, a mini aquapark, kids' club and entertainment programme that'll keep everyone from toddlers to teens happy. The pizza station alone is worth the trip.
Canvas by Mitsis Belvedere | Agios Ioannis - just over the road from the beach where you and the fam can get stuck into plenty of water sports activities, or you can kick back by the pool and chill out.
Roda Beach Resort & Spa | Roda - a proper five-star beachfront resort in the north with top-tier facilities, multiple pools and enough activities to wear the kids out. Spa for the grown-ups when you need five minutes' peace.
Grecotel LUX Me Daphnila Bay Dassia | Dassia - five-star luxury with a kids' club, pirate ship cruises and a Dine Club concept that lets you eat at neighbouring Grecotel restaurants. The WhatsApp concierge is a game-changer.
For Couples
Ikos Dassia | Dassia - the big one. Michelin-starred dining, eight restaurants, award-winning cocktails and a complimentary MINI Countryman to explore the island. This is all-inclusive done properly.
Grecotel Eva Palace | Kommeno Bay - tucked away on the Kommeno Peninsula with panoramic sea views, a rooftop spa and olive groves all around. Romantic without being cheesy.
Domes Miramare | Moraitika - adults-only luxury on the waterfront with elegant suites, a private beach and spa facilities that'll leave you feeling like a new person.
For Groups & Mates
Porto Demo Boutique Hotel | Agios Georgios North - adults-only boutique vibes just minutes from the beach. Great for couples or groups who want a mix of relaxation and fun without the kids running about.
Blue Princess Beach Hotel & Suites | Liapades - overlooking a secluded bay with à la carte restaurants, a beach bar and maisonettes if you're rolling deep. Laid-back luxury with your toes in the sand.
Budget-Friendly Picks
Pelekas Monastery | Pelekas - perched on a cliff with Insta-worthy views of the Ionian Sea, this all-inclusive four-star sits right on a Blue Flag beach. Proper good value for a sun-soaked unwind.
Corfu holidays 2026 / 2027 travel guide
👩❤️👨 Things to do in Corfu for couples
Looking to level-up the romance? Corfu's got the kind of dreamy backdrops and laid-back vibes that make couples’ holidays feel next-level.
Stroll hand-in-hand through the Old Town of Corfu (UNESCO-listed) with its pastel mansions and Venetian alleyways.
Grab a sunset cocktail at Loggas Beach, aka “Sunset Beach” – one of the most romantic spots on the island.
Book a private boat to Paxos and Antipaxos for crystal-clear waters, secret coves and a swim with zero interruptions.
Treat yourselves to a spa session at a beachfront hotel or share some meze with a view at a taverna in Kanoni.
Don’t miss a golden hour wine tasting at a local Corfiot vineyard – wine + views = happy days.
👪 Things to do in Corfu for families
From splashy waterparks to safe swimming beaches, Corfu brings family holiday gold. It's got enough sun, fun and snacks to keep everyone from toddlers to teens happy.
Hit up Aqualand Corfu – one of Europe’s biggest waterparks, with everything from toddler-friendly slides to heart-stoppers.
Build sandcastles and paddle safely at Agios Georgios or Glyfada Beach, both with shallow waters and beachside cafés.
Visit Corfu Aquarium or hop on a glass-bottom boat tour to meet the island’s sea life up close.
Explore the countryside with a donkey ride in Ano Korakiana, or pop into Achilleion Palace to channel your inner history buff.
Keep kids fed and happy with easy Greek classics: souvlaki skewers, cheesy pies, and giant ice creams by the sea.
👯♀️ Things to do in Corfu for groups
Whether you’re rolling deep with your mates or planning the ultimate hen/stag getaway, Corfu hits the group holiday sweet spot – with beach days, boat parties and boujee villas to boot.
Spend the day at Glyfada Beach or Paleokastritsa, alternating between cocktails and paddleboarding.
Head to Kavos for legendary nights out – think beachfront clubs, DJ sets, and dancing till sunrise.
Hire a private catamaran cruise (with champagne optional) or go full DIY with a motorboat and a speaker.
Rent a villa in Dassia or Barbati, fire up the BBQ and throw your own pool party with Ionian views.
Hit up local beach clubs or brunch spots like Emerald in Kontokali for that lazy group-lunch vibe.
🌿 Things to do in Corfu for nature lovers
Beyond the beaches, Corfu’s full of forested trails, scenic lookouts, and postcard-perfect views that’ll have your camera working overtime.
Hike to the top of Mount Pantokrator, the island’s highest point, for panoramic views and cool mountain air.
Wander the Corfu Trail, a 220km walking route that weaves through olive groves, villages, and remote beaches.
Explore the Cape Drastis viewpoint, where sea cliffs, turquoise waters and rock formations are pure drama (in the best way).
Head to Lake Korission for birdwatching and proper untouched nature vibes – flamingos included, if you’re lucky.
Book a boat tour to the Blue Caves of Paxos and snorkel through some of the clearest waters you’ll ever dip into.
🗣️ Local Lingo
Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken across Corfu's resorts - you'll have no trouble getting by. A few Greek phrases go a long way though, especially at the local tavernas:
👋 Yassou (Yah-soo) - Hello / Hi
🙏 Efharisto (Ef-ha-ris-TOH) - Thank you
✨ Parakalo (Pa-ra-ka-LOH) - Please / You're welcome
☀️ Kalimera (Kah-lee-MEH-rah) - Good morning
🍷 Yamas! (YAH-mas) - Cheers!
😋 Poli nostimo! (Po-LEE NOS-tee-mo) - Very delicious!
📜 Ton logariasmo - The bill, please
🚕 Pou ine...? (Poo EE-neh) - Where is...?
More Greek Holidays:
Popular Corfu hotels
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Weather in Corfu
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
In summer, Corfu's where the action is. Temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C mean that it's all about the beach life. Whether you want to splash in the waves or chill with a cool drink by the shore, summer's the season to get your sun on.
Spring's a bit more laid-back, but still packs a thermometer-climbing shaped punch. With temps sitting pretty at 17°C to 24°C, it's the ideal time for a leisurely stroll through Corfu's charming streets. Plus, no hustle and bustle of the peak tourist season to deal with. Winner.
We can't forget autumn. Still pretty decent at 15°C to 24°C, but with a more relaxed vibe. Fewer crowds and plenty of time to explore at your own pace. And, still warm enough to eat your lunch on the beach... mostly.
Even winter's got its charm for a Corfu holiday. The temperatures drop down to a mild 12°C to 16°C, which is definitely still better than the minus temps back home. Less snow too. We reckon that's all the ingredients for a successful slice of jolly pie.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Corfu?
How long does it take to fly to Corfu?
Flights from the UK to Corfu take between 3 hours 10 minutes and 3 hours 30 minutes depending on your departure airport. All flights land at Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport (CFU), which is just 3km from Corfu Town. Direct services operate from multiple UK airports throughout the summer season.
Route | Flight time | Airlines |
London Gatwick to Corfu | approx. 3h 10m | British Airways, easyJet, Jet2 |
London Heathrow to Corfu | approx. 3h 15m | British Airways |
Manchester to Corfu | approx. 3h 30m | easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair |
Birmingham to Corfu | approx. 3h 30m | Jet2, TUI |
Edinburgh to Corfu | approx. 3h 45m | Jet2, TUI |
Most routes are seasonal, running from approximately April to October. Winter flights are limited and usually require a connection via Athens.
What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Corfu?
What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Corfu?
Corfu follows Eastern European Time (EET, UTC+2) in winter and Eastern European Summer Time (EEST, UTC+3) in summer. Crucially, Greece changes its clocks at the same time as the UK, which means Corfu is always exactly 2 hours ahead of the UK and Ireland, all year round, with no exceptions.
Summer (late March–late October):
UK/Ireland (BST, UTC+1) vs Corfu (EEST, UTC+3). Corfu is 2 hours ahead
Winter (late October–late March):
UK/Ireland (GMT, UTC+0) vs Corfu (EET, UTC+2). Corfu is still 2 hours ahead
There are no seasonal shifts to factor in, Corfu is consistently and straightforwardly 2 hours ahead of home all year.
What currency do they use in Corfu?
What currency do they use in Corfu?
Corfu uses the Euro (EUR, €), as part of Greece and the Eurozone. Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros. Coins come in 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2.
Cards: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. Contactless is standard in tourist areas.
Cash: Worth having for smaller tavernas, market stalls, beach bars and taxis. Some village establishments are cash-only.
ATMs: Widely available across the island including Corfu Town, Sidari, Kassiopi and Kavos.
Getting euros: Easy to buy before you travel from any UK bank, post office or travel money provider, no need to wait until you land.
Tipping: Not obligatory but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated in tavernas and for taxi drivers.
What language do they speak in Corfu?
What language do they speak in Corfu?
The official language of Corfu and Greece, is Greek. Modern Greek is spoken across the island in daily life, on signage and in local businesses. Corfu has a long history of British and Venetian influence, and as a result English is more widely spoken here than on many other Greek islands. In hotels, restaurants and tourist areas you'll have no difficulty communicating in English whatsoever.
Greek: The official language everywhere, learning a few words goes a long way with locals
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels and restaurants throughout the island
Italian: Some older Corfiots speak Italian, a legacy of nearly 400 years of Venetian rule
The Corfiot accent: Even among Greek speakers, Corfiots have a distinct dialect and accent, a subtle reminder that this island has always been a little different from the rest of Greece
Handy Greek phrases for your trip
English | Greek | Sounds like |
Hello | Γεια σου (informal) | Yah-soo |
Thank you | Ευχαριστώ | Ef-ha-ris-TOH |
Please | Παρακαλώ | Pa-ra-ka-LOH |
How much? | Πόσο κάνει; | PO-so KA-ni |
Cheers | Στην υγειά μας | Stin-ee-YAH-mas |
Good morning | Καλημέρα | Ka-li-ME-ra |
Excuse me | Συγγνώμη | Sig-NO-mi |
Is Corfu good for families?
Is Corfu good for families?
Corfu is one of the best family holiday destinations in the Mediterranean and one of the most consistently popular with British families year after year. The combination of calm, clear water, a wide range of resorts at different price points, English widely spoken and a genuinely safe, welcoming atmosphere makes it an easy choice for families of all ages.
Why families love it
Beaches: Shallow beaches at Acharavi and Sidari are brilliant for little ones, plus you've got Aqualand waterpark, boat trips and plenty of family-friendly hotels with kids' clubs.
Sidari specifically: The famous Canal d'Amour rock formations create naturally calm swimming areas, and the town has excellent child-friendly facilities, shallow water and plenty of activities.
Water parks: Aqualand Water Park near Agios Ioannis is one of the largest in Greece, a full day out for children and teenagers.
Activities: Pedaloes, banana boats, kayaking, glass-bottom boat trips, horse riding and watersports are available from most beach resorts.
Resorts: Many hotels offer kids' clubs, children's pools, playgrounds and family rooms. All-inclusive options are widely available and good value for families watching their spending.
Practicalities: Flights are just 3–3.5 hours from the UK, the island is compact and easy to get around, and English is spoken everywhere.
What's the best area to stay in Corfu?
What's the best area to stay in Corfu?
Corfu is a large island with very different areas, and where you stay shapes your entire holiday. Here's a breakdown by type:
Corfu Town - Best for culture and history The island's UNESCO-listed capital is the best base for exploring Venetian architecture, the Old Fortress, great restaurants and sophisticated nightlife. Not ideal for beach holidays but perfect for a short break or the first couple of nights of a longer stay.
Sidari - Best for families with young children The shallow, calm water around the Canal d'Amour makes Sidari the safest and most practical beach base for families with small children. Good range of accommodation, restaurants and activities, though it lacks the charm of some other areas.
Kassiopi - Best for a relaxed, authentic feel A beautiful small harbour town on the northeast coast with excellent beaches, great tavernas and a genuinely Greek atmosphere. Popular with British families for decades, sophisticated, relaxed and very well located for exploring the north of the island.
Paleokastritsa - Best for dramatic scenery The most photographed spot on the island, turquoise coves surrounded by forested hills and monastery views. Best for couples and nature lovers. Can get busy in high season and the winding roads make it less practical with young children.
Benitses - Best for value A quiet, genuine Greek fishing village on the east coast that offers good value, authentic atmosphere and easy access to Corfu Town. Works well for all ages wanting a relaxed holiday without resort-style pricing.
Kavos - Best for parties The island's designated party resort at the southern tip. Busy clubs, cheap bars and an exclusively young crowd from June to September. Not for families or those wanting a quiet break — but exactly right if a lively nightlife holiday is what you're after.
Is Corfu expensive?
Is Corfu expensive?
Corfu is moderately priced, cheaper than the Canary Islands, Mykonos or Santorini, and broadly comparable to mainland Spain. Food and drink in particular represent good value, especially if you eat where locals eat rather than on the main tourist strips.
Typical Corfu prices in 2026
Item | Approximate cost |
Beer in a local bar | €3–€4 |
Coffee (freddo espresso) | €3–€4 |
Meal at a local taverna | €10–€15 per person |
Meal at a tourist restaurant | €20–€30 per person |
Sunbed hire (2 beds + umbrella) | €15–€25 per day |
Local bus journey | €2–€4 |
Taxi from airport to Corfu Town | €15–€20 |
The biggest cost variable is timing, prices in July and August are roughly 20–30% higher than in May, June or September for accommodation and activities. Eating away from the main tourist drag, buying drinks at supermarkets and using the local blue bus network rather than taxis are the simplest ways to keep costs down.
Can I drink the tap water in Corfu?
Can I drink the tap water in Corfu?
The tap water in Corfu meets EU safety standards and is technically safe to drink. However, the water is notably hard and high in mineral content, which means it can taste unpleasant compared to what most UK visitors are used to. Many people prefer to drink bottled water instead because it tastes better, but tap water is perfectly fine for washing fruit, vegetables and cooking.
The practical advice: use tap water freely for brushing teeth, cooking and washing. For drinking, bottled water is widely available and very affordable, a 1.5 litre bottle costs around €0.50 in a supermarket, and a six-pack costs less than €2. There's no health risk to drinking the tap water, but most visitors and many locals simply prefer the taste of bottled.
How much spending money do I need for Corfu?
How much spending money do I need for Corfu?
It depends on your travel style, but here are honest daily estimates per person excluding accommodation:
Budget type | Daily spend (per person) | What it covers |
Budget | €40–€60 | Self-catering or cheap tavernas, local buses, free beaches |
Mid-range | €80–€120 | Eating out for all meals, a few drinks, some activities, sunbeds |
Comfortable | €150–€200 | Restaurant meals, cocktails, day trips, car hire, water sports |
For a typical family of four on a mid-range week, budget around €2,000–€2,500 on top of your accommodation and flights for food, drinks, activities and transport. Peak season (July–August) pushes costs up by around 20–30% compared to May, June or September. Carrying a mix of cash and card is sensible, smaller tavernas and beach bars are often cash-only, while hotels and larger restaurants take cards without issue.
Or you can budget less if you've booked an all-inclusive in Corfu.
