Top Things to Do on Greece’s Greenest Island

Situated in the Mediterranean Sea, right off the Albanian coast, Corfu is the northernmost Ionian island. Even Austrian Empress Sisi fell in love with the island so much that she built a seaside palace there. Corfu is Greece’s greenest islands due to heavier rain in winter and shorter rain showers throughout the year. The island is famous for its mountains covered with millions of olive trees and its crystal-clear waters. In addition to its beautiful beaches and nature, Corfu boasts cultural sights like the old town of Corfu Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

I’ve visited Corfu twice: once I stayed on the southwestern coast, and once on the northwestern coast. While I had an amazing holiday the first time, it was only during my second visit that I truly fell in love with the island. I discovered more stunning beaches and spent most of my time enjoying the turquoise water or drinking frappés. My boyfriend even went so far as to say that he now only wants to go to Corfu for holidays. That’s how much he loved the island! He particularly liked the slightly rougher infrastructure and houses that are predominant outside the bigger towns and tourist areas. Away from the crowded hotspots, Corfu still felt rather unspoilt and authentic, much to our surprise.

Corfu’s Sights You Shouldn’t Miss

Turquoise bays and a charming old town full of history—Corfu has it all. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, with crystal-clear waters, stunning coastal scenery, and a vibrant culture waiting to be explored. Whether you’re lounging on one of Corfu’s beaches, wandering through the Venetian streets of Corfu Old Town, or discovering hidden coves along the coast, this island will steal your heart in no time – just like it did mine!

Corfu Town

Over the centuries, Corfu has been shaped by various rulers, including the Venetians, French, and British. This rich history is evident throughout Corfu Town, seen in its palaces, squares, and architectural styles. Corfu Town is more than just a convenient stopover near the airport. It’s a charming destination full of unique boutiques, cozy cafes, and street food on every corner. Enjoy a Greek frappé in Spianada Square, stroll through the winding alleyways, and discover perfect souvenirs in the small shops scattered throughout the city.

Paleokastritsa Area

Paleokastritsa is a region in western Corfu that is hard to beat in terms of beauty. You can choose between numerous bays with some of the most crystal-clear water on the island. All the while, you’re surrounded by olive trees and lemon plantations! There are grottos, caves, and pebble beaches all just waiting to be explored. My two personal favorite beaches were Limni Beach Glyko and Rovinia Beach. You can even rent a boat (without needing a license!) to check out beaches that cannot be reached by car or foot. My personal highlight: If you didn’t bring enough snacks or drinks, the “Canteen Boat” alternates between the different bays. They’re offering sandwiches, frappés, or beer to keep you fresh.

Timoni Twin Beaches and Afiona

About 30 minutes further north, perched at the top of a cliff, lies the small village of Afionas. It looks just like a quintessential Greek town: white houses, pink flowers, and great tavernas offering views over Corfu’s coast. Just down the hill, after a 30-minute climb down a rocky path that I definitely underestimated, you can reach the Timoni Twin Beaches. What is a twin beach, you ask? It is a small strip of land with a beach on either side. Here, you can switch between the two beaches and see which one offers the best underwater world.

Korission Lagoon

All the way down in the southwest, you can find the wetland area Korission Lagoon. With its flat sandy area, it is a welcome change to the rest of Corfu’s mountainous terrain. The lagoon is a nature reserve only separated from the sea by a small land strip. Here, you can observe some of the 120 bird species located in the reserve catching fish. If you’re lucky you can even spot flamingoes!

Sailing or Boat Trip

If you don’t feel like renting a boat and exploring the island on your own, you should still definitely go on a boat trip around Corfu. For those interested in seeing more than just Corfu, a day trip to the neighboring islands of Paxos and Antipaxos is highly recommended. There you can find some of the clearest and bluest water in all of Greece. However, these boats can be crowded, and I wanted to spend a relaxing day with fewer people on a sailing boat. That’s why I opted for a sailing tour around the north coast of Corfu, starting in Gouvia, just north of Corfu Town. It was amazing to see the island from the water and to anchor at deserted spots with turquoise water.

How to get around

By Car

Driving is probably the easiest and most comfortable mode of transportation. However, it’s important to note that the streets can often be narrow and rough, particularly if you’re not on one of the main roads or near a larger town, so you need to be a confident driver. Additionally, parking spaces can be scarce, especially in towns and at beaches.

By Motorbike or Quad

I always prefer renting motorbikes because they offer greater flexibility, allow you to park anywhere, and are usually cheaper. I paid 160€ for a 7 day rental period. To rent a motorbike, you need a European driver’s license with an AM class, which permits you to drive two-wheel or three-wheel vehicles with speeds up to 45 km/h. For instance, I received my German driver’s license in 2015, which automatically included the AM class. However, my boyfriend, who got his license in 2010, did not have this class. As a result, only I was allowed to rent and drive the scooter. If you don’t have the AM class, you can still rent a quad, which requires the normal B1 driver’s license.

By Bus

Corfu has a well-established bus system, making it a great alternative for those who are not confident drivers or are on a tighter budget. There are two types of buses: the city buses, which are blue-colored and cost around 1.10€-1.80€ per person one way, and the inter-city buses, which are green-colored and cost around 1.60€-8.00€ per person one way. Tickets can be purchased when boarding the bus. As an example, there is a direct bus line from Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa for 2.30€, with 8 to 10 daily departures depending on the weekday.

Health & Safety

Maybe that’s just me, but I never go on longer travels without my first aid kit and all the information I need to stay safe. While Corfu is generally a safe and welcoming destination, it’s always super important to be prepared. From staying hydrated under the Greek sun to being mindful of strong sea currents, a little planning goes a long way in ensuring a worry-free trip. In this section, you’ll find essential health and safety tips to keep you comfortable and secure while exploring the island.

Drinking Water

The tap water on Corfu is not drinkable. You need to make sure to buy enough bottles of water to stay hydrated. Especially in summer, the heat can be unbearable. To prevent any heat strokes, make sure to always have water with you! Some beaches can only be reached by a longer hike and without enough water, you will quickly have a problem.

Toilet Paper

It is not advisable to throw toilet paper or hygiene products into the toilets in Greece. The plumbing system is very old, and the pipes are often too narrow for paper to pass through. Instead, you should use the small trash can next to the toilet to dispose of all toilet paper and hygiene products.

Pharmacies

I’ve been to Corfu twice, and both times my travel companions needed to go the pharmacy (Farmaktion in Greek) to get some medication for their ailments. From what I’ve experienced, the pharmacists were extremely friendly and helpful. They gave us important medical advice and even the names of doctors should we need to see them. So, while I do still take my first aid kit with me, it’s not really important in Corfu due to the widely available and helpful pharmacies scattered throughout the island. The opening times are normal shop hours, generally from 8am to 9pm.

Insects

From what I’ve experienced, there are only three annoying/dangerous insects: mosquitoes, wasps, and hornets. There’s not a whole lot you can to against mosquitoes, except for mosquito spray, or long and flowy clothes. However, my Airbnb host from my first stay on the island, gave me a life changing hack. Just get a fireproof bowl (like an ash tray), line it with aluminium foil, put in some coffee powder and light it on fire. The developing smoke keeps wasps and hornets completely away! Also, the added bonus is that the smoke just smells like coffee.

Wildfires

Even though Corfu is a rather green island, the summer months can be extremely dry. Especially in recent years, the dry periods and intense heat waves have increased, thanks to climate change. This means that the island is now even more prone to wildfires. Be mindful of your cigarettes, plastic bottles and aluminium cans that can create fires!

General Safety

Aside from the usual precautions against pickpockets in bigger towns, I felt extremely safe traveling around Corfu. At no point did I feel in any kind of danger or even uncomfortable as a woman. The people there are extremely kind and helpful, and I don’t think I ever got ripped off as a tourist or paid more than I should have. Despite usually being very paranoid at the beach and seldom leaving my belongings unattended, I definitely felt a sense of security in Corfu. I normally bring my valuables into the water in a waterproof bag or stay close to the shore to keep an eye on my things. However, in Corfu, I never felt that anyone might try to steal anything. Additionally, at beaches where you can rent sunbeds, the presence of the renters often deters potential thieves.