Greece’s greenest island: Why Corfu should be on your travel list
Photo: Antipaxos — a gem of the Ionian Sea (photo: Getty Images)
If you imagine Greece as a single island where turquoise waters, green mountains, Venetian architecture, cozy tavernas, and a laid-back pace of life come together, that island would be Corfu.
The greenest Greek island has long been one of the favorite destinations for those who want more than just a beach vacation and want to experience the true Mediterranean way of life.
When is the best time to visit?
The tourist season in Corfu runs from May to mid-October. However, June through the first half of September is considered the most comfortable period for a holiday.
During this time, the sea warms up to a pleasant +24…+25°C, while air temperatures stay around +29…+31°C. It is worth keeping in mind one of the island’s distinctive features: because of its abundant vegetation, humidity here is higher than at many other Greek resorts.
From budget apartments to luxury villas
Corfu offers accommodation options for almost every budget. You can easily find everything from small family-run apartments to modern five-star hotels, boutique resorts, and private villas with panoramic views of the Ionian Sea.
But regardless of which hotel you choose, there is one golden rule in Corfu: don’t spend your entire vacation by the pool.
Picturesque Corfu (photo: Getty Images)
Corfu is exactly the kind of island where a hotel is merely a place to spend the night. The greatest experiences await beyond it. Every area, every small village has its own character, history and atmosphere. That is why I always recommend that tourists devote at least a few days to exploring the island.
Why Corfu is called the greenest island in Greece
Unlike many Greek islands with dry landscapes, Corfu is literally immersed in greenery. There are countless olive trees and cypresses, as well as citrus groves and vineyards of incredible beauty.
The central part of the island is made up of mountains, winding roads and small authentic villages where it feels as though time stopped several decades ago.
These very landscapes make traveling by car one of the best ways to get to know Corfu.
The sea that keeps bringing visitors back
Every coast of Corfu looks different. There are wide sandy beaches, hidden coves, rocky shores and crystal-clear water in incredible shades of turquoise.
That is why many travelers return here more than once, discovering new places each time.
Paleokastritsa
One of the most famous places on the island. It is home to picturesque coves, and some of the beaches can only be reached by boat.
According to legend, it was near these shores that Odysseus met Nausicaa after his long sea voyage.
Paleokastritsa (photo: Getty Images)
Boat trip to Paxos and Antipaxos
White beaches, crystal-clear water, sea caves and grottos — this is what one of the most beautiful boat trips in the Ionian Sea looks like.
Paxos (photo: Getty Images)
It is a special pleasure to stroll through the cozy town on the island of Paxos, where time seems to slow down.
Agios Gordios
A large sandy beach nestled between two mountains.
This place is famous for its incredibly beautiful sunsets, long coastline and peaceful atmosphere.
Agios Gordios (photo: Wikipedia.org)
Kassiopi
A resort offering panoramic views of the mountains of Albania.
Kassiopi is known for its turquoise coves and picturesque waterfront. Luxury villas belonging to some of the world’s wealthiest people are located here.
It is also a convenient starting point for day trips to the Albanian resorts of Saranda and Ksamil.
Canal d’Amour
One of the most romantic places on the island of Corfu. According to local legend, if a couple kisses here, their love will last a lifetime.
Even if you do not believe the legends, one thing is certain — after visiting this place, it is very easy to fall in love with Corfu itself.
Corfu Town – where different eras meet
The island’s capital welcomes visitors immediately after arrival. The Old Town of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Venetian fortresses, narrow medieval streets, French arcades and British architectural elements create a truly unique atmosphere here.
It is best to visit in the evening, when the heat subsides and the city becomes especially cozy.
Saint Spyridon – the island’s main patron saint
One of the most revered places in Corfu is the Church of Saint Spyridon of Trimythous.
His relics are kept here, and the saint himself is considered the patron of the island. It is no coincidence that many local men are named Spyridon.
There is an interesting tradition: several times a year, the saint’s shoes are changed. Locals believe they wear out because Spyridon continues to travel around the island and help people.
What to try in Corfu
Corfu has its own gastronomic identity, shaped by Greek, Italian and Venetian cuisine. Here, it is worth not only enjoying the sea but also discovering new flavors.
Be sure to try pastitsada — a traditional dish of stewed meat, often rooster or beef, in a spicy tomato sauce served with pasta. Another local classic is sofrito, tender beef in a white wine and garlic sauce.
Pastitsada (photo: Getty Images)
Seafood lovers will enjoy fresh squid, octopus and fish, simply grilled with olive oil and lemon.
Be sure to try the local cheeses, olives and traditional appetizers — meze. For dessert, go for kumquat sweets — this fruit is one of the island's culinary trademarks.
And, of course, no dinner is complete without a glass of local wine or a refreshing ouzo.
Where young people should stay
Those who enjoy an active nightlife should consider the resorts of Kavos and Ipsos.
They are especially lively in July and August, when many tourists from Italy arrive. During this period, the resorts turn into hubs of parties, music and entertainment that last until dawn.
The most valuable thing Corfu has
The beaches, sea and nature are easy to fall in love with. But many travelers consider the island's people to be its true treasure.
Other Greeks jokingly describe Corfu's residents as overly slow and even lazy. But here you begin to understand that they simply know how to live without unnecessary haste. Corfu teaches you to slow down, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the simple things.
It is difficult to describe Corfu as merely a beach destination. It is an island with its own legends, centuries-old history, breathtaking landscapes and unique atmosphere. Every village has its own character, every bay has its own personality, and every trip leaves you feeling that next time you will definitely have to return to see even more.
