Planning a trip to Corfu? This post contains all the logistical tips you’ll need, from how to use public transport on Corfu, car hire, the best eSims, where to stay in Corfu, and more…
As well as looking at what to do on Corfu, you also need to know logistics: where to stay on Corfu, how to get around the island, the best ways to stay connected etc. So, I’ve done all the research so you don’t have to! Read on below for my practical guide to Corfu.
Looking for things to do in Corfu? Check out my Perfect 7 Days in Corfu: Ultimate Must-See Itinerary!
Corfu is a Greek island located in the Ionian Sea to the northwest of Greece. It’s close to the southern coast of Albania, and to the east of Italy.
Plane: There are plenty of flights to Corfu from all over Europe with airlines like easyJet and Ryanair offering budget fares. Corfu International Airport (CFU) is just outside Corfu Town, in the east of the island. If you’re staying somewhere else on Corfu, you can arrange a private transfer with Welcome Pickups, or via your accommodation, or take a bus from the airport (see below).
Ferry: You can take a domestic Greek ferry to Corfu from Igoumenitsa (1-1.5 hours) on the mainland. There are also ferries to Corfu from Italy (Bari and Brindisi) and Albania (Saranda). Book ahead with Direct Ferries.
Read my Corfu to Albania ferry guide: Corfu to Saranda Ferry Guide: The Perfect Albania Day Trip.
Corfu is easy to get around if you have a car, but if you’re relying on public transport it can be a bit time-consuming. So, I recommend staying near to the areas you want to see most:
Definitely book accommodation in advance as Corfu gets super busy over summer (June-September). The best spots get snapped up early. Accommodation on Corfu can be eye-wateringly expensive, so this will be a big chunk of your travel budget.
On a budget? I stayed at The Pink Palace, a popular hostel in Agios Gordios and definitely the best budget choice. It’s sociable if you want that, but they also have private rooms. I had no problems getting to sleep as the social area is completely separate from the sleeping areas.
To withdraw cash in Corfu in the local currency at the best rates, I highly recommend getting a WISE card before you go. This allows you to convert money into Euros (or any other currency!) at the best rates and then withdraw cash in Greece without hidden fees.
Wise is a UK-based financial services company (available in most countries worldwide) and is highly regulated in the various regions it operates in (in the UK it is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority).
Get your WISE card here.
I highly recommend getting an eSIM withAiralo, Holafly or Saily. You can set it up before you travel. The main advantages of purchasing an eSIM are:
eSIM Options:
Make sure that you have insurance to cover you for your trip to Corfu. The type of insurance you need will depend on your personal circumstances, country of residence, and specific needs.
Option 1: I personally use Heymondo for all my trips, and it’s one of the easiest and most reliable travel insurance options I’ve found. Their app is incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to access your policy, make claims, and contact support directly from your phone. Heymondo offers excellent coverage, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more.
Get 5% off Heymondo travel insurance here.
Option 2: If you’re travelling for longer, SafetyWing offer Nomad Insurance with globally mobile individuals in mind. Whether you’re a short-term backpacker or a longer-term remote worker, they have something for everyone. SafetyWing‘s Nomad Essential plan covers travel and medical emergencies with options for adventure sports and electronics theft.
Their Nomad Complete plan offers comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity, anywhere in the world, including in your home country, on top of all Essential benefits. Find out more about SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance.
The buses on Corfu are great. I only hired a car for one day, and spent the rest of my trip exploring Corfu by bus, which is surprisingly easy.
Corfu Town is the main hub for all the buses, and you generally need to change buses there to get anywhere else on the island. There aren’t many buses connecting other towns directly without a detour to Corfu Town, which means you need to allow more time than the distance would suggest.
You can find bus timetables on the Green Buses website, and they also have paper copies at the Corfu Town bus station. Green buses go from Corfu Town to other destinations around the island, and Blue buses are just within Corfu Town itself.
Prices: As an example, Corfu Town to Agios Georgios (Pagon) is €3.60 each way.
Getting a hire car for your trip to Corfu opens up the whole island, and saves you a lot of time. I found Corfu pleasantly easy to drive around, and this was my first time driving on the right.
Corfu gets busy over summer so I recommend booking your rental car in advance. Definitely get a small-sized car, it’s easier for wending your way through the narrow streets of the Greek villages. If you’re in a group then hiring a car can end up being the most affordable way to travel around Corfu.
I personally use DiscoverCars to find and compare car hire options.
North Corfu:
Central Corfu:
South Corfu:
I recommend getting an Airalo eSIM so that you have data for Google Maps. Enter the referral code ROWAN1271 for a discount.
Personally I found Corfu quite easy to drive around as the roads were generally quiet (with the exception of Corfu Town) and the locals are actually quite patient. You do need to be confident at navigating some tight spaces though, and I definitely recommend getting a small-sized car.
The roads can be very steep in places with hairpin bends. Watch out for potholes and be courteous to people driving scooters.
Hiring a scooter or ATV (quad bike) is a popular way to travel around Corfu, and makes parking easier! If you’re by yourself or if there’s just two of you then this will probably be cheaper than hiring a car. Bear in mind that Corfu has very steep, winding hills, so make sure that you’re a confident rider.
ATVs are legal in Corfu just for ordinary driving, so you’ll even see them in the centre of town. Driving an ATV is slower than being in a car, but it’s a very fun way to explore the island and get some sun at the same time. You can even do guided ATV tours around Corfu. The ATV rental shop will give you some basic instructions on how to drive them, which is not difficult.
The rules for rentals in Greece can be strict. You can hire an ATV with a standard car driving license, but most rental shops on Corfu will want to see a full motorbike license for scooters. Provisional licences are not accepted, for example the UK CBT is not recognised overseas in Greece. You need to wear a helmet by law in Corfu.
Visit my favourite travel resources page to find all the apps and tools that I use to make all my trips go smoothly, from the best currency exchange apps to travel insurance, my preferred eSIMs and the walking tours I use to explore new cities and meet other travellers and everything in between…
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