Corfu has long been attracting tourists and while the type of tourist has changed over the years, one thing never changes – the island’s hospitality.

It is of the most welcoming of the Greek islands; renowned for being a safe place to bring children (as are all the Greek islands really) and for its warm atmosphere, whatever your background.

As you’d expect, there are lovely beaches, beautiful scenery, great food, history and culture to explore on this, the second largest of the Ionian Islands.

Travelling to the Island

Corfu is right at the north western edge of Greece and actually overlaps the coast of Albania.

It is quite close to the ‘heel of Italy’ and well linked by ferry services from Italy and of course from Greece itself.

The best way to arrive in style is by luxury yacht and there are several marinas close to Corfu Town where you can moor.

Being at the northern end of the country the island would make a good place to start a cruise of the Greek coast and Ionian Islands, so consider this as a setting off point.

Most tourists arrive on the island by plane, landing at the International Airport – aka Ioannis Kapadistrias – and there are minimal services to the island throughout the year, with the majority only operating during the summer months.

Most airlines are charter, bringing the package tourists from the UK, Germany and other European countries but if you prefer to go scheduled you can fly with Olympic Air from Athens, Monarch from London Luton, or Aegean Airlines from several different cities around Europe.

There are no direct flights from outside of Europe, but by travelling to a major hub such as London, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt, there are numerous options for flights from there.

Once landed there are taxis and public buses to take you into Corfu Town.

The Major Destinations

As Corfu is significantly smaller than Crete you’ll find far fewer destinations here.

That isn’t to say there’s nothing to see or do, but it is a quieter island and this serenity is likely to appeal to some visitors more than others.

Corfu Town, known locally as Kerkira or Kerkyra, is by far the main destination on the island.

Its historic old town is a major attraction and, as the home of both the airport and the main port, most of the island’s visitors arrive here.

The old town has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can easily see some of the architectural influences from past foreign powers such as the Venetian and the British.

Two other popular destinations are Benitses, and Paleokastritsa, as well as Kavos which is a livelier resort town right at the southern end of the island.

Corfu Town, A UNESCO World Heritage Site

To most visitors it is known as Corfu Town, but in modern day Greece the main city on the island of Corfu is actually known as Kerkyra.

Either way, this is the chief destination for the entire island and serves as a regional capital for the whole archipelago of the Ionian Islands.

It’s a great place to stay if you want to enjoy the more lively side of the island, or simply come here for a couple of day trips from one of the smaller towns or resorts as there are always buses traveling this way.