Exploring Corfu: Seasonal Tips for the Ideal Vacation

Corfu, the northernmost of the Greek islands in the Ionian Sea, is renowned for its lush greenery and a wealth of cultural and historical sites, making it a year-round tourist destination. 

In April and May, the outdoor temperature is comfortably warm, and the sun is less intense than in the peak summer months. The island is in full bloom during this period. It’s the perfect time to travel, enjoy picturesque views, and visit authentic villages and towns.

Palaiokastritsa - Village on Corfu Island
Palaiokastritsa – Village on Corfu Island

However, the seawater is still chilly (16-19°C), so swimming may not be comfortable for everyone. In April, the island is not crowded with tourists, making it easy to find a free parking spot, and there are no traffic jams.

From May onwards, as the number of travelers increases, driving becomes more challenging. Keep in mind that in some tourist locations, the roads are so narrow that two cars can’t pass each other, which often leads to traffic jams.

Narrow roads of Corfu
Narrow roads of Corfu

The beach season runs from June to September. During these months, Corfu sees the highest number of tourists. However, starting in September, the number of visitors decreases, making it an ideal time to mix a beach vacation with exploring the island.

From October to March, the weather becomes less predictable, with more frequent rainfall. This should be taken into account when planning a trip.

Kerkyra ferry
View on Kerkyra from the ferry

There are two ports in Corfu: Lefkimmi and Kerkyra. Choose whichever is closer to your place of stay.

Ferries to the island depart from Igoumenitsa, the islands of Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Paxos, and others. There are also routes from Italy and Albania.

From Igoumenitsa, there are three ferry carriers. The prices are the same.  The ticket price per passenger is about €5, and the price for a car with a driver is around €25 to Kerkyra. There is a small discount for a round trip. The trip from Igoumenitsa to Kerkyra takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Tickets are sold at port or online.  During the high season, it is better to buy tickets online in advance to ensure availability. Check the ferry schedule and ticket prices on the carriers’ websites directly during travel planning. 

Usually in Greece, boarding the ferry starts 15 minutes before departure. Only the driver stays in the car, all other passengers should board the ferry on foot. Cars are parked close to each other per staff instructions.