Corfu Tourist Information and Tourism

(Corfu, Ionian Islands, Greece)

Also known as Kerkyra, the holiday island of Corfu is the second-biggest of Greece's Ionian Islands, after only Kefalonia. Corfu is located on the western side of mainland Greece and has an especially green and lush interior, with endless wild flowers, thriving olive groves and vineyards, many tall Cypress trees and endless dreamy, secluded beaches. Corfu remains one of the most beautiful of all the Greek islands and is a leading tourist destination in its own right.

Corfu Town is the island's rather sophisticated and charming capital and locally goes by the name of 'Kastropolis', due to its location, with two large fortresses standing either side of the town. The town's 'Liston' promenade is a major attraction here, as is the adjacent Spainada (Esplanade), the main plaza. The are no actual official tourist information outlets within Corfu Town as such, although tourism advice is available in the summer months, at a tourist kiosk on the Plateia San Rocco.

Corfu Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

Home to some of the most glorious beaches that the Ionian Islands have to offer, a large number of tourists indulging in Corfu holidays rarely leave the sands, spending their time relaxing in the sun. The island's main activities tend to related to its coastline and if you have not arrived with your own private yacht, you may be interested in chartering a yacht for the day. Many of the lively beaches are very close to Corfu Town and around this part of the eastern coast, while to the south, Benitses Beach is a thriving and very popular resort. Western Corfu features some if the island's prettiest beaches and countryside, particularly around the town of Paleokastritsa. The choice of beaches is almost endless, with those next to the busiest resorts tending to be the most developed, with good facilities. More information about Corfu Beaches.

The main sights to see around Corfu tend to be concentrated around the biggest beach resorts. Corfu Town is very central to life on the island, and its Old Town district contains a very appealing Venetian character, with winding cobblestone streets and views stretching as far as the Bay of Garitsa. Near to Corfu Town's Venetian Citadel, the Ano Plateia and Kato Plateia (Upper and Lower Squares) are surrounded by quality attractions and a number of open-air events are often staged here. For families, the water slides at Aqualand will always go down well and provide a great way to cool down on a sunny afternoon. Golfers may be interesting in playing a round or two at the island's course, within the Ropa Valley. More information about Corfu Tourist Attractions.

Offering something very different to the beaches of Corfu and the island's innumerable historic landmarks. Next to Corfu Town itself, both the Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio and the New Fortress (Neo Frourio) are of great interest and provide some extraordinary views, thanks is no small part to their elevated settings. The Royal Gardens are the Palaia Anaktora are especially inviting, as are the gardens next to the Achillion Palace, in the region of Gastouri. Another very important landmark on Corfu is the Palace of St. Michael and St. Georges, which is home to the Municipal Art Gallery, which art works and information about the Byzantine period are on offer. More information about Corfu Landmarks and Monuments.

For many, the unique experiences offered on Corfu are reason enough to stay here for an entice holiday. Others find the proximity of other famous Greek islands just that bit too tempting, with ferries linking Ionian destinations such as Kefalonia, Erikoussa, Othoni and also Zakynthos (Zante). Kefalonia is especially close to Corfu and makes for the perfect day trip, offering visitors beaches, vineyards, mountain trails and plenty of history, within both its capital of Argostoli and its port city of Sami. More information about Corfu Attractions Nearby.

More Corfu Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: Greece (west)
• Location: Ionian Islands / Ionian Sea
• Status: island
• Capital: Corfu Town
• Area: approximately 225 square miles / 583 square kilometres
• Population: approximately 116,000
• Language: Greek
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: GMT + 2 hours
• Country dialling code: +30
• Telephone area code: 266-0
• Average daily Corfu January temperature: 13°C / 55°F
• Average daily Corfu July temperature: 31°C / 88°F