Why Visit Corfu, The Greenest Greek Island

Corfu, an island in Greece, stands out from the more typical Greek islands like those in the Cyclades (e.g., Mykonos, Santorini).

And if you ask me, Corfu is the most beautiful and livable island in Greece, not to mention a perfect holiday destination.

Here’s why I think Corfu is a top-tier holiday destination in Greece:

Corfu is the greenest island in Greece

Corfu is much greener than many other Greek islands, especially the dry and arid Cyclades.

In fact, Corfu holds the title of the Greenest Greek Island.

Thanks to frequent rains, Corfu boasts dense olive groves, cypress trees, and lush hillsides, giving it a more Mediterranean, rather than typical Greek island, feel.

This greenery really shows the moment you get off the ferry or plane.

There are plenty of trees, bushes, grass, and forests. In the heart of the island – the capital, Corfu Town (Kerkyra)- you can also find pleasant and relaxing parks where you can relax and chill.

Corfu has plenty of luxury accommodations at great rates

Everyone wants to enjoy their holidays to the fullest. However, too often, we are bogged down with the need to compromise between maximum comfort and what our budget allows. This is where Corfu shines.

You can check these holiday villas to rent in Corfu, so enjoying a luxurious holiday is much more affordable.

Overall prices here are much friendlier than in continental Italy, South of France, or Mykonos or Santorini.

The prices in Corfu are great beyond just accommodation. Prices in taverns and cafes, rates for food products in markets, or most services return great bang for your buck in every part of the island. 

Corfu’s statistics, compared with those of the majority of EU or UK holiday destinations, show that the island is a very affordable holiday spot. 

Corfu has a warmer sea compared to most islands in the Aegean Sea

While many Greek islands are in the Aegean Sea, Corfu is part of the Ionian Islands, located off the west coast of Greece, close to Italy and Albania.

This positioning influences its climate, water temperature on the beach.

I visited Mykonos in July, and found beach water a bit cold for a comfortable long swim.

The Aegean Sea, being more exposed to northern winds (like the Meltemi winds), tends to have cooler water temperatures, especially in the northern and central Aegean.

In contrast, the Ionian Sea experiences fewer strong winds, and as a result, the waters tend to be warmer and calmer.

The Ionian islands (like Corfu, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos) tend to maintain warmer water temperatures into the late summer and early autumn compared to the Aegean, making them a bit more comfortable for swimming later in the season.

Corfu landscape is more varied

Corfu has a mix of beaches, rolling hills, and mountainous regions. The landscape is more varied compared to the typical flat or hilly islands of the Aegean.

The northern part of Corfu is mountainous with dramatic coastal cliffs, while the south has gentler, flatter landscapes.

 It’s hard to find an island of such compact size that offers so much diversity in terms of landscapes.

You can take the scenic Corfu Trail. It’s a 200+ km hike route that allows you to soak in Corfu 100 %.  

Mount Pantokrator is the highest peak on the island and a worthy addition to any agenda. You can even see neighbouring Albania on clear days from it. 

Corfu is an atypical Greek island influenced by Italian, French and British cultures

Unlike the Cycladic islands, Corfu was never under Ottoman rule. Instead, it was controlled by the Venetians, French, and British, and their cultural influences are evident in its architecture, cuisine, and customs.

The Old Town of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage site, characterised by Venetian-style buildings, French arcades, and British touches like the cricket field in Spianada Square.

The cuisine in Corfu is unique, reflecting its history and position. Traditional dishes like “sofrito” (veal in wine sauce) and “pastitsada” (meat with a tomato-based sauce served with pasta) showcase Venetian and Italian influences, distinguishing Corfiot food from the more traditional Aegean island fare like moussaka or grilled fish.

In Corfu you can rent a small boat without a license

This may come as a bit of a surprise, but you can genuinely rent a small boat without a boating license in Corfu.

This is possible because Greek law allows individuals to rent motorboats under a certain engine power limit without the need for a license.  This is because of the tourist-oriented nature of many islands.

Corfu, with its beautiful coastline and numerous secluded beaches, is particularly well-suited to this activity, and this policy helps promote tourism.

Since Corfu has calm seas and protected bays, it is easy for inexperienced boaters to navigate without needing advanced boating skills.