Corfu is an isle of contrasts. Shady olive groves cloak rocky hillsides above colourful fishing villages and sun-kissed beaches. Homer described Corfu as a 'beautiful and rich land' and few would argue. Colourful villages melt into musky olive groves and church bells echo through the verdant, pine-clad mountains of the inland while on the coast, golden beaches lead to sparkling, warm seas. Corfu is known as the Ionian 'emerald isle', a name inspired by green fields and the explosion of springtime colour. Meadows, decorated with wild flowers, tumble inland towards Mount Pantokrator, the island's highest peak. In among nature's bounty you'll find villages and towns bearing the hallmark of the island's Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian past. A truly enchanting destination.

corfu map

Some of Corfu's best beaches can be found on the west of the island. The 3km golden-sand stretch of Agios Georgios is a haven for watersports enthusiasts with windsurfers benefiting from strong winds. Nearby the sweeping coastal views and Neolithic ruins of Afionas offer a more tranquil beach experience. To the north and east the coast is more sheltered with a string of pretty inlets and coves. The pebble and sand beaches of Gouvia and Dassia are popular in this area. Every beach in Corfu has its own bar or taverna keeping you refreshed as the sun sinks below the horizon. If you are looking for bright lights and clubs Kavos will not disappoint. However if you prefer the quieter life the sea fronts and alleyways of most Corfu towns are awash with restaurants and bars serving up an evening of Greek style entertainment. Corfu town is the best place to shop on the island. Here you will find local craft shops selling fabrics, leather and hand-crafted jewellery and sophisticated boutiques existing side-by-side. The back streets are full of small shops selling souvenirs and trinkets to take home.

Helena Apartments - Corfu
Helena Apartments is a small friendly apartments complex situated in Chalikounas beach (only 50m from the sea), one of the most beatifull natural enviroments in Corfu island, only 5km away from the tourist villages of Messonghi & Moraitika. The apartments are built in a beautiful garden, planted with Palm trees, lemon treess and different kinds of flowers, thus offering an enjoyable environment to all the guests. The surroundings offer an ideal place for calm, rest and contact with nature ...

Beaches of Corfu island
If your idea of a dream holiday is to lie on beautiful beaches and swim in clear waters, Corfu Greece is the place for you. It is the beloved vacation spot of sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts because most beaches have soft sands and ideal weather conditions for windsurfing, waterskiing and other beach activities. Some beaches have rocky coves that are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving. The majority of Corfu beaches are organized to various degrees, and offer a variety of beach facilities, ranging from canteens and beach bars to restaurants and shops. Whatever your needs, you will be sure to find a suitable beach.
If you want to stay away from the maddening crowd of Corfu island and spend your days relaxing in quiet settings, we recommend the beaches of Agios Georgios, Agios Spyridon, Agni, Arillas, Kalami, Kaminaki, Nissaki, and Peroulades on the northern side of Corfu, Gardenos and Molos Beaches on the southern coast of the island, and the beaches of Ermones, Paramonas and Pelekas on the western coast of Corfu, many of which are relatively organized. Mirtiotissa Beach caters mainly to nudists, as it is surrounded by cliffs that offer privacy to swimmers and sunbathers. If you are spending a family holiday in Corfu, you have an abundance of beaches to choose from. Many Corfu beaches have shallow waters deepening gradually, and soft sand where children can play for hours. Plenty of beaches have umbrellas and chaise longues, as well as cafes and tavernas to enjoy a meal. Corfu family beaches are in Acharavi, Agios Georgios (north), Agios Georgios, Agios Gordios, Dassia, Kaminaki, Kavos, Kontokali and Sidari.
Corfu sights and Attractions
The island of Corfu offers a plethora of historical sights from a variety of eras and cultures, so you will want to get hold of a reliable Corfu map before beginning your touring adventure. Starting off your tour of the island in Corfu Town, we suggest visiting the Old Fortress, which is a stunning example of Venetian architecture and includes many wonderful structures and buildings. The New Fortress of Corfu Town is also worth a visit, as it too is considered a masterpiece of fortress architecture. Liston Promenade and Spianada Square are the popular meeting spots of locals and visitors alike. They are an amalgam of French, Venetian and English architectural features, making the area ideal for nonchalant strolls. A number of cultural events take place here throughout the year. The Church of Agios Spyridon is another main attraction in Corfu town, as are the Churches of Panagia Spiliotissa and Panagia Antivouniotissa. Corfu town offers a number of splendid museums, including the Corfu Archaeological Museum, the Bank Note Museum, the Antivouniotissa Museum and the Museum of Asian Art (which is housed in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George), as well as the Dionysios Solomos Museum, devoted to the poet-author of the Greek National Anthem. From the Kanoni point, where a French battery canon still exists, visitors are offered a breathtaking view of Pontikonissi Isle, which is located just off the coast of Corfu and is a favourite spot for a short excursion. Mon Repo Park is a lush area, with 19 th century mansions, ideal for nature walks. Close to Town, in the area of Garitsa, is the Ancient Grave Monument of Menekratis.

Apart from the Corfu Town Fortresses, the Achillion Palace is the most popular Corfu sight. Originally, it was the home of the Princess Elisabeth Von Witelsbath of Austria (otherwise known as Princess Sissy) and later the summer residence of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Also worthwhile visiting on Corfu island, Greece are the Panagia Monastery and the Aggelokastro Byzantine Fortress in Paleokastritsa, the Kaiser's Bridge and the Sea Museum in Benitses, and the Roman Baths in Acharavi. If you are a bit romatic, we recommend going to Loggas to admire one of the finest sunset views in Greece. From a geological point of view, the "Channel of Love" Beach in Sidari is quite unique, with sand dunes and argil clay.
Corfu weather & Climate information
The weather in Corfu differs from the rest of the Greek islands and Mainland Greece. While it is sunny, warm and dry in the summer, the winter months are characterized by a fair amount of rainfall and humidity, although they are quite mild as well. The humidity and rainfall are what make Corfu, and the rest of the Ionian Islands, lush with vegetation. As Corfu weather tends to be a little cooler than other regions of Greece, it is recommended that visitors have a light jacket handy in the evening. From January to March, temperatures on Corfu Island range from 10°C to 12°C. Corfu temperature rises in April, climbing to the mid teens, while May temperatures in Corfu reach the low 20s. In June, July and August, Corfu, Greece weather becomes very pleasant, ranging between the mid to high 20s. Sometimes temperatures in the hottest time of the year may reach the low 30s. September and October are perfect for visitors that prefer cooler temperatures as they drop to the mid teens. November and December Corfu weather is quite cool, as temperatures range from approximately 10°C to the mid teens. The Ionian islands are not affected by the Meltemi winds, as are the Cyclades and the Dodecanese islands. In July and August, the prevailing wind is the Maestral, which is a calm, northwesternly wind.
Corfu flights & ferries
Getting to Corfu island in Greece quite easy, either travelling by ferry boat or airplane. Ferries to Corfu depart from both Patras Port and Igoumenitsa Port, both of which can be reached from Athens by bus or rental car. From Patra Port, the trip to Corfu Port lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours and the Ferry Boat is comfortable, with many facilties. The trip from Igoumenitsa to Corfu Port is just 1 to 1,5 hours, although the road trip is substantially longer. There are direct flights to Corfu Airport from Athens, linking all major international airports with Corfu Island. From some countries, charter flights are available, including flights from London to Corfu. The price of airplane tickets for Corfu flights depend on the season and the time of booking, making it possible to find cheap flights to Corfu, if you book well in advance. Many airline companies offer special fares, especially during the off-season when you can book on a cheap flight, or easily arrange for a last minute flight to Corfu. Since the island is a major business center in Greece, several airlines provide business class airfares for flights to Corfu Airport "Ioannis Kapodistrias.
Corfu car hire
Corfu (Korfu or Kerkyra) is a large island, packed with many historical sites and stunning beaches. To get acquainted with the island, we suggest contacting a Corfu car rental agency to rent a car of your choice. Car Rentals can offer you safe and comfortable transport around the island, whether you are on holiday or on a business trip.
You can find many Corfu car hire companies at Corfu Airport and Port, or you can book your rental car online. Car hire companies offer a wide range of vehicles, ranging from small and cheap car rentals in Corfu (Kerkyra) to luxury or jeep rentals for the more adventurous.