Flight to Corfu (CFU)

Flying to Corfu: tips and information for your trip

It’s easy to understand why Corfu always finds its way into the top 10 Greek islands to visit. The sweeping coastline is peppered with idyllic Ionian villages, while the lush green mountains surround Corfu town and its unique historical treasures. If you’re looking for the most beautiful Greek island, Corfu is a strong contestant for the title.

So don’t wait a moment longer, and book your Brussels Airlines ticket to Corfu!

Points of interest in Corfu

Like any Greek destination, Corfu is a treasure of cultural heritage. Yet that heritage here is quite unique, as it’s the only location in Greece that never fell to the Ottoman Empire. Instead, you will find remains of French, British and Venetian rule on the island. Corfu’s Old Town, in particular, is a good example. The ancient narrow lanes, called katounia, are surrounded by elegant Venetian buildings of the 17th and 18th century. Other important Venetian landmarks are the two forts Palaio Frourio and Neo Frourio. The city is also home to the largest square in the Balkans. The Spianada Square is divided in two: the Upper Square or Ano Plateia and the Lower Square or Kato Plateia. The community occasionally organises cricket matches on the Lower Square, the only place in the world outside the British Commonwealth where cricket is played.

A hiker’s paradise

Corfu is probably the best island in Greece for hiking. While most tourist accommodation is near the coastline, the lush green countryside is surprisingly untouched by mass tourism. A multitude of trails connect villages with mountains, olive groves and beaches. Beginners can make use of the many guided hiking tours while seasoned hikers can tackle the renowned Corfu Trail. This 220 km long trail meanders through the entire island from its southernmost point all the way up to the northernmost tip. The Corfu Trail is the best way to discover the island off the beaten track as you’ll discover many traditional villages, gorgeous mountains and peaceful monasteries.

What else is there to do in Corfu?

• Achilleion: Summer palace of Austria’s most famous empress, Elizabeth of Bavaria (also known as Empress Sissi). Go here for the Achilles-themed interior, the gardens with a sea view and panoramic views of the island.
  
  
• Palace of St. Michael and St. George: Also known as Palaia Anaktora or the Museum of Asian Art. Go here for the only art collection of Chinese, Japanese and Indian art in Greece.
  
  
• Mount Pantokrator: The highest mountain on the island (906 m high). Go here for panoramic views of Corfu and nearby Albania. The hiking trail to the mountain is part of The Corfu Trail, though you can also get there by car.
  
  
• St. Spyridon Church: A visit to the church of Corfu’s patron saint is a must. Go here for the impressive iconostasis and Baroque-style interior. St. Spyridon’s relics are kept in this church.
  
  
• Archaeological Museum of Corfu: Go here to see the artefacts from the Temple of Artemis and remains of the ancient city of Korkyra, the region of Cassiope and the district of Thesprotia.
  
  
• The surrounding Ionian Islands: Several boat tours or sea taxis exist to take you from Corfu to the surrounding islands. Popular options are the Diapontia Islands (Mathraki, Erikousa and Othoni) and the Heptanese Islands (Paxos and Antipaxos).

Sand, sun and fun: the best beaches in Corfu

• Get ready to plop down on your beach towel with a good summer read because Corfu has a beach for everyone! Many beaches in Corfu offer convenient tourist facilities but there are also plenty of options for those looking for some peace and quiet. The most famous beach location is the Canal d’Amour near Sidari. The local legend says that couples who swim through this unique channel together, will get married before long. Popular beaches in Corfu: Palaiokastritsa, Agios Gordios, Sidari. Secluded beaches in Corfu: Issos, Agios Spiridon, Agni
  
  
• Families with children have plenty of safe options on the coastline of Corfu. Several beaches offer convenient facilities with clean sands and shallow water, so you don’t have to worry when your junior bucket-and-spade brigade totter off to build their sandcastle. Family-friendly beaches in Corfu: Roda, San Stefanos, Nissaki.
  
  
• The northern side of Corfu is popular with scuba divers and snorkelers as many diving centres are located there. Though Corfu is not a typical surfer’s destination, there are a couple of beaches that are perfect for beginners. Best places for scuba diving and snorkelling: Kassiopi, Barbati, Gouvia. Top spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing in Corfu: Kalami, Issos

Practical information for your trip

• Brussels Airlines flights arrive and depart from Corfu international airport, located 3 km from the city centre.
   
  
• Currency: Euro. Make sure to always have some cash on hand as not all restaurants accept credit cards. ATMs are available throughout the country.
  
  
• Electric sockets: Plug type C and type F (two round pins) suitable for appliances of 230 V – 50 Hz.
  
  
• Travel information: Greece is part of the Schengen-zone, meaning that under normal circumstances, EU citizens may travel without a passport. Non-EU citizens must have a valid passport. Citizens of the following countries may enter Greece without a visa: Countries of the European Union, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Citizens of other countries require a visa.

What to do and not do in Corfu?

• Each village has their own local festivities called panegyria. Be sure to check which villages are planning festivities during your stay.
  
  
• In tourist areas, you will have no problem communicating with the Greeks in English, some will also be able to help you around in French. Though speaking a few words of Greek is well appreciated by the locals. And if you plan on going off the beaten path, knowing more than just a few words of Greek will definitely pay off. Learning the Greek alphabet is not a must but might prove useful for those that want to understand road signs when driving around in rural areas.

A few words of Greek

• Kalimera is the usual greeting in the morning, if you’re greeting someone in the afternoon or evening, say kalispera. Goodnight is kalinikta, do pay attention though as kalinikta is only used as a goodbye, never as a greeting. Going for drinks with friends? The Greeks don’t say cheers but yamas! Want to go out? Say Pame gia café. It literally means “Let’s go for a coffee” but it’s generally used to go out for drinks, not specifically coffee. If you have a particular Greek lady or gentleman in mind, this is the way to ask them out for a drink.

Cultural events

• Easter: The Easter celebration in Corfu is a unique experience with Venetian influences.
  
  
• Carnival (March): Greek carnival celebrations which date back to ancient times, when the Greeks still honoured the god Dionysus at the beginning of spring.
  
  
• Saint Spyridon celebrations (November): Celebrations in honour of Corfu’s patron saint.

When to go to Corfu?

Corfu has a Mediterranean climate, with warm to hot weather from April to October. Peak travel season runs from July to September with the temperature reaching 30°C – 35°C. If you prefer to travel out of season but still want to enjoy sunny temperatures, your best bet is to travel between April and June or in October. The weather cools down between November and March with frequent rain and strong southern winds.

What to eat in Corfu?

The Greeks love to cook and seldom eat alone! That’s why, on the island of Corfu, you can sample many mouthwatering Greek specialties. Some of the best-known delicacies are: “Tzatziki” (a mixture of yoghurt, cucumber and garlic), “Mavromatika” (beans), “Moussaka” and “Psarosoupa”, which is a fish soup.