Travel to Corfu

Travel to Corfu

Located in the Ionian Sea, off the coast of Albania, Corfu is a popular island holiday destination belonging to Greece. While tourism is a major industry and a significant source of income for the island, farming is still its chief industry and wine, olive oil and currants are its chief exports. Over the past two decades, Corfu has experienced development on a massive scale and much of the islands natural beauty has been compromised to make way for major hotel resorts. However, Corfu still has much to offer in the way of fine beaches, interesting sights, excellent restaurants and a thriving night scene.

Transportation to Corfu

Corfus Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport is the only air gateway to the island and is a small facility with a single terminal, providing space for a mere two airlines. Passenger amenities are basic, with facilities for withdrawing and exchanging money, and eating and shopping. For ground transportation, passengers not being collected by a hotel courtesy shuttle can take the bus into Corfu Town or to a variety of other major resorts on the island. Alternatively, there are taxis available or car hire.

For getting around the island, youll find an efficient bus service in operation that covers all the main holiday areas and has a reputation for being economical and reliable. Taxis are also readily available (over 300 in operation across the island) and are moderately priced; they can be hailed in the street, hired from stands or booked by telephone. The island has a reasonable road network with plenty of signposts between major towns; although, if you stray off the beaten track, you may find navigating the minor roads a little difficult unless you have a detailed map with you.

What to see

Corfu is perhaps not the most ideal destination for holidaymakers who like to spend a lot of time sightseeing, as it is more suited towards the sand and sea crowd, who like to spend days relaxing and catching a few rays. Having said that, theres a modest selection of buildings of historical interest which are certainly worth checking out, with the Old Fort and the Achilleion coming top of the list. For more in the same vein, several museums capture a mixture of both history and culture.

Daytrips

Boat trips from Corfu Town operate to a number of interesting destinations with Albania being one of the favourites. This trip is good for sightseers, offering views of some interesting ancient Venetian constructions. Other trips include those to Paliokastritsa, Paxos and Antipaxos Islands as well as to mainland Greece. Trips invariably include lunch and drinks, which are provided throughout the course of the day.

Activities and leisure

If you visit in July or August, youll probably find it too hot for getting active; however, if you are well accustomed to heat or are visiting in the cooler months, youll find a variety of leisure activities at your disposal. At the beach, theres a large number of water sports to choose from such as waterskiing, snorkelling or scuba diving. Alternatively, you can just enjoy the thrills of a banana boat ride. Meanwhile, back on dry land, theres a golf course plus opportunities for horseback riding, mountain biking and rock climbing. Reputable hotels are often equipped with gymnasiums for those who want to keep in shape during their holiday.

Safety issues

In general, Corfu is a safe place for visitors provided they act sensibly. Threats from pickpockets are as present here as in any popular holiday resort, but you can dramatically reduce your chances of being targeted by taking some small precautionary measures.

The locals here are rarely violent towards tourists, with violent behaviour almost always involving drunken Europeans, who are best kept at a safe distance. Visitors with holiday insurance will not be any less likely to experience unfortunate incidents, but they will have greater peace of mind knowing that they will be financially provided for should the worst happen.