Essential information for Corfu

When to go

Most tourists pick cheap holidays to Corfu between March and October, with July and August being the hottest months of the year. If you visit at this time, you can expect 12 hours of sunshine on a daily basis and average temperatures of 32°C during the day and around 18°C after dark.

While those daytime temperatures might sound a little too hot, the cooling breeze which surrounds the island makes it feel more temperate than it actually is. These winds also provide ideal windsurfing conditions for water sports watersport enthusiasts.

Rainfall is uncommon during the summer months and becomes more frequent during the off-season, but never really reaches torrential levels. Those who opt for Corfu holidays in autumn will be treated to the fragrant smell of grapes around the island as vineyards come to fruition and are harvested.

Health and safety

Just as you would with any holiday, taking out comprehensive medical and travel insurance prior to embarking is a must. It also makes prudent sense to get hold of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before setting off on your holiday. This is free to obtain and entitles you to the same emergency medical treatment which Greek nationals receive. It should be noted that it’s only applicable to emergency treatment, however. Ongoing care and medical repatriation are not covered.

If you plan to get involved in any water sports or other adrenaline-fuelled pursuits while in Corfu, you should make sure that your insurance covers this. Check out our holiday extras page for more information, and for the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/health.

Passports and Visas

British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Greece but must have a valid passport. By law, you must carry your passport with you and may need to show it when paying by credit card. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements.

Getting around

The island’s airport is served by a variety of airlines which operate year-round and offer easy access from a number of different destinations in the UK. Once you’ve landed, you can take a taxi, shared shuttle bus or organise a private transfer to your resort either in advance or at the airport itself.

For the return flight, it’s advisable to print out your boarding pass as soon as possible, since printers and web cafes are rare on the island. This is especially applicable to low-cost airline bookings, which often demand you print out your pass to avoid incurring a sizable fee.

Corfu is serviced by a network of well-maintained roadways and a decent public transport system. There are two kinds of buses – blue ones, which serve Corfu Town and the surrounding area, and green ones, which traverse the rest of the island. These depart regularly and there are an adequate number of stops across the island, which have timetable and fee information.

Renting a car can be a convenient way to navigate the island independently and there are a number of reputable rental companies at the airport and at most major destinations. It’s advisable to select a smaller vehicle, since the roads can often be quite narrow in more remote places.

Alternatively, you might choose to hire a boat, which can be an excellent way to visit some of the more inaccessible beaches and coves around the island. Vessels with horsepower below 30 can be rented without a license.

Advice for travellers with children

As a well-developed tourist spot, there are many resorts and destinations around the island with child-friendly attractions. The waterpark in Paleokastritsa is a firm family favourite, while Aqualand is a smaller alternative in Aghios Ioannis. The many beaches are great places for young ones to splash about, with lots offering gentle gradients and calm waters, while restaurants are well-accustomed to dealing with fussier eaters.

If you’re taking advantage of glorious Greek island holiday packages, make sure to make the most of the family-friendly dining options included in your stay.

Electricity

Connector type: Generally round two-pin plugs

Voltage info: 220 volts AC, 50Hz

Emergency services

Call 112 for all emergencies and the operator will put you through to the police, fire brigade or ambulance service. The line is operated in five languages, including English.

British consulate

There is a British Vice Consulate in Corfu which can offer limited services to British nationals while on the island. For more urgent or serious matters, the nearest Consulate is found in Athens, though the Corfu-based agency should be able to help with most issues.

Address: First floor, 18 Mantzarou Street, 49 100 Corfu

Email: Corfu@fco.gov.uk

Telephone (from within Corfu): +30 26610 23457

Hospital

Healthcare on Corfu is good, with most hotels and resorts having an on-site surgery and English-speaking doctors. For more serious issues, visit the main hospital in Corfu Town.

Corfu Town Hospital Kontokali 49100, Corfu

Telephone (from within Corfu): (+30) 2661360400 / 2661360500

Useful links

Arillas.Com – Click here for information on what’s on in Corfu and the best things to do on your holiday

Mysterious Greece – Guides to the Ionian islands, including Corfu