One week in Corfu in September – a stunning vacation
Alex - A former corporate business executive, I am a historical fiction writer. For almost ten years, Greece was one of my second homes due to my business responsibilities.
Baby Iris joined our travels since she was able to sit up.
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It is never too early or too late to plan your next vacation. Why not start today and consider spending one week in Corfu in September?
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Why would you spend one week in Corfu in September?
Well, because I went there some years ago on a chill trip with one of my best friends in early September, and this is what I’ve learned:
- The weather is just perfect – not too hot nor cold, with averages at around 23°C and maximums of 28°C, it offers the right conditions for staying at the beach all day long without melting.
- It is not that crowded – some areas of the island are thronged by tourists (Corfu Town, for example). However, the village we stayed in, Agios Gordios, was airy. This way, you won’t have to worry about finding a place on the beach, stepping on anyone’s toes in the souvenir shops, or finding a table for lunch.
- It is cheaper – you can find incredible hotels at affordable prices compared to peak season
- You’ll find the perfect destination for relaxation – especially with the lower number of tourists in the period. Don’t expect a lot of entertainment going on, but it sure is the place to be if you want to disconnect from the hectic life you usually have
- It’s close to the European continent, making it easy to reach by car, but it has also an international airport
- It has beaches for everyone – you can also find nudist beaches on the island (in Agios Gordios, for example) if you are into that kind of thing
- People are friendly
- It is a location appropriate for all kinds of travels: group travels, couples, families, or besties
- There is a cat for everyone :)) I’m a big cat lover, and of course, you are in Greece, so expect a lot of cats everywhere
Staying in a bungalow with a sea view, sampling incredible Greek food, walking on sandy beaches, and enjoying the blue water contributed to the holiday’s success.
When to visit Corfu?
Early September or October would be perfect. If you cannot wait until then, April or May are also good choices.
If you can, avoid July and August. The temperature is unbearably hot, and during peak season, the area can also become overcrowded and overpriced.
How to get to Corfu Island?
Corfu International Airport Ioannis Kapodistrias is the island’s main gateway. Thus, you can fly directly to the island from Athens, Thessaloniki, or Preveza.
Another way to get to the island is by ferry, especially when driving.
Ferries to Corfu depart from Igoumenitsa daily during the travel season. Additionally, thanks to its great location in the Ionic Sea, Corfu is reachable from Italy, with ferries linking Brindisi, Ancona, Bari, or even Venice to Corfu.
Plan your trip and check out ferry timetables here.
How to get around Corfu Island on your vacation?
The easiest way to get around Corfu Island is by renting a car. This way, you will have the flexibility to travel and see as much of the island as you like. Drive through olive groves, explore as many remote beaches as you want, admire some stunning views, and do something fun every day.
If you rent a car, check out Discover Cars, an aggregator that will help you find the best offer. They have a flexible cancellation policy, and I’ve always found the best prices.
However, if you don’t want to rent a car, Corfu has public transportation that connects most of its towns. The timetable and routes are available here.
How many days do you need in Corfu?
For us, one week was perfect, but we mostly wanted to relax. Spending one week in Corfu allows you to mix beach time and exploration.
The Ionian Island has plenty of panoramic views, towns with at least one sandy beach, remote, beautiful beaches, and plenty of day trips to choose from.
Which is better: Santorini or Corfu?
I have spent vacations on both islands, and it would be hard to say which one is better. They are very different, and I think tourists choose each for its charm.
Santorini is more luxurious and vibrant, especially on the western side, where towns like Oia or Thira attract people for honeymoon vacations and photo sessions. The island has incredible sunsets but no real beach.
Corfu, on the other hand, is much more laid back and has plenty of beautiful sandy beaches where you can do nothing more than relax with a good book and a glass of wine. It is also the dream destination for sun loungers, families, and history lovers.
Read also our Crete vs Santorini comparison and our post about three less-known Greek islands.
Where to stay in Corfu?
The best area to stay in Corfu depends on what you want to do on your vacation.
Stay in Corfu Town if you want to be close to restaurants, have an Old Town to explore on foot, and be linked to the rest of the island. On the other hand, if you want to spend the perfect summer vacation at the beach, choose to stay in places like Agios Georgios, Gouvia, or Glyfada.
If you want to travel by bus, most buses leave Corfu Town and link the whole island, but it would be easier to stay in places like Perama, Benitses, and Moraitika.
I have chosen a few of the best hotels to stay in some of the most essential destinations on the island.
The best place to stay in Corfu Town
Kâmara Old Town Studios
I fell in love with this place! It is ideally located for exploring the Old Town. The interior design is new and modern, and you can see the blue sea from the rooftop terrace.
This is a great place for a weekend escape, but it is also perfect for a longer stay since the studios offer a fully equipped kitchen.
Siora Vittoria Boutique Hotel
It is a pretty boutique hotel with a classy interior and a stunning garden where you can enjoy a glass of wine and delicious Greek food.
The hotel is ideally located and hosted in an old pink villa!
Best Places to Stay in Paleokastritsa
Odysseus Villa
Set 30 meters from the sea, this villa’s view is simply breathtaking. It is a holiday home, and you can rent it entirely when you travel with your family.
The villa has a kitchenette, a terrace with deckchairs, a table for six people to enjoy dinner while watching the boats coming and going, and a coffee table for four people in the shade of olive trees.
Tango Apartment On The Beach
Minutes away from the beach in Paleokastritsa, these apartments are perfectly furnished to offer you the most comfortable vacation in Corfu. You will have a sea view from your balcony, and in the garden, you can relax on the sunbeds.
Best Places to Stay in Gouvia
Art Hotel Debono
It is a fabulous hotel with a large garden lined by olive and palm trees. Guests can enjoy a big outdoor swimming pool and very nice and comfortable rooms.
Guests speak highly about the hotel and recommend it for those looking for relaxation.
Ktima Loumoumba, Private Villa
A big villa with four rooms that can host up to 8 people is perfect for traveling with a group of friends or with a larger family.
The villa has mountain views, a lovely terrace, a barbeque area, and private parking, so you don’t have to worry about your car.
Best Places to Stay in Kavos
Erofili Hotel
It is set South of Corfu in the middle of a lush garden, boasting an outdoor swimming pool and a beautiful terrace.
Korina Apart Hotel
Nicely furnished apartments with a small balcony to enjoy breakfast. The building is set close to the beach, and all rooms have a kitchenette where you can prepare your food and take a break from Greek cuisine.
Luxury stays in Corfu Island
MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas
It is an adults-only 5-star resort with a breathtaking view, an infinity pool, a wellness center, and an organized beach area.
The hotel is set in Agios Ioannis Peristeron, which looks like a small, colorful village perched on the top of a hill in a remote area. It will offer you the tranquility you need.
Corfu Imperial, Grecotel Exclusive Resort
Luxury interiors, stunning dining area with a sea view, perfectly organized beach, two outside swimming pools, and colorful bungalow nestled in the gardens that lead down to the sea.
Some of the rooms have private infinity pools, and the hotel is located in Kommeno, in the Northeastern part of the island.
Best places to visit and things to do in Corfu in one week
While the island is relatively big and has plenty of activities on display, when you only have one week in Corfu and want to spend some time at the beach, you must plan your time carefully.
Corfu Old Town
The Corfu Old Town is a jewel that should not be missed, no matter what part of the island you choose to stay. Chances are there will be direct buses from your village, and you can always go on a guided walking tour with local food tasting.
Visit the Archeological Museum, Achilleion Palace, the Byzantine Museum, the Banknote Museum, the Museum of Asian Art, or Corfu’s Old Fortress.
The Venetian castle overlooks the sea and is the perfect place to take a picture or simply admire the local life. Set on top of a rock, it also houses the Church of Saint George inside its walls.
Sip a strong Greek coffee at one of the many terraces in the city squares, shop for souvenirs, or simply stroll through the streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mount Pantokrator
On a day when you feel like exercising, explore Mount Pantokrator, which has the highest peak on the island, located in its northern part. At the top, there’s a tourist cafe where you can enjoy a drink with a stunning view.
Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa is by far one of the most beautiful beaches, with seven golf courses surrounded by mountains. Look for the La Grotta bar, from which you will have the most staggering view.
Canal D’Amour
The Canal d’Amour is another popular destination you should not miss. It is set close to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Sidari Beach. It is actually a calcareous formation shaped like a heart. The legend says that couples who swim together through the canal waters are bound to get married.
Take a day trip
A day trip to Paxos and Anti-Paxos should also fit into your schedule, where you can swim and snorkel in some of the bluest waters of Greece. You will explore traditional small villages on the remote islands, learn about the region’s history, and relax at the beach. See more here!
Go on a half-day scooter tour for a more unconventional way of traveling around the island and admiring the coastal views. You will also taste local wine and olives, sweets, and a Corfiot lunch. See more here!
Don’t go to the same beach every day; choose from the countless beautiful beaches Corfu has to offer. Kerasia Beach, Agios Spyridon Beach, Porto Timoni, and Issos are only a few beaches where you should be offered a chance to seduce yourself with their sand and turquoise waters.
Lastly, plan a full-day boat trip to the Blue Lagoon, the Greek Caribbean. Visit beautiful and secluded caves, swim in the blue waters, snorkel and admire the colorful underwater world, or relax on the boat. See more here!
What to eat in Corfu
Gastronomically, Corfiot cuisine is a mix of Greek, Italian, and British food. You will find plenty of pizza and pasta options, but also French fries, the traditional Greek mousaka, and Greek salad.
Eat plenty of fresh fish and seafood, and try bourdeto – a traditional dish with vegetables and fish.
The best food to try will always be the street food on the narrow cobbled streets in the city center of Corfu Town.
