Practical travel tips for Corfu

Before you go on holiday to Corfu, it can be helpful to find out more about the popular Greek island in the Ionian Sea. We have put together some practical travel tips - from finding accommodation and important rules of etiquette in Greece to tips on travelling by bus on Corfu.

A for architecture

The island's architecture is characterised by Venetian, French and British influences. The old town of Corfu is particularly impressive with its well-preserved Venetian architecture and is therefore a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those interested in the island's architecture will find buildings such as churches and monasteries, fortresses and residential buildings in many tourist resorts that tell of Corfu's lively history. It is also worth visiting Corfu's museums - such as the Byzantine Museum in the old town or the Sinarades Museum, 12 kilometres from Corfu Town.

B for bus

If you are not travelling to Corfu by car, the good, inexpensive bus network offers many opportunities to explore the island on your own. In the high season, some routes can be overcrowded, so you often have to wait for the next bus. However, the buses also stop away from the official stops to pick up or drop off passengers - just make sure you indicate your presence with a hand signal. There are two bus lines on Corfu, which can be distinguished by their colours: The blue and white line runs within Corfu Town and its neighbouring villages. The green line (KTEL) runs all over the island. Especially in the high season, there are many lines connecting tourist hotspots. Tickets are sold at the bus station or on the buses.Timetables can be downloaded from the companies' websites.

C for camping

There are several campsites on Corfu. Two of the best-known campsites are "Camping Village Dionysos" on the bay of Dafnila and "Karda Beach Camping" near Kassia - both not far from the island's capital. The campsites are generally very well equipped - with reception areas, shower and laundry facilities, ATMs, kitchens, bars and restaurants, children's playgrounds, supermarkets and even swimming pools. Car hire and bicycles, as well as water sports activities such as kitesurfing, can often be booked at reception. If you want to camp on Corfu in the high season (1 July to 31 August), you should make sure you book a pitch for your caravan, bungalow or rental tent in good time. You should also bear in mind that the opening times of some campsites vary - and that they are often open into the low season.

E for shopping

There are countless opportunities for shopping in the tourist resorts - from small souvenir shops to typical clothing shops and food markets. The latter are held daily (except Sundays) at the new harbour in Corfu Town and are an absolute tourist magnet. In many places there are small shops - so-called peripteros - for everyday needs on street corners and in large squares. In the peripteros you can buy cigarettes, drinks, newspapers, sweets and much more. Large supermarkets, on the other hand, can be found in the suburbs

F for nudism

There are no designated nudist beaches on Corfu, although it is not forbidden and is also practised by locals. It is easily possible on more secluded beaches and local bays. The bay of Agios Stefanos or the beach of Mirtiotissa are popular places for naturists.

G for hospitality

Filoxenia is the Greek word for hospitality, which is also very important on Corfu. Whether you enter a traditional taverna, a family-run guesthouse or a small shop, the people of Corfu are generally open-minded, friendly and courteous. Coffee or refreshments are often offered. It is also not unusual to receive an invitation to a meal with family and friends. Greeks like to invite people because, culturally speaking, it means good luck and averting disaster. It is therefore considered rude to turn down an invitation and arrive without gifts such as a bottle of wine. Accept the invitation and be prepared for a long evening, because the Greeks love to spend hours socialising (Greek: parea) with good food and good wine.

H for dogs

There are many street dogs everywhere in Greece, including Corfu. The animals are often friendly, but can transmit life-threatening diseases to other dogs. Many locals do not tolerate the animals and drive them away or poison them. At the same time, however, there are some organisations that take care of the stray animals.

If you are planning a holiday with your dog on Corfu, you should always be aware of the danger of poisoned bait. You should also always keep your dog on a lead and wear a muzzle.

I for Internet

Free Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere in hotels and guesthouses, and tavernas, cafés and other establishments often offer free internet access. Please note that, depending on your contract provider, you may incur higher costs for roaming charges abroad.

K for dress code

In principle, there is no dress code on Corfu - only when visiting churches and monasteries should you think about "appropriate clothing". Knees and shoulders should be covered. In Corfu, locals also frown upon tourists walking through the town or villages dressed only in swimming trunks or bikinis.

M for midday rest

On Corfu, as in the rest of Greece, there is a midday rest period from 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm. In tourist resorts, the midday rest period is less strictly observed, which is why restaurants, cafés and shops often remain open throughout the day. However, in less touristy areas, which still exist on Corfu, you shouldn't be surprised if you find yourself standing in front of closed doors during this time.

N for nature and animal reserves

The "evergreen island" of Corfu is a special habitat for many animal and plant species, which have colonised here due to the special microclimate. However, flora and fauna are not the most important things on Corfu - for example, there is a rubbish problem on the island. Anyone travelling in the island's natural environment should always be aware of this and take care when doing so. You should always make sure that you dispose of your rubbish properly instead of leaving it lying around in the countryside. You can also support the animal welfare organisations that look after stray cats and dogs on the island.

O for Odysseus

In Greek mythology, Corfu is the island of Scheria: according to legend, the island was given the Greek name Kerkyra by the nymph of the same name, who was brought to the island by the sea god Poseidon. Their child Phaiakas was the forefather of the Phaiaks who lived on the island. In Homer's "Odyssey", the hero Odysseus is stranded on Scheria and is found unconscious in the bay of Ermonés by the daughter of the Phaiakian king Alkinoos. Before the hospitable Phaeacians take him back to his home island of Ithaca, Odysseus tells them about his years of wandering. Other mythical figures such as Medea and Iason also find refuge on Scheria. This is one of the reasons why the island of Corfu is now a popular holiday destination for those interested in culture and Greek mythology.

P for postcards

Would you like to send postcards from Corfu? There are post offices in every major town that sell cards and stamps and are usually open from 9am to 2pm on weekdays. Postcards and stamps are also sold in kiosks and souvenir shops - and are usually open more flexibly.

R for restaurant visits

In restaurants, tavernas and cafés on Corfu, as in the rest of Greece, different customs apply, so you should be aware of a few rules of etiquette:

Waiters are not called or waved to, instead only one arm is raised as a sign.

Many tavernas offer ouzo as a starter, often as a free aperitif. However, it is generally not appreciated to get too drunk - the Greeks enjoy their wines and spirits in moderation.

Tipping is customary on Corfu, which is why service charges are usually included. It is customary, especially in traditional tavernas, to leave change on the table as a tip when paying in cash - but never more than 5%.

S for safety

Corfu is a safe island, but you should be prepared for pickpockets in tourist hotspots such as Corfu Town. Pay close attention at airports, railway stations and bus stops as well as on public transport and in busy squares and keep an eye on your valuables. It is best to keep money and important documents safe - and save them electronically if possible.

T for diving

Corfu is a paradise for water sports fans - from divers to surfers. There are diving schools in almost every holiday resort on the coast, offering diving off the coast as well as water sports activities such as surfing, kitesurfing or diving courses. The best diving and water sports spots can be found on the north-west and north-east coast of Corfu in particular. This also includes Paleokastritsa with its beautiful bays.

U for accommodation

Corfu has something for everyone - from budget hotel rooms and holiday flats on the beach to luxury hotels. A simple room can be found for as little as 15 euros, holiday flats from 40 euros and better hotel rooms from 60 euros per night. Prices vary from high to low season, which is something you should definitely bear in mind when travelling. While it is almost impossible to find accommodation on Corfu in the high season without booking in advance, there are also fewer rooms available in many hotels in the low season (October - April). It is therefore generally worthwhile organising your accommodation in advance.

V for traffic

In general, it can be said that drivers on Corfu drive very fast and carelessly. Not least if you are travelling by taxi, you will notice that many locals often do not adhere to the valid traffic rules. However, if you are travelling in your own car or in a hire car, you should be a little more careful and cautious than you already are. Especially on roads that are narrow, winding or not paved. Basically, the same traffic rules apply as in Germany - but here are a few tips for a holiday by car on Corfu:

If you want to drive on Corfu, you need a valid EU driving licence.

You also need to carry the appropriate driving licence for hire cars - without the certificate, driving in Greece has legal consequences.

Seat belts are also compulsory on Corfu, and a child seat is mandatory for children under the age of 12 (or smaller than 155 cm).

The general speed limit outside built-up areas is between 70 km/h on country roads and 130 km/h on the motorway.

There is a drink-drive limit of 0.5 per mille and a ban on alcohol for motorcyclists and novice drivers.

Some hire car hire companies have an age limit of 21 years.

If you are caught - for example talking on the phone at the wheel, speeding or not wearing a seatbelt - you could be fined.

W for important telephone numbers

• Police: 100
• Ambulance: 166
• Fire brigade: 199
• Roadside assistance: 104
• Coastguard: 108

X for X-treme Sport

For adrenaline junkies, there is plenty to experience on a holiday in Corfu - from cliff diving on the island's steep coasts to hiking and cycling tours through the mountains in the north and scuba diving in secluded bays. The island's unique rocky coastline, the mysterious caves and grottos on the dream beaches and the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean allow you to discover the island from the air or underwater.

Z for customs

No customs duty or other taxes are levied on anything purchased in Corfu for personal use on departure. VAT is only payable in Corfu. You should be careful with certain goods such as cultural goods, pesticides or stimulants such as tobacco or spirits, not least if you want to carry them in large quantities on the plane. You should enquire in advance about guide values at zoll.de.