Corfu carries plenty of romantic potential. The island is the second largest of the beautiful Ionians and has 217km of stunning coastline. When lovers aren’t strolling hand-in-hand across beaches, the UNESCO-protected Old Town beckons with independent stores and cornerstone cafes. With less wind and more greenery than the dry and blustery Aegean islands, Corfu is a match made in heaven for many couples. Of course, that leaves one question: Where is the best place to stay?
There’s no single best place to stay in Corfu for couples; the island has multiple neighborhoods to fit subjective requirements and preferences. There’s laidback Agios Gordios, pristine Paleokastritsa, or the culture (and crowd) fuelled Corfu Town for more extroverted partners.
This guide narrows down Corfu for couples. Learn why the island is such a hotbed of romantic potential, the most memorable areas to stay in, when to visit, and more. There are even bonus date activities — nothing instills romance like quality time and novelty. Here’s what you need to know to plot a serotonin-rich escape to Corfu with your significant other.
Why Corfu is a Perfect Destination for Couples
Corfu is the dreamiest gateway to the Ionian islands. Why? It is bursting with greenery, Mediterranean cuisine, beaches, historical attractions, and a well-established tourist infrastructure.
This island group sits west of Athens rather than the southern-lying Aegean regions (where you’ll find destinations like Mykonos or Santorini). Despite the distance from the equator, though, Corfu has a competitive climate. The temperatures peak at 32.6°C in August, with a year-round mean average of 17.6°C. Protected by the positioning of the adjacent mainland, Corfu doesn’t experience the same intensity of winds as many other islands — like Mykonos and its tell-tale windmills. This results in a pleasant climate for couples to enjoy calming beach picnics and quiet conversations over al fresco dinners.
Aesthetics-wise, Corfu does receive heavier rain than many other islands, especially from fall until mid-spring. Because of these showers, Corfu feels fresh and green; it’s a beautiful recipe for blooming flowers and nature. Of course, not everyone wants to re-enact that ‘kiss in the rain’ scene from The Notebook. If the thought of tropical showers sends a shiver down your spine, visit in the dry period between May and August for a rain-free beach holiday. Summer tourists still benefit from the well-watered aftermath of that wintry rainfall — just look at the green headland views on hikes like the Zwillingsbucht Porto Timoni Loop. Lush landscapes make the most beautiful backdrops on holidays for couples. And this is an area where Corfu really comes into its own.
As one of Greece’s most popular island destinations, it’s no surprise that Corfu villas are amongst the most luxurious on the market. Picking accommodation for couples in Corfu is an option-rich process with an established tourism scene to harness. The Mediterranean cuisine is another selling point, with that island-typical focus on freshly caught seafood that you just don’t experience in inland areas of the mainland. There’s the history, too. How romantic is it to stroll Venetian ruins with a lover?
In short, Corfu’s popularity speaks for itself; it’s a cultured and beautiful place to connect with a significant other.
Best Areas to Stay in Corfu for Couples
In all honesty, there are no particular areas that couples should avoid in Corfu. The island is sociable but, for the most part, a laidback introduction to classic Grecian culture. At a push, Kavos might be slightly too extroverted for couples seeking solace and more intimate appeal. Sidari offers a similar party-forward appeal, with late-night clubs and a stereotypically youthful tourist demographic. However, it ultimately depends on the couple and their preferences.
Deciding where to stay in Corfu for couples is mostly a question of understanding the different personalities the island’s various neighborhoods cater to. Let’s get that ball rolling, though. These are some of the best areas to stay in Corfu for couples.
Agios Gordios
Why: A quiet village appeal
How traditional does a village backed by mountainous olive groves sound? Agios Gordios is authentic and situated right on the waterfront.
This west-coast destination is the best part of Corfu for older couples or those wanting to unplug away from heavier crowds. While still popular, Agios Gordios is relaxed, with a long sandy beach sheltered by shrubbery-covered headlands. While away the days sunbathing, dining at spots like Thalassa Restaurant, or hiking to its many nearby viewpoints.
Paleokastritsa
Why: A gorgeous aesthetic
Paleokastritsa is nothing short of paradise. The village sits in a protected inlet on the northwest coast of Corfu and is surrounded by natural attractions — including the island’s Blue Eye. It has multiple beach choices: Alipa, Playakia, Spiros, Agios Petros, and Agios Spiridon to name a few. Its crinkled coastline results in dozens of coves and chances to find private spots to wait for sunset. For couples eager to embrace the lush beauty of Ionian landscapes, this is where to stay on Corfu.
Corfu Town
Why: Culture and action
Who could possibly omit Corfu Town? The island’s capital is its cultural epicenter; traverse flagged shopping alleys, marvel at the Old and New Fortress, and embrace being spoiled for choice with all its restaurants. Corfu Town is where everything is happening: it’s the best place to stay in Corfu for couples seeking itineraries packed with sightseeing.
Nisaki
Why: Unplugged living
Casting couples’ attention towards the northeast shoreline, why not embrace true simplicity? Nisaki is a small village with tiny cove-like beaches and a secluded feel that dodges the mainstream appeal of other destinations like Corfu Town. Uncommercialized with agricultural scenery like olives groves at every turn, it’s a remote option for couples seeking a chance to unplug.
Kassiopi
Why: Beautiful harbor scenery
Another northeast gem, Kassiopi, is the apple of many eyes. Its working harbor ensures a constant rotation of fresh seafood while its affluent micro-economy oozes luxury. Embrace an abundance of waterfront dining and admire history at the village’s Byzantine castle. It offers a food-focused and elegant base for couples visiting Corfu.
Things to Do in Corfu for Couples
With the dreamiest destinations for you and your partner whittled down, all that remains is your itinerary. Even after finding the most perfectly aligned place to stay, it’s worth spreading your wings to find romantic attractions and activities. Corfu offers serious versatility on the itinerary front; a minimum of three days is necessary to cover the basic attractions alone. The island’s fascinating blend of Venetian and Ottoman history, beautiful sights, and culinary soul make for an engaging trip for like-minded couples.
Ready to invest in novel experiences? Here’s what to see and do in Corfu as a couple.
1. Old Town Shopping
Anyone who has embarked on a couple’s holiday knows the importance of retail therapy, even if one of you finds the process a little tedious. The good news? Old Town shopping is as much about browsing architecture as it is about clothing rails. The UNESCO-rated streets are lined with stone flags polished by centuries of footfall.
Forget the white-washed architecture of the Cyclades or other Grecian island groups, too. Corfu is inherently Ionian, with pastel-colored buildings and a warm undertone. Browse linens and leathers, snapping photos of the Old Town’s architecture as you go.
2. Indulge in Wine-Tasting
The warm and wet climate of Corfu is a recipe for many delicious wines. Grape growth thrives throughout the island, and there are regular wine-tasting tours running like clockwork: the perfect date activity.
For those who decided to stay at Paleokastritsa, the village has its own winery. Taste reds, whites, and roses — learning about the production process and bottles. Theotoky Estate is equally renowned, with a wine production history dating back to the 19th century.
3. Chase Sunsets
The best thing about this activity is that it costs nothing. The island is overwhelmed with sunset spots to choose from, whether that’s from Kaiser’s Throne, Cape Drastis, Canal d’ Amour, or one of Paleokastritsa’s many coves. Staying in Corfu Town? Here’s a top tip: walk Mouragia Road; this clifftop street winds all the way down to the Old Town, with al fresco restaurants and sunset views galore.
4. Come Face-to-Face With Turtles
There’s standard romance, and then there’s pure magic. Embark on a private or small-group snorkeling tour and connect with your partner while coming face-to-face with some of the most heartwarming local animals. Loggerhead turtle sightings are a story you’ll retell decades later to your grandchildren.
With such a focus on nature and coastal living, snorkeling with turtles is the perfect experience to have in Corfu.
5. Venture To Albania
Adventurous couples know when to push the boundaries. Could your itinerary factor in a slight expansion? Consider adding a few days onto your Corfu trip and planning a detour to Albania’s Ksamil or Saranda. These beautiful coastal towns are chronically overlooked yet offer a completely different culture and take on the Mediterranean region. Butrint National Park even offers an amphitheater with just a fraction of the crowds you find in Greece.
The connecting ferry from Saranda to Corfu takes just over 30 minutes (or closer to an hour if you catch the car service). It’s possible to plan a day trip, too. Just arrange a guided tour once you arrive if you’d like to experience the major sights; public transport is limited.
Best Time to Visit Corfu for Couples
Strictly speaking, the optimal time to visit Corfu is between June and August. The reason for this is simple; these dry months experience just a fraction of the monthly rainfall typical of the rest of the year. According to Climates to Travel, that’s just one or two rainy days each month. This figure doubles in the May and September shoulder seasons, and things get progressively wetter throughout winter.
Are romantic conversations on the beach on your cards? It’s safer to pick these months to avoid showery surprises. Temperatures are also at their highest, with maximums jumping up 5°C between May and June.
If dodging the tourist crowds is an important factor for your romantic escape, carefully pick hotel and villa locations. Book outside European school holidays (early June is optimal) and choose quieter locations like Agios Gordios or Nisaki — reserving accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment.
For those planning longer vacations and without serious aversions to rainy spells, visiting in September is a possibility. The benefits of shoulder season travel are well-preached; cheaper rates and fewer crowds are music to savvy couples’ ears. September gets an average of five days of rain, but the temperature remains substantially higher at the back end of the summer season. Think highs of 27.8°C rather than 24.5°C in May. The water temperature is still warm, too, averaging at a moderate 24.5°C.
How to Get Around Corfu as a Couple
Planning transportation around Corfu depends heavily on your choice of location. Those booking accommodation in Corfu Town do not require organized transport (with the exception of guided tours for day trips and a potential airport taxi transfer). Corfu Town is extremely walkable and is best seen on foot; many of the prettiest streets are entirely pedestrianized. Should walking get too much, the neighborhoods in and around the capital have both a hop on, hop off bus and regular bus network. There is an abundance of taxis available, too.
KTEL or intercity buses connect Corfu Town with major towns like Paleokastritsa and Kassiopi. These schedules are seasonal, with more regular services during the peak summer season. Alternatively, it’s possible to rent a vehicle if you’d prefer more independence or are staying in a more remote area.
Car rentals are available from Corfu’s International Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias). These are an excellent option for those wanting air-conditioning and that extra security and ability to store belongings while enjoying beaches or sightseeing. Ultimately, the most romantic recommendation is a scooter. Imagine driving coastal roads on a classic Vespa with wind-blasted hair and Grecian tans. Perfect for couples seeking that novelty splash of romance, why not research rental options?
It’s not just the best place to stay in Corfu for couples that you’ve figured out. With the right planning and insider knowledge, your romantic escape will be remembered for decades.