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Corfu 4 nights early April '23

Hello, I have taken the leap and signed up for my first Rick Steves tour with my adult daughter. We chose Greece at the end of March (we dislike hot weather.) Following the busy tour, we intend to spend 4 nights on Corfu. We chose it only because my daughter happens to have an unused airfare credit from Corfu to Rome for a trip she didn't take recently. It's cheap enough that we can throw it out if the consensus is "oh horrors, not Corfu!" But it seemed as good a trip anchor as any in our current uninformed state. I've searched the forum, any Corfu threads are ancient and contain very little relevant info, as the questions were most often about a short cruise layover. I just signed up for the tour and have not yet purchased any guide books or done any research. So apologies for my ignorance, it will be remedied.

So, since I know nothing about visiting Greece generally and Corfu specifically, can anyone offer starting tips about where to stay and what to do on Corfu?

Posted by
3943 posts

I am no help yet, but I intend to spend 4-5 nights there next spring. I just started researching areas to stay - so you can let me know what you find out! I haven’t come to a conclusion yet. There appears to be enough of interest for me to fill 4-5 days but I will mainly be looking at relaxing. I know it’s not a highlight destination here, but am going anyway. :) I plan to arrive by the short ferry ride from Sarandë and then ferry on to Ionnina and drive on through northern Greece.

Posted by
3311 posts

Nelly, the reason you don't see much about Corfu on the Steves forum is that most participants are independent travelers from N. AMerica, with some from Europe -- and the Corfu story appears to be predominantly a British story, and a LOT of package-holiday enthusiasts. Why? Well back in 1815 or so, the Great Powers divided up various "subject nations" and Britain, having invaded Corfu earlier, got absolute control of it for several generations, and when they "graciously" in 1860s "gifted it" to the new struggling Greek nation, still remained dominant there in influence/culture. So naturally, a favorite ever since.

When mass tourism began after WW II, the best beach areas were taken over by purpose-built "resort" places. Some are totally "Little Britain in warmer climate" others are much less so... thus I recommend that you read some Real guide books (older editions of Rough Guide or Lonely Planet are more candid about plusses & minuses than newer photo-heavy versions). or google something like "Realistic Tourism Guides to Corfu" - I did so and found this discerning & very recent link - https://www.themediterraneantraveller.com/corfu-island-travel-guide/ I found this valuable & realistic, so I've bookmarked it to recommend for any other inquirers who want more from Corfu than a bargain "sun & sand" Florida-type holiday.