BACK TO LISTGeneral Info
CLIMATE
The islands of the North Ionian Sea are somewhat isolated and the climate differs from the rest of Greece. There are no “meltemia”, the famous winds that blow in the Aegean Sea, during the summer months. The winds in Corfu are light and the climate is mild and sweet. Many tourists prefer this side of Greece, avoiding the strong winds of the Aegean.
During the winter months, southern winds, usually lasting for days, strike the island with an intensity that can reach up to 8 Beauforts. The strong winds rarely cut off access to the mainland, due to the small distance from the shores of Epirus. The island also experiences high humidity and heavy rain falls, during the witner months, which explain its rich vegetation.
TELEPHONE
The national prefix for Greece is +30 if you are calling from abroad.
The area codes for Corfu are 26610, 26620 and 26630 and the local phone numbers have 5 digits. If you wish to call abroad, you have to start by dialing the other country’s national prefix (i.e. for Germany is 0049, for England is 0044, etc.) and then continue with the desired area code and number.
CURRENCY
The currency of the island is Euro (€). Euro Coins: 1 and 2 euro coins (gold and silver color) 10, 20 and 50 cents (gold color) 1, 2 and 5 cents (copper color) 1 euro = 100 cents/centimes.
The banknotes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. Please bear in mind that it’s not always easy to get change from 100, 200 and 500 banknotes.
Getting There
Kerkyra is one of the most popular destinations in Greece. Every year the island welcomes an enormous number of tourists, who come from every part of the world, but mainly from Europe. This is why it’s very well connected with the mainland, as well as with numerous countries, by air and by sea.
Kerkyra is connected by boat from:
• Igoumenitsa (within an hour and a half – 14 nautical miles)
• Patra (within 7-8 hours)
• Kefalonia, the Diapontian Islands
• Paxoi Islands (within one hour – 27 nautical miles
• Bari, Venice, Ancona and Brindisi in Italy and Agioi Saranta in Albania (within 30 minutes)
During the summer months there are frequent commercial and charter flights that connect the island with almost every European capital.
BY BOAT
Blue Star Ferries – From Patra, Igoumenitsa, Corfu, Bari, Ancona and Venice. For accurate timetables and tickets visit the company’s website at www.bluestarferries.gr.
Superfast Ferries – From Patra, Igoumenitsa, Corfu, Bari and Ancona. For accurate timetables and tickets visit the company’s website at www.superfast.com
Minoan Lines – From Patra, Igoumenitsa, Corfu, Venice and Ancona. For accurate timetables and tickets visit the company’s website at www.minoan.gr
Anek Lines – From Patra, Igoumenitsa, Corfu, Ancona and Venice. For accurate timetables and tickets visit the company’s website at www.anek.gr
Ventouris Sea Lines – From Igoumenitsa to Corfu, Bari and Durres (Albania). For more information and contact details visit the company’s website at www.ventouris.gr
Endeavor Lines – From Patra, Igoumenitsa, Kefalonia, Corfu and Brindisi. For more information and reservations visit the company’s website at www.endeavor-lines.com
Petrakis Lines – From Corfu and Paxoi Islands. For more information call at +30 26610 31649 or 26610 38690
Corfu Flying Dolphins – From Corfu, Igoumenitsa and Paxoi Islands. For more information call at +30 26610 31649 or 26610 38690
BY AIR
Aegean Airlines – From Athens International Airport El. Venizelos to Corfu within approximately 45 minutes. For timetables, prices and reservations please visit the company’s website at www.aegeanair.com. Local telephone number (at Corfu Airport): +30 26610 27100
Olympic Airlines – From Athens International Airport El. Venizelos to Corfu within approximately 45 minutes. For timetables, prices and reservations please visit the company’s website at www.olympicair.com. Local telephone number: +30 26610 38694
BY CAR
If you are travelling by car, there are many alternatives to access Corfu.
If you are driving from Athens, you need to follow the Athens-Patra national highway towards Patra. Once you reach Patra (216 km) you have two choices; either go by boat or drive up to Igoumenitsa (another 349 km), passing the Rio-Antirio bridge. Once you reach Igoumenitsa, you can take the ferry to Corfu. The trip with the ferry lasts for about an hour and a half.
If you are travelling from Thessaloniki, you need to follow the Egnatia Odos towards Igoumenitsa (500 km) and then take the ferry to Corfu.
Local Transportation
BUSES
The island has a very good road infrastructure and an excellent public transportation system. There are two available local bus lines.
The first is the municipal line (blue buses) and runs between the capital city of Kerkyra and the suburbs of Afra, Agios Ioannis, Kanoni, Perama and Achillion.
The second is the KTEL line (green buses) and covers the entire island. With KTEL you can visit various towns and villages, like Lefkimi, Kavos, Karoussades, Agios Panteleimon, Agios Gordios, Glyfada and many more.
KTEL: +30 26610 30627 and 26610 39985
TAXI SERVICE
You can also get around the island by taxi. There are many taxi piazzas, in various central points of the island, like in San Rocco square and on Theotokis Street. You can also call for a radio-taxi (call at 26610 33811).
The fares are fixed between the capital city and the most popular destinations, but you can also check before you get onboard. In the main piazzas you will also find a board with indicative fares for each destination. Finally, you can also hail a taxi, if you don’t happen to be near a piazza. They will stop provided that they have no other passenger onboard.
HORSE CARRIAGES
Corfu is one of the few places in Greece where you will actually see horse carriages. This is probably the most romantic way to tour around the capital city. You can find them in Spianada –the main square- and at the old port. The tour can last up to 40 minutes and the driver will take you around the main sights of the city.
For any additional information you can call at +30 26610 24162.
RENT A CAR OR A MOTORBIKE
Kerkyra is a big island visited by thousands of tourists every year. It has many attractions, scattered around, ancient monuments, amazing beaches and an astonishing natural beauty all around. If you don’t travel there with you own car, you can rent one or a motorbike, from one of the numerous car rental agencies that can be found in all the major towns. Remember that during the months of May through September, Kerkyra is packed and you need to make a reservation well ahead. Finally, bear in mind that Easter is also a very busy period for the island, due to the religious and cultural festivities that take place.
The ground rules about renting a vehicle or a motorbike are as follows,
• You have to be 21 years old and you definitely need a valid driving license
• Insurance is optional. Make sure you check the condition of the car beforehand. If you sign for its mint condition, this is how you must return it, otherwise you will be charged with damages –unless you included full insurance in the original price.
• You need to return the car with as much gas as it had when it was delivered to youBe careful. No agency should withhold your driving license or ID card. These can only be photocopied, if necessary, and then delivered back to you. You should carry them at all times in case the police or any local authorities request them.
The road network of Corfu is pretty good; however, do not forget that it’s also an agricultural area. Tractors or other vehicles might appear out of nowhere and the same goes for animals and/or pedestrians. Do not violate the speed limits and do not park where not allowed. The municipal and the traffic police will most certainly write you a ticket. Bear in mind that parking is limited around the city and especially near the entrance of the old town –where absolutely no cars are allowed.
Same rules apply in case you are interested in renting a motorcycle or a scooter. Only in this case you need to be extra careful and always wear a helmet. Parking will certainly be easier!
The island has a very good road infrastructure and an excellent public transportation system. There are two available local bus lines.
The first is the municipal line (blue buses) and runs between the capital city of Kerkyra and the suburbs of Afra, Agios Ioannis, Kanoni, Perama and Achillion.
The second is the KTEL line (green buses) and covers the entire island. With KTEL you can visit various towns and villages, like Lefkimi, Kavos, Karoussades, Agios Panteleimon, Agios Gordios, Glyfada and many more.
KTEL: +30 26610 30627 and 26610 39985
TAXI SERVICE
You can also get around the island by taxi. There are many taxi piazzas, in various central points of the island, like in San Rocco square and on Theotokis Street. You can also call for a radio-taxi (call at 26610 33811).
The fares are fixed between the capital city and the most popular destinations, but you can also check before you get onboard. In the main piazzas you will also find a board with indicative fares for each destination. Finally, you can also hail a taxi, if you don’t happen to be near a piazza. They will stop provided that they have no other passenger onboard.
HORSE CARRIAGES
Corfu is one of the few places in Greece where you will actually see horse carriages. This is probably the most romantic way to tour around the capital city. You can find them in Spianada –the main square- and at the old port. The tour can last up to 40 minutes and the driver will take you around the main sights of the city.
For any additional information you can call at +30 26610 24162.
RENT A CAR OR A MOTORBIKE
Kerkyra is a big island visited by thousands of tourists every year. It has many attractions, scattered around, ancient monuments, amazing beaches and an astonishing natural beauty all around. If you don’t travel there with you own car, you can rent one or a motorbike, from one of the numerous car rental agencies that can be found in all the major towns. Remember that during the months of May through September, Kerkyra is packed and you need to make a reservation well ahead. Finally, bear in mind that Easter is also a very busy period for the island, due to the religious and cultural festivities that take place.
The ground rules about renting a vehicle or a motorbike are as follows,
• You have to be 21 years old and you definitely need a valid driving license
• Insurance is optional. Make sure you check the condition of the car beforehand. If you sign for its mint condition, this is how you must return it, otherwise you will be charged with damages –unless you included full insurance in the original price.
• You need to return the car with as much gas as it had when it was delivered to youBe careful. No agency should withhold your driving license or ID card. These can only be photocopied, if necessary, and then delivered back to you. You should carry them at all times in case the police or any local authorities request them.
The road network of Corfu is pretty good; however, do not forget that it’s also an agricultural area. Tractors or other vehicles might appear out of nowhere and the same goes for animals and/or pedestrians. Do not violate the speed limits and do not park where not allowed. The municipal and the traffic police will most certainly write you a ticket. Bear in mind that parking is limited around the city and especially near the entrance of the old town –where absolutely no cars are allowed.
Same rules apply in case you are interested in renting a motorcycle or a scooter. Only in this case you need to be extra careful and always wear a helmet. Parking will certainly be easier!
Local Services
BANKS & ATMs
You will find branches of all the major Greek banks on the island, like National Bank, Emporiki Bank, Piraeus Bank, Alpha Bank, Agricultural, Ioniki, Eurobank and many more. They are all open daily, from Monday to Thursday, from 8am to 2.30pm and on Friday from 8am to 2pm.
No bank is open during the country’s national and religious holidays. You will find ATMs all over the capital city of Corfu, as well as in every town and village, where you can get cash 24/7.
Remember that in order to get money you need to have a card linked to the PLUS, Cirrus or Maestro networks. Check with your local bank for details.
MONEY EXCHANGE
Banks exchange all major currencies and traveler’s cheques; the commission is always lower for cash. Post offices can also exchange cash, but not traveler’s cheques and usually charge lower commissions than banks.
Travel agencies and 5 star hotels exchange foreign currency and traveler’s cheques, but usually charge a higher commission. There are banknote exchange machines in most tourist areas.
There is also a dedicated exchange kiosk at the local airport, as well as at the Athens international airport El. Venizelos.
POST OFFICE
The Greek post is called ELTA. Post boxes in Greece are YELLOW and there are separate boxes for international and domestic mail. RED Post Boxes are rarer and they are used for URGENT mail. REGISTERED mail is handled by an employee at the Post Office and you shouldn’t forget to get a receipt.
POLICE STATION
Do not hesitate to call the Police in case of an accident or a criminal act. If you have a problem with your hotel you can contact the Tourism Police. There are several police stations around the island and you will see officers inspecting the streets at all hours.
Police telephone numbers
Corfu town: 26610 39509 (on Theotokis Square)
Palaiokastritsa: 26630 41203
Benitses: 26610 72222
Agios Matthaios: 26610 75113
Lefkimi: 26620 22222
Tourism Police telephone numbers
Corfu town: 26610 39503
Ipsos: 26610 93204
Traffic Police telephone numbers
Corfu town: 26610 39294
Karoussades: 26630 31233
MUNICIPALITY OF CORFU
Tel.: +30 26610 39424
You will find branches of all the major Greek banks on the island, like National Bank, Emporiki Bank, Piraeus Bank, Alpha Bank, Agricultural, Ioniki, Eurobank and many more. They are all open daily, from Monday to Thursday, from 8am to 2.30pm and on Friday from 8am to 2pm.
No bank is open during the country’s national and religious holidays. You will find ATMs all over the capital city of Corfu, as well as in every town and village, where you can get cash 24/7.
Remember that in order to get money you need to have a card linked to the PLUS, Cirrus or Maestro networks. Check with your local bank for details.
MONEY EXCHANGE
Banks exchange all major currencies and traveler’s cheques; the commission is always lower for cash. Post offices can also exchange cash, but not traveler’s cheques and usually charge lower commissions than banks.
Travel agencies and 5 star hotels exchange foreign currency and traveler’s cheques, but usually charge a higher commission. There are banknote exchange machines in most tourist areas.
There is also a dedicated exchange kiosk at the local airport, as well as at the Athens international airport El. Venizelos.
POST OFFICE
The Greek post is called ELTA. Post boxes in Greece are YELLOW and there are separate boxes for international and domestic mail. RED Post Boxes are rarer and they are used for URGENT mail. REGISTERED mail is handled by an employee at the Post Office and you shouldn’t forget to get a receipt.
POLICE STATION
Do not hesitate to call the Police in case of an accident or a criminal act. If you have a problem with your hotel you can contact the Tourism Police. There are several police stations around the island and you will see officers inspecting the streets at all hours.
Police telephone numbers
Corfu town: 26610 39509 (on Theotokis Square)
Palaiokastritsa: 26630 41203
Benitses: 26610 72222
Agios Matthaios: 26610 75113
Lefkimi: 26620 22222
Tourism Police telephone numbers
Corfu town: 26610 39503
Ipsos: 26610 93204
Traffic Police telephone numbers
Corfu town: 26610 39294
Karoussades: 26630 31233
MUNICIPALITY OF CORFU
Tel.: +30 26610 39424
Useful Numbers
• Post Office: 26610 25544
• Greek Tourism Organization (information): 26610 37520
• Airport: 26610 30180 and 38694
• UK Embassy: 26610 30055
• German Embassy: 26610 31450
• French Embassy: 26610 30067
• Italian Embassy: 26610 42433
• Belgian Embassy: 26610 33788
• Norwegian Embassy: 26610 39667
• Swedish Embassy: 26610 36421
• Port authority Corfu town: 26610 32655
• Port authority Palaiokastritsa: 26630 41297
• Coastguard: 26610 30481
INTERNATIONAL PRESS
You can find International Press (magazines and newspapers) almost anywhere around the island.
HEALTH
Corfu has a fully equipped hospital, located on 1 Andreadi Str. (+30 22610 88200). There are also several Medical Aid Stations around the island.
• Ipsos: 26610 93816
• Agios Matthaios: 26610 75110
• Lefkimi: 26620 22201
PHARMACIES
There are numerous pharmacies around the island, which are open Monday and Wednesday from 8.30am to 2.30pm and on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8.30am to 2.30pm and from 5.30pm- to 8.30pm. However, you will also find limited pharmacies which are open during the weekend and throughout the night. A list of those pharmacies can be found on any pharmacy’s window around the island.
• Greek Tourism Organization (information): 26610 37520
• Airport: 26610 30180 and 38694
• UK Embassy: 26610 30055
• German Embassy: 26610 31450
• French Embassy: 26610 30067
• Italian Embassy: 26610 42433
• Belgian Embassy: 26610 33788
• Norwegian Embassy: 26610 39667
• Swedish Embassy: 26610 36421
• Port authority Corfu town: 26610 32655
• Port authority Palaiokastritsa: 26630 41297
• Coastguard: 26610 30481
INTERNATIONAL PRESS
You can find International Press (magazines and newspapers) almost anywhere around the island.
HEALTH
Corfu has a fully equipped hospital, located on 1 Andreadi Str. (+30 22610 88200). There are also several Medical Aid Stations around the island.
• Ipsos: 26610 93816
• Agios Matthaios: 26610 75110
• Lefkimi: 26620 22201
PHARMACIES
There are numerous pharmacies around the island, which are open Monday and Wednesday from 8.30am to 2.30pm and on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8.30am to 2.30pm and from 5.30pm- to 8.30pm. However, you will also find limited pharmacies which are open during the weekend and throughout the night. A list of those pharmacies can be found on any pharmacy’s window around the island.
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