Corfu facts
The mythical island of the Phaecians, were Odysseus landed on his return from Troy. In antiquity Corfu was a Corinthian colony and trying to stay independent the island formed an allience with Athens. This was the main cause for the Peloponesian War as Corfu was not only used as a naval station by all its conquerors but it is also in the midst of a well used mercentile sea route. Throughout its history the island has been occupied by many, the Venetians having stayed the longest (from 1401 to 1797) however, it was the only part of Greece that was never under Ottoman rule. The island was well fortified by the Venetians and this can be seen in the capital, also called Corfu, which is the only city in Greece that is surrounded and enclosed by two castles. From Corfu town you can visit the islands of Pontikonisi and Vidos. Just outside the capital is Kanoni and south of the city of Corfu near Gastouri, is Mon Repo, an estate with archeological remains and the birthplace of Englands, Prince Philip and the Achilion, a summer palace built in 1890 by the Empress of Austria, Sissy, which is now a museum. Some of the highlights of Corfu were you will find castles, lush green scenery and intriguing beaches are, Dasia, Thinalio, Acharavi, Roda, Sidari, Kassiopi, Benitses, Messongi, Moraitika, Paleokastritsa, Krini, Ermones, Pelekas, Myrtiotissa, Pyrgi, Agios Gordios, Gouvia and Kondokali.
Interesting information about Corfu can be found through the Greek Travel Pages (GTP), the municipality of Corfu and Wikipedia.Ports of Corfu
There are two ports in Corfu:
- Corfu, which is situated on the eastern side of the island.
- Lefkimi, which is situated on the southern side of the island.
Approximately 50 meters from the port, on Avramiou street is the long distance bus terminal and a bit further down the same street is the local bus terminal.
Useful info: Corfu port authority tel.: +30 26613 65200, Greek Tourist police: +30 26610 29168Travel times
Ferry from Epirus (Igoumenitsa port) to Corfu
- Conventional ferries: approximately 1.5 hoursCorfu ferries schedule announcement
There are four, so called, "ferry schedule seasons":
- Winter ferry season 1st of November until 31 st of March.
- Spring ferry season 1st April - beginning of June.
- Summer ferry season beginning of June - mid September.
- Autumn ferry season rest of September - 31st of October.
Ferry connections and schedules for domestic routes, like to Corfu, are usually announced by most shipping companies, a couple of weeks before the beginning of each season.
Achaia to Corfu ferry schedule frequency during summer
From Igoumenitsa:
- Approx. every one hour 1 conventional ferry
Information concerning ports serving routes to Corfu can be found further down.
Ferry types operating routes to Corfu
Conventional car ferries
These vessels can be divided into two categories: the old ones and the modern ones.
The main differences between them are
- their cruising speed
- the quality of accommodation and services provided and
- the prices
They are usually very big vessels, which also carry vehicles. Their advantages compared to the High Speed vessels, like the catamarans, are that they are more seaworthy, offer more "relaxed" accommodation and cabins and the passengers have the possibility to sit outside and enjoy their cruise around the Greek islands.
Catamarans & Hydrofoils
These vessels are smaller and much faster than conventional ones. Only a few of them can carry vehicles. Their main advantage is that they go twice as fast.
Passengers are usually not allowed to sit outside even though there is some space on some of them. The accommodation inside is a little like a very wide airplane. The better the class, the wider the seat. There are no cabins.
Smoking is not allowed in any inside area of any ship.
Ferry connections to & from Corfu
- Achaia - Patra
- Epirus - Igoumenitsa
- Ionian Islands - Othoni, Paxi
Note: Not all above connections operate throughout the year.
Ferry to Corfu prices
Prices quoted below concern 2017, for the most popular routes, in economy class and are indicative. Same prices apply v.v. These prices are subject to change without prior notice.
| Epirus – Corfu ferries | Ferry types | |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional ferry | Hydrofoil/Catamaran* | |
| Igoumenitsa – Corfu ferry | approx. 10€/adult | -- |
*Note: Hydrofoils/Catamarans usually operate between May and October.
