Corfu is a green island in the Ionian Sea known for its history and Venetian buildings. It combines lively town life with quiet beaches and nature. The island has olive groves, sandy beaches, and cliffs for exploring.
Local dishes like Pastitsada and Sofrito stand out. Corfu Town offers Italian and Asian food too. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing. Late-night food is mostly tavernas and souvlaki spots.
Nightlife centers around Corfu Town and Kavos, with bars, pubs, and clubs. Kavos is more party-focused.
Strong coffee culture with many cafes serving espresso, frappé, and freddo. Specialty coffee shops are emerging.
Tipping is appreciated but not required. Restaurants: 5–10%, taxis: round up, services small cash tips.
SIM cards from Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind (Nova) are sold in town stores and kiosks. ID is required by law. eSIMs are sometimes available.
Main tourist areas are clean but some rural and side streets can have litter. Waste collection is regular but recycling varies.
Some pharmacies rotate for night duty. Minimarts in tourist spots stay open late. Few night clinics exist; hospital covers emergencies.
Supermarkets stock local and international goods. Main stores are AB Vassilopoulos, Sklavenitis, and Lidl. Fresh markets and mini-markets are common. Most shops close Sundays.
Cards work in most shops, restaurants, and hotels in tourist areas. Carry cash in villages and markets where cards may not be accepted.
ATMs are common in Corfu Town and near tourist spots. Banks include National Bank of Greece, Piraeus Bank, and Alpha Bank. Fees vary depending on your card and bank.
Local schools teach in Greek. Ionian University in Corfu Town offers a range of programs. Few international schools, so online or mainland options are usual for expats.
The nomad community is small with occasional meetups. Online groups like 'Digital Nomads Corfu' help connect people.
The Esplanade in town is a large park. Olive groves provide shaded trails outside urban areas. Parks are good for runs and walks.
Running routes include the coastal road near Garitsa Bay and park paths in Corfu Town. Mostly safe and scenic.
Gyms are available in town and many hotels have fitness facilities.
Tennis courts at Corfu Tennis Club and some hotels. Padel courts are rare. Coaching and equipment rental available.
Padel courts are uncommon but slowly emerging in the area.
Several studios in town offer drop-in classes with English-speaking instructors. Styles include Hatha and Vinyasa.
Local gyms offer boxing, kickboxing, and some karate or taekwondo. English instructors may be found in larger gyms.
No skiing here; it's a Mediterranean island.
Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing rentals and tours are widely available during warmer months.
Limited traditional surfing but windsurfing and kitesurfing spots exist, mainly for beginners to intermediates, especially at Halikounas Beach.
Diving sites are abundant with excellent visibility and rich marine life. Dive centers offer courses and rentals. Best from May to October.
Corfu General Hospital handles emergencies; private hospitals offer better services. Pharmacies are many and well marked. English is spoken in private clinics.
Tap water is safe in Corfu Town and tourist areas. Some prefer bottled water in rural spots or for taste reasons.
Corfu has playgrounds, family-friendly cafes, and beaches good for kids. Attractions like Aqualand water park and Corfu Aquarium are popular with families.
Generally accepting, especially in tourist areas. Inclusive venues common though dedicated spaces are limited.
Pet-friendly places are growing, especially outdoor dining and some hotels. Vet clinics and pet supplies are available in town.
Power is mostly reliable but short outages can happen, especially in busy season or bad weather.
Many beaches are 5–30 minutes from town. Sandy and pebble beaches with clear water. Popular spots include Glyfada and Paleokastritsa.
Mount Pantokrator is the island's highest peak with accessible roads and trails. Hiking options spread around Paleokastritsa and the Corfu Trail.
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