Most beautiful island in Europe? Welcome to Corfu
- fizza-j
- Jun 17
- 6 min read
I’ve been to Corfu five times in the last six years, and each visit has uncovered something new. This island has completely stolen my heart—and honestly, it’s about time I shared the love. From the landscape to the locals, the food to the feeling you get when the sun dips into the sea... there’s just something about Corfu that sticks with you.
To set the scene: if you’re someone who swoons over wild nature, dramatic landscapes, and a generous dose of charm, Corfu is your Greek island. It’s lush, it’s soulful, and the town itself is quaint and full of character. Oh, and the people? Incredibly kind and full of surprises.
Once, I lost my dad—literally lost him—and ran up and down a long stretch of road in full panic mode trying to find him. Hours passed. Finally, I saw him… clinging to the back of a moped driven by a large Greek man. Apparently, the guy had spotted my dad’s distressed face and offered him a ride to help look for me. I mean—who does that?!
Another time, I was chatting with a lovely woman at a bar. I mentioned wanting to try a certain wine she didn’t have. She must have taken a liking to me because the next thing I knew, she handed me a full bottle of it, for free. Just because. Can you believe that?!
So yeah… this island is special. And now, it’s time to pass on the tips, places, and magic I’ve gathered over the years.
Let’s explore Corfu—my favourite island in the world—and everything I’ve learned along the way. 🌿💙🍷
☀️ When to Go
Corfu has personality—as in, it can be wildly wet or scorching hot. Your best bet for warm, stable weather without the chaos is the second week of June. Expect blissful days at 28°C and balmy evenings around 22°C. (although this is changing with global warming - it was 36 degrees daily when we were last there at this time!) The island is quieter, easier to navigate by car or bus, and you’ll rarely need a dinner reservation.
✨ Where to Stay
Gouvia
This is the perfect base for your Corfu adventure. It's just a short hop from Ipsos—a lively, beachy strip packed with affordable water sports, bars, clubs, bakeries, cafés, and a few super cute clothes shops. Plus, it’s only a 25-minute bus ride (just €2.50!) into Corfu Town, and it's conveniently located near some of the island’s most beautiful beaches like Barbati and Paleokastritsa (though get there before 8 a.m.—they fill up fast!).
🍽️ Dinner Spots You’ll Dream About
O.Mylos by Isla Cuisine
This might just be the most breathtaking restaurant I’ve ever been to. If you're looking to impress, celebrate, or maybe even propose, this is the place. Perched above lush, green valleys with a panoramic view of the sea, the Church of the Hypapante at Gouvia, and sunset, it serves seafood caught that morning. There's a charming windmill, incredible service, and stunning modern interiors. Arrive around 7 p.m. for golden hour magic and maybe even the whole place to yourself. Taxi here (or walk in stilettos for 45 minutes home like I did, because the taxi was a 15-minute wait).
9 Muses (Gouvia)
Just a short walk if you're staying nearby. It's low-key, rarely crowded, with warm staff and solid food at great prices.
BRISK (Old Town)
Right in the heart of Corfu’s Old Town, but surprisingly affordable. And while you're there, pop into Locale Wine Bar. The owner, Ines—an amazing Armenian woman—will treat you like royalty. She only serves Greek wines and helps you find your perfect match. You’ll end up making friends, sharing stories, and maybe turning this cozy spot into your nightly ritual. Trust me, you won’t want to leave, and everyone there will end up feeling like family.
Aletri
OMG. Aletri is a religious experience. Think ultra-chic Ibiza beach bar meets contemporary Greek dining. The rust-red and sage-green branding (even on the salt shakers!) sets the tone: zen, elegant, unforgettable. This, accordingly to the lady across the road from where we were standing in Gouvia, used to be “The Three Monkeys,” a Mexican place, but they’ve reinvented themselves—and WOW. One chef, three sous chefs, and divine food. This makes my top three food spots of all time (alongside Purslane in Cheltenham and the tasting course at the Thai restaurant in the Anantara, Dubai. Box-E in Bristol comes fourth, for those keeping score. Oh, and the wine? €17 for a bottle rated 4.0 on Vivino. GO NOW, before prices go up and portions shrink. You’ve been warned.
Check out their Tripadvisor here.
Salto
More upscale, a little pricier, but worth it if you’re into artfully made Greek food with a view by the harbour. Soft lighting, wood décor, and a killer wine list make this a super romantic spot.
Salouteria
Slightly offside from central Old Town, this place has plenty of options for comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. The service is again great, and the food was, again, high-quality Greek food. Yet still, they were serving dishes we had never tried before. We had about 5 amazing dishes (although I probably wouldn't order the meatballs again), with 3 glasses of wine for under €100 for 3 people).
☕ For your Coffee Fix
I am into speciality coffee, so if you are a bit of a coffee snob like me, then check out any of the following - I highly recommend them all!
Coffee Roasters
U-Roast
Cofeco
All strong contenders for your daily caffeine ritual.
🏖️ Beaches You’ll Fall in Love With
Rovinia
Hands down my fave. A short woodland walk (10 mins) and €4 for parking gets you paradise: turquoise waters, cliff jumps, little caves, and loads of fish for snorkelling. Arrive by 9–10 a.m. for peace. Don’t forget goggles and water shoes—it's pebbly!
Porto Timoni
Okay, breathtaking views, but brace yourself—it’s a 25-minute steep hike on a rocky trail under the blazing sun. Worth it for the Instagram pics, but the beach itself is small, can get dirty, and gets crowded early. Be sure to pack water, good shoes, and sunscreen. Afterwards, reward yourself with brunch at LUUMA—perched above it all with groovy jazz, hanging flowers, cosy cushions, and strong coffee (be warned!). It’s aesthetic goals.
Agios Georgios
After that hike, why not lounge at a beautiful, calm sandy beach with clear waters? Fewer food options, so grab snacks from a local shop for better value.
Barbati
A peaceful pebbly beach with clear water. Don’t miss Coffee Lovers nearby—great spot for brunch or a chic coffee break.
Avlaki East beach
What a good all-rounder. Quiet, peaceful, clear waters and perfect little pebbles speckled around. On the smaller side but its far enough away that it tends to be quieter and less known.
🍔 Lunch Stops
Gio Souvlaki – the best souvlaki in town. Prices haven’t budged in 5 years.
Red Hot Chilli Burger – burgers with a kick and budget-friendly.
Favela 17 – trendy brunch spot with smoothies, shakes, and healthy food galore.
🛍️ Shopping Gems
Lynne – Gorgeous, high-quality women’s fashion at decent prices with pieces of clothing so unique, I spent 6 hours trying to find alternatives online and didn't find anything (near M&S in New Town).
Corfy Sandals – Beautiful, padded leather Greek sandals that are as comfy as they are stylish.
Fely – A tiny shop with designer-level dresses, belts, and sandals. I scored a €90 dress that rivals Zimmermann. Total steal.
Fun tip: A lot of my favourite finds were actually made in Italy, which might explain the stunning fabrics and unique cuts.
🍷 Wine Wisdom
Not gonna lie—Corfiot wine isn’t always that. BUT for the experience, head to Theotoky Estate (for a grand, classic vineyard) or Goulis (this smaller winery had the best wine on the island, especially the red, which had ageing potential!).
Bonus Tip:
If you’re craving a proper curry, go to Red Hot Chilli Burger in Gouvia. Quick service, great prices, and their peshwari naan is actual heaven. If you want something in Corfu Town, Tandoori Bites is decent but slightly more expensive.
So that is it! I hope that Corfu maintains its magic as the years pass, but at least I have documented it all now so the magic can be kept here.
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