Car hire in Corfu: prices, documents, roads and tips
When to hire a car in Corfu, what it costs, what documents Israelis need, and what to know about roads, parking and insurance.
- A small car usually costs about €30–50 a day, according to atcorfu.com; more in August.
- Israelis need an Israeli licence plus an International Driving Permit.
- Roads are narrow and winding; choose a small car and allow extra time.
For a Corfu beach holiday, book a small car in advance, get your International Driving Permit before you fly, and ask the company beforehand whether the car may go on a ferry.
Do I need a hire car in Corfu?
In most cases, yes. Corfu is a big, green island, and the best beaches and villages are spread all over it. Buses exist but do not reach everywhere or run often. If you stay in Corfu Town and mainly explore the town you can manage without a car, but for a beach-and-scenery holiday a car saves a lot of time. General information in our complete Corfu guide.
Where to hire a car in Corfu
- At the airport (CFU): international brands such as Avis and Hertz and local firms operate at the airport, with pick-up right after landing.
- In Corfu Town and the resorts: many local agencies, sometimes cheaper. Some deliver the car to your hotel.
According to atcorfu.com, a small car usually costs about €30–50 a day, more in August. In peak season book ahead, as automatics and larger cars sell out quickly.
What documents do Israelis need?
- A valid Israeli driving licence.
- An International Driving Permit: Israel is not on Greece's exempt list, so you also need an IDP. Most companies ask for it at the desk. Details in Israeli driving licence in Greece.
- A credit card in the driver's name for the deposit.
- Passport.
What are the roads like in Corfu?
According to atcorfu.com, roads can be narrow and winding, especially in rural and mountain areas. Driving is on the right. A few tips:
- Small car: easier to park and to pass through village lanes.
- Driving time: allow more time than the map suggests. A 30 km drive can take over an hour.
- Parking in Corfu Town: difficult, especially in summer. Use designated car parks outside the old town and walk in.
- Navigation: use GPS or an app, and download an offline map in case there is no signal in the hills.
Recommended drives
- Town to Paleokastritsa: the famous north-west coves, with a stop at the viewpoint above the bay. Arrive early, as beach parking fills up.
- The north-east coast: a seaside drive past small fishing villages and coves. The road is narrow in many places.
- The west: Pelekas, Glyfada and Agios Gordios, with sunset from the "Kaiser's Throne" viewpoint at Pelekas.
- The south: longer, quieter beaches such as Issos, a longer drive from town.
On any route, set off in the morning, take water, and get back before dark on mountain roads.
Insurance: what to check
- Excess: check the excess and the cost of full cover.
- Tyres, glass and underside: sometimes not included in basic cover, which matters on dirt roads to beaches.
- Photos: photograph the car from every side before leaving the car park.
More general tips in our car hire in Greece guide.
Can I take a hire car on a ferry?
Sometimes. Most companies do not allow the car on a ferry, for example to the mainland via Igoumenitsa or to Albania, without prior approval and an extra fee. If you plan to leave the island, ask before booking. For the ferry itself see ferry from Igoumenitsa to Corfu.
Without a car?
- Green buses: routes between town and villages and beaches such as Paleokastritsa, Sidari, Kavos and Glyfada. According to atcorfu.com, fares are €2–10.
- Blue buses: in Corfu Town and nearby, such as Kanoni, Perama and the Achilleion, about €1–2.
- Taxis: at ranks in town, the airport and main sights. If there is no meter, agree the fare before you set off.
FAQ
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Corfu? Yes. Israelis need an Israeli licence and an IDP, and most rental companies ask for both.
How much does car hire cost in Corfu? According to atcorfu.com, a small car costs about €30–50 a day. August is more expensive, so book early.
Should I hire at the airport or in town? The airport is the most convenient. Town and resort agencies are sometimes cheaper, and some deliver to your hotel.
