Corfu on the map: where it is, its regions and where to stay
Corfu lies in north-western Greece, opposite the coasts of Epirus and Albania. A short guide to its regions and who each suits.
- Corfu is the second-largest Ionian island, about 588 km².
- The north is mountainous and green, the south flatter, and the town and airport sit mid-way down the east coast.
- The east coast has calmer sea; the west has the dramatic bays and sunsets.
If you are planning a Corfu holiday, the area you choose decides how much you drive, what sea you get and the atmosphere. Decide before booking a hotel.
Where is Corfu?
Corfu is the northernmost of the Ionian Islands, off north-western mainland Greece (Epirus) and southern Albania. Ferries run from Igoumenitsa, see the Igoumenitsa–Corfu ferry. The airport is right next to Corfu Town on the east coast.
How big is Corfu?
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Area | about 588 km², second in the Ionian after Kefalonia |
| Coastline | about 217 km |
| Highest peak | Mount Pantokrator, 911 m |
| Landscape | mountainous north, central valleys, flat fertile south |
*Source: Greeka.*
The regions
Corfu Town and the central east coast: the UNESCO-listed old town and the easiest base, with Gouvia, Kontokali and Dassia nearby. North and north-east: Kassiopi and Agios Stefanos opposite Albania, with calm coves; Roda, Acharavi and Sidari suit families. West coast: Paleokastritsa, Pelekas, Glyfada and Agios Gordios, with dramatic bays and sunsets but narrow roads. South: Moraitika and Messonghi, long south-west beaches, and Kavos, the party resort.
More in our complete Corfu guide, Corfu's best beaches, Corfu with kids and car rental in Corfu.
FAQ
Where is Corfu? In north-western Greece, in the Ionian Sea, opposite Epirus and southern Albania.
How long does it take to drive across Corfu? North to the southern tip is well over an hour, on narrow winding roads.
Where should first-timers stay? Corfu Town or the nearby east coast, the easiest base for exploring.
Where is the sea calmest? Usually on the east and north-east coasts. The west gets more waves on windy days.
