Is Corfu safe for Israelis? Wildfires, roads and tips
Corfu is quiet for most visitors. What you do need to know: summer wildfires, winding roads, open-sea beaches and pickpockets in the Old Town.
- Most Corfu visits pass quietly; check the travel warning level before you fly.
- There is a summer wildfire risk, and forests close on dangerous days. Follow 112 alerts.
- Rented scooters and ATVs are a common cause of accidents; a car is safer.
There is no reason to skip Corfu. Watch for 112 alerts in summer, don't rent a scooter without experience, and mind your belongings in the Old Town. Save the emergency numbers on your phone.
Is Corfu safe for Israelis?
In short: yes. Corfu is a very touristy island and most visits pass quietly. The main risks are the same as on any Greek island in summer: wildfires, road accidents, rough sea on some days and pickpockets in crowded places. The general security picture for Israelis in Greece, including the travel warning level, is in our guide is Greece safe for Israelis. Before you fly, check the current level on Israel's National Security Council website.
Wildfires in Corfu: what to know
Greece's wildfire season runs roughly from May to October, peaking in July and August. On Corfu itself, a large fire broke out in the north near Kassiopi in July 2023, and resorts were evacuated.
On high-risk days the authorities close forests and nature reserves. For example, on 20 July 2026 access to forests and Natura areas was banned in several parts of Corfu and Paxos, with a €300 fine for anyone breaking the ban.
What to do:
- Check the civil protection fire-risk map before a forest walk.
- If a 112 alert reaches your phone, follow the instructions at once, including evacuation.
- See a fire? Call 199 or 112 and give an exact location.
- Don't leave rubbish or light fires in the open.
Roads, scooters and ATVs
Corfu's roads are narrow and winding, especially in the north-west around Paleokastritsa. Accidents on rented scooters and ATVs are common among tourists. If you lack experience, rent a car instead. See car rental in Corfu.
Sea, heat and sun
- On the east coast the sea is usually calmer. Open beaches can have strong waves on windy days.
- Red flags: don't go in when a red flag is up.
- Heat: 28–35°C is normal in summer, sometimes more. Drink plenty and keep children out of the midday sun. More in Corfu with kids.
Pickpockets and taxis
- Pickpockets: in the Old Town and around Spianada Square, mainly in July and August. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket.
- Taxis: some drivers in Corfu Town don't use the meter. Agree the fare first or ask for the meter.
Protests and nightlife areas
Protests in Greece are mostly in Athens and Thessaloniki, not Corfu. Kavos, in the south of the island, is Corfu's party area and does not suit those looking for quiet.
Jewish community and kosher food
Corfu's Old Town has a small Jewish community and a historic synagogue, the Scuola Greca. There is no Chabad house or kosher restaurant on the island. See kosher food and Shabbat in Corfu.
Emergency numbers in Greece
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| General emergency | 112 |
| Police | 100 |
| Fire brigade | 199 |
| Ambulance | 166 |
| Tourist police | 1571 |
FAQ
Is Corfu safe for Israelis? Yes, in most cases. The main risks are summer wildfires, road accidents and pickpockets, not violence against tourists. Check the current travel warning level before you fly.
Are there wildfires in Corfu? As across Greece, there is a fire risk in summer. Resorts in the north were evacuated in July 2023. On dangerous days forests are closed and alerts are sent to phones through 112.
Are there earthquakes in Corfu? All of Greece is seismically active. If an alert reaches your phone, follow the authorities' instructions.
What is the emergency number in Corfu? 112 for any emergency, 199 for fires and 1571 for the tourist police.
