Corfu is a truly enchanting place to visit at any time of year, but it really comes into its own in the winter months. First, you’ll be able to enjoy some glorious winter sunshine and second, you’ll escape the crowds, the heat, and the added expense that comes with visiting during the summer holidays.
As Corfu will see fewer tourists at the beginning of the year (or the end of this one if you’re quick), you’ll have a more authentic experience and see how the residents of Corfu really live. Here we’ll run down what the island has to offer in the off-season.
However, please note that because there are fewer tourists, some facilities, including public transport, will close or operate a reduced service during this time. It’s not a big issue and you can easily get around it by looking into car hire at Corfu airport.
Important: Don’t forget to take high-factor sun cream, light loose clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, and a bottle of water with you, wherever you go and no matter what time of year.
It also makes for a more relaxing day, where you can order a drink at a local café and sit for an hour or two, just watching the world go by or imagining how the area would have looked a few decades or a few centuries ago.
During the winter, there are fewer people visiting Corfu’s most popular tourist attractions, like the Achilleion or St Spyridon Church, which means that you can learn all about the history of this great island in relative peace and quiet. This way, you’ll absorb more information, which you can pass on to your friends when you show them your photos.
The best part is that with only a few other visitors, you can make the most of the drive up, where you’ll encounter drop-offs and hairpin turns. Don’t worry, you can go as slow or as fast as you like with hardly any cars on the road. (Watch the speed limit!)
This is why you should visit Corfu in the winter and enjoy a cheap break in the sun. Not only will you get to experience more and have more fun because of the lower crowds, but you’ll also have the chance to experience a different Corfu, the one the locals know and love.
As Corfu will see fewer tourists at the beginning of the year (or the end of this one if you’re quick), you’ll have a more authentic experience and see how the residents of Corfu really live. Here we’ll run down what the island has to offer in the off-season.
However, please note that because there are fewer tourists, some facilities, including public transport, will close or operate a reduced service during this time. It’s not a big issue and you can easily get around it by looking into car hire at Corfu airport.
Stunning weather
If you’re a sun-seeker who doesn’t want to give up your tanning time, don’t worry. Corfu still has an average temperature of 15 degrees Celcius, even in January and while there’s a chance of rain, you’ll dry off quickly. Just pack a poncho in your bag.Important: Don’t forget to take high-factor sun cream, light loose clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, and a bottle of water with you, wherever you go and no matter what time of year.
Low waits for boat hire
One of the coolest ways to spend an afternoon in Corfu is to hire a boat and explore the secret coves along the coastline. In the summer, there can be long lines to hire boats, but right now, you can basically just walk onto the boats without a wait.Sun loungers on the beach
In the height of summer, you can find it hard to get a sun lounger on the beach. If you’re looking for two or more together, you might be out of luck. However, at this time of year, there are plenty of sun loungers to go around. Plus, you’ll have a better time on the beach because the sun isn’t so intense, so you can stay out for longer.Take (almost) empty shots of Corfu Town
This UNESCO town is thriving with visitors during July, but visitors in January can take unlimited pictures of the Venetian style architecture without having to edit out a tour group or duck to avoid someone’s selfie stick.It also makes for a more relaxing day, where you can order a drink at a local café and sit for an hour or two, just watching the world go by or imagining how the area would have looked a few decades or a few centuries ago.
Few crowds at key tourist attractions
No one likes waiting in line to get into a museum or a historic building, especially if once inside, you’re battling past people to read the plaques or take a photo of the statues or paintings. (Remember, no flash!)During the winter, there are fewer people visiting Corfu’s most popular tourist attractions, like the Achilleion or St Spyridon Church, which means that you can learn all about the history of this great island in relative peace and quiet. This way, you’ll absorb more information, which you can pass on to your friends when you show them your photos.
Take a thrilling drive up to Mount Pantokrator
This is Corfu’s highest point, with an unrivalled view of the island. On a clear day, you can see the Greek mainland, Albania, Puglia (at the bottom of Italy), and the Ionian islands.The best part is that with only a few other visitors, you can make the most of the drive up, where you’ll encounter drop-offs and hairpin turns. Don’t worry, you can go as slow or as fast as you like with hardly any cars on the road. (Watch the speed limit!)
This is why you should visit Corfu in the winter and enjoy a cheap break in the sun. Not only will you get to experience more and have more fun because of the lower crowds, but you’ll also have the chance to experience a different Corfu, the one the locals know and love.
