There has been a long-standing misconception that the island of Corfu is only popular as a summer vacation destination.
It is true that the lion’s share of tourists come to the island to spend their vacation time in the summer.
However, it is still incorrect to assume that Corfu can only be visited from May to October every year.
The fact that many businesses are closed during the off-season is not a source of contention.
These businesses are made to cater to the needs of summer visitors rather than being year-round enterprises.
And who can blame them?
No one would knowingly choose a seaside destination with rain and cold weather for a winter vacation.
Corfu is open and welcoming all year long
Winter and Early Spring
If now you wonder what you could do during the months of November, December, January, February, and March, well there are tons of options for every taste and habit.
First and foremost, you can spend your days in the city exploring all of the attractions and taking advantage of the warm local hospitality.
Corfu Town is just as bustling as any other town or city would be, even on a rainy day. Life continues.
All of the stores, eateries, and cafes are open and running smoothly. The rain has never startled or bothered the Corfiots in the least.
It is a characteristic of the typical winter.
What to Do and See
On a rainy day, you can still walk around town, and visit the museums.
Possibly visit Mon Repos, visit some of the churches, and go for a coffee.
And enjoy a delicious meal at a restaurant of your choice.
Both fortresses should be visited on days when there is no rain.
The locals refer to them as the Old and the New.
Be prepared to do some heavy walking and climbing, so dress appropriately.
You might also want to visit Kanoni.
You can venture down to the monastery of Vlacherena from here.
And if you don’t feel like taking the small boat that takes you there, why not take some photos of Mouse Island from afar…
But when there isn’t any rain, the options are virtually unlimited.
You can hire a car and tour the island in search of its secret attractions.
Northern villages like Sokraki or Episkepsi are hardly ever mentioned but are both equally unique and beautiful.
And once there, do not skip driving all the way up to Mount Pantokrator.
Or you could head to the waterfall in the village of Nymfes. Combining the experience of breathtaking nature with a visit to the village itself.
Of course, there is also the south of Corfu. Beautiful scenery and picturesque villages abound.
Any path you choose through the inner part of the island will surprise you in a good way. Trust us.
However, we believe it is important to note that roads are not highways.
No matter where you go, be ready for curvy, winding, small roadways.
How to get to Corfu in the Winter
It should be noted that there are no charter flights to Corfu, starting in November and continuing until at least the first half of April.
Needless to say, this does not imply that there is no means to travel to Corfu.
With three or four flights every day, Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport is well connected to Athens.
The solution is as simple as making a brief stop at the Athens International Airport.
There are alternative means to get to Corfu, though.
One of which is driving.
Ferries frequently travel between Corfu and the port of Igoumenitsa, mainland Greece, making it simple to reach the island by ferry.
Next are the bus services, which depart from both Thessaloniki and Athens at least twice daily.
The Common Misconception that Corfu is Only a Summer Vacation Destination – Full Episode
Places to Stay
If you’re curious to know where you might stay for a week or longer, we can happily assure you that finding a hotel, villa, or self-catering accommodation that matches your requirements and hopes is never going to be an issue.
In Corfu Town, all hotels are open every day of the year. Always have been and always will be.
From small family-run properties to boutique and luxury hotels, all there and available for you.
That said, we should not ignore the fact that in recent years, there are hotels such as the Angsana Corfu, of Banyan Tree Hotels, which remain open all year long.
Not in town but within easy reach.
And a perfect choice for everyone who is after a spa and well-being break.
As an alternative, you may book an apartment anywhere on the island. Because lots of property owners keep their vacation rentals open all year.
Finally, a villa is always an option if you’re looking for something genuinely unique with lots of seclusion and five-star hotel comforts.
Restaurants and Cafes
As every frequent visitor with special ties to Corfu, we do have our own favourite places that we believe are worthy of everyone’s attention.
In Corfu Town
If you want to sample authentic local cuisine, the time-honoured Aegli is the place to go. Aegli is open every day of the year in a very prestigious location in the Liston area.
You will never regret tasting the deliciousness of the well-known Corfiot dishes of Sofrito and Pastitsada here.
For enthusiasts of Italian Cuisine, here is La Tavola Calda. Nino, the owner and the chef is a culinary magician.
All of the ingredients are fresh and either grown on the island or imported from small artisans in the south of Italy.
Nino is, of course, Italian, and his restaurant is a tribute to southern Italian cuisine.
La Tavola Calda is only open on certain nights and days of the week, so it is best to call ahead and make a reservation.
You must visit Stazei Meli to sample the greatest Loukoumades ever.
It is just further up from La Tavola Calda and more specifically at the town hall square in old Corfu Town.
If you don’t know what Loukoumades then have a look here.
The fact that our recipe is for the classic ones can turn you off. We hope you’ll go nonetheless.
Moving on, and going towards the new port, where across the main gates of the port and in the neighbourhood of Mandouki, is another of our favourite eateries.
Nothing fancy or pretentious here. Only simple but delicious tastes. This time we are all about Bekios.
The place where you can enjoy all types of freshly grilled meat at its best, salads, tzatziki, taramosalata, french fries as well as drinks.
In the South
For the best fish and seafood ever, Limnopoula at Petriti has long been one of our favourite taverns.
Because they can be closed on some days of the week throughout the winter, please contact them before heading out on the road.
In the North
At Palia Perithia, Ognistra and Evdokia have consistently ranked at the top of our lists.
An excellent option for Sunday lunch is Golden Fox, which is located close to the well-known Bella Vista spot after Lakones.
Cruising to Corfu: A Brief Visit to a Magical Island Full of Rich History and Vibrant Culture