How to Visit Corfu on a Budget
Corfu is a beautiful Greek island packed with beaches, nightlife and history. But if you want to get the most out of your visit without spending a fortune, you need to know where to look.
Staying in Corfu Town is a great place to start. It’s central to the island and cheap to travel by bus to most resort areas.
1. Stay in Corfu Town
If you’re looking for a vacation on a budget, Corfu is a great choice. The island is famous for its white sand beaches, dramatic coastline, and warm weather. You can stay in a variety of hotels and resorts to suit your needs and budget.
When it comes to staying in Corfu Town, you’ll want to opt for a hotel or resort with a pool and a good location. These hotels are often less expensive than other options and can offer a more luxurious experience. For example, you can book St. George’s Bay Country Club or Aeolos Beach Resort from 150 euros per night.
You can also find some good deals at family-run hotels. At the Wave, a welcoming resort in Sidari on a spectacular stretch of northern coast, one-bedroom apartments with kitchens and private bathrooms start at a rock-bottom PS38 in low season (PS74 in high).
Other good options include Liapades and Paleokastritsa. The latter is one of the island’s largest and most popular resorts, with a range of B&Bs and apartments available.
If you’re planning on renting a car, you’ll find a glut of options at reasonable prices – try TravelSupermarket to cherry-pick the best deals. Alternatively, ask at a few car hire places to compare quotes on arrival.
Corfu’s restaurants are known for their traditional Greek cuisine, which uses fresh seasonal produce and olive oil. You can sample souvlaki and gyros, as well as tzatziki and other yogurts, at affordable prices.
The island’s traditional foods are rich and healthy, using lots of meat, fish, and cheeses. Filo pastries are also an integral part of the local diet.
For some of the best food in Corfu, head to the Old Town’s Spianada Square, where you can find an array of restaurants that serve traditional dishes. The 16th-century church of Saint Spyridon, which sits in the middle of the square, is full of frescoes and elaborate artwork.
Another must-visit is the Monastery of Panagia Platytera. Its 16th-century bell tower is the highest in the Ionian Islands.
The monastery is located on a cliff, which overlooks the sea and is a popular tourist attraction. It has a library, art gallery, and museum. It’s a must-visit when visiting Corfu.
2. Rent a Vespa
If you want to get around Corfu on a budget and don’t mind getting a little dirty, renting a Vespa is an excellent way to experience this stunning island. There are plenty of local scooter rental companies, and it’s a good idea to compare prices before making your decision.
The cost of Vespa rentals in Corfu ranges from EUR45 to EUR70 for a one-day hire, with lower rates for longer stays. The type of scooter you rent also has a bearing on the price, with 50CC - 150CC scooters cheapest to rent and Vespas costing more.
For the best prices, book your rental in advance. If you arrive in high season, you’ll be charged a higher rate than during other times of the year, so be sure to budget for your trip.
A scooter is a great way to get around Corfu because it’s much easier than driving a car. But you’ll need a valid driver’s license to rent one, and it’s recommended that you check the Greek government’s advice before travelling here.
There are several different types of Vespa rental to choose from, including electric and low-power scooters. Electric scooters are the cheapest to hire, with a price starting at around EUR30 per day in high season. Vespa rentals cost more, but they’re a lot more fun to ride.
Another option is to take a Vespa tour with a guide. These tours are an ideal way to explore the coast and villages of Paleokastritsa without having to plan your itinerary yourself. They’ll provide a guide who’ll make sure you don’t get lost and let you pick from Vespas or Piaggo MP3 trikes to ride.
The best part about taking a Vespa tour is that you’ll save money on sightseeing. Plus, you’ll be able to see more of the island as it’s much easier to navigate on a Vespa than a car.
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting day out, try this half-day ATV tour in Corfu. It’s a great way to discover the olive-covered hills and historic villages of this beautiful island.
3. Take a Walking Tour
Taking a walking tour is an excellent way to see the highlights of Corfu Town and discover its hidden gems. These tours are led by local guides and allow you to explore the city on foot while learning about the history and culture of the destination.
A tour can be a great way to save money on your trip. However, you should always check the tour price carefully to ensure it is within your budget.
Before you sign up for a tour, make sure you know the cost of the tour and the amount of time it will take to complete it. This will help you decide whether or not it is the right option for your business.
When creating your itinerary, try to keep the tour to around 4 hours so that you can get a good overview of the city. This will also give you enough time to explore all of the attractions that are part of your tour.
To reduce the cost of your tour, consider incorporating discounts and deals into your itinerary. This is a great way to save money while still having a fun and rewarding experience.
Another option is to use a voucher from your hotel to get discounted entry to the sights that are part of your tour. These discounts can be especially useful when it comes to visiting the many historical landmarks on the island, such as Corfu Old Town and Spianada Square.
It is also a good idea to check with your hotel to see if they offer free airport transfers or car hire as this can be an ideal way to avoid the hassle of organising transport yourself.
Alternatively, you can hire a taxi for short trips from the airport and around the city centre to reduce your travel expenses. You should pay around 10 euros for a cab ride into the city centre from the airport.
One of the best ways to visit Corfu on a budget is to take a walking tour. These tours are a great way to meet other travelers and cover the city in a short period of time while learning about the history and culture of the area.
4. Hire a Boat
There are many different ways to visit Corfu on a budget, but hiring a boat is one of the best ways to see the beautiful beaches and hidden coves. Having a private boat will ensure you can enjoy the beautiful scenery without having to deal with crowds of tourists or large groups of people on tour buses.
The islands in the Ionian Sea are surrounded by crystal clear waters and offer stunning views, beautiful beaches, and excellent snorkeling. There are plenty of boat trips available, from small tours with catamarans to large luxury yachts.
A motorboat is a great way to explore the island, as they are easy to use and can be rented for a day or more. Some of the most popular locations to visit with a boat rental include Barbati Beach and Canal D’ Amour.
Another great place to visit on a boat trip is Pontikonisi, which is a small islet near Corfu and has a reputation as one of the most beautiful spots in Greece. The area is surrounded by lush vegetation, crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches.
You can hire a boat from several locations around Corfu, including the Port of Kommeni and Kassiopi. The cost of a boat will depend on the size and type of vessel you hire.
For example, a motorboat will cost around €300 per day and a luxury yacht will cost up to €3,000. The cost will also depend on the size of your party and whether or not you need a skipper for the trip.
Depending on the location and the type of trip you choose, boat tours can last anywhere from 6 hours to 10 hours. During the trip, you’ll be able to explore the coast and enjoy a variety of different activities, such as swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing.
The Ionian Sea is also home to a number of beautiful shipwrecks and coral reefs, making it an excellent choice for diving lovers. There are also some amazing hiking trails on the island which will take you to Venetian castles, mountain villages and hidden beaches.