Car Rental in Corfu

Why rent a car in Corfu?

Corfu is a fun place to visit, and you’ll especially enjoy your stay if you get your own ride. Having a rental car will let you to not only explore the hidden spots of the charming Corfu City (known as Kerkyra in Modern Greek), but also to travel to other spots on the island like nature reserves, old monasteries.

Top ways to enter Corfu

• Corfu Airport: Named after Ioannis Kapodistrias, a famous Greek diplomat who hailed from the island, Corfu Airport is located just south of the Corfu City center. It is the only international airport on the island.
• Ioannina Airport: Located in the nearby Epirus Region, Ioannina Airport is one of the closest airports to Corfu, although it is located on the Greek mainland, so you’ll have to take a ferry (or another flight) to get to Corfu.
• Preveza Airport: Another nearby airport on the mainland, Preveza-Aktion is especially active during the summer months when it hosts flights to and from many different European countries, including United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Denmark, and others.
• Patras Airport: Serving the Peloponnese city of Patras, this airport hosts flights by more than 10 different airlines. There is a frequent ferry service from Patras to Corfu, especially during the summer months.
• By sea: If you’re arriving Corfu by ferry, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at Corfu Port or Corfu Cruise Terminal.  Ferries frequently run between Corfu and Igoumenitsa port on mainland Greece. In the summer season, it is also possible to take organized excursions from the seaside town of Parga. 

City facts

• Corfu enjoys a hot Mediterranean climate. The temperature rises over 30 °C  (85 °F) during summers, so getting properly hydrated at all times is important. Even winters are mild, with average temperature 10 °C  (50 °F) in January. There are a lot of rainy days from October all the way to April. Summers, on the other hand, are very dry.
• The famous British naturalist Gerald Durrell spent a large part of his childhood living on the island. He has credited his early interactions with local Corfu animals, birds, and fish for creating his interest in wildlife conservation.
• Someone who hails from Corfu is called a Corfiote in English.
• Corfu has a cuisine all of its own. There are several dishes that you can enjoy here that you cannot find in other parts of Greece. A popular local favorite is Corfiot sofrito. You will find this on the menu of virtually every restaurant and taverna across the island. Tender shoulder of veal is marinated overnight and cooked in a sauce made from wine, garlic and spices. 
• The Corfu Trail, established in 2001, is a hiking trail that enables people to walk from one end of the island to the other, resting at quaint towns and villages as they go. You can think of this as Greece’s version of Spain’s popular Camino de Santiago!  
• Corfu Town's old town is UNESCO-protected. It was inscribed in 2007 and is one of 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Greece.

Top sights and activities

• Archaeological Museum. Like many places in Greece, Corfu has a long and impressive history that dates back to ancient times. Corfu City Archaeological Museum is the best place to learn about it. Here you’ll find the breathtaking Gorgon pediment from the nearby Temple of Artemis, as well as works of Greek artists created more than 2500 years ago.
• Benitses. Perhaps the best known and certainly the most picturesque of Corfu fishing villages, Benitses is now a fun and busy place where you’ll find everything from serene Ionian beaches to local restaurants and spas. Once properly relaxed, drive your rental car to check out nearby Achilleion Palace.
• Old Fortress. Unlike many other parts of Greece, Corfu was part of the Venetian Empire for a few centuries. This heritage can be observed in many things, not least the island’s unique cuisine, but when it comes to architecture, its best example is the old fort that helped the island survive numerous Ottoman sieges. More recently, it featured in the James Bond classic For Your Eyes Only.
• Kanoni. A gorgeous coastal region on the outskirts of Corfu's old town, here you can find several centuries-old monasteries here, as well as spectacular beaches with glittering turquoise waters. However, what makes Kanoni unique is its proximity to Corfu’s “Ioannis Kapodistrias” international airport. Here, you can literally swim beneath the planes as they are coming in to land, or stand on the walkway beneath them and capture some incredible photos. You could consider this as the European version of the dramatic plane landings at St. Maartens.  
• Pontikonisi Island (mouse island). A little uninhabited islet off the coast of Corfu, it is named as such because from above, its aerial view is in the shape of a mouse! For €2-3, you can sail across with a local fisherman and enjoy its nature and woodland churches.

Traffic and parking

• There are no highways in Corfu (nor on any other Greek islands).
• Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 90 km/h (55.9 mph) on roads outside populated areas, and 50 km/h (31 mph) in populated and built-up areas.
• While the larger Corfu roads are in good shape, the smaller roads might have poor surfacing and potholes. Be careful when driving on them, especially after dark.
• Many gas stations might be closed during the weekends and public holidays. 
• It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers. Exceeding these limits can lead to high fines and a licence ban. Exceeding the limit of 0.08% is a criminal offence and can lead to up to two years of imprisonment.
• The insurance and car documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The general emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112. The police number is 100, the ambulance number is 166, and the fire brigade number is 199.
• In Corfu (and Greece in general), you drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. This is the same as in most of Europe and in the US. 
• Make sure that you are always wearing your seatbelt — no matter whether you are a passenger or the driver. Fines for not wearing a seatbelt can be high.

Toll roads

There are no toll roads in Corfu. There are a number of toll roads, tunnels, and bridges on mainland Greece. Many travelers find them very hard to navigate and some choose to avoid using the toll roads altogether because of the very complex toll road system that is in place. Different toll roads are administered by different private companies and so there is not a single, nationwide (or even region-wide) toll road system in place.

For most toll roads, the payment can be either made by cash at a toll gate, by a credit card, or by coins at an automatic toll slot machine. For some roads, an electronic transponder that’s in a car might be used to pay for using the toll road. Some rental cars might be equipped with such an electronic transponder. However, because of the aforementioned different toll road systems that are in place, this payment method might work for some toll roads, but not for others. Set out your route in advance and ask your car rental provider about the best way to pay for all the toll roads that you plan to use.

Find out more about toll roads in Greece on the European toll road website.

Ideas for day trips

• Beaches. Corfu is full of fascinating history and natural sites, but it would be a shame to visit here without spending at least a few full days on its world-class beaches. There’s something for everyone, too, from the fun and busy Sidari Beach and Ipsos Beach to picturesque Chalikounas Beach and more remote and quiet Prasoudi Beach.
• Nymphes. Although we cannot promise you’ll get to see one, the legend says that nymphs like to come and bathe in this picturesque villages many waterfalls. Combine these explorations with a stay in a local farm where you can taste many of the delicious fruits and sweets that grow here.
• Old Perithia. Once a hiding place from looming pirate attacks, this historic village cannot be seen from the sea, but the secludedness only adds to its charm. Come here, rent a room from the locals, and go on long walks to observe and enjoy the island’s unique flora and fauna.
• Kinopiastes. A tiny village in the central part of the island, Kinopiastes is notable for its old and lavish villas, marble church, 300-year-old monastery, and, according to some, the only Olive Tree Museum in the world. The trip from Corfu Town takes only about 15 minutes by car.
• Paleokastritsa. A popular coastal town just 24km north of Corfu old town, yhere are several rocky and golden sand beaches here. Despite the fact that Paleokastritsa is a tourist favorite, it is easy to avoid crowds here if you know where to go. The beaches of Agia Triada and Verderosa are tranquil and secluded, while the area’s namesake Paleokastritsa beach boasts sunbed rentals, street food, tavernas, and all the amenities

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Corfu is the Opel Corsa, although travelers also like the Suzuki Alto and the Kia Picanto. The most popular rental car types are economy, compact, and mini. Many roads in Corfu are very narrow, so picking a smaller or medium-sized car is a good idea.

Further destinations

• Zakynthos. All of the Ionian islands are known for their natural beauty, but even in that distinguished company, Zakynthos has a reputation for being stunning. Named after an Arcadian cultural hero, the island is steeped in history, but most visitors come for the Blue Caves, a stunning rock formation just off the coast of the main island, and those endless idyllic beaches. Getting to Zakynthos from Corfu involves some driving over the mainland, as well as a ferry – it might be possible to bring your rental car on one (although ask the rental company in advance to make sure). Another option is to drop off your car, arrive in Zakynthos by public transportation, and pick up another one at the ferry terminal.
• Paxos. Much smaller and less visited, Paxos is located only 15 km (9 miles) south of Corfu, and there is a ferry service connecting the two islands. Taking a car on a ferry might not be possible, but Paxos is small enough to get around on foot. The island, which, according to a legend, was created by the Greek god of Poseidon, is known for its stunning, rugged coastline, laid-back atmosphere, and delicious olive oil.
• Italy. If you went by land from Greece to Italy, you’d have to cross at least three different countries in between. If you travel by ferry, however, it’s much more straightforward as there is frequent service between Corfu and different Italian cities, from Venice in the north to Ancona in the middle and Bari in the south. Before doing this trip, however, do ask your rental car provider if they permit it. Also, make sure your documents for entering Italy are in order.
• More Corfu. The island of Corfu is quite small and it might sometimes seen that you can see everything there is in a week. Stay a bit longer, however, and you’ll soon discover that the real secrets and delights of the island can only be discovered if you live like a local.
• Epirus. The large Northern Greek mainland region immediately to the east of Corfu might not get as many visitors as the islands, but can be a fascinating place to explore, especially if you have the freedom that having your own ride gives. The area is characterized by the Pindos Mountains, old fortresses, traditional villages, and nature preserves.
• Albania. Immediately to the north of Corfu, the country of Albania is just a short boat ride away. Now more accessible than ever, Albania is known for its coastline that matches the attractiveness of Greek beaches, a unique culture, and lots of hospitality. Most ferry companies do not permit taking a rental car with you, but you can drop one rental car off in Corfu and pick up a new one in the Albanian city of Sarande. Make sure you don't need a visa to enter.
• Zakynthos. If Corfu is the busiest among the Ionian Islands, Zakynthos is often called the most scenic — according to many Greeks, it is the most idyllic place in their country. Also known as Zante, it is known for its serene beaches, coves, and caves. It’s not a short trip — it takes about seven hours and includes both driving and a ferry ride — but those who have enough time will find it worthwhile. During the summer months, there are also flights between the two islands — if you choose this option, you can drop off one car in Corfu and pick up another one in Zakynthos.

Car rental prices in Corfu

• Small cars - from $5 per day
• Medium cars - from $13 per day
• SUVs - from $13 per day
• Convertibles - from $42 per day
• Vans - from $40 per day
• Large cars - from $10 per day
• Station wagons - from $28 per day

Money-saving and other tips

These are the things to keep in mind before booking your rental car in Corfu:

• Compare rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Corfu is the cheapest in February when renting a car is an unbelievable 70% cheaper than the yearly average.