Geography, Maps, and Regions of Corfu

Corfu rises like a green jewel from the Ionian Sea, hugging the northwest coast of Greece. Covering about 593 km², it is one of the largest Ionian islands, yet small enough to explore mountains and beaches in the same day. Its curved silhouette, famously compared to a sickle, stretches 60–65 km from north to south, with widths up to 30 km. On clear mornings, the Albanian coast shimmers across the narrow strait, reminding visitors that Corfu has always been a bridge between worlds.

Five Regions of Corfu

To fully appreciate the island, it helps to divide it into five geographic regions, each with a distinct feel, beaches, and villages:

• North West: Wild and dramatic, with cliffside views and rugged coastlines. Includes Peroulades and the Diapontia islets (Othonoi, Ereikoussa, Mathraki). Perfect for travelers seeking secluded coves and untouched landscapes.
• North East: Dominated by Mount Pantokrator (906 m) and panoramic vistas. Villages like Agios Matthaios and Kassiopi offer authentic Corfiot life and access to historic monasteries and old fortresses.
• Central Corfu: Home to Corfu Town (Kerkyra), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Venetian fortresses, French arcades, and modern cafés define the urban experience. Surrounding villages include Benitses, a traditional coastal settlement, and Pelekas, a mountain village with breathtaking sunset views.
• South East: A mix of fertile plains, olive groves, and sandy beaches. Villages like Lefkimmi provide a slower, more agricultural rhythm, while Old Perithia, a historic mountain village with traditional stone houses, offers a glimpse into the island’s past.
• South West: Known for scenic beauty and bays. Includes Paleokastritsa, with its villages of Lakones and Liapades, renowned for turquoise waters and cliffside trails. Ideal for hiking, swimming, and photography.

Across these regions, Corfu hosts approximately 200 villages, each with unique traditions, architecture, and character. Small chapels, family-run tavernas, and hidden beaches await visitors who stray from the main roads.

Villages You Should Visit

• Agios Matthaios: A scenic village in the northwest, known for its traditional tavernas and walking paths; visitors can enjoy panoramic sea views and authentic Corfiot cuisine in a quiet, local setting.
• Kassiopi: Popular for its lively harbor and historical ruins, including a Byzantine castle; ideal for water sports, boat trips, and vibrant nightlife during summer.
• Lefkimmi: A large village in the south, favored for its agricultural heritage and friendly local markets; travelers can experience traditional festivals, wine tasting, and authentic village life.
• Sidari: Famous for the Canal d’Amour and its sandy beaches; perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and exploring coastal rock formations.
• Peroulades: A peaceful village on the northwest coast, known for cliffside sunsets; visitors often hike, enjoy secluded beaches, and witness stunning natural landscapes.
• Paleokastritsa (including Lakones and Liapades): Perhaps the most popular tourist spot for its turquoise bays and historic monastery; activities include snorkeling, boat excursions, hiking scenic trails, and visiting charming villages.
• Benitses: A traditional fishing village in the southeast, offering a relaxed Mediterranean vibe; visitors enjoy local seafood, waterfront promenades, and boat trips.
• Pelekas: A mountain village with panoramic sunset views over the island; ideal for hiking, photography, and sampling local tavernas perched on hilltops.
• Old Perithia: A historic village nestled in the mountains; visitors explore stone houses, walk quiet cobbled lanes, and immerse themselves in centuries-old traditions and heritage architecture.

Topography and Landscape

Corfu’s limestone base shapes its terrain. Southern plains are gentle, while the northeast is rugged and mountainous. Hiking trails crisscross Pantokrator, leading to monasteries and scenic overlooks. The island’s coastline alternates between sandy beaches, pebbly coves, and dramatic cliffs. The west, including Paleokastritsa, is wild and ideal for divers and explorers; the east offers gentler shores facing mainland Greece. The Diapontia islets off the northwest tip are remote, wind-swept, and perfect for day trips. Locals often recommend them for visitors seeking quiet, authentic experiences away from the main tourist hubs.

Navigating Corfu

Administratively, Corfu is part of the Ionian Islands region, including Paxoi, Antipaxoi, and the Diapontia islets. Since 2019, the island is divided into North, South, and Central Corfu with the Diapontia Islands, which reflects both governance and local perception. When using maps, check whether they follow old or new divisions to avoid confusion.

• Road maps: separate coastal highways from inland village routes.
• Hiking maps: trails through olive groves, cypress forests, and Pantokrator slopes.
• Ferry timetables & nautical charts: essential for Paxoi or Diapontia trips.
• Local tourist maps (Corfu Town kiosks): mark hidden monasteries, fortresses, and family-run tavernas often missed in guidebooks.

Living in Corfu

Every bend in the road offers a new scene: a chapel hidden in olive trees, a vineyard clinging to a hillside, or a sudden view of the sea and mountains. Exploring Corfu with curiosity, visitors uncover layers of history, nature, and culture woven together. The island rewards exploration and locals will happily share stories about their villages, from Agios Matthaios in the north to Lefkimmi in the south, or from Lakones and Liapades in Paleokastritsa to Old Perithia in the mountains. Whether you seek dramatic cliffs, cultural hubs, tranquil plains, or turquoise bays, Corfu’s five regions offer distinct experiences while maintaining a coherent island identity.