Although there is never really a bad season in the Mediterranean, you'll find that winter temperatures are too chilly to swim off the shores of Corfu, while the summer months draw hordes of tourists. The shoulder seasons, however, offer warm, sunny weather and plenty of open (and bargain-priced) hotel rooms, not to mention some exciting special events like Carnival and Easter in Corfu

Is Corfu safe to visit?

Recent press reports have focused on some problems in the Greek islands and you are wise to enquire about your safety.

When people are on holiday, drinking alcohol and partying most of the night, then problems can arise. Fortunately the number of visitors who are demanding this style of holiday head elsewhere and leave Corfu to the more discerning. Corfu is safe, the locals honest and you need not worry about walking on your own at night. If there is any danger at all, it would be from other tourists! Tourist resorts often attract individuals who are looking for an opportunity to steal easily. But, the locals are a tight community and will immediately investigate a suspicious person. Crime and theft is very rare. No vaccinations are required for visiting Corfu or Greece. There is no risk of malaria in Greece or any other tropical diseases.

March-May

Sandwiched between the rainy winter months and the tourist high season, you'll find pleasant weather and miles of sandy beaches free of fellow sunbathers. Although high temperatures only reach the 60s and 70s, clear skies make for a great backdrop to any hiking excursion or stroll along the coast. Keep in mind that this is the season of Greek Easter: Book your hotel at least two weeks in advance to ensure a place to stay for the celebrations.

May is the earliest time that most visitors arrive. This is mostly due to the availability of flights. To visit out of season (between November - April) a flight to Athens and then a domestic flight to Corfu is required - this can be costly

The first two weeks of May offer you deserted beaches and quiet Tavernas. Flowers in abundance and a fresh looking Corfu - after a winter of recuperation. Paths may be a little overgrown - making walking the coastal paths a little difficult. Weather wise expect daytime temperatures of lower 20's.

The second two weeks of May are a little more settled. Tavernas and beaches slowly filling up. Daytime temperatures of mid 20's. Evenings can occasionally be cool so bring a jumper - especially if you are planning to travel on the boat taxis at night. Weather wise allow for one rainy day per week.

Folklore Groups Festival

The festival takes place every year in Corfu around the end of March in the Municipal Theater. It’s a festival that hosts folklore groups from all over the country, consisting of adults and kids. During the last years, this has become a major event and even started attracting groups from neighboring countries.

Easter in Corfu

Palm Sunday:  The procession of Saint Spiridon's relic, which is the largest and longest of all our Saints processions is in memory of the miracle St Spiridon performed.

Wednesday of Holy Week a concert of religious music, performed by the town choir takes in the municipal theatre

Thursday of Holy Week you can attend the mass of the Twelve Apostles in Duomo, the Catholic Cathedral in the Town Hall square

Thursday of the Holy Week the traditional "Kolombina', (the sweet bread with a red egg on the top) is shared and in each church and the ceremony of the Crucifixion begins

The morning of Good Friday the ceremony of the "Deposition from the Cross" takes place and at noon in all churches. Early in the afternoon each church, one after the other, starts the funeral procession around the main roads of the town and the Liston.

 Easter Saturday at 6 a.m., in "Panagia ton Xenon" church the custom of the earthquake is re-enacted in remembrance of the earthquake created after the Resurrection, as described in the Holy Bible. 

At 9 a.m. the procession of the Epitaph of our Patron Saint begins from Saint Spiridon Church. Try to be at "Pentofanaro" or " the Liston" or "Kofineta" to watch when the "botides"(clay pots) being thrown from the windows and balconies.

Easter Saturday evening you can attend the Mass in the Catholic Cathedral Duomo where the organ being played. 

At 11.40 p.m. the Resurrection procession begins from Aghia Paraskevi Church, in Porta Remounda, and continues to the Espianada's "Palko" where at midnight, after the words "Christos Anesti"(Christ has risen) fireworks are illuminating the sky and you will see the lighting of thousands of candles.

Easter Sunday, early in the morning, a procession leaves from each church with the Resurrection icon and at 11 a.m. the Easter feast in the New fortress begins

The Tuesday after Easter at 5 p.m. there is a special ceremony where the relic of St Spiridon, the Patron Saint of the island is returned to his ornate silver coffin. 

Nia Friday, the day of Zoodochou Pigis, great feasts are taking place all around the island with the most well-known being the feast in Paleokastritsa. Also on the Sunday after Easter, the day of Doubting Thomas, there are great celebrations in many of the villages.

Dont forget to check our CHURCHES & MONASTERIES CORFU GUIDE.

 Anniversary of the Union

Every year on May 21, all the Ionian Islands, including Corfu, celebrate the anniversary of their Union with Greece. 

The event is celebrated with a morning parade (11 am) in the city center by students and members of diverse associations accompanied by the Corfiot Bands throughout the island. 

June-August

With temperatures soaring into the upper 80s, you'll have no choice but to spend time at the beach. But be aware that you'll be sharing that stretch of sand with plenty of other visitors. Reserve your hotel room at least a month in advance to ensure availability and the lowest price possible. Also brace yourself for lines out the door at many of the best sites and restaurants.

The first two weeks of June see Corfu at its best. Beaches and Tavernas filling up but not crowded. Beautiful warm days with temperatures reaching mid 20's - not too hot. Warm evenings enabling a good night's sleep - a jumper may even be needed late at night - especially if you plan to use the evening water-taxis.

The sea is now 'warming up' making swimming not such a fresh experience as found in May! Allow though for one cloudy (or even rainy) day per week.

Note: Half-term school holidays will have a great effect on the number of people visiting making one of the above described weeks busier.

The second two weeks of June become a little busier and hotter. The weather is now settled and day temps of low 30's with warm evenings. Beaches now quite busy - especially weekends with locals. The Tavernas are now buzzing. (You will need to book at Taverna Agni to be able to eat during the evening.)

The sea is now warm. Expect no rain (but it may be possible as averages suggest one day of rain during the last two weeks! - but this will be warm rain!) Welcome afternoon breezes created by the difference in temperatures between the land and the sea, help cool things down after a hot day. These can sometimes create a swell - stopping the evening boat-taxis. The breeze often drops by 8-9pm.

July is possibly the hottest and busiest month for Corfu. The first two weeks see daytime temperatures of low to mid 30's. Evenings are warm. Without air-conditioning it may be difficult to sleep. Glorious sunny days give way to busy beaches and packed Tavernas. The sea is warm and settled. 

The second two weeks see daytime temperatures of mid 30's - and evening temperatures not much less! Occasionally the daytime temperature will reach the 40's - not for the faint hearted! High humidity may make it feel even hotter! To find a table at the tavernas you will need to book. The sea is like a bath!

During the end of July, you will notice that the tavernas are full with long tables. Gone are the couples who frequent the quiet Tavernas during May and Spetember. Now that the schools are closed, whole families holiday together, often dining out with friends.

The first two weeks of August see daytime temperatures mid 30's to 40 - with high humidity. Evenings are warm and humid. Without air-conditioning it may be difficult to sleep. Glorious sunny days give way to packed beaches and even busier Tavernas. The sea is at bath temperature.

The second two weeks see daytime temperatures of mid 30's High humidity makes tropical storms likely. These flash storms usually only last for a few hours. The clouds suddenly blot out the sun and the rain hammers down. A few hours later the sun may emerge. The sea is not as settled as a result during the last few days of August and after any rain the sea temperature is a little cooler.

The Varkarola

The Varkarola Festival of Corfu Greece, Ionian: Varkarola is a famous festival that is held in Corfu every summer. This event celebrates the miracle of Saint Spyridon, as the locals believe that it was the saint who saved the island from a Turkish siege on August 11th, 1716. That is why they celebrate this miracle with a representation of the nautical fight. Varkarola takes place the closest Saturday to August 11th. Once it was held in the bay of Garitsa, Corfu Town, but now it takes place in the bay of Paleokastritsa, northern Corfu. A series of boats parade along tha bay, while bands play traditional music and dancers present local dancing. At the end of Varkarola, a boat is set on fire and fireworks explode to commemorate the burning of the Turkish naval during the 17th century siege. Lots of people attend the festival and enjoy the Corfiot night that is lit by the amazing fireworks.

The Festival of Garouna and Ano Gerakiana

In the villages of Kato Garouna and Ano Gerakiana, on the first weekend after 15 August, The Festival of Garouna and Ano Gerakiana takes place. The festival is organised by associations of people who have left these villages for Athens and other destinations. The obvious emotions of those who return to the land of their birth makes for high revelry and thoughtful reflection, both worth experiencing, even by an outsider.

The Feast of Agios Spyridon

Recognizing St. Spyridon's role in the defence of the island, Venice legislated the annual "Litany of St. Spyridon" on August 11 as a commemoration of the event. His feast day is celebrated in the East on the Saturday before Great Lent (known as "Cheesefare Saturday") and December 12. For those Eastern Churches which follow the traditional Julian Calendar, December 12 falls on December 25 of the modern Gregorian Calendar. In the West he is commemorated on December 14.

September-November

For a relaxed Corfu getaway complete with prime beach weather and hardly any crowds, plan a trip for early fall. Average highs in September rest in the low 80s, perfect for a swim in the Mediterranean. However, you can expect temperatures to decline steadily as November approaches, with 49 marking the average low. It might be too chilly to don your trunks, but the weather is ideal for hiking and sightseeing.

The first two weeks of September see daytime temperatures around the 30's. Evenings are still warm but occasionally a jumper will be required late at night. The days are hot. The beach still busy, but lacking the children and large parties that dominate during August. The sea is warm.

The second two weeks see daytime temperatures of mid 20's. Beaches are quieter and the tavernas more sedate! Evenings become cooler and a jumper will be needed for the hardier who wish to eat outside. The early evenings are crisp and offer clear views across the sea.

The first two weeks of October, see daytime temperatures of mid 20's. The sun is now lower in the sky making crystal clear, light blue skies with warming rays. Rain is of course a possibility this late into the season. Evenings will feel cool and require a jumper - especially if you have spent the day sunbathing on the beach. The sea is still sufficiently warm for swimming - having had all summer to warm up, it takes several months to cool down. The landscape returns to its lush green state after the punishing summer.

The second two weeks of October see daytime temperatures of low 20's. Beaches are deserted, and many tavernas and bars start to close. Evenings can be cold and only the hardy will eat outside after the sun has set at about 6pm.

The Cricket Festival – A Reminder of Corfu’s English Past

Believe it or not, the inhabitants of Corfu have been playing cricket since 1835 and there are currently four cricket teams on the island. During September, Corfu Town’s Esplianada Square hosts a cricket festival where the Corfiot cricketers compete with teams from Malta and Great Britain.

These and other festivals are seasonal, but be aware that their dates change due to many factors, so if you are planning a trip to coincide with a particular festival, confirm the dates at the time you make your travel and accommodation bookings.

December-February

Winter means rain, with the island seeing anywhere between five and eight inches of precipitation each month. Average highs rest in the upper 50s, which can be great for exploring the island's many communities on foot (so long as you keep an umbrella handy). This is the season for Carnival. If you are planning to attend, you should make hotel reservations at least a month in advance.

Only for those who like natural beauty and enjoy a mixture of less extreme weather conditions. Of course it rains in winter as in any European country and the days are cooler and when winter really strikes it becomes cold. Corfu has even been known to see snow albeit only for a few hours and the occasional frost!! If you plan to visit during any of the winter months accommodation must be chosen carefully and heating is essential. However the days can really be enjoyed, as when the sun does shine it can be really warm and walking those hills a real pleasure. The air is clear, the views spectacular and those beaches are all yours!! Although the travel is a little more inconvenient (via Athens) it is well worth the effort and with a sensible outlook and good preparation for your visit, Corfu can be enjoyed as much as in the summertime. 

Carnival

The Carnival of Corfu, Greece: The famous Carnival of Corfu has its roots in the Middle Ages, when the Venetians conquerors of the island brought this custom back from their homeland. Today, the Carnival of Corfu resembles a lot to the Carnival of Venice and includes many funny happenings. It usually takes place at the end of February or early March with much popularity.

The most famous happening of the Carnival is the Great Parade that takes place in Liston and Spianada square. People dressed in strange customs join groups and spread to the entire island a spirit of festivity. The parade is accompanied with local music and dancing.

At the end of the parade, there follows the burning of the King Carnival, which is said to carry the sins of the locals. The King Carnival is burnt in a bonfire among great partying and dancing. An interesting custom associated to the Carnival is the enactment of the Corfiot Petegoletsia, which means the Gossip. This is a form of a street theater, where actors sit in windows overlooking the alley of the Old Town and exchange gossip, in local dialect. These gossips might refer to political authorities or local scandals.

Another carnival custom in the countryside of Corfu is the Wedding. All men gather in one house to dress up the groom, while the women gather in another to dress up the bride. In the event, the bride is also a man, mostly one with a huge moustache.

A demon, played by another villager, tries his best to break up the wedding, while the gathered villagers hurl obscenities at each other throughout the ceremony, constantly teasing each other. These are just a part of the excitement and fun that is generally associated with the Corfiot Carnival.

Petegoletsa

On the last Thursday of the carnival Corfu has revived a very old tradition, an integral part of the Corfu carnival, which dates from the years of Venetian rule,  it is called the Petegoletsia, petegolia are simply the gossips, which means exactly what it says.
It is a popular street theatre that takes place in public, between the balconies of the old city along the narrow alleyways.

In these ‘gossip plays’ the women come onto their balconies and gossip to their neighbours, making sly comments about recent events and also about the laundry of the other people, these are all played in the original dialect of Corfu and in a libertine language and style that would make even Aristophanes blush.

It is the famous indiscretion of Corfu which was misunderstood in other parts of Greece, but here it is completely different, the Corfiots routinely use this phraseology many times in every day social life, it helps to halt misunderstandings at a low level, giving a chance to ‘let off steam’ and avoid the use of force.
The Petegoletsia are watched every year by thousands of people, they satirize politicians even by exposing their personal lives and scandals in public, both at the national and local level.
Local MPs, mayors and other public figures have to listen and at least pretend not to mind the jibes.

The Carnival in the villages of Corfu

As in Corfu Town so in the villages- the events of the Carnival are the same, plus i a few villages have maintained some very interesting and entertaining traditions.

The Holy Marriage

Until 1960  this was called Karnavalitikos marriage and happened in most villages, but it is now preserved only in the villages of Chlomos, Marathia, Kritika, Giannades and a few others.
It take place on the Shrovetide Sunday, or Tyrinis, the men of the village dress the groom, shaving him and decorating him with cologne, but also with ashes from the fireplace.
In another area the bride, who is also a man, preferably with a mustache, will be decorated by the women of the village.
The fact that the bride is actually a man comes from the patriarchal influences that forbade women to participate in community events.
The ceremony also involved a demon in the form of a satyr who does its best to spoil the wedding.
Throughout the course of the ceremony the villagers tease each other with endless obscenities.

The custom of the Vlachs

In the village of Argirades, Vlachs are the lords of the carnival.
There are only two of them and they dance one leading the procession and the other at the rear, the dance they do is an ancient Greek ritual dance.
They hold in their hands the blossom of the first Spring flowers and it seems that their mission is to force all visitors to smell the flowers.

The Dance of the Priests

In the village of Episkepsis, in the square of St. Basil on Shrovetide Sunday the Dance of the Priests is performed.
The priest of the village starts the dance and all the men of the village follow each in turn according to their age and their social position in society of the village, the chorus repeats the verse that the priest says without the accompaniment of music.

When the dance ends, the old women of the village follow on, as accompanied by music they dance a local dance called Corfiot.
This custom only happens here and according to Mr. Klimis is a remnant of an ancient Maenad tribe dating from 500 BC as he writes in his book: the history of Corfu.

Various village festivities list

There are many local festivals or 'paniyiris' during the summer in Greece, but I can only speak for Corfu. Most of the villages in Corfu have a festival in the summer, particularly July and August, though there are some in June and September. "The Corfiot" newspaper lists the major ones, but there are many others that only the locals know about. Just ask around.

They are well worth a visit, providing you can find your way there and back - especially after all the eating and drinking! It is a bit like the old fairs in the U.K. Everyone is out for an enjoyable time, meeting friends and neighbours, relatives and being 'seen'. You would be amazed to find the young waiters who have only just served your meal at a local Taverna, later dancing in a circle with family and friends, or the lady that does the cleaning in your villa, with her generation, clicking her heels in time to the music! All are welcome. Normally you will hear a live band, upwards of five members, playing local tunes, mainly Kalamaniatos and Rouga dances. Do not worry, if you watch for ten minutes or so you will soon understand the basic rhythm.  Just join in when you feel a kindred spirit going by. You will be welcomed and encouraged - just watch out for the line of locals flying along to their own intricate steps that they have perfected together over many years. Even the children put us all to shame!

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