Corfu Car Rental | Car Hire Corfu Airport

Looking for car hire in Corfu? Corfu Island in the Ionian Sea is a stunning destination filled with lush landscapes, picturesque villages, and beautiful beaches best explored with a vehicle. When you rent a car in Corfu, you can discover hidden gems like the enchanting Paleokastritsa beaches, the historic Achilleion Palace, and the charming northern village of Kassiopi.

Driving in Corfu is an adventure through scenic coastal roads revealing breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. Whether you choose car hire, scooter rental, or ATV rental, you will have the flexibility to explore this green island at your own pace. Simplybook connects you with trusted local agencies — compare prices, book online, and pick up at the airport.

Pick-up and delivery are available at Corfu Airport (CFU), Corfu Port, and locations across the island.

Getting Around Corfu

Corfu's road network ranges from the main coastal highway connecting the airport to resort towns, to narrow village roads winding through olive groves. The island is compact (about 60 km north to south), so most destinations can be reached within 45 minutes from Corfu Town.

A scooter is popular for short distances and narrow village roads. For longer excursions to the northern coast or the west-side beaches near Paleokastritsa, a car provides more comfort. The mountainous interior has winding roads with steep sections.

Corfu Airport (CFU), also known as Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport, is just 3 km from Corfu Town — one of the closest airport-to-city distances in Greece.

Top Driving Routes in Corfu

Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa (25 km, 35 minutes)

The most popular drive heads west through the green interior to Paleokastritsa — a cluster of turquoise bays framed by cypress-covered cliffs. Visit the clifftop monastery, swim in sheltered coves, and climb to Angelokastro fortress for panoramic views. Detour through Lakones village for the famous "bella vista" viewpoint.

Northeast Coast: Kassiopi and Albanian Channel (40 km, 50 minutes)

Drive north along the east coast through Dassia and Ipsos to the fishing village of Kassiopi with its Venetian castle and harbour tavernas. Views across the narrow Albanian Channel to the mountains of mainland Albania. Continue west to the dramatic Cape Drastis cliffs at Corfu's northern tip.

West Coast: Sidari and Canal d'Amour (38 km, 45 minutes)

Head northwest to Sidari and walk through the Canal d'Amour — narrow sandstone channels carved by the sea. Continue to Peroulades, where a steep path leads to Loggas Beach beneath towering clay cliffs. The sunset views from the clifftop taverna rival any in Greece.

Southern Loop: Achilleion and Benitses (30 km, 40 minutes)

Drive south to the Achilleion Palace, built for Empress Sisi of Austria — terraced gardens with views over the island and mainland. Continue through Benitses (good for waterfront lunch) to the quieter southern beaches. Flat, easy roads contrast with the mountainous north.

Beaches Worth the Drive

Paleokastritsa — Multiple turquoise bays beneath cypress cliffs. The most famous beach complex. 25 km west.
Glyfada — Wide golden sand, voted one of Corfu's best. Beach bars, sunbeds. 16 km from town.
Porto Timoni — Twin bay accessible by 20-minute hike from Afionas. Stunning and uncrowded. 35 km northwest.
Canal d'Amour — Unique sandstone channels at Sidari. 38 km north.
Halikounas — Long sandy beach backed by Lake Korission nature reserve. Quiet and wild. 25 km south.
Barbati — Crystal-clear water on the northeast coast, framed by Mount Pantokrator. 20 km from town.

Best Time to Visit Corfu

June to September is peak season. Corfu stays greener than most Greek islands thanks to higher rainfall.

April-May and October are ideal — warm weather, lush landscapes, lower prices. Wildflowers and orange blossoms in spring.

Corfu receives more rain than Aegean islands, keeping it emerald green. Brief afternoon showers clear quickly. Winter is mild and atmospheric.

Practical Tips

Pickup: Corfu Airport (CFU), Port, or hotel delivery.
Fuel: Plentiful on east coast, scarce on the west. Fill up before Paleokastritsa.
Parking: Old Town is pedestrianised. Use car parks on the outskirts.
Scooters: Very popular due to compact size. Perfect for narrow village lanes.
Mount Pantokrator: Steep, winding road to the 906m summit. Worth it for the views.

Corfu Food and Culture

Corfu's cuisine reflects its Venetian, French, and British heritage. Look for pastitsada (pasta with spiced beef), sofrito (veal in garlic-wine sauce), and bourdeto (spicy fish stew). The kumquat, introduced from Asia, is turned into liqueur, jam, and sweets.

Drive to Pelekas for sunset at the "Kaiser's Throne" viewpoint. In the northeast, Agni village has waterfront tavernas with fresh fish from the boats. Corfu Town's UNESCO-listed centre is perfect for evening strolls through the Liston arcade.

Why Book with Local Agencies

Simplybook connects you with local agencies who know Corfu inside out. Personal service, flexible arrangements, competitive prices. Why support local companies?

Other Ionian destinations: Zakynthos, Kefalonia. Explore more: Crete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I pick up my rental car at Corfu Airport (CFU)?

We provide pickup at Corfu International Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias). Our staff will meet you at arrivals and escort you to your vehicle. The airport is conveniently located just 3 km from Corfu Town.

What are the road conditions like in Corfu?

Corfu's main roads connecting the major towns are well-paved. Secondary roads to some beaches and villages can be narrower and winding. The island is compact (about 60 km long), so most destinations are within a 1-hour drive.

Which beaches in Corfu are best reached by car?

Some of Corfu's most beautiful beaches require a car to access easily: Paleokastritsa (25 min from town), Porto Timoni (40 min + short hike), Canal d'Amour at Sidari (40 min), and Halikounas on the west coast (30 min). Having a car lets you explore multiple beaches in a day.

View of the Byzantine church in Pontikonissi islet, Corfu, Greece

Corfu, the Island of History, Cypress Hills and Blue Coves

The lively Ionian island of Corfu ("Kerkira" in Greek) is a popular destination for thousands of visitors yearly. It is a favourite destination among us, the Simplybook team, as most of us seem to return again and again to Corfu for our holidays.

A table with blue-white checker cloth and two white chairs on the sea shore.

12 specialities from the Ionian islands you should try

The specialities of the Ionian islands are evidence of their rich history and Venetian influences. For example, Corfu, Lefkada, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Kethyra all have their traditional dishes.

A scooter parked near a golden beach on Paros island, Greece

Paros by Scooter: Perfect Island for Two Wheels

Paros is the perfect scooter island: flat enough to be easy, hilly enough to be fun, with golden beaches and Cycladic villages around every turn. Here's your riding guide.