from just 10€/day
Choose the perfect vehicle for your visit to Corfu and the Ionian coast
Everything you need to know before you arrive on the island
Corfu (Kerkyra) is the green jewel of the Ionian Sea, a Greek island of olive groves, Venetian architecture and a coastline dotted with sandy bays and rocky coves. While Corfu Town and the busiest resorts are well connected, the best of the island - hidden beaches, hilltop villages and quiet northern coves - is far easier to reach with your own car. Renting a car in Corfu is the smartest way to explore at your own pace.
Public buses (KTEL) connect the main towns but run infrequently, especially to the north-west and the far south. With a rental car you can reach beaches, mountain villages and viewpoints in a fraction of the time. Compared with the big international chains, local car rental in Corfu can cost up to 50% less, with no hidden fees and no need to leave a credit-card deposit.
With Rent From Locals there are no counter queues. The owner meets you directly at your hotel, Corfu airport (CFU), the Corfu port or another agreed spot, with the car ready to go. This is especially handy if you arrive by ferry, or fly into the airport just 3 km south of Corfu Town. The service runs flexibly throughout the day - just share your arrival time in advance.
The process is simple. You need a valid driving licence - EU and EEA licences are accepted directly in Greece with no international permit, while most non-EU drivers need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national licence - plus a valid identity document (ID card or passport). No credit card is required: you can pay in cash or by debit card. The minimum age is generally 21, though some owners require 23-25 for higher-category vehicles.
Corfu Town, with its UNESCO-listed old centre, deserves a full day on foot - but the rest of the island rewards a road trip. Here are some destinations easily reached by car:
Corfu Town's old centre is largely pedestrian, so park on the edge and walk in. The roads to Paleokastritsa, Mount Pantokrator and the north-west coast are steep and winding, with tight bends and occasional scooters - take them slowly and enjoy the views. For trips into the hills or to remote beaches, a compact SUV or a car with good ground clearance is the most comfortable choice.
Drive on the right. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in town and up to 90 km/h on the open road, with lower limits on the island's narrow lanes. Petrol stations are sparse away from the main routes, so fill up before heading to remote bays in the north or south.
July and August are the peak months: Corfu fills with visitors and vehicle availability drops fast, with prices that can double compared with the low season. Booking at least 2-3 weeks ahead in summer is always advisable. May, June, September and October offer warm weather, fewer crowds and lower rates - the ideal time for a relaxed road trip around the island.