Corfu or Santorini: Which Greek Island to Visit?
Originally published June 2022 | Updated February 2024
Greece has 227 inhabited islands (out of 6,000 total), which can make it difficult to pick which ones to visit.
Corfu and Santorini are in different chains of islands and a 2-hour flight away from each other. It isn’t convenient to visit both on the same trip, though not impossible! Luckily, both islands are close to other places you can visit during your stay if you want to hop around!
Corfu and Santorini are vastly different, despite both being Greek islands. You will have an amazing time no matter which one you choose!
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Location: Corfu to Santorini
Corfu and Santorini are not an easy ferry hop away from each other (think a 5-hour ferry to Athens, a 30-minute subway ride, a 20-minute walk, and a 6-hour bus ride).
They are on opposite sides of the country, with Corfu west of mainland Greece and Santorini southeast of the mainland.
Both islands have their own (tiny) airport and direct flights from London and Paris.
Where is Corfu Located?
Corfu is part of the Ionian Islands in the Ionian Sea.
It’s located between Italy, Albania, and mainland Greece.
Nearby ports you can hop to via boat or ferry include Sanranda, Albania; Ladochori, mainland Greece; Ancona, Bari, and Brindisi, Italy; and the islands of Mathraki, Erikousa, and Othonoi.
Where is Santorini Located?
Santorini is part of the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea.
It’s a ferry ride away from other islands, like Folegandros, Ios, Sikinos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, and Crete.
How to Get From Corfu to Santorini
Hopping between these islands is no easy feat. I personally wouldn’t recommend trying to plan one trip that includes both, but if you really want to fit both into your trip, here’s how to do it!
Flights From Corfu to Santorini
As far as I’ve found, there are no direct flights between the islands. This is likely due to the small size of the airports and planes on each island. All flights have a stopover in Athens on the mainland.
Despite being in the same country, the shortest travel time is about 3-5 hours, including the stopover time.
Ferries From Corfu To Santorini
There is not a direct ferry between Corfu and Santorini. If you’d prefer to skip flying and go by water/land instead, plan for a 14+ hour travel day on multiple ferries, trains, and buses. You can check out Rome2Rio for routes.
Again, it is really not ideal to try and visit both islands in the same trip and you’ll eat up a lot of your vacation/holiday time with transit between the islands.
Architecture and Town
Corfu Architecture
Looks like Venice, Italy, because it was formerly owned by the Venetians.
Does not have the typical white/blue architecture like the Cyclades islands have.
The main downtown area is filled with both local shops and big-name shops you see at malls in the U.S.
The side streets of town wind around and have small alleyways that pop out into courtyards.
Downtown does not have sea views, but nice/relaxing small-town vibes.
Santorini architecture
Typical white buildings with gorgeous blue dome roofs. The main town (OÃa) looks like all the Greek island photos you’ve probably seen on Instagram.
The town is touristy and most shops have trinkets and souvenirs.
There are some side streets and alleyways with one main pedestrian road with sea views.
Things to Do in Corfu and Santorini
Both islands have tons of activities and attractions. Renting a car is ideal in both areas to get around more easily. Santorini has many taxis available, although they are pricey.
Things to Do in Corfu
Hang out at the beaches! We spent the majority of our time driving around to different beaches, swimming in the sea, and just hanging out.
Jump off a diving board into the sea at La Grotta after enjoying a drink from the outdoor bar at the top of the cliffs.
Rent a boat and cruise around the coast of the island.
Walk around Corfu Town and enjoy the shops and restaurants.
Drive around the island and see what you find!
Snorkel! Corfu has some amazing snorkeling. Rent some snorkeling gear and bring them to the beaches you visit.
Go on an olive oil tasting tour to try local Corfu olive oil.
Explore historical spots like the Achilleion Palace, Old Fortress, New Fortress, and Palace of St. Michael and St. George.
Recommended: Best Things To Do in Corfu, Greece
Things to do in Santorini
Walk around OÃa and enjoy the shops, restaurants, and sea views.
Try the fish foot spa. It’s touristy, but it was an interesting experience!
Watch the sunset in OÃa while getting drinks and appetizers at King Neptune restaurant.
Hang out at Perivolos and Perissa beaches. Have food delivered to your beach chair!
Get midday drinks at Meteor Cafe with sea views.
Take a sunset boat tour with dinner and drinks.
Go on a wine-tasting tour.
Where to Stay in Corfu and Santorini
Both islands have a wide range of different areas to stay in, each providing a different vibe/style. While Santorini has ultra-luxurious hotels overlooking the sea right in the heart of OÃa, Corfu has many cozy apartments with kitchens and living areas (some with sea views!), as well as a few 5-star hotels and resorts.
Where to Stay in Corfu
Corfu has a few main areas that offer slightly different things, with amazing beaches nearby each one. We stayed in Corfu Town our first few days and Dassia the rest of the time but explored almost the entire island.
Best Overall: Mouragia Luxury Seaview Suite (Corfu Town)
Best 5-star Hotel: Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa (Benitses)
Best Villa: Villa Stephanie (Paleokastritsa)
Best Budget: Thea Studios (sea views in Kassiopi!)
Best Areas To Stay in Corfu
Corfu Town: Right near the town center and some major attractions. A bit more touristy and crowded area, but still not as touristy as Santorini. Most accommodations are individual apartments (which we loved!!).
Dassia: Quieter/more local area with incredible restaurants nearby. It has a nice central location so you can easily drive to Corfu Town, Palaiokastritsa, or Nisaki.
Palaiokastritsa: The more touristy side of the island, close to some of the best beaches and larger hotels with sea views.
Kavos: The party area of the island is the far southern tip. We didn’t visit this area at all, but locals told us it’s a big club/party area if you’re looking for a bit of nightlife.
Sidari: The island's north point has a small town with local restaurants, hotels, and one of the most famous landmarks in Corfu (Canal de Amour).
Read my full post about Where to Stay in Corfu, Greece for all the details!
Hotels in Corfu
Use the map below to search for hotels, apartments, and homes to rent in Corfu. If you cannot see the map, try turning off your ad blocker and refreshing the page.
Where to Stay in Santorini
Despite being an island, the beach is not easily accessible all around the island. Where you have great sea and caldera views from above, you won’t have accessible beaches. It all depends on what you value most: famous caldera views or beautiful, accessible beaches.
Best Overall Hotels in Santorini
Best Luxury: Virginia’s Cave Suites (hot tub + caldera view in Oia)
Best Romantic Getaway: Canaves Sunday (honeymoon suite with outdoor hot tub)
Best Mid-range: Amoramelia Villas (villa with hot tub)
Best Budget: Blue Life Hotel (free breakfast - pictured below)
Best Areas To Stay in Santorini
OÃa: This is the main area of the island where most people tend to stay. It has the cave suites and gorgeous pools with views of the caldera. It’s also the most touristy area. Most restaurants/shops are only open during the peak tourist season in summer. The beach is not accessible, or at least not easily accessible from OÃa.
Fira: The capital of Santorini! It’s the best area to visit in winter as it will be more open than other areas of the island. It’s also less crowded than OÃa, but still a major tourist attraction. Great views, but lack of beach access.
Perissa/Perivolos: The best beaches in Santorini are in this area and are easily accessible. There is also a long strip of great restaurants right on the beach and hotels will be much cheaper. You will not have views of the caldera on the other side of the island.
Imerovigli: Best views of the caldera (and less crowded than OÃa and Fira).
Hotels in Santorini
Use the map below to search for hotels, apartments, and homes to rent in Santorini. If you cannot see the map, try turning off your ad blocker and refreshing the page.
Restaurants in Corfu and Santorini
One of my favorite parts of travel is getting to eat amazing food. While Santorini was good, I was blown away by the food in Corfu. I still think about it all the time. Corfu has the best food I have ever eaten in my life! If you’re a foodie, stop here and book your tickets to Corfu.
Restaurants in Corfu
Mostly local restaurants with incredible food and affordable prices.
Tons of vegetarian options, with some vegan options.
Amazing restaurants all around the island. We didn’t have a single bad meal.
The food is fresh, made with care, and a mix of Greek and Italian cuisines.
There were plenty of grocery stores to get essentials and snacks so not every meal was from a restaurant.
Read my post about the Best Restaurants in Corfu, Greece for more details!
Restaurants in Santorini
Santorini had decent food, but most restaurants are only open during peak season and cater to tourists.
I didn’t have any really memorable meals or experiences at any restaurants.
The food is far more expensive because their target audience is tourists.
Did not see any grocery stores in the areas I visited. Food was limited to expensive restaurants.
Beaches in Corfu and Santorini
Corfu and Santorini are both islands surrounded by water, but Corfu has far more beaches. If you want to spend time swimming in the sea, snorkeling, and lounging on the beach, Corfu is the island for you!
Santorini has world-famous sea and caldera views, and they offer tons of boat tours, but beach access is limited to the east side of the island. While beautiful, Santorini beaches don’t compare to Corfu.
Beaches in Corfu
Check out my Best Beaches in Corfu post for more information about specific beaches.
Incredible beaches with warm water on the east side of the island and slightly cooler on the west side.
Unique landscapes: Canals, natural tunnels you can swim through, crystal clear water, large rock formations, a diving board into the sea, dual-cove beaches, and more!
Mostly rocky beaches (water shoes are recommended to make it easier on your feet).
There are sea urchins at some beaches – lots at some and almost none at others.
Beaches in Santorini
Beaches are only really accessible along the east side of the island.
The majority of beaches are black sand beaches due to volcanic activity.
There is one red sand beach with incredible red cliffs (a local told us this beach is dangerous because of eroding cliffs, but many people still go to it).
Mostly long stretches of beach with chairs on the sand and restaurants lining the coast.
Easily order food from the restaurants and have it brought to you at a beach chair.
The beaches are more of a commercial party area with some beach clubs.
Overall/Conclusion
The island you choose really depends on what you’re looking for. Both islands have a large variety of things to offer.
Corfu Overview
Has fewer tourists and more local culture/areas.
The best food you’ll ever eat! The majority of restaurants are highly rated.
A bit quieter with less nightlife and partying.
Tons of incredible beaches with all different landscapes.
Adventurous as you make it! Tons of variety in things to do and places to see.
Historical old town with Venetian influence and style.
Santorini Overview
Much more lively and crowded during the summer when everything is open.
Gorgeous sea views from OÃa and fancy accommodations on the west side of the island.
Tourist prices at most restaurants and shops.
Good for a leisurely, luxurious vacation.
Has the typical white/blue buildings most people expect from Greek islands.
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