Idyllic beaches, ancient landmarks, cosy tavernas and pretty fishing villages… If you’re thinking about retiring overseas, the Greek island of Corfu could be the place for you.
Located off the northwest coast of mainland Greece, Corfu is a popular retirement destination, thanks to its pleasant climate, laid-back vibe, mouthwatering cuisine and large expat community that makes it easy for newcomers to integrate.
From exploring historical sites and enjoying outdoor activities to savouring local cuisine and immersing yourself in local culture, a fulfilling and enjoyable life is pretty much guaranteed on this beautiful Greek island.
Weather
Due to its northerly location, Corfu can be cooler than Greece’s southern islands. The summers, however, are still warm and dry, with temperatures averaging around 30°C (86°F) in July and August. Winters may be mild and wet, but temperatures rarely drop below 8-10°C (46-50°F). Springs and autumns are like summers in the UK.
During the off-season – when the weather becomes milder and the tourists return home – towns and villages inland can become quiet. However, Corfu City remains lively, with bars, restaurants and shops open all year round.
Corfu Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site
Activities
For hundreds of years, Corfu was under Venetian rule, resulting in a distinctly Italian feel and influence. This is most apparent in the The Old Town of Corfu City. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the town is a maze of narrow streets, Venetian buildings and charming squares. Key attractions include the Old Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the town and sea and the Liston Promenade, lined with cafes and restaurants.
Other historical sites include the 19th century Achilleion Palace and its beautiful gardens, the Mon Repos Estate, featuring a neoclassical villa and extensive gardens and Angelokastro, a Byzantine castle in the northwest, near Paleokastritsa.
If you enjoy the outdoors, Corfu has numerous walking and hiking trails, such as the Corfu Trail, which spans the length of the island and offers breathtaking views of the coastline and countryside. Corfu’s clear, warm waters offer the perfect opportunity for swimming, snorkelling, diving and sailing, while golfers will love the Corfu Golf Club, located in the Ropa Valley – an area known for its beautiful setting and challenging course. Corfu also has plenty of local markets, galleries, festivals and theatre performances throughout the year.
Foodies can visit Corfu’s vast olive groves and sample authentic Greek olive oil or take cooking classes and become a master of Greek cuisine.
Food
The Mediterranean diet is renowned for being one of the healthiest diets in the world. Not only that, but it is absolutely delicious. Greek cuisine champions healthy, fresh ingredients, resulting in mouthwatering dishes that have been refined for thousands of years.
You will find traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, lamb koftas, spanakopita, gyros, feta and spinach filo pie and stuffed vine leaves on menus across the island, plus Corfu specialities, like:
- Sofrito – thin slices of fried veal, usually served with chips or mashed potato
- Pastitsada – a casserole dish consisting of pasta and meat
- Bianco – fish cooked in onions, potatoes, herbs, pepper and lemon juice
Given Corfu’s Venetian history, you’ll find almost as many Italian restaurants as you will Greek tavernas – and limoncello is just as popular as Greek ouzo!
Delicious Greek cuisine
Healthcare
Corfu has several public and private healthcare facilities, including Corfu General Hospital, in the village of Kontokali, which offers a range of medical services and emergency care. There are also numerous pharmacies and private clinics, and many healthcare professionals in Corfu speak English.
If you require more advanced medical facilities or specialist care, the mainland city of Ioannina is a three-hour drive from the Port of Corfu.
Cost of living
Compared to many other Western countries, the cost of living in Greece is relatively affordable. For example, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is more than £25 cheaper than it is in the UK, while fruit like oranges and tomatoes are almost half the price. Public transport also costs half as much as it does in the UK and energy bills are almost a third cheaper. [1]
As with anywhere, house prices vary depending on the location and type of property, with options ranging from traditional village houses to modern apartments and villas. For example, you can get a one-bedroom country house for €50,000 or a six-bedroom seaside villa for €5m!
If you’re considering retiring to Corfu, your next home could be waiting for you our property portal
Agios Georgios Pagon Beach, Corfu
Sources
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