Backpacking Diplomacy by Andy A blog dedicated to sharing world culture, travel tips and building community.
TLDR
So you want to drive in Corfu? Well you are not alone. I wanted to as well, and did. Although along the way I learned some things. Quad (ATV), scooter and car rentals are all popular ways to explore the island of Corfu. The island of Corfu is beautiful and rewarding in so many ways. From the mountain villages to the pristine coastal waters, just be advised that there are a few things that you will want to keep in mind if you decided to travel the island. Road conditions, logistics and pitfalls are all considerations that you need to account for. In this article, I’ll share my experience driving around Corfu for a week, tips for navigating and try to help you avoid my costly incident requiring me to pay for damages.
How is driving in Corfu
In a lot of ways, driving in Corfu reminded me a bit of what it’s like to drive in Puerto Rico, the roads are fine until they are not. And when they are not, it’s downright dangerous. As you drive across the island you will witness somewhat drastic changes in the condition of roads. In some places, they are freshly paved and have drawn lines which makes it almost feel like a highway. In order places the road is wavy, pothole ridden and bumpy. If you are lucky, then you will likely come across a gravel road or two. So basically, what I am saying is: you need to be vigilant. Corfu is not the kind of place where you can casually drive and observe your surroundings. You need to be focused on the road in front of you.
Rental requirements in Corfu
Starting with the most obvious question, can you even drive in Corfu? Depending on where you are from, you may need an international driver’s permit. As an American license holder, I definitely needed one when renting. Instead of a car, I decided to rent a scooter. I found a lovely scooter rental place called Corfu Wheels, which was located near my hotel. They required me to have an IDP, which thankfully I had. Further, you may need a motorcycle endorsement to drive anything larger than 50cc.
Do I need an IDP?
In short, yes you might. It completely depends on your unique situation though. If you are traveling within your home region, particularly, then it is less likely, but the need could be there still. Typically, as long as you are above 18 and have a license, then you can get an IDP.
I recommend using the International Driver’s Permit widget we’ve created here. It may help you to quickly determine your country in conjunction with the country you are visiting.
Can I drive a scooter on a car license?
Typically, there are two components to rentals: age and license classification. In most countries, at least the ones which follow strict laws, scooters require a specific motorcycle license for anything greater than 50cc. If you are under 20 and do not have a motorcycle license, then do not expect to easily be able to rent a scooter.
Renting: cars vs scooters vs quads (ATVs)
Each suits a different trip. A car is the comfortable, weatherproof, family-friendly choice, and the one I’d pick for covering long distances or carrying luggage and passengers. A scooter, what I rode, is the most fun for a solo traveler or couple, nimble on narrow village lanes and easy to park, but the most exposed to Corfu’s bad surfaces and weather. Quads (ATVs) are popular and feel adventurous, but they’re less stable than people assume on loose gravel and at speed, and you’re just as exposed as on a scooter. Whatever you pick, photograph it thoroughly before you drive off (more on that below).
Rental prices in Corfu
The rental prices in Corfu follow a degree of seasonality. The summer months will be the highest cost, essentially June, July and August. Shoulder seasons will be more affordable and of course the off season and winter months will be the cheapest. I would not expect a major deal though as it is an island after all. I will include some prices so that you can get a guestimate. Though expect them to fluctuate.
Scooter
I paid €35 per day for my scooter in the month of June. It was a 150cc, which was plenty sufficient to getting around the island. You can rent 50cc (from select businesses), but also bikes that are 250cc and more.
One call out for a scooter, if you rent a scooter in Corfu, then definitely choose a company that has a phone holder and a USB charger. They are really added bonuses that make your rides safer and hands free.
ATV
Expect to pay €60-70+ per day for an ATV. I did not rent an ATV but I think it would be nice if you plan to stay around the middle of the island and not go too far. I am not sure how feasible it would be for crossing the island.
Car
Regardless of the price, cars would be the best option for families, those without motorcycle licenses, during a period of rain, or just for those who prefer air-conditioning. During the peak summer months, ATVs and scooters might be too hot leaving a car as the best option.
Traffic
One of the nicest things about Corfu is that there is not a lot of traffic. In Corfu town, you’ll definitely have some, but the rest of the island is pretty sparse. Therefore, you can enjoy the road at your own pace most of the time without worrying about someone tailgating you.
Road conditions
If there is one thing that I want to write in detail about when it comes to driving in Corfu, it would most certainly be the road conditions. The roads in Corfu are just about awful. They can transition from clean paved road bumpy and rock ridden in a matter of centimeters.
Tips for driving in Corfu
After I spent a week scooting myself around the Corfiot homeland, there a few things that I learned and would like to share with my younger self.
Before you drive off
6 warnings about roads in Corfu
Loose gravel
On many occasions when driving around Corfu, I found small piles of gravel that had accumulated. Driving over them is alright but this is not something you want to find in a curve. Watch the road!
Caution in rain
Corfu bakes dry all summer, so the roads build up a film of oil and dust. The first rain after a dry spell lifts that into a greasy slick, and it’s startling how little grip you suddenly have, especially on a scooter’s two small contact patches. Add standing water in the potholes you already can’t see well, and a wet day turns an easy road treacherous. If it starts to rain, slow right down, brake earlier than feels necessary, and treat painted lines and manhole covers as ice.
Night driving — only when necessary
Avoid it if you can. Outside Corfu Town, most roads are unlit, narrow, and winding, with no shoulder and a sharp drop or rock wall waiting where the asphalt ends. The potholes, gravel, and the occasional goat that you’d spot in daylight all vanish into the dark, and oncoming headlights on a blind curve are their own adventure. If you must drive after sunset, go slowly, use full beams when no one’s coming, and give yourself far more time than the distance suggests.
Avoid potholes
This one is personal. As I explain below, I hit a pothole and it cost me some money. The roads in Corfu have hidden potholes in them. Some are shallow, some are deep; all should be avoided.
Trash on the road
As we shared in another post, Corfu has had real public struggles with waste collection, and it shows on the roads. You’ll pass overflowing bins at village edges and sometimes find bags or loose debris that have spilled into the lane, often right where the road bends past a cluster of houses. On a scooter, a stray bag or a rolling bottle is enough to upset your line. Keep your eyes well ahead, especially entering and leaving villages, and don’t assume a clear road stays clear around the corner.
Animals on the road
The hills are full of goats and sheep, and villages have free-roaming dogs and cats. They wander onto rural roads without warning, most often at dawn and dusk when they’re on the move and the light is poor. A goat standing in the middle of a mountain lane is a genuinely common sight. Slow down through hill country, expect the unexpected around blind bends, and never assume an animal will move out of your way. A cat crossed the road in front of me at night and I could barely see it until I got close to it.
Photos of the roads in Corfu
The roads in Corfu are a mixed bag. I experienced the gauntlet of them all. I snapped some photos of those conditions to help illustrate my article.
Potholes are a thing
Potholes are found through the island of Corfu. I found potholes on the nicer roads (unexpected) and I found potholes on the worse roads (expected). Try to avoid them, else you could damage your car, scooter or ATV rental.
Loose gravel and sand
See the switchback road full of gravel and sand. A sharp turn with loose stones are no match for two wheels.
Trash and debris
I did not come across a significant amount of debris physically in the road, however there is definitely some near the road. Every once and a while you will find a piece of trash has made its way to the street.
Driving in the rain
Personally, I would not drive a scooter in the rain on Corfu. The roads seem simply too dangerous. A car should likely be fine, but even still, you should exercise caution. The picture below is not after a rain. It is the conditions when the road is dry. That is the reflection off the road from the oils that have accumulated. Since Corfu only receives a little rain each year, the roads are not frequently cleaned by nature. Therefore, at the onset of a rain, conditions can be slippery.
Overall road variety
The Corfiot roads can be inconsistent. These are all images of roads that you might experience within the same day of driving.
Where the driving gets hardest (and most rewarding)
The places that I found the most difficult to drive were high in the mountains. The roads were full of switchbacks. They were frequently poorly paved with loose gravel and plenty of holes. They are drivable but it’s a much slower ride. When you are going downhill, pay attention to your speed.
That being said, driving through the mountain villages was a positive experience for me. They are photogenic and the combination of ocean views with traditional housing makes for a lovely backdrop. It also gives you a chance to support small businesses in a meaningful way. Something we love, here at Backpacking Diplomacy.
I would not hesitate to drive the island again. I’m just sharing tips so that you know what to expect.
My costly incident: what the pothole taught me
Whatever you do, don’t do this.
On many occasions in my road trip around Corfu, I found myself swerving to avoid a pothole or some other obstacle. When I was driving on a back road, I came across a large pothole. I tried to swerve but this time it was just too late. The pothole was so deep, combined with the road speed that it bend the rim and altered the bike’s alignment. I had not paid for the insurance coverage for the scooter. Needless to say, I had to pay €250 out of pocket just for the tire and rim replacement. The alignment was another issue altogether but that one is still to be determined.
Insurance and your deposit: read before you sign
This is where the costly part of my trip really bit, so learn from it. Rental insurance in Corfu often comes with a large excess (deductible), meaning you’re liable for the first chunk of any damage, sometimes hundreds of euros, even with “insurance.” Basic third-party cover frequently excludes things like underbody and tire damage, which is exactly what potholes cause. Before you sign: ask precisely what the excess is, what’s excluded, and whether you can buy it down. Photograph and video the entire vehicle (every scratch, both wheels, underneath if you can) and the fuel gauge, with a timestamp, before leaving the lot. It’s the difference between a clear conscience and an argument at drop-off.
Signage
The road signs in Corfu were easy to follow. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and the organization called the Greek Highway Code (KOK) have designed the roads to promote international uniformity. Basically all of the road signs that I saw were bilingual, written in both English and Greek. So, anyone reading this blog post should have no problem navigating the signage there.
Traffic lights
Outside of Corfu city, there are not many traffic lights. There were a few areas on the island, like near Palaiokastritsa and the Bella Vista Viewpoint where they have traffic lights. The lights there have a specific time on them, which essentially allows for one lane traffic to pass. It can feel like forever waiting so if you just miss the green light, you might as well get out and stretch.
Driving direction
Greek follows the right-hand traffic (RHT) rules so Brits and all others who drive on the left beware! Thankfully driving in Corfu is not too hectic; however it is still something to keep in mind.
Parking in Corfu
Parking on the island of Corfu really depends where you find yourself. I’ll break this section into 4 parts for clarity.
Corfu Town
Corfu Town’s old center is a maze of narrow, pedestrianized only streets. You simply cannot part in the old down. Street parking exists but it is scarce. They have paid parking near the Spianda Square. Otherwise, park at the edges, there are paid lots and street parking around the periphery, and walk in. Alternatively, if you are driving a scooter parking near the old town Corfu is far easier. Just look for the other scooters and find an open spot, even the side walk can be far game as long as you are not blocking pedestrian traffic. The sidewalk is likely to be technically illegal, but if you see other scooters probably ok.
Town and the villages
In villages, park sensibly off the carriageway; roads are narrow and a badly parked vehicle blocks everyone. Watch for color-coded lines and signs, and don’t block residents’ access.
Beaches
I found beach parking to be relatively easy. Regardless if I was at the rustic Bouka Beach or the fancier Palaiokastritsa beaches, I found parking easy. Palaiokastritsa is mostly paid parking whereas rustic beaches are usually free and open.
Hotel and accommodation
If you plan to rent, then definitely check with your accommodation as to whether they will be able to provide you with parking or not. I stayed in a Hotel Perama, which was lovely, but they did not have parking. I got lucky though because they are located across the street from the business that I rented from and I was able to park there overnight.
Re-fuelling
Re-fuelling in Corfu is generally like everywhere else in the world, but there was a small learning curve for me. During the week, you will likely find attendants at the petrol stations to tank up but during the weekend or late at night is a different story. Most of the gas stations in Corfu convert to self-service after hours. If you are unfamiliar with this process like I was then it may be confusing at first.
Price of gas in Corfu
Gas in Corfu is not cheap. However, when compared to some regional neighbors the price is about average. Here is a picture of what the petrol price was when I visited although, it will of course fluctuate over time.
How to fill up after hours
There are a few easy steps to getting gas or petrol at night in Corfu. When you pull up to the station, first check to ensure that they have self-service. It is usually mentioned in bold on their signs.
Next, find the machine. The self service machines that I found were available in 3 languages: English, Greek and Italian.
As a next step, you need to insert money into the machine and choose your pump. During this step, make sure that you do not yet touch the pump itself. If you do then the machine will stay in some kind of limbo state.
Note: you will not be able to get change. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not introduce bills larger than you are willing to not get back. You may be able to get a credit from your receipt during business hours, but this is unlikely to be helpful if you are driving on the opposite side of the island from your accommodation.
Distances & planning your day
Corfu is not a large island. It can take some time to drive around and of course you will want to stop, and you definitely should.
In my experience visiting Corfu, I would recommend at least 3 full days for it. 4-5 would be even better if you have the time. You can section the island into 3 distinct parts: the south quadrant, the middle and north. Basically you could do each in one day.
In a future article on Corfu, I’ll include more details itineraries.
Where should I base myself?
I based myself in Corfu city for the duration of my stay on the island, but in hindsight it would have been lovely to stay in other parts of the island. It also spreads out the tourism dollars. What I think would be great, is to spend a portion of your trip in each part of the island if that’s an option for you. Having the ability to drive around, will grant you that option.
Conclusion: Should you rent and drive in Corfu?
I think it was well worth it and rewarding for me. The island is beautiful and has a lot of beaches, mountains, hiking, restaurants and villages to explore. I would definitely rent in Corfu again, just be vigilant on the road. Happy traveling!
FAQ
It depends on your license. EU, UK, Swiss, Norwegian, and Icelandic licenses are recognized without one. For US, Canadian, and Australian licenses the picture is murkier since a 2021 change, some rental companies require an IDP and some don’t. I was asked for mine as an American, so I’d treat it as essential: it’s cheap, quick to get at home, and you cannot obtain one once you’ve arrived. Without it, you risk losing your booking and deposit.
Only a 50cc moped. For a 125cc scooter or anything bigger, Greece requires an actual motorcycle category (A1, A2, or A) printed on your license, even if your home country lets a car license cover 125cc. That home-country allowance doesn’t apply in Greece. If your card shows “B” only, plan on a 50cc or rent a car instead.
Yes, with attention. The danger isn’t traffic, it’s the road surface: sudden potholes, gravel, and surfaces that change from smooth to broken in a moment. Drive focused, not casually, slow down for bends and villages, avoid driving at night and in the first rain, and you’ll be fine. The island rewards careful drivers.
The right. Greece uses right-hand traffic, so visitors from the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, and other left-driving countries need to consciously adjust, especially at junctions and roundabouts and when pulling out. Thankfully the light traffic gives you room to think.
A car for comfort, distance, luggage, or family travel. A scooter for fun and nimbleness if you’re solo or a couple and comfortable on two wheels (it’s what I chose). A quad feels adventurous but is less stable than people expect on gravel and leaves you just as exposed as a scooter. Match it to your confidence and your trip.
Genuinely rough in places. They swing from freshly paved to potholed and gravel-strewn within a short stretch, sometimes within centimeters. It’s the defining feature of driving here. The roads are very manageable if you stay alert and slow, but this is not a place for relaxed, scenery-gazing driving with your eyes off the asphalt.
Not really. Road signs are bilingual, Greek and English, and follow international conventions, so navigation is straightforward. A phone with offline maps helps in the mountainous interior where signal can drop, but you won’t struggle to read your way around.
You may be liable for a lot more than you’d expect. Insurance often carries a high excess (deductible) and frequently excludes tire and underbody damage, exactly what potholes cause. Photograph and video the vehicle before you drive off, ask precisely what your excess and exclusions are, and consider buying down the excess. It’s the cheapest insurance against an expensive surprise at drop-off.
In Corfu Town’s old center, yes, it’s pedestrianized and not driveable, so park around the edges and walk in (a scooter makes this much easier). Elsewhere it’s generally easy; just park clear of the narrow carriageways and watch for signs and colored lines.
Typically, yes. You could still rent a car as someone who is under the age of 25 traveling around the USA. However, keep in mind that some car rental companies charge extra fees and deposits or simply require additional insurance coverage.
The roads near cities and towns typically had lights. However I found that the countryside and mountain areas had fewer lights.
It depends what you want to see. If you want to just see the island, then I would say 3-4 days. If you want to really enjoy the island at a slow pace then 7-10 days could be really nice.
This is article is intended to give you an overview of what it is like to drive in Corfu. If you have any experiences to share then please feel free to.Pair it with our Greece guides and tell us about your experience via our contact page.
