It’s the question every visitor asks, and the honest answer is: it depends entirely on where you’re staying and how you like to travel. Corfu is bigger and more mountainous than people expect, so here’s a straight, local view to help you decide.

If you’re staying in Corfu Town

You won’t need a car. The old town is a pedestrian maze best explored on foot, and a car is more of a liability than a help — parking is scarce and the lanes are narrow. Taxis and the local blue buses cover everything, and you can pick up a hire car for just the day or two you want to explore further afield.

If you’re staying on the northeast coast (Kalami, Nissaki, Kassiopi)

This is where most of our homes are, and here a car is useful but not essential. Villages like Kalami are walkable to the bay, the tavernas and the boat moorings, so you can happily spend days without driving. That said, a car gives you the freedom to reach quieter beaches, mountain villages and the rest of the island at your own pace — and the coast road is one of the most beautiful drives in Corfu.

Getting around without a car

• By boat. The most enjoyable way to explore this coast. Hire a small self-drive boat for the day (no licence needed for the little ones) and beach-hop between coves and taverna lunches — see our guide to the best beaches near Kalami.
• Taxis. Readily available and reliable for airport transfers and evenings out; we’re happy to arrange these for you.

Driving in Corfu — what to know

You drive on the right. Roads are good along the coast but become narrow and winding as you climb into the hills, so take it slowly and use your horn on blind bends — the locals do. Petrol stations and free roadside parking are easy to find outside the town.