Island Guide Β· 3 September 2026 Β· 6 min read
Corfu by campervan: the ferry from Igoumenitsa
Greece's most famous northern island is a short hop from Western Greece's main port. Here's how the crossing works and where to head once you're there.
Corfu doesn't need much introduction β Venetian architecture, olive-covered hills, and a coastline that's been drawing visitors for centuries. What's less well known is how easy it is to reach from the Ionian mainland with your own campervan: the crossing from Igoumenitsa takes well under two hours.
Why add Corfu to a Western Greece trip
If you're already routing through Igoumenitsa β whether arriving by ferry from Italy or driving up the coast from Parga β Corfu is a natural extension rather than a separate trip. It's a different kind of island to Lefkada or Kefalonia: more built up around Corfu Town, with a genuinely walkable UNESCO World Heritage old town alongside its beaches.
The ferry: Igoumenitsa to Corfu
Multiple operators run this short crossing throughout the day, year-round, making it one of the more flexible island connections in the region β you generally don't need to plan far ahead outside of peak August dates.
| Route | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Igoumenitsa β Corfu Town | About 1h 10minβ1h 30min depending on operator | Frequent sailings throughout the day, year-round |
As with other Greek ferry crossings, campervans are priced by vehicle size rather than a flat fee, and rates vary noticeably by operator and season β get a quote for your specific van before you travel rather than assuming a fixed price.
Driving on Corfu
The main road from Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa on the west coast is well-maintained and avoids the sharpest switchbacks, so it's a comfortable drive even in a larger van. Away from that main road, though, parts of the island have the same narrow, steep, zigzagging lanes you'll find on Kefalonia or in inland Epirus β take unfamiliar roads slowly and check the width before committing a larger vehicle.
Corfu Town itself has a genuinely pedestrian-heavy old town β park on the outskirts and walk in rather than trying to find street parking near the centre.
What to see and do
Corfu Old Town
A UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow Venetian-era streets, the Old Fortress, Spianada Square and the arcaded Liston promenade. Worth a full day on foot.
Paleokastritsa
A dramatic stretch of coastline on the west side of the island, with turquoise coves, a clifftop monastery, and some of Corfu's best-known beaches.
Achilleion Palace
A 19th-century palace built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, with formal gardens and sweeping views β a good half-day stop if you're interested in the island's more unusual history.
Where to stay overnight
Camping Paleokastritsa, on the island's scenic west coast, is a well-established site close to the beach and monastery, with pitches for campers and caravans. As on the mainland and the other Ionian islands, setting up chairs, tables or an awning outside a proper campsite counts as camping rather than parking under current Greek law β see our full guide on where you can stay for the details.
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