Why live in Corfu?
Corfu is an island that combines charm, landscape, peaceful lifestyle and welcoming people. It is a place where you can still find wild coasts, seaside houses and authentic villages! The inhabitants, warm and welcoming, cultivate a simple and friendly art of living. With its golden sandy beaches and secluded coves, olive groves as far as the eye can see and traditional villages, Corfu offers unparalleled natural beauty.
Located just a stone’s throw from Albania and Italy, influenced by the Venetians, French and British, Corfu is full of historical monuments, fascinating museums and living traditions. It is an exciting mix of cultures that sets it apart from other Greek regions.
Located just a 2-3 hour flight from the main European capitals, Corfu is served by an international airport and regular ferries. It is therefore a promise of sun, beach and softness at hand!
And for non-Europeans, Greece offers an attractive Golden Visa (with one of the lowest thresholds in Europe) for foreign investors, making it easier to obtain a residence permit by investing in real estate.
Cost of living in Corfu
The cost of living in Corfu is much lower than in major European cities, offering an excellent quality of life at a reasonable price.
- Food: Local products, such as fruits, vegetables, fish and cheeses, are affordable. Count about €2/kg for tomatoes, €1.5/L for milk and €10 for a bottle of local wine.
- Dining: A meal in a tavern costs €12-15, while dinner in a more refined restaurant costs around €25.
- Transport: Local buses are economical (€1.50 per trip), and the cost of fuel remains comparable to other Mediterranean regions.
- Housing: Whether buying or renting, property prices are competitive, although higher in popular coastal areas.
A couple can live comfortably in Corfu with a monthly budget of €1,500 – €2,000, depending on the type of accommodation and lifestyle chosen.
Where to live in Corfu?
Corfu offers a wide variety of places to live, each with its own characteristics:
Corfu Town (Kerkyra): the capital of the island, Corfu Town is a mix of history and modernity. With its cobbled alleys, Venetian buildings and lively restaurants, it is the perfect place for those who love city life.
North-east of the island: a region popular for its paradisiacal beaches and picturesque villages such as Kassiopi or Nissaki, it attracts those looking for a peaceful setting while being close to amenities.
South of the island: more authentic and rural, the south of Corfu is perfect for those looking to get away from the tourist areas. Villages like Lefkimmi offer traditional charm and affordable properties. It is one of the few places where you can still find small properties whose garden opens directly onto the sea!
Centre of the island: the green hills of the centre, dotted with villages such as Gastouri, offer spectacular sea views and a tranquil living environment.
Finding the perfect home in Corfu
Searching for a property remotely can sometimes be a challenge. To simplify your procedures, it is wise to use real estate platforms that specialize in foreign purchases. These platforms, often available in several languages, bring together a large number of agencies and listings, so you don’t have to browse through dozens of different sites. In addition, they offer clear and translated descriptions, eliminating language barriers. Once you have spotted your favorite properties, you can easily contact the agencies to get more information and organize your visits on site with complete peace of mind.
The real estate market in Corfu offers a wide range of properties:
- Traditional houses: charming and often surrounded by olive groves, these houses sometimes need renovations, but offer a unique character.
- Modern Villas: Ideal for investors or those looking for luxury, these properties often feature swimming pools and stunning sea views.
- City apartments: practical and well located, perfect for regular stays or seasonal rentals.
What are the steps to take to settle in Corfu?
Moving to Greece is not very complicated, whether for Europeans or not! Do not hesitate to consult our complete buying guide to find all the information on the steps of buying a property and the administrative procedures in Greece!
Conclusion
Corfu, with its enchanting landscapes, rich heritage and attractive real estate market, offers an exceptional living environment for those who wish to invest or settle in the Mediterranean. Whether you’re drawn to a luxurious beachfront villa or a traditional home in a quaint village, this Ionian island has it all. Accessible, authentic and full of promise, Corfu is the ideal choice to turn your Mediterranean dream into reality.
