Daily life in Corfu
Corfu charms with its cosmopolitan side and year-round life. The Old Town (UNESCO), nearby beaches, the airport and the hospital make it a practical base without sacrificing charm. To view listings and get a clear idea of the local market, start with the page dedicated to real estate in Corfu.
Old Town, north/south, connections
In the Old Town, life is on foot among arcades and cafés, with Garitsa and Kanoni offering sublime views. To the north, more elegant areas like Kassiopi; to the south, more accessible areas like Lefkimmi and Messonghi. Good connections ✈️🚢: international airport (direct seasonal flights), ferries to Igoumenitsa and Italy, KTEL buses. Expect 15–45 min drive depending on the area.
- Internet: fiber in town, solid 4G/5G along the central axis.
- Climate: mild but rainy winters; breezy summers, ideal for sailing.
- Real estate: listings on Green Acres show strong demand for second homes (average observed asking price around €526,000 in Corfu), but local ranges vary widely depending on location and size.
Schools, healthcare, shops
Well-equipped regional capital: Greek public schools, anglophone/private options, Ionian University. On healthcare, a general hospital and private clinics with year-round emergency services.
Easy shopping 🛒: markets, local grocers and chains (Sklavenitis, AB, Lidl). Year-round life centers around Corfu Town and the southeast axis.
- Cost of living: €1,200–2,200 / month for a couple (excluding purchase).
- Purchase: plan for 7–12% fees (3% tax, notary, lawyer, agency).
- Rental market: strong seasonal demand; prioritize parking and beach access.
Profile of foreign buyers (Green Acres data for the Corfu department): Germany leading (≈20% of inquiries), then France (≈9%), the UK and Italy (≈8% each). These flows shape seasonal demand and explain interest in properties ready to rent or well connected.
Lefkada & Kefalonia: nature & space
For lovers of open horizons, Lefkada (connected to the mainland by a bridge) and Kefalonia offer spectacular beaches, mountains and postcard villages. 🌿 See the local selection on the Lefkada page.
Vasiliki (Lefkada), Assos/Fiskardo (Kefalonia)
In Lefkada, Vasiliki, a renowned windsurfing spot, combines village life and a marina — Vasiliki for highly sought-after properties (price per m² often high on small surfaces). In Kefalonia, Assos retains its confidential character, while Argostoli concentrates services and schools.
- Beaches and hikes: Porto Katsiki, Egremni, Myrtos and Mount Ainos for hiking.
- Construction: seismic zone → anti-seismic standards; check permits and soil studies.
- Seasonality: favor villages open 12 months for a stable social life.
On Green Acres, Lefkada shows an average asking price around €537,000 (prices per m² vary greatly depending on view and size). In Kefalonia, foreign demand shows a strong Israeli and American presence, often for larger properties and moderate median prices.
Zakynthos & Paxos: family & slow
Zakynthos suits families looking for long beaches and services; Paxos invites slow time, away from the world.
Vasilikos & Keri (Zakynthos)
Vasilikos lines up family beaches and gentle trails. Keri offers views and access to the caves.
Convenient airport, ferries via Killini. Turtle marine park: some areas are protected, which limits construction and night lighting.
- Zakynthos real estate: average asking prices on Green Acres often reach high levels, watch out for per m² prices on the seafront.
- Daily life: schools, doctors, shops in Zakynthos Town; car recommended.
- Family: gently sloping beaches, sailing clubs, diving centers.
Loggos & Gaios (Paxos)
Paxos is small, green, and sought-after. Gaios concentrates most services; budgets are very high there — Gaios shows prices per m² among the highest in the archipelago.
Slow atmosphere: limited traffic, small restaurants, beautiful stone houses. Watch out for high prices and more expensive supplies (water, materials).
Practical tips for buying in the Ionian Islands
Some steps to secure your project and live peacefully:
- Have the property audited: structure, dampness, seismic compliance.
- Check access (road, slope), water and electricity; on islets, presence of a cistern.
- Test the Internet connection and mobile coverage off-season.
- Plan for winter: shops open, doctors, reduced transport.
- Calculate the total cost: price + 7–12% fees + renovation + furnishings.
- For rental: local permits, parking, management of seasonal peaks.
To explore a specific area further, each local page mentioned above compiles listings and trends observed by Green Acres — useful to compare median prices, typical sizes and profiles of foreign buyers.
