Planning a trip to Corfu in 2026? Whether it is your first visit or you are returning to this beloved Ionian island, having a rental car is the best way to explore everything Corfu has to offer. From hidden beaches to mountain villages, a car gives you the freedom to go anywhere, anytime.

In this complete guide, we cover everything you need to know about car rental in Corfu for 2026 – from prices and booking tips to driving rules, parking, and the best routes to explore.

Why Rent a Car in Corfu in 2026?

Corfu is the second-largest Ionian island, stretching 60 km from north to south. While the island has a public bus network (Green Buses), services are limited outside Corfu Town and do not reach many of the island’s best spots. Here is why a rental car makes all the difference:

Reach hidden beaches – Corfu’s most beautiful beaches like Porto Timoni, Rovinia, and Halikounas are not accessible by bus.
Explore at your pace – no waiting for bus schedules or paying for expensive taxis.
Visit mountain villages – Pelekas, Lakones, Old Perithia, and Sokraki are only reachable by car.
Save money – a rental car for a week often costs less than a few taxi rides.
Airport convenience – with free airport pickup and drop-off, you start your holiday the moment you land.

How Much Does Car Rental Cost in Corfu in 2026?

Car rental prices in Corfu vary by season, car type, and rental duration. Here is a general guide for 2026:

Season	Economy Car	Compact Car	Family Car
Low Season (April-May, October)	From 25 EUR/day	From 30 EUR/day	From 40 EUR/day
Mid Season (June, September)	From 30 EUR/day	From 40 EUR/day	From 50 EUR/day
High Season (July-August)	From 40 EUR/day	From 50 EUR/day	From 65 EUR/day

Pro tip: Book early for the best rates, especially for July and August. At Royal Cars Rental, we offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and you do not need a credit card to book.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Corfu

Renting a car in Corfu is straightforward. You need:

A valid driving licence – held for at least one year. EU licences are accepted directly. UK, US, Canadian, and Australian licences do not need an international driving permit.
Minimum age – most companies require age 23-70 for standard insurance. At Royal Cars Rental, drivers under 23 and over 73 can also rent with adjusted insurance.
A deposit – typically 150 EUR for full insurance, refunded within 5 working days after return.
No credit card required – unlike many competitors, we accept debit cards and cash deposits.

Driving in Corfu: Rules and Tips for 2026

Driving in Corfu is easy and enjoyable. Here are the essentials:

Road Rules

Drive on the right side of the road.
Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on main roads (there are no motorways).
Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
Mobile phones – hands-free only while driving.
Blood alcohol limit – 0.05% (stricter for new drivers: 0.02%).

Practical Driving Tips

Roads are generally good – the main coastal road is well-paved. Some mountain roads are narrower but manageable.
Choose a small car – compact and economy cars are ideal for Corfu’s village streets and narrow parking spots. Browse our fleet to find the right size.
Fill up near towns – petrol stations are common in urban areas but rare in the south and mountain areas.
Use Google Maps – it works well in Corfu and helps navigate the smaller roads.
Parking in Corfu Town – use the New Port parking area or the Spianada lot. Street parking is limited in the old town.

Best Car Rental Routes in Corfu for 2026

Route 1: North Coast Explorer (Half Day)

Corfu Town → Dassia → Ipsos → Barbati → Nissaki → Kassiopi → Sidari

Follow the northeast coast through resort towns and hidden coves. Stop at Barbati Beach for a swim, enjoy the views at Kassiopi harbour, and end at the Canal d’Amour rock formations in Sidari. Total distance: about 65 km.

Route 2: West Coast Highlights (Half Day)

Corfu Town → Paleokastritsa → Lakones → Pelekas → Glyfada → Agios Gordios

Start with the famous bays of Paleokastritsa, drive up to Lakones for the best viewpoint on the island (Bella Vista), then head to Pelekas for the Kaiser’s Throne sunset spot. End with a swim at Glyfada or Agios Gordios beach. About 50 km total.

Route 3: South Corfu Discovery (Full Day)

Corfu Town → Achilleion Palace → Benitses → Moraitika → Lefkimmi → Kavos → Lake Korission → Halikounas Beach

Visit the Achilleion Palace, explore the authentic fishing village of Benitses, drive through the quiet south to Lake Korission (a protected wetland), and swim at the wild, unspoiled Halikounas Beach. About 90 km round trip.

Route 4: Mountain Villages (Half Day)

Corfu Town → Sokraki → Doukades → Makrades → Angelokastro → Paleokastritsa

Discover Corfu’s mountain interior. Visit the abandoned village of Old Perithia, drive through olive groves to Sokraki, explore the traditional villages of Doukades and Makrades (famous for local products), and finish at the Byzantine ruins of Angelokastro with panoramic views of the west coast.

When to Visit Corfu in 2026

Each season in Corfu has its charm:

April-May – wildflowers everywhere, warm days (20-25 C), very few tourists. Perfect for exploring by car without crowds.
June – summer begins, water is warm enough for swimming (22-24 C), beaches are not yet packed.
July-August – peak season with hot weather (30-35 C), busy beaches and nightlife. Book your car early.
September-October – the sweet spot. Warm sea (25 C), fewer crowds, lower prices. Read our September guide for more details.

What is New in Corfu for 2026

Corfu continues to improve its infrastructure and tourism offerings:

Road improvements – several main roads have been resurfaced, making driving smoother, especially on the west coast route to Paleokastritsa.
More direct flights – Corfu Airport (CFU) now has direct connections from over 20 European cities, making the island more accessible than ever.
Electric vehicle charging – new charging stations are appearing across the island for visitors with EVs.
Extended season – more restaurants and attractions stay open into late October, making shoulder season travel even more appealing.

Insurance and Safety

At Royal Cars Rental, all our vehicles come with basic CDW insurance. We also offer full insurance for complete peace of mind:

Basic insurance – CDW with excess (minimum 150 EUR).
Full insurance – covers everything with a refundable 150 EUR deposit. Available for drivers aged 23-72.
Under 23 and over 73 – special insurance packages are available with excess minimisation options.
24/7 roadside assistance – if anything happens, we are always a phone call away.

Read our full terms and conditions for more details.

How to Book Your Car for Corfu 2026

Booking with Royal Cars Rental is simple:

Choose your dates – select your pickup and return dates on our online booking page.
Pick your car – browse our fleet of economy, compact, and family cars.
Book online – no credit card required. Pay on arrival.
We meet you at the airport – our team waits at arrivals with your car ready. Free 24/7 airport delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the car off Corfu island?

No, the rental car must stay on Corfu. Taking it off the island without written permission voids the insurance.

Is an automatic car available?

Yes, we have both manual and automatic vehicles. Automatics are popular – book early to secure one.

What if my flight is delayed?

No problem. We monitor all incoming flights and adjust accordingly. Your car will be waiting whenever you arrive.

Can I modify or cancel my booking?

Yes. Changes require 48 hours notice. Full refunds are available if you cancel more than 48 hours before your booking. See our FAQ page for full details.

Ready to explore Corfu in 2026? Book your car now and discover this beautiful island at your own pace. With Royal Cars Rental, you get reliable vehicles, honest prices, and genuine Corfiot hospitality.

Have questions? Contact us – we are happy to help plan your perfect Corfu road trip.

Corfu Car Rental Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go