Which place is cheaper, Corfu or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Corfu. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Athens is a energetic, historic, and ancient city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.
Corfu is a natural, breathtaking, and striking island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Corfu are both popular with visitors, Athens has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Athens is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Corfu is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Corfu is popular for its charming villages, gorgeous beaches, and pristine landscape.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Corfu and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Athens is a world-class destination for its historical sights. However, Corfu does not have museums and landmarks.
The museums and tourist attractions in Athens are world-renowned. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.
Corfu does not have museums and landmarks.
Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Corfu can be an enjoyable experience.
Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.
For foodies, Corfu is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The island's local dishes are heavily influenced by the surrounding areas. You'll find similarities to Greek and Venetian dishes as well France and Mediterranean flavors. Common ingredients include wine, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice and several traditional dishes that you should try include pastitsado (red wine stew), sofrito (garlic seasoned beef), and veal fricando (roasted veal).
Athens is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Corfu is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.
People head to Athens just to party. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.
Corfu offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a large island that attracts a number of students, so you can expect a party during the summer months. The most popular areas for nightlife are Kavos, Ipsos, Kontokali, and Sidari. You'll also find clubs in many of the resorts and there are often all night parties even during the off seasons.
Corfu is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Athens is not a resort destination.
Vacationers flock to Corfu for its luxury resorts. The diversity of resorts, from family-friendly to romantic or all-inclusive, means there really is something for everyone. There are also a number of villages so you can find a location that perfectly lines up with your needs.
Athens is not a resort destination.
Corfu is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Corfu. The island is large enough that it has a number of spots to choose from. One of the most beautiful is Afionas, in Port Timone. It's only accessible by boat or a 45 minute hike. Paleokastritsa is a more accessible snorkeling and dive area with facilities and luxury villas where you can stay. For scuba diving, you can also head to Agni, but the busy boat traffic means it's not the best place for snorkeling.
Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Corfu is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.
Corfu offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is known for its stunning beaches which offer a diversity of settings ranging from family-friendly to natural or party-focused. The most famous beach resort area is Paleokastritsa but other nice places include Pelekas, Agios Gordis, and Glyfada. On the western side of the island you'll find mostly long sandy beaches and on the eastern side you'll find more pebble beaches.
Athens is not a beach destination.
Athens is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Corfu does not have a historic old town.
The historic old town of Athens is revered around the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.
Corfu does not have a historic old town.
Corfu is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.
Corfu is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The stunning natural beauty of the island means you'll find some of the most breathtaking hikes in the Greek Isles. From the lush green rolling hills to the striking blue waters, there are many places to soak up this island's idyllic setting. The island is also rich in plant life and you'll find more than 30 species of orchids here. Popular hiking trails include Vlacherna Trail (good for beginners and families), Mount Pantokrator Trail (the most challenging on the island), and Old Town Hiking Trail which takes you through the history of the area.
Athens is not a hiking destination.
Corfu is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Corfu. You'll find most of the shops concentrated in Corfu Town. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, jewelry, ceramics, and items made from olive wood.
Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.
Corfu is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.
With a huge array of activities for kids, Corfu is very family-friendly. Because it is so beautiful with amazing beaches, it makes an ideal destination for kids and adults. There are many places where kids can swim as well as a number of great activities for everyone. The whole family will enjoy glass bottom boat rides, horseback riding, and even a visit to the popular Hydropolis Waterpark. There are also a huge number of kid-friendly resorts around the island.
Athens is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.
Corfu is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.
Corfu is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's idyllic natural setting and stunning beaches make this a truly romantic island. It's a favorite honeymoon destination for newlyweds from around the world. There are luxury hotels and resorts that have spas, pools, and fine dining options. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or a more adventurous experience, you'll find it all here.
Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.
Athens is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Corfu is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Athens is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.
Corfu is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The island is a favorite, particularly during the crowded summer months. There are a number of hostels where backpackers can stay and an active nightlife if that's your style. There are also quiet and more peaceful settings if you want to escape the crowds.
Athens is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Corfu is not popular with students.
Athens is a great city to visit as a student. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.
Corfu is not popular with students.
Athens and Corfu both offer great public transit to get you around.
Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.
Public transit in Corfu is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a decent public bus system on the island. The blue buses stay near Corfu Town while the green buses go further around the island.
Athens and Corfu are great when it comes to walkability.
Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.
Corfu is very walkable. It's easy to walk around Corfu Town, and if you plan to spend most of your time at the beach there's really no need for a car.
For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Corfu Worth Visiting?.
Both Athens and Corfu have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Corfu has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Corfu than Athens. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 5-7 days is enough time in Corfu.
Families should spend more time in Corfu than Athens. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Corfu, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Corfu than Athens. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Corfu that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Corfu if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Athens.
Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Corfu. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Corfu is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Athens is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Corfu. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the breathtaking destination of Corfu. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Corfu is €113. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Corfu in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Corfu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Also for Corfu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Corfu and Athens change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Corfu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Corfu.
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
Also in Corfu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Corfu, we can see that Athens is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Corfu Expensive?.
Athens has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Corfu. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Corfu, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Both Corfu and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Corfu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Corfu. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Corfu fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
It's quite sunny in Corfu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Corfu during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Corfu receives 358 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Corfu. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Corfu and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Corfu because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Athens is around the same temperature as Corfu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Corfu fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Corfu. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Corfu receives 178 hours of full sun.
Corfu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in October than Corfu. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Corfu. The winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Corfu this time of year.
In the winter, Athens is around the same temperature as Corfu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Corfu averages at about 10°C (49°F).
Athens usually receives more sunshine than Corfu during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Corfu receives 112 hours of full sun in the winter.
Corfu receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Corfu. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Corfu. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Corfu for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Athens is generally a little warmer than Corfu. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Corfu fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Corfu. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Corfu receives 195 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets less rain in April than Corfu. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Athens | Corfu | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 136 mm (5.4 in) |
Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) |
Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |