A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Corfu vs. Calais for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Corfu or Calais?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Corfu or Calais, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Corfu

Corfu is a breathtaking, striking, and relaxing island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Corfu and Calais: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Corfu or Calais?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Corfu. Although Corfu and Calais are both popular with visitors, Corfu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Corfu is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Calais is known for its museums and big city activities. Corfu is more touristy than Calais and is popular for its charming villages, gorgeous beaches, and pristine landscape. It is also home to Canal d'Amour. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Corfu different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calais and Corfu. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Corfu or Calais?

Corfu
Calais

Calais is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Corfu does not have museums and landmarks.

Calais offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Corfu does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Corfu or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Corfu
Calais

Corfu is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Corfu or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Corfu
Calais

Corfu is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Corfu is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Corfu or Calais Better for Resorts?

Corfu
Calais

Corfu is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Calais is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Corfu is a great choice. 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.

Calais is not a resort destination.


Is Corfu or Calais Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Corfu
Calais

Corfu is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Corfu or Calais Better for Beaches?

Corfu
Calais

Corfu is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Corfu. 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.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is Corfu or Calais Better for Hiking?

Corfu
Calais

Corfu is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Calais is not a hiking destination.

People visit Corfu specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Calais is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Corfu or Calais?

Corfu
Calais

Corfu is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Corfu or Calais Better for Families?

Corfu
Calais

Corfu is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Corfu is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Corfu or Calais Better for Couples?

Corfu
Calais

Corfu is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Corfu makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.


Is Corfu or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Corfu
Calais

Corfu is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Corfu is a very popular island 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Corfu or Calais Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Corfu
Calais

Corfu is well known for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Corfu. 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.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Corfu or Calais a more walkable city?

Corfu
Calais

Corfu is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Corfu is a very walkable destination. 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.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.


For even more information, also check out Is Corfu Worth Visiting? and Is Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Corfu?

How long in Corfu or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Corfu and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Corfu than in Calais. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Corfu, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

Families should spend more time in Corfu than Calais. 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 Calais. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Corfu that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Corfu than Calais 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 Corfu.


  • How many days in Corfu or Calais? Ideal Length of Stay
    Corfu 5-7 
    Calais 1-3

One day in Corfu or Calais?

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.

In Calais, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Corfu or Calais?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Corfu or Calais?

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.

Calais is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Calais. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Corfu or Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the undiscovered destination of Calais. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best 10-Day Tours from Athens, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.


Which place is cheaper, Calais or Corfu?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Corfu is €113, while the average daily cost in Calais is €139. 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 Corfu and Calais in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Corfu 49
    Calais 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Corfu 98
    Calais 154
Compare Hotels in Corfu and Calais

Looking for a hotel in Corfu or Calais? 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.

Hotels in Corfu


Hotels in Calais


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Corfu Hotel Prices and Calais Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Corfu 55
    Calais 47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Corfu

Also for Corfu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • (CFU) Corfu Airport To Acharavi Private Transfer: $108
  • (CFU) Corfu Airport To Agios Stefanos Private Transfer: $108
  • (CFU) Corfu Airport To Roda Private Transfer: $97
  • (CFU) Corfu Airport To Sidari Private Transfer: $97
  • Airport Transfer to Gouvia Marina: $60
  • Corfu Airport (CFU) to Corfu Island - Arrival Private Transfer : $38
  • Corfu Airport (CFU) to Corfu Neo Limani Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $20
  • Corfu Airport (CFU) to Corfu Neo Limani Cruise Port -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $39
  • Corfu Airport (CFU): Private Transfer to Corfu Island hotels: $238
  • Corfu Airport (CFU): Transfer to Corfu Neo Limani Cruis Port: $122
  • Corfu Airport Arrival Private Transfers : $87
  • Corfu Airport Private 1-Way Transfer: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Corfu or Calais?

Prices for flights to both Calais and Corfu 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Corfu 31
    Calais 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Corfu

For Corfu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Traditional Albanian Lakror Cooking Class in Ksamil: $40
  • Greek Cooking Class & Olive Oil Tasting: $96
  • Corfood bites - Cooking classes by Christos: $98
  • Cooking Class,walk in the market,olive oil tasting.Simply Greece!: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Corfu 15
    Calais 8.92

Tours and Activities in Corfu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Corfu.

  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $5.35
  • Corfu Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Corfu City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Skip the Line: Casa Parlante Historical Museum Tour Ticket in Corfu: $13
  • Corfu Town: Pirate Ship Coastal Cruise: $14
  • Syvota Islands 1 hour Cruise: $16
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $24
  • City Sightseeing Corfu Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $24
  • Royalty Winery tour with tasting at Theotoky Estate in Corfu: $25
  • Corfu Town: Dark Myths and Legends Tour: $26
  • Corfu Town: Dark Myths and Legends Tour: $26
  • Experience the Authentic Taste of Crete, Ntakos: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Corfu 8.57
    Calais 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Corfu

Also in Corfu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tasting with Local Wine Makers in Sivota: $71
  • Wine Tasting in Kassiopi Corfu: $219
  • Private Corfu Wine Tasting Shore Excursion: $449
  • Private Shore Excursion: Corfu's Highlights & Wine Tasting: $460


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Corfu and Calais, we can see that Calais is more expensive. And not only is Corfu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Corfu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Corfu and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Calais would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calais than you might in Corfu.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Corfu Expensive? and Is Calais Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Corfu or Calais?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Corfu. When comparing the sizes of Corfu and Calais, 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.


When is the best time to visit Corfu or Calais?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Corfu or Calais in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Corfu as well as Calais. Many visitors come to Corfu in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Corfu is a little warmer than Calais. Typically, the summer temperatures in Corfu in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Calais averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Calais. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Corfu this time of the year. In the summer, Corfu often gets more sunshine than Calais. Corfu gets 358 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun.

Corfu usually gets less rain in July than Calais. Corfu gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Corfu 25°C (76°F) 
    Calais 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Corfu or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Corfu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Corfu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Calais because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Corfu is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Corfu average around 18°C (65°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Corfu usually receives more sunshine than Calais during autumn. Corfu gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Corfu. In October, Corfu usually receives more rain than Calais. Corfu gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Corfu 18°C (65°F) 
    Calais 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Corfu or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Corfu during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Corfu because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

It's quite cold in Calais in the winter. Corfu is much warmer than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Corfu averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Corfu often gets more sunshine than Calais. Corfu gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Corfu. Corfu usually gets more rain in January than Calais. Corfu gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Corfu 10°C (49°F) 
    Calais 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Corfu or Calais in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Corfu and Calais. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Corfu this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Corfu is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Corfu in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).

Corfu usually receives more sunshine than Calais during spring. Corfu gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Corfu usually receives more rain than Calais. Corfu gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Corfu 14°C (58°F) 
    Calais 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Calais and Corfu

Corfu Calais
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 75 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 180 mm (7.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)