Corfu, Greece is among the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea, and the best way to explore all that it has to offer is by driving an ATV through its rugged mountain roads. The island, which sits off the northwest coast of mainland Greece, is covered in luscious mountains and beautiful beaches. There are endless expanses of nature to explore as well as decadent resorts, making Corfu the perfect vacation spot for any kind of traveler.
The island of Corfu has a fascinating cultural heritage reflecting the years in which it was ruled by the French, Venetians, and British. Featuring ancient Greek theatres, medieval roads, Venetian fortresses, and many other historical monuments, you can spend a great deal of time on Corfu and only scratch the surface of its wealth of history. For those more inclined toward chilling out on a beach and relaxing, the island’s coasts are dotted with all-inclusive resorts that sit right behind pristine beaches. Corfu also has a vibrant nightlife scene for anyone who’s looking for a good beach party. Regardless of what you want out of your vacation, Corfu is a fantastic place to visit while traveling around Europe, and the best way to make the most of your time there is to rent an ATV.
This post will cover:
- Safety issues concerned with driving in Corfu
- The best places to rent a quad/ATV in Corfu
- The cost of renting a quad/ATV in Corfu
- Whether you need an international driving permit in Greece
- The best places to explore by quad/ATV in Corfu
Is it safe to drive in Corfu?
Driving in the more metropolitan areas of Corfu, specifically around Corfu Town, is rather safe and easy. The roads are large, road signs are easily visible, and there’s ample parking. However, once you get into the more natural areas of the island, the roads grow more narrow and there are a lot of hairpin turns.
In Greece, they drive on the right side of the road, and cars are left-hand drive. So, if you’re traveling from the USA, driving laws should be pretty much the same in Corfu.
One of the most enticing aspects of Corfu is how much luscious greenery there is all over the island. Unfortunately, this presents a problem for drivers. Road signs can often be hidden behind bushes and branches, making the more verdant areas of the island more dangerous to drive in. Be very careful when approaching a stop sign and drive slow along the mountain roads and you should be just fine.
In the peak summer season, roads around Corfu Town can get pretty congested. Greek drivers are also known to be aggressive. If you’re driving in Corfu Town during the middle of the summer, drive extra cautiously. If you plan on going to Corfu outside of peak season, you shouldn't have any major problem with traffic.
Where can you rent a quad/ATV in Corfu?
Since the winding mountain roads of Corfu are so suitable to exploration, renting an ATV is a very popular activity on the island. As a result, there are rental shops scattered all throughout Corfu, and it’s hard to drive more than five minutes without running into one.
If you plan on flying into Corfu International Airport, there are shops right outside the airport that will rent you an ATV, so you can drive yourself directly to your accommodation. Likewise, if you plan on taking a boat to Corfu from the Greek mainland, there are plenty of ATV rental shops right around the port.
Plenty of the other rental shops run along the eastern coast of the island from top to bottom. However, if you find yourself on the western side, you should also have no trouble finding a place to rent an ATV.
What does it cost to rent a quad/ATV in Corfu?
Renting a quad/ATV in Corfu is surprisingly affordable. For a 200cc ATV, you’re looking at around €30 per day on the low end. If you want something more powerful to traverse the mountains of Corfu, you can rent a 500cc ATV for around €60 per day at most shops.
Many rental shops will offer weekly or monthly discounts, so inquire with your rental shop if you plan on staying in Corfu for an extended period of time.
It’s recommended that you get Collision Damage Warranty with your ATV rental. Most shops will include this in the agreement, but it’s better to be absolutely sure. If you end up damaging your ATV, having Collision Damage Warranty could save you a big chunk of money.
Do you need an international driving permit to drive in Greece?
Greek law requires that all foreign drivers in the country carry an international driving permit as well as a valid copy of their passport while operating a motor vehicle, including an ATV. If you plan on driving in Corfu, it’s best to apply for an international driving permit at least two weeks prior to arriving on the island.
There is an application fee of $20 and your international driving permit will be valid for one year. You can apply here.
Where are the best places to go by quad/ATV in Corfu?
Now that you’re aware of the process of renting a quad/ATV in Corfu, here are some of the best places on the island to go exploring:
- Located around a 40 minute drive north of Corfu Town, one of the most idyllic spots on the island is Agni Bay. This little fishing village is the perfect place to get a sense of island life, take a swim in the warm water, and take in the views of the beautiful coastline. This area is also renowned for its delicious seafood prepared in the Corfiot style. Swing over to Nikolas Tavern for an incredible and authentic lunch or dinner.
- About an hour to the northwest of Agni Bay is Cape Drastis. Here you’ll be able to easily park your ATV and experience one of the most awe-inspiring natural sights in all of Corfu. You can climb down to the one of the many small beaches and take a dip while looking up at picturesque white cliffs. The water is clear and often quite warm, so you can swim around and explore the many caves carved into the rock. Cape Drastis is closed occasionally outside of peak season, so check with some locals before making the trek out there.
- Located right in Corfu Town, St. George Church is definitely a great place to learn about the history of Corfu, especially because you’ll inevitably be in Corfu Town at some point during your stay. While it was built in the style of a Doric temple, the church was actually erected in the 19th century by the British.
If you plan on visiting any of the Greek islands, Corfu should be at the top of your list. And the very best way to make the most of your stay there is by renting an ATV!
Napisao 
