What to Do in Corfu in May
May is one of our favourite months on the island. The hills are still lush and green, the wildflowers are in full bloom, the beaches are peaceful, and the temperatures are just right — warm enough to enjoy everything Corfu has to offer, without the heat and crowds of July and August. If you’ve been wondering whether May is a good time to visit Corfu, the short answer is: absolutely.
Here’s what we’d recommend.
Enjoy the Beach Without the Crowds
By May the island has warmed up considerably, and Glyfada Beach — just 100 metres from our apartments — is already open and beautiful. The wide sandy shore, surrounded by green hills and the endless blue of the Ionian Sea, creates a feeling of peace and pure relaxation. In May you’ll find sun loungers available and the water already inviting, but without the packed summer atmosphere.
The beaches are not yet crowded in May — which means more space, quieter mornings, and a much more relaxed pace. If you want Glyfada Beach at its most peaceful, this is the time to come.
Nearby, Mirtiotissa Beach (950 m from our apartments) and Ermones Beach (4 km) are also worth a visit — both stunning, and equally quiet in May.
Explore Corfu Old Town
May gives you a fantastic opportunity to admire the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Corfu without the summer crowds. Stroll the narrow cobblestone streets of the Venetian quarter, stop for a coffee under the arcades of the Liston, and climb the Old Fortress for sweeping views over the town and the sea.
Corfu Town is approximately 16 km from Glyfada — about a 30-minute drive, or reachable by bus (Bus No. 17 from Glyfada to the Green Bus Station in Corfu Town).
Go Hiking
May comes especially recommended if you’re into exploring the great outdoors. While being warm and generally sunny, it’s not prohibitively hot — all the better for trekking the island’s scenic trails.
Around Glyfada, the wooded hills offer beautiful walking routes with views over the Ionian Sea. The trail towards Mirtiotissa and the paths around Pelekas village (10 minutes by car) are particularly rewarding. Pelekas is a charming traditional Greek village perched on a hilltop — well worth an afternoon visit.
Visit Achilleion Palace
One of Corfu’s most iconic landmarks, the Achilleion Palace was built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria in the late 19th century and is surrounded by terraced gardens with stunning sea views. It’s located about 15 km from Glyfada and makes for a perfect half-day trip. In May, you’ll have the gardens and galleries largely to yourself.
Take a Boat Trip
May is ideal for boat rides to nearby beaches or islands. Several operators offer day trips around the island, to Paleokastritsa, to the small islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, and to hidden coves only accessible by sea. Booking ahead is recommended as some trips operate with smaller groups in shoulder season.
Discover Paleokastritsa
No visit to Corfu is complete without Paleokastritsa — a spectacular bay on the northwest coast with turquoise water, sea caves and a hilltop monastery. It’s approximately 20 km from Glyfada and easy to reach by car. In May the scenery is at its most dramatic, with the surrounding hills still lush and green.
What’s the Weather Like in May?
Daytime temperatures reach highs of around 23°C, with mild and pleasant evenings cooling to around 16°C. Rainfall is minimal — and while the occasional shower can’t be ruled out, brief spells of rain seldom disrupt outdoor plans. Pack a light layer for the evenings and you’ll be perfectly comfortable.
The sea temperature in May is around 20°C — refreshing and swimmable for most guests.
A Quieter, Better-Value Visit
May sits in shoulder season — you’ll find most flight schedules are up and running, before the peak prices and crowds of summer high season come into play. Accommodation prices are lower, restaurants are less busy, and the island has a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere that’s hard to find in July or August.
If you’re considering a trip to Corfu and haven’t yet locked in your dates, May is well worth serious consideration.
Staying in Glyfada? Our sea view apartments at SeaBlue 137 are available from early May. Check availability and book direct for the best price — no platform fees, free cancellation up to 30 days before arrival.