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Filming in Corfu: a practical guide for production crews
Seasons, light, locations and travel: what a crew should know before filming in Corfu, Greece, from a film director based on the island.
Corfu packs a lot into a small island: a UNESCO-listed old town, mountains, olive groves, quiet villages and two very different coastlines, all within short drives of each other. Here is what a crew from abroad should know before planning a shoot.
When to shoot
- Spring (April–May). Green hills, wildflowers and mild temperatures. Easter in Corfu is one of the biggest events of the year, with processions and the tradition of throwing clay pots from balconies on Holy Saturday: a gift for documentaries, a challenge for logistics.
- Summer (June–August). Long days and stable weather, but this is high season: crowded beaches, busy roads, higher prices and a hard midday light. Plan the day around the morning and the golden hour.
- Autumn (September–October). The sea is still warm, the light is softer and the island is calmer.
- Winter (November–March). Corfu is one of the wettest parts of Greece, which is why it stays so green. Locations are quiet, but keep weather days in the schedule.
Locations, in short
- The Old Town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007: Venetian fortresses, the arcades of the Liston and narrow stone lanes (kantounia).
- The west coast. Cliffs and bays around Paleokastritsa, and sunsets over the open sea.
- The north and northeast. Mount Pantokrator, the island's highest point, and a coastline that faces Albania across a narrow strait.
- The interior. Olive groves, old villages and small roads. Check vehicle sizes before the tech scout.
Getting there and around
Corfu International Airport is a few minutes from the town, with flights from Athens all year and direct flights from many European cities in season. Ferries connect the island with Igoumenitsa on the mainland and with ports in Italy, which is useful when a crew travels with a van full of kit. On the island, distances are short but roads are narrow and slow, so allow more time between locations than the map suggests.
Working with a local partner
A local partner can scout locations and find crew, equipment, vehicles and accommodation, so that the visiting team can concentrate on the film. That is what production services in Corfu cover.
One recent example: “Ocean” by Skubas feat. Kathia (Kayax, 2024) was partly filmed in Corfu, with co-cinematography by Mirjan Gjergjevica.
Planning a shoot? Send the dates, the brief and the size of the crew.
