Greece's revised traffic code introduced in September 2025 brought significantly harsher penalties for driving offences. Using a mobile phone while driving incurs a €350 fine and potential licence suspension. Speeding fines range from €350 to €700 depending on how far over the limit you are. Running a red light costs €700. Not wearing a seatbelt is €350. Accumulated violations can lead to fines up to €2,000 and vehicle impoundment. All fines apply equally to rental car drivers, and rental companies will charge penalties directly to your credit card. Corfu's roads are narrow and winding — the main road from the airport to the north coast is heavily trafficked in summer.

All roads across Corfu — including the main north-south highway, mountain roads, and resort town streets

Greek traffic code revision, September 2025

Greece enforces strict drink-driving limits with the legal blood alcohol limit set at 0.05% BAC (0.02% for new drivers with less than two years of experience). Under the new September 2025 traffic code, penalties have increased substantially. Fines range from €200 for marginal offences to €2,000 for serious violations with high BAC readings. Severe cases result in licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, and criminal prosecution. Random breath testing checkpoints are common on Corfu's main roads during summer months, especially on Friday and Saturday nights near resort areas like Kavos, Sidari, and Ipsos. Kavos in particular, known for its party scene, sees intensive police presence during peak season.

All roads across Corfu — random checkpoints common near Kavos, Sidari, Ipsos, Gouvia, and the main north-south highway

Greek traffic code (revised September 2025) and drink-driving legislation

Greek law strictly prohibits removing seashells, pebbles, sand, or any natural materials from beaches across Corfu. Customs officers at Corfu's Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport routinely check departing passengers' luggage, and even a small handful of shells can trigger fines of €500 to €1,000. The law protects Greece's coastal ecosystems, and enforcement has intensified significantly since 2024 as tourist numbers have surged. Corfu's beaches — from the famous Canal d'Amour rock formations at Sidari to the white cliffs of Loggas — contain unique geological materials that authorities are determined to protect.

All beaches across Corfu — Canal d'Amour, Paleokastritsa, Glyfada, Sidari, Loggas, Agios Gordios, Barbati, and all others

Greek law on protection of natural heritage

Wearing high heels or stilettos is banned at all archaeological sites across Greece, including Corfu's ancient ruins and fortresses. Heels damage fragile ancient stone surfaces that are centuries or millennia old. Guards at site entrances will refuse entry or issue fines of €500 to €900. This applies at the Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio), the New Fortress (Neo Frourio), the ruins of the Temple of Artemis at Mon Repos, the ancient city of Kassiopi, and all other protected archaeological sites on the island. Corfu's fortresses involve steep stone stairways where heels are also a genuine safety hazard.

All archaeological sites — Old Fortress, New Fortress, Temple of Artemis at Mon Repos, ancient Kassiopi ruins, and all others

Greek Ministry of Culture regulations on archaeological site protection

Scooter and ATV rentals are popular for exploring Corfu's coast and mountain villages, but Greek law requires a valid motorcycle licence (A1 or A2 category — not just a car licence) for any scooter over 50cc. Riding without proper licensing means your travel insurance is completely void in the event of an accident, and you face fines of €350 to €500. Many rental operators in tourist areas like Kavos and Sidari will rent to unlicensed tourists regardless, but you remain legally liable. Helmets are legally required for both rider and passenger. Corfu's narrow mountain roads with blind corners and loose gravel make scooter accidents a genuine and common risk.

All roads across Corfu — especially narrow mountain roads, the west coast route to Paleokastritsa, and resort areas like Kavos, Sidari, and Dassia

Greek traffic law and EU motorcycle licensing requirements

Wild camping, including sleeping on beaches, in parks, in olive groves, or in any non-designated public area, is illegal across Greece. Fines are €300 and enforcement has increased across Corfu, particularly on popular west coast beaches where backpackers historically set up tents. This includes sleeping in campervans or cars outside designated campsites. Greek authorities conduct regular patrols of popular beaches during summer months, particularly at dawn. Corfu has limited official campsite options compared to other Greek islands, so planning ahead is essential.

All beaches, parks, olive groves, forests, and public areas across Corfu — enforcement strongest on west coast beaches

Greek wild camping legislation and environmental protection laws

Greece has comprehensive indoor smoking bans covering all enclosed public spaces, restaurants, bars, cafes, and workplaces. Fines for smoking in prohibited areas range from €50 to €200 for individuals. While enforcement in bars and restaurants has historically been inconsistent across Greece, authorities have been cracking down more seriously since 2024. Several of Corfu's popular beaches are now designated as smoke-free zones with active patrols during summer. Dropping cigarette butts on the ground — particularly in the dry summer months — is also an offence, as Corfu has experienced devastating wildfires and fire prevention is taken very seriously.

All indoor public spaces, restaurants, bars, cafes, designated smoke-free beaches, and forested areas

Greek anti-smoking legislation (Law 3868/2010) and fire prevention regulations

Corfu's Old Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, and damaging, defacing, or altering any part of its historic fabric is a criminal offence under Greek cultural heritage law. This includes carving names into Venetian-era walls, chipping stone from historic buildings, attaching locks to bridges or railings, spraying graffiti, or removing architectural fragments as souvenirs. Offenders face criminal prosecution, potential imprisonment, and deportation. The Old Town's unique blend of Venetian, French, and British architecture is considered irreplaceable, and Greek authorities treat heritage crimes with extreme seriousness. Several tourists have been arrested in recent years for vandalism in protected historic centres across Greece.

Corfu Old Town — the entire UNESCO-listed area including the Liston arcade, Spianada square, the fortresses, and all historic streets

Greek Penal Code and Law 3028/2002 on the Protection of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage; UNESCO World Heritage Convention

Flying drones in Corfu requires advance authorization from the Greek Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA). Drones are completely banned near archaeological sites, the UNESCO Old Town, airports, military installations, and ports. Corfu's airport runway runs directly alongside a main road and the Kanoni peninsula, making the entire area a strict no-fly zone. The Old Fortress and New Fortress are also restricted. Unauthorized drone flights can result in fines from €1,000 to €10,000, equipment confiscation, and potential criminal charges. Even recreational drone use over popular beaches or tourist areas may require permits and altitude restrictions.

Near all archaeological sites, the UNESCO Old Town, Corfu airport (Kanoni area), military areas, ports, and the fortresses

EU Regulation 2019/947 on unmanned aircraft operations, plus the national civil aviation authority. Penalties are set nationally and none of the authorities consulted publishes a figure; the amount previously shown could not be traced to any instrument.

Greek law requires that at least 70% of every beach remains free of commercial sunbeds and umbrellas, rising to 85% on environmentally protected beaches. Beach operators who violate this face heavy fines, and tourists have the legal right to lay their towel on any free section of sand without being charged. You cannot be required to pay simply to access the beach. Corfu's popular beaches at Paleokastritsa, Glyfada, and Sidari have historically seen aggressive sunbed operators, but enforcement has improved significantly since the 2024 beach access law. Use the government MyCoast app to report beaches where operators have illegally occupied more than their permitted share of sand.

All beaches across Corfu — Paleokastritsa, Glyfada, Sidari, Canal d'Amour, Dassia, Barbati, Agios Gordios

Greek beach access law (2024) and coastal protection regulations

Greece introduced the Climate Resilience Fee (known as TAKK) applied per night at all accommodation types. Rates scale by hotel star rating: €15 per night for 5-star hotels, €10 for 4-star, €3 for 3-star, €1.50 for 2-star, and €0.50 for 1-star properties. Short-term rental apartments and Airbnbs are charged €1.50 per night. The fee applies year-round and is added automatically to your accommodation bill. Revenue funds climate adaptation projects across Greece, including coastal protection and wildfire prevention — both critical issues for Corfu, which has experienced significant wildfires in recent years.

All hotels, resorts, villas, short-term rentals, and accommodation across Corfu

Greek government Climate Resilience Fee (TAKK) legislation, effective 2024

Greece charges a per-passenger fee for cruise ship visitors docking at Greek ports. Corfu is one of the busiest cruise ports in western Greece, receiving hundreds of ships annually. Peak season rates (June-September) are €5 per passenger, shoulder season is €4, and winter months drop to €1. The fee is typically included in your cruise line charges but may appear as a separate port fee on your invoice. Corfu's port is right next to the Old Town, making it one of the most convenient cruise stops in the Mediterranean — but also one of the most congested, with multiple large ships sometimes docking simultaneously.

Corfu cruise port — located adjacent to the Old Town

Greek government cruise passenger fee legislation

Corfu, like many Greek islands, faces water supply challenges during the hot summer months when tourist numbers peak. While there are no specific tourist fines for water waste, the island periodically implements water restrictions during drought conditions, including reduced water pressure, scheduled supply cuts in rural areas, and requests to limit usage. Hotels and rental properties may post water conservation notices. The situation is particularly acute in August when the island's population can triple with tourists. Being mindful of water usage is both a practical necessity and a matter of local respect.

All of Corfu — especially rural villages, the north coast, and areas away from Corfu Town's main supply

Corfu municipality water management advisories