Corfu Tourist Fines & Rules
Greece
Corfu fines €1,000 for seashell collecting, €900 for high heels at ruins, and enforces strict beach sunbed rules. Its UNESCO Old Town has heritage protection laws. Full Greek island guide for 2026.
Collecting Seashells, Pebbles & Sand
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.
Leave everything on the beach. Take photos instead of souvenirs. Buy decorative shells from licensed souvenir shops in Corfu Town if you want keepsakes.
High Heels at Archaeological Sites Banned
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.
Wear flat shoes, sneakers, or sandals with flat soles. Leave heels at the hotel. Corfu's fortress sites involve steep, uneven stone surfaces, so comfortable footwear is practical as well as required.
Old Town UNESCO Heritage Protection
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.
Never touch, carve, or remove anything from historic structures. Do not attach love locks to railings or bridges. Stay on designated paths and respect barriers. Treat the Old Town as a living museum — because legally, it is one.
Beach Sunbed Rules — 70% Free Space
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.
You have the legal right to place your towel on any free beach space without paying. Download the MyCoast app to report overcrowded or illegally occupied beaches. Do not let operators intimidate you into renting sunbeds.
Climate Resilience Fee (TAKK)
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.
The fee is added to your bill automatically — no action required from you. Choose lower-rated accommodation or shorter stays to minimize the total charge. Budget approximately €20-€100 extra per week depending on hotel class.
Cruise Passenger Fee
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.
This fee is typically included in your cruise fare or port charges — check with your cruise line. If arriving by cruise, head into the Old Town early before the crowds peak around 10 AM.
Scooter & ATV Rental — Valid Licence Required
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.
Only rent a scooter if you hold a valid motorcycle licence from your home country. Always wear a helmet. Consider renting a car instead for mountain routes — Corfu's roads are narrow, winding, and often poorly maintained.
New Traffic Code — September 2025
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.
Never use your phone while driving. Follow posted speed limits strictly — Corfu's roads are narrow and winding with limited visibility. Always wear seatbelts. Keep your rental agreement and driving licence accessible at all times.
Drone Flying Restrictions
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.
Apply for HCAA authorization well before your trip. Check the drone map on the HCAA website for restricted zones. Corfu airport's location next to the Old Town means a large portion of the island's most popular area is a no-fly zone. When in doubt, keep the drone packed away.
Wild Camping Banned
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.
Use designated campsites — book well in advance during July-August as Corfu has limited options. Several campsites near Dassia and the east coast offer reasonable prices with beach access.
Water Conservation Awareness
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.
Take shorter showers. Do not leave taps running. Reuse towels at hotels. Be prepared for occasional low water pressure or supply interruptions in rural areas during August.
Dress Code at Churches & Monasteries
Corfu's many Greek Orthodox churches and monasteries enforce strict dress codes. Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees. Women may be required to wear a skirt rather than shorts at some monasteries — wraps are sometimes provided at the entrance but availability varies. Men must wear long trousers or knee-length shorts, and hats must be removed upon entry. Corfu's most visited religious site, the Church of Saint Spyridon in the Old Town, housing the mummified remains of the island's patron saint, is particularly strict. Other notable sites include Paleokastritsa Monastery, Vlacherna Monastery at Kanoni, and the many small village churches across the island.
Carry a light scarf or shawl to cover shoulders. Wear knee-length shorts or trousers. Some monasteries provide wraps at the entrance, but do not rely on it. Saint Spyridon Church is an active pilgrimage site — dress and behave respectfully.
Smoking Restrictions
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.
Do not smoke indoors at any venue. Check for no-smoking signs on beaches. Carry a portable ashtray for outdoor smoking. Never discard cigarette butts in natural areas — wildfire risk in Corfu is severe during summer.
Drink-Driving Laws
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.
Do not drink and drive. Use taxis or arrange transfers through your hotel. Corfu's resort areas have reliable taxi service at night. If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver or arrange transport in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Corfu
No. Removing seashells, pebbles, sand, or any natural materials from Greek beaches is illegal with fines of €500 to €1,000. This is actively enforced — customs officers at Corfu airport routinely check departing passengers' luggage. Buy decorative shells from licensed souvenir shops in Corfu Town instead.
No. High heels and stilettos are banned at all archaeological sites in Greece to protect ancient stone surfaces. Fines range from €500 to €900. Wear flat shoes, sneakers, or sandals with flat soles. This applies at both fortresses, the Temple of Artemis ruins, and all other protected sites.
Yes. Greek law requires a valid motorcycle licence (A1 or A2 category) for any scooter over 50cc. Your car licence is not sufficient. Riding without one means fines of €350 to €500, and critically, your travel insurance will be completely void in the event of an accident. Many rental shops will rent to you regardless, but you remain legally liable.
No. Drones are banned over the UNESCO Old Town, near the fortresses, around the airport (which is very close to the Old Town), and near military installations. Unauthorized flights carry fines of €1,000 to €10,000 and equipment confiscation. You need advance HCAA authorization for any drone use on the island.
The Climate Resilience Fee (TAKK) is charged per night and scales by hotel rating: €15 for 5-star hotels, €10 for 4-star, €3 for 3-star, €1.50 for 2-star, €0.50 for 1-star. Short-term rentals and Airbnbs pay €1.50 per night. The fee is added to your bill automatically.
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