5 Day Trip Itinerary for Corfu
There’s so much to see and do in Corfu! The island is known for its amazing food, stylish restaurants, and beautiful beach clubs. Since Corfu is quite large, we decided to stay and explore the northern part, which is more scenic and relaxed — the southern area tends to be more popular with younger partygoers.
OVERVIEW
Day 1: Arrival & Explore Old Town
Day 2: Explore Paleokastritsa
Day 3: Beach hopping on East side & Sunset Dinner
Day 4: Boat Trip to Antipaxos and Paxos
Day 5: Beach Day and Explore Castello Angelokastro
WHO IS THIS GUIDE FOR?
This guide is perfect for those who want to experience the highlights — from the best beaches to great restaurants — and are visiting in a group with friends or family.
FAQs
Where should I stay?
Stay at in Paleokastritsa rather than splitting your trip up between different parts of the island. Most of the beautiful beaches are near here and the island isn’t so big that you need to split your time.
How many nights should I stay?
I had stayed 3 nights alone and then 7 nights with friends. I would say that after 5 nights you can see most of the highlights of the island and by the end of my trip I was going to some of the same beaches.
How do I get around?
I rented a motorscoooter for part of my time in Corfu and had a car with friends. Even though it’s easy enough to get around by motorscooter, I highly recommend just renting a car as some of the streets are very steep and windy.
What should I budget?
Corfu is not a cheap destination so budget wisely. The nicer hotels are much more expensive and the restaurants as well, ranging from $50-$100/meal with wine.
What are some of the best hotels in Paleokastritsa area?
Akrotiri Beach Resort Hotel
Domus Napoleon
Paleo Villas
Thomas Beach Studios
Trip Planning
BEFORE ARRIVAL
Decide where you will stay and how many nights total. You could definitely stay more than 5 nights and add in additional days to explore other beaches, hike, or stay in Paxos or Antipaxos.
Book your hotel in advance.
Make reservations for restaurants and beach clubs prior to arriving. I also recommend booking your boat tour to Antipaxos and Paxos before arriving. The smaller boat tours around the island, you can do while you are there. Book your hotel in advance if you are coming during high season, the best spots get full pretty fast.
Book your tours in advance. We paid for a boat trip intending to explore Antipaxos and Paxos, but due to weather we weren’t able to go. I regret not being able to see these islands as I heard they are even more gorgeous than Corfu.
AFTER ARRIVAL
Fly into Corfu International Airport and pick up your rental car — it’ll make exploring the island over the next few days much easier. Taxis are quite expensive into even just the Old Town, so pick up your rental car at the airport.
Day 1
After landing at Corfu Airport, pick up your rental car and head straight to Old Town (Kerkyra) — the perfect place to spend your first day. You can easily find street parking or park in a public lot past the Spianada Square. Wander through the cobblestone streets, walk along the coast, pop into local shops, see the local churches and let yourself get lost among the charming alleyways. I love admiring the different colors of the houses in peach, green, and yellow and have an Italian influence.
Try the island’s famous Kumquat dessert at any local shop, and don’t miss Stefanos Bakery — their pastries are unbelievably good.
Be sure to visit the Old Fortress (open 8 a.m.–8 p.m.) for stunning views over the sea and town, then take a stroll through the Garden of the People for a quiet break.
For dinner, go to Tsipouradiko, a lively Greek taverna with amazing food. It’s walk-in only, so arrive early to grab a table. Continue to enjoy wandering the town as it comes alive at night — the perfect start to your Corfu adventure.
Drive about 25 minutes to Paleokastritsa and check into your hotel.
Helpful Tips
We stayed in the Old Town and explored the north side, but I think for a shorter trip, it’s best to stay in Paleokastritsa.
I rented a motorscooter and also rented a car with friends, it’s easier to get around by car.
You can stop by Imabari Seaside Lounge if you want to relax by the water, but I’d skip the Old Town beaches — much better ones await elsewhere on the island.
Other Restaurants
Old Buoy: Great coffee shop on the water
Favella N°17: Very cute spot in a small square
Psaraki & Fishalida: Highly rated seafood restaurants
Day 2
Take it easy today and enjoy a slow morning. If you’re staying at Akrotiri Beach Resort Hotel, don’t miss the breakfast — it’s delicious and comes with amazing sea views.
Spend the day relaxing at the beach near the hotel. The water in Paleokastritsa is incredibly clear, perfect for swimming or just lounging by the shore.
At sunset, head to La Grotta Bar for drinks. It’s built into the cliffs and is a really nice place for drinks in Corfu. I wouldn’t stay here to swim in the grotta or eat here, just go for drinks and enjoy.
For dinner and watching the sunset, go to Akron, a lovely seaside restaurant close to the hotel that serves fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes. You could make a reservation but also the restaurant is big and you probably don’t need one.
It’s a simple, relaxing day filled with great food, beautiful views, and total island calm.
Helpful Tips
I would go to La Grotta Bar just for drinks, rather than for a swim or food.
Other Restaurants
Nereids
Day 3
Morning – Hike Down to Gyali Beach
Start your day early and drive toward Gyali Beach on the west coast near Ermones. From Paleokastritsa, it’s about a 30-minute drive.
Once you arrive, you’ll need to hike down to the beach, which takes about 15–20 minutes. You’ll see several signs warning that the path is dangerous, but it’s manageable if you’re careful — just make sure to follow the route with the rope for safety and stability. Wear good shoes and bring plenty of water, as there are no facilities below.
Afternoon – Limni and Klimatia Beach
After hiking back up, drive about 25 minutes north to Limni Beach and Klimatia Beach, near Afionas Village. This double-sided beach is one of Corfu’s most beautiful spots, with two coves connected by a narrow strip of sand. The short hike down (about 20 minutes) offers amazing views, and the water is crystal clear on both sides. Spend some time swimming, sunbathing, and taking in the scenery.
Dinner – Olivia Restaurant
Drive 25 minutes back to Paleokastritsa and enjoy a relaxed dinner at Olivia Restaurant. The setting is beautiful, with warm lighting and a peaceful garden atmosphere. This was my favorite restaurant in Corfu.
Helpful Tips
XX
Other Restaurants
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Day 4
Today is all about exploring two of the most beautiful islands near Corfu — Paxos and Antipaxos.
Morning – Drive to the Port
Start early and drive about 50 minutes to 75 minutes to Lefkimmi Port (or Corfu Port), depending on which boat trip you choose:
If you don’t want to take a boat tour, you can also take a ferry directly from Corfu Town to Paxos, which takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Late Morning – Boat Tour to Paxos & Antipaxos
Join a boat tour and I recommend booking in advance, and explore Antipaxos, famous for its bright blue water that looks almost unreal.
Next, you’ll cruise to Paxos, a charming island with pastel-colored houses, small beaches, and seaside tavernas. Most tours stop at Gaios, the island’s main village, where you can wander the streets, grab lunch, or enjoy a coffee by the harbor.
Afternoon – Sea Caves & Scenic Cruise
On the way back, the boat usually stops near the Blue Caves of Paxos, where you can admire the glowing blue water and limestone cliffs — a highlight of the trip.
Evening – Return to Corfu
You’ll get back to Corfu in the early evening, depending on your tour or ferry schedule. Get dinner at Nereides.
Helpful Tips
We paid for a boat trip intending to explore Antipaxos and Paxos, but due to weather we weren’t able to go. I regret not being able to see these islands as I heard they are even more gorgeous than Corfu.
Other Restaurants
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Explore more of Corfu
-
The Best Beaches of Corfu
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
-
Recommended Restaurants
Discover some of the best restaurants of Corfu