How Many Days In Corfu, Greece Do You Need? (2024)
If you’re planning a trip to Greece you’re probably wondering how many days in Corfu is enough.
I spent a week in Corfu, but you shouldn’t dismiss it just because you’re short on time!
One of my favorite things about Corfu is its versatility. You can spend your summer holidays here, a few days island hopping in the Ionian islands, or a short stop while exploring other regions of Greece.
Even with just 2-3 days in Corfu, you can visit many tourist attractions. However, if you want to get the feel for the island and venture off the beaten path, I recommend at least 5 days!
Let’s find out how many days YOU need to visit Corfu!
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How Many Days In Corfu Is Enough?
You should spend at least 3 days in Corfu to hit the highlights and get the taste of the island.
Sure, you can see the main tourist attractions on a one-day tour of Corfu. But to truly experience the island you’ll need at least 3 days.
With 5 days in Corfu, you can really get a feel for the island and venture outside the usual tourist route.
I spent a week in Corfu, and honestly, I could’ve stayed longer. It is a perfect summer holiday destination.
From beach hopping to hiking and exploring ancient ruins, there are so many things to do on the island!
🏝️ Short on time? See the main Corfu attractions on this day tour!
How To Spend 1-5 Days In Corfu, Greece
Depending on what you want to do and see in Corfu, you’ll need 1-5 days on the island.
Corfu has several bus lines, but they are not ideal.
Generally, if you’re getting around by public transport, you can only visit one attraction per day.
If you’re short on time, I suggest renting a car in Corfu to get around at your own pace and see more of the island.
DAY 1: Explore Corfu Town
Of course, you’ll want to start with a tour of Corfu town, also known as Kerkyra.
You can discover Kerkyra even if you only have a day in Corfu, as the town is quite compact.
The first thing you’ll notice is the Venetian buildings, as this UNESCO-listed town looks like it belongs in Italy rather than Greece!
You can stroll the cobblestone streets and admire endless picturesque corners of this seafront town.
Some of the most recognizable spots in Corfu Town are the Holy Metropolitan Church, the Holy Church of Saint Spyridon, and the Corfu Museum of Asian Art.
To learn more about the history of Corfu, visit the Old Fortress of Corfu complex. As a bonus, the view from the top of the fortress is stunning!
Spend the afternoon on one of the beaches along the eastern coast of Corfu.
I liked Barbati Beach, about a 30-minute drive from the city. However, you don’t need to leave the city, as there are several beaches in Corfu Town.
Alternatively, head to the south of the city to visit the famous Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna and watch the planes landing at Corfu Airport.
Corfu Town is also very lively at night, so grab a dinner or a drink in the city and enjoy the laidback island atmosphere.
DAY 2: Explore Angelokastro And Palaiokastritsa
This day gets you the best of Corfu, with sightseeing and swimming.
While you need a car to visit the Byzantine Castle of Angelokastro, a day trip to Paleokastritsa is a fantastic idea if you don’t have a car as you can also take a bus!
Palaiokastritsa is known for its historic hilltop monastery and beautiful beaches.
Palaiokastritsa Monastery is free to visit, and you can stroll around to see some quite impressive religious objects. I really liked their flower garden too!
You should wear something that covers your knees and shoulders, but they’ll give you a scarf for free if you don’t have it.
While Paleokastritsa beaches are lovely, you can also take a boat tour and discover beaches only accessible by sea.
Small boat tours depart quite often from the main beach, and you can choose from several routes that take you to the caves and beaches.
As the sun begins to set, head to Kaiser’s Throne in Pelekas, one of the best sunset spots on the island!
DAY 3: Visit Porto Timoni
The double bay of Porto Timoni looks like it belongs on a tropical island in SE Asia.
Still, this stunning landscape is one of the top reasons to visit Corfu, and just a short ride from Corfu Town.
You’ll need a car to get to Porto Timoni, as it’s not on the public transport route.
If you’re wondering about the cost of visiting Corfu, you’ll be glad to know that this stunning natural attraction is completely free to visit!
You’ll have to park your car in the Afionas village, then hike down to the beach.
It takes about 20 minutes to reach the beach, and the trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. The best viewpoint of the double bay is halfway down to the beach!
If you want to spend a day on the beach be aware that it is a wild beach.
You’ll have to bring food, water, and a sun umbrella if needed, as there is nothing on the beach!
Alternatively, you can head to Agios Georgios after the hike for a serviced beach and many seafront restaurants.
DAY 4: Discover Old Perithia And Sidari
You’ll also need to rent a car or join a tour for this part of the itinerary, as Old Perithia is not accessible by public transport.
Old Perithia is the oldest village on the island, nestled among rolling green hills in the north of the island.
It is an interesting place to visit and learn more about how villagers used to live here centuries ago.
After strolling the overgrown paths of this abandoned village, make your way along the northern coastline to Sidari.
The main tourist attraction in Sidari is the picturesque Canal d’Amour. You can even stop for a swim on the beach there!
Next up, visit Cape Drastis. It is a unique landscape you wouldn’t expect to see on a Greek Island!
As the sun begins to set, make your way to Loggas Sunset Beach. It is one of the best sunset spots in Corfu!
🚘 This off-road jeep adventure takes you to Old Perithia!
DAY 5: Go On A Boat Tour
Finally, you should go on a boat tour from Corfu! You’re on an island, and you can discover it from a different perspective from the sea.
You’ll have several different routes to choose from.
You can visit the neighboring islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, or simply sail along the coastline and discover the hidden beaches of Corfu.
Both options are great, and you’ll have a fun day on the sea, with plenty of swimming stops!
This Full-Day Cruise from Corfu Town takes you along the Corfu coastline with swim stops at the most beautiful hidden beaches.
If you want to add a visit to another island to your itinerary, this Paxos and Antipaxos cruise from Corfu Town is a fantastic option!
More Things To Do In Corfu
So, you have more than 5 days in Corfu and want to add more activities to your itinerary?
With 1 week in Corfu, you can also explore southern Corfu, go hiking, visit the neighboring islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, or take a day trip to Albania!
Here are more ideas for things to do in Corfu:
- Corfu is located right across the Albanian coastline, and you can easily visit this country on a day trip from Corfu
- Discover the sandy beaches in the South of Corfu
- Explore the village of artist Chlomos
- Visit the seafront villages like Kassiopi, Benitses, or Agios Gordios
- Find the Byzantine Fortress of Gardiki
- Join a cooking class and learn how to prepare traditional Greek dishes
- Tour Corfu wineries and try local wine
- If you’re visiting before the dry summer months, you can hike to a beautiful Nymfes Waterfall
Where To Stay In Corfu?
The best area to stay in Corfu will depend on your itinerary, whether you have a car, and how much you want to drive.
For 3 or fewer days, I suggest you base yourself in one town and visit other places on Corfu day trips.
Ideally, you would stay in Corfu Town if you don’t have a car, or one of the neighboring villages if you don’t depend on public transport.
Corfu backpackers can also stay in 4 different hostels on the island.
For 4 or more days on the island, you can divide your time between staying in the north of the island and around Corfu Town. There are many towns in Corfu to choose from!
I spent 7 days on the island and stayed 2 days in Sidari, 2 days in central Corfu, and 2 days in the south.
FAQ:
Yes, 5 days in Corfu is enough to explore the island at a relaxed pace. You’ll have time for sightseeing and beach hopping, even if you don’t rent a car on the island!
No, 7 days in Corfu is not too much. Corfu is a large island, with plenty of things to do. Also, tourist attractions are scattered around the island, and it takes longer to get around than it might seem on the map.
Final Thoughts: How Many Days In Corfu, Greece
For most travelers, 3 to 5 days in Corfu is enough!
However, spending 7 days in Corfu allows you to explore beyond the usual tourist route.
You can see the main highlights in 3 days if you’re short on time. In that case, I recommend you rent a car to get around the island.
If you’re visiting Corfu without a car, you’re limited with how many places you can see in a day, so you’ll need at least 5 days.
Corfu is a fantastic and diverse island, with many hidden corners to discover. It is more than just a quick stop, and it makes for a perfect holiday destination even if you visit Corfu in May!
