5 Day Corfu Itinerary (Perfect For First-Time Visitors!)

Corfu is the northernmost and most populous of the Greek Ionian islands, nestled west of mainland Greece. 

Also known as Kérkyra, Corfu Island is much more than beautiful beaches. It boasts lush vegetation all year round, with olive trees, Mediterranean cypresses and colorful flowers at every corner, earning the status of the greenest Ionian Island. 

The port of Corfu, conveniently located within a short 20-minute walk from the Old Town, is one of the most popular stops in any Mediterranean cruise itinerary. Cruise ships usually stay for one day, and visitors have the opportunity to take a glimpse of Corfu’s highlights. 

The island is relatively small, about 36 miles (58 km) long and 17 miles (27 km) wide, which makes it easy to explore and get around. 

Even if you are limited with time, with a good organization you can cover the major island’s attractions in a few days. 

In this post, we will cover a perfect 5 day Corfu itinerary, which highlights the best things to do in Corfu, from its historic capital and stunning beaches to breathtaking viewpoints and sumptuous palaces. 

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Getting Around Corfu

The best way to get around Corfu is by car. Many car rental agencies are available at the airport and the island’s towns and resorts, but also online. The prices vary based on the season and the type of vehicle you choose.

The high season in Corfu is from June to August, so in this period, the prices are the highest (but still very affordable). It’s recommended to rent a small, compact car so you can easily find a parking spot, especially in crowded places like the Old Town. 

When it comes to parking, popular beaches and places such as Paleokastritsa, Glyfada Beach, and Kassiopi have private parking lots where you can leave your car for the day for about €5. 

In Corfu Town, large parking lots are available at Spianada Square, in front of the Old Fortress. However, the traffic can be congested and you may wait in line for your turn to park in the high season. 

Corfu also has an efficient public bus network which consists of two lines: Blue Line, which operates in and around Corfu Town, and Green Line, which covers the beaches and other towns and places on the island. 

5-Day Corfu Itinerary

Day 1: Corfu Town

It goes without saying that Corfu’s picturesque capital should be a top priority on your Corfu bucket list. After all, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protected for its beauty and importance to Greek history.

Old Town is best visited on foot, as the town is centuries-old and filled with narrow, cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings. 

Sandwiched between the New Fortress at the western and the Old Fortress at its eastern end, the Old Town boasts winding streets, charming squares and hidden alleys flanked by Greek taverns, cozy cafes and countless shops. 

1. Spianada Square

You can start your exploration with the vast Spianada Square (The Esplanade), a large city park nestled between the streets of the Old Town and the Old Fortress. This square dates from the 19^th century and is home to monuments, museums, and cafes. 

An unusual sight is the Corfu Cricket Pitch, where you can see locals playing cricket, a game passed down to them by the British during the British occupation of Corfu in the 19^th century. 

The Spianada Square overlooks the beautiful yacht marina and the iconic Old Fortress that you can visit afterward. There is a small entrance fee to the fortress and the visit takes a couple of hours. 

The imposing fortress was built by the Venetians in the second half of the 16^th century and offers unmatched views of the town and the port of Corfu. Inside the complex, you can visit the Byzantine art collection, the Holy Church of St. George, the Venetian Prison, and British Gunpowder Depots. 

2. Lunch on Liston

After the visit, you can take a lunch break on Liston, the classy pedestrian street situated just across from the fortress, at the edge of Spianada Square. This street is lined with trendy cafes and restaurants where you can taste traditional Corfu specialties like Sofrito, a savory veal or beef dish cooked in a garlic and white wine sauce, usually served with rice and potatoes.

3. Shop in Old Town and/or visit museums

You can spend the rest of the day exploring and browsing the shops of the Old Town, and time permitting, you can visit one of the Old Town’s churches and museums. The Museum of Asian Art and the Archaeological Museum of Corfu are both located within a short walk from the Old Town. 

4. Sunset from Old Fortress

To complete the first day, wait for the sunset! It is absolutely breathtaking and best admired from Spianada Square and the Old Fortress. 

Day 2: Paleokastritsa Bay and Glyfada Beach

Paleokastritsa is one of the most scenic parts of Corfu, with gorgeous beaches, lush vegetation and beautiful lookouts. 

Located on Corfu’s west coast, this beautiful bay consists of several sandy and pebble beaches ideal for sunbathing and swimming in crystal-clear turquoise waters. The most popular beaches include Agios Spiridon Beach and Agia Triada Beach.

La Grotta Beach is known for its renowned La Grotta Beach Bar, carved into a rock with direct access to the water. It is a wonderful snorkeling spot and a scenic location offering unique photo ops!

Paleokastritsa Bay is known for its many caves that are best explored on a boat trip departing from Agios Spiridon Beach. Several options are offered, from a 45-minute scenic cruise to a half-day cruise with snorkeling and swimming stops included. You can choose the most suitable option based on your preferences. 

In this area, numerous taverns and restaurants are available, serving fresh seafood, “catch of the day” or traditional meat specialties like souvlaki and gyros. If you want a lunch with a view, you can drive to a hill overlooking the bay where you’ll find several restaurants and cafes with spectacular views of the coast. 

Another highlight of the area is the centuries-old Monastery of Paleokastritsa, set in a lush scenery on a hilltop overlooking the coast. You can reach the monastery by car, only a 5-minute drive from Agios Spiridon Beach. 

A 30-minute drive to the southeast, Glyfada Beach awaits with its powdery golden sands and breathtaking sunsets!

This long, sandy beach is one of the most popular beaches in Corfu and is known for its wavy, yet shallow waters, perfect for visitors of all ages. 

With the most beautiful sunsets on the island, Glyfada is the ideal spot to end the day!

Day 3: “Canal d’Amour” and Kassiopi

1. Canal d’Amour

Now that we have covered the west of Corfu, we continue the exploration to the north! The first stop is the legendary Channel of Love, also known as “Canal d’Amour”, located on Corfu’s north coast in the village of Sidari. 

Although the beach itself is quite small and gets crowded during the day, the place is famous for its scenic rock formations that form a series of beautiful coves and canals. The legend says that couples who swim the length of the canal will forever remain in love, while those who are single will find their soulmate. 

The channel is a great spot for taking some Instagram-worthy shots of the rocky coastline. 

2. Kassiopi

A 30-minute drive to the northeast, Kassiopi is another village and bay not to be missed. This lovely fishing village is known for its scenic harbour lined with cozy restaurants, cafes and ice cream shops, while the main street offers great shopping opportunities. 

The bay consists of a couple of incredibly beautiful, rocky beaches known for great snorkeling. The beaches have no facilities, but there are plenty of shaded areas where you can place your towels and simply enjoy the intact beauty of the surrounding nature. 

To top off your stay, treat your taste buds with a delicious meal in one of the restaurants overlooking the harbour!

Day 4: The Achilleion Palace and Kanoni

On day 4 of your Corfu itinerary, you will get to soak up some local history and enjoy the beautiful coastal views.

1. The Achilleion Palace

The Achilleion Palace on the east coast of the island is a must-see place on your trip to Corfu. 

Built in the second half of the 19th century for the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi, the historic palace served as the Empress’ summer refuge after the tragic death of her only son Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria. 

Nestled on top of the hill with a stunning view of the Mediterranean, the palace features a Neoclassical style inspired by the motives of the Greek mythical hero Achilles whom Sisi admired. 

Travel tip! It’s always recommended to download a map before starting your journey, just to be on the safe side and not waste time finding the right route. 

You can explore the palace and its lush gardens, before continuing to Kanoni, a small peninsula located around 4 km south of Corfu Town, close to the airport.

2. Kanoni

Kanoni is renowned for the 17th-century Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna and Pontikonissi islet, or the “Mouse Island”, named after its small size. You can visit the small island on a boat trip that frequently departs from the stone pier in Kanoni. 

A couple of cafes and restaurants are available on a hilltop, providing unique views of the coast and the airplanes landing and taking off.

Day 5: Island Cruise

Corfu boasts a beautiful east coast that is home to hidden caves, wild beaches and scenic villages. Those are best viewed from the water and to complete your stay, you should consider booking a coastal cruise with stops for swimming and snorkeling. 

Another great option for a day at sea is a cruise to the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, two hidden gems of the Ionian Sea and the smallest of all Greek islands. 

Known for their unspoiled nature, spectacular sceneries, and gorgeous beaches, the islands are perfect for exploring the Blue Caves and snorkeling. 

When booking a cruise, make sure it includes a lunch so you can fully enjoy the day!

In Conclusion

You can easily fill up a 5 days in Corfu with fun yet relaxing activities perfect for any holiday. My one suggestion, though, is to not rush between sites! Part of the appeal of going to Corfu is to relax, unwind, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty.

I hope this article provided you with some fresh ideas and inspiration to visit this beautiful Ionian Island!

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Corfu?

Corfu is truly beautiful during all seasons, so the best time for you to visit Corfu will depend on what to YOU is the perfect weather and a tolerable amount of crowds. Corfu is busiest during June to August, when the weather is warmest. For this reason, May and September, the direct shoulders, are a good time to visit for pleasant weather but less crowds.

Is 5 days in Corfu enough?

Many cruise ships stop in Corfu for only a single day! If you have 5 days to dedicate to Corfu, you will get to see much more of the island at a more relaxed pace. Of course, I would recommend spending up to a week here if possible, to really dive into more of the natural beauty and historical sites, but there are also many other islands near Athens worth exploring too!

Author Bio: Katarina Komazec is the Founder of the website Adventour Begins, where she shares her expertise on cruise port destinations and provides cruisers with helpful information and practical tips. She is the author of the “Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide” and creator of a YouTube channel @Adventour Begins. She has partnered with numerous reputable partners and platforms and is a contributor and co-creator of the CruiSea app.