Our 2025 Corfu Itinerary: A Beach Hopping Road Trip Adventure

Beware: This Corfu Itinerary is packed with beaches!

When we first added Corfu to our itinerary, it was meant to be nothing more than a quick stopover on our way to an epic coastal road trip in Albania. But as travel often does, Corfu surprised us in the best way possible.

What was supposed to be a brief visit turned into an unforgettable week filled with adventure, discovery, and some of the best memories of our trip. If you’re looking for the perfect road trip destination, Corfu is it: compact enough to explore with ease but packed with so much to see and do.

Funny enough, despite being avid road-trippers (especially on islands!), we somehow ended up sticking to just two places during our time in Corfu. Why? Honestly, we’re still scratching our heads over that one. Maybe we thought we needed to slow down since we planned an ambitious road trip for Albania. We just don’t know.

But by staying put, we ended up driving all over the island, packing in as much as we could on day trips! So, while we might not have spread out our stays, we did explore a lot. And from those adventures, we’ve crafted what we think is the ultimate Corfu itinerary.

Corfu Itinerary Overview

Here’s how our day-by-day Corfu adventure unfolds:

Our one-week Corfu road trip kicks off and ends in the enchanting Corfu old town. With the airport conveniently close, we think this makes leaving a little less stressful. This carefully planned route takes you through Corfu’s northeast and northwest regions, where you’ll discover the best beaches with crystal-clear ocean waters that seem straight out of a postcard.

But what about the rest of Corfu?

While one week is too short to explore every corner of the island, we’ve packed this itinerary with the very best spots to ensure you make the most of your time. And if you’re lucky enough to have a few extra days, don’t miss the chance to head to the southeast.

During our visit, we spent a couple of days in the Southern part of Corfu and stumbled upon the most picturesque little beaches, with no one. And it was in the middle of the high season!

If you prefer to stick to just one or two destinations during your holiday, or you don’t want to rent a car or motor scooter to get around, check out where the best place would be to stay in Corfu for you.

Our 7-Day Corfu Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival Corfu – Stay in Corfu Old Town 🛬

After landing at Corfu Airport, you have a couple of options to kick off your adventure. You can either pick up your rental car or scooter right away at the airport and start exploring, or head to Corfu Town by taxi or bus and wait until the next day to pick up your wheels.

(Don’t worry, we’ll dive into all the details about renting a car or scooter a bit later!)

Corfu Old Town

Make your way to Corfu Town, settle down in your accommodation and let yourself wander around town. Trust us, you’ll be amazed by its charm.

We were genuinely surprised by how stunning Corfu Town is and couldn’t help but regret not staying at least one night there. Spending an evening in town gives you the chance to soak in its beauty, explore the winding streets, and enjoy the waterfront, all at a relaxing pace till the late hours.

Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a delight for travelers who love colorful old cities. Its Venetian architecture and rich history make it a place like no other.

We’ve even put together an extensive things to do in Corfu guide to help you discover all the things this enchanting town has to offer. But don’t feel like you need to check off every single thing.

Sometimes the best way to experience Corfu Town is simply by wandering aimlessly through its charming streets. Every turn is a treat!

Ideas to do on your first day in Corfu:

• Take a stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town and head to the Liston Promenade, inspired by Parisian architecture.
• Visit the Old Fortress and the Spianada Square for panoramic views of the Ionian ocean.
• Explore the Museum of Asian Art, a unique attraction housed in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George.
• Enjoy local cuisine at a local taverna
• Catch the sunset at Faliraki Beach, located just outside the town center.

If you’re arriving late, save some of the sightseeing for the next morning or your last day.

Day 2: Drive to Kassiopi 🚗 1 hour

Start your day early, soaking in the peaceful morning vibes of Corfu Old Town before setting off on your adventure to Kassiopi.

The journey itself is half the fun! Along the way, you’ll encounter countless stunning beaches that beg for a stop. One of our favorite pitstops was at Als Greek Restaurant at Pirgi Beach, located right at the end of the lively Ipsos Beach. It was the perfect place to relax, recharge, and take in the coastal beauty.

Continueing along the coast, make sure you make a stop at a couple of beaches such as Barbati Beach, Nissaki Beach, or Kalami Beach. Each one offers its own unique charm with pebbled shores and crystal-clear blue waters.

We spent a blissful few hours at Agios Stefanos Beach and Avlaki Beach, but honestly, the entire coastline is dotted with hidden gems. You can’t go wrong no matter where you decide to pull over.

When you arrive in Kassiopi, head to your accommodation and from there explore this this picturesque fishing village.

Spend some time unwinding on the main beach or take a stroll to the charming harbor, where you’ll find inviting local restaurants and bars serving up authentic flavors.

If you’re up for a bit more exploration, head to the historic ruins of Kassiopi Castle for ocean views and a glimpse into the past.

PIN IT FOR LATER

Day 3: Head to Arillas or Agios Georgios 🚗 50 min

Start your day with a delicious breakfast overlooking the ocean, then set your sights on the west side of Corfu for a day of exploration and adventure. You have two main options:

• head straight to your final destination: Arillas / Agios Georgios beach (50 minutes) or
• take the scenic northern coastal route towards Sidari continuing along the west Coast to Arilla / Agios Georgios beach (1h20min).

If you choose the direct route, drop off your belongings at your accommodation, and from there head to Sidari, a town famous for its unique natural attraction, Canal D’Amour.

Canal D’Amour

While Sidari itself might not win awards for charm, the Canal D’Amour more than makes up for it. According to legend, swimming through its narrow passage ensures eternal love.

When we visited, it was bustling with people, but somehow the atmosphere was pretty relaxing. We even shared laughs with strangers as we jumped off the cliffs into the water.

Cape Drastis

Just a short distance from Canal D’Amour lies Cape Drastis, a rugged and breathtaking cape with hidden coves perfect for a secluded swim. Getting there requires some careful driving and parking and a hike along a dusty sandy road.

But the views along the way are stunning, and if it isn’t too crowded a swim at the small beach is nice. For the best experience, hop on a boat tour to see the stunning cliffs from the water. If time allows, this is an absolute must (€20 p.p an hour)

Laggos Beach

Continuing westward, you’ll find Loggas Beach, famous for its incredible sunsets. If you can time your visit right, settle in to watch the stunning sunset. If not, the dramatic views from the cliffs are still a sight and worth a stop before moving on.

Once at Arillas or Agios Georgios, enjoy dinner at the beach and if time permits, go for one last evening swim. Both beach towns are known for their laid-back atmosphere, featuring soft sandy shores and crystal-clear waters.

Tip: Pack water shoes for the rocky areas.

Day 4: Explore Porto Timoni before heading to Paleokastritsa 🚗 1h15min

Start your day bright and early with a trip to Porto Timoni, one of Corfu’s most breathtaking beaches. From the parking area, prepare for a 30-minute hike to reach this stunning double beach. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes. The effort is well worth it, as Porto Timoni offers incredible views.

By heading out early, you’ll beat the summer heat and avoid the crowds, giving you a chance to experience the beach almost to yourself.

After returning from your Porto Timoni adventure, continue driving to your accommodation in or near Paleokastritsa or Liapades.

This part of Corfu is the most iconic and breathtaking destination on the island. It has become popular for its green hills, hidden coves, and stunning coastline. It is THE place for those who love beaches.

Enjoy the afternoon discovering the various beaches in Paleokastritsa, head to Liapades or hike to Rovinia beach.

Day 5: Enjoy Paleokatritsa coast by boat

Get ready for an experience like no other: you’re about to become captain of your very own boat! We rented ours at Aolus Boat Rental Liapades Beach, and the process couldn’t have been easier. A quick reservation via WhatsApp and we were all set.

Upon arrival, we paid €120 for the day (9:00 – 16:00) and were given a quick tutorial before setting off. While renting for just the morning or afternoon is an option (4h €90), we highly recommend booking the entire day to enjoy this piece of paradise to the fullest.

Exploring the coastline by boat is incredible. We spent the day hopping from one secluded cove to the next, diving into the mesmerizing blue water whenever we felt like it. The beaches and crystal-clear waters that are only accessible by sea making the whole experience more unique. It was hands down one of the absolute highlights of our trip.

In the summer months the days are much longer. So if you are up for it, return your boat and put on your hiking shoes to make your way to the Monastery of Paleokastritsa. The panoramic views from the top are fantastic and well worth the effort.

Tip: Bring snacks and drinks if you’re renting your boat, as some coves don’t have facilities.

Day 6: Return to Corfu Town for a boat trip 🚗 45 min

Start your day bright and early with a delicious breakfast before packing up and heading to Corfu Town. Although the drive is only about 45 minutes, give yourself some extra time.

Navigating through the charming yet maze-like villages can be tricky, and we often found ourselves taking unexpected detours, though they usually led to delightful surprises!

Today’s highlight is an unforgettable boat trip to the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. This popular day trip is a must-do when visiting Corfu. These two islands are known for their mesmerizing sea caves, crystal-clear waters, and stunning beaches you always see of Greek beaches.

Since you’ll be on the boat for the entire day, come prepared. Pack plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and lightweight clothing to cover up from the sun’s rays. Trust us, we’ve done similar boat trips on other islands, and by the end of the day, there’s always a handful of people regretting their sunburns!

Boat tours typically depart around 9:00-9:30 AM and return by 6:00 PM, giving you a full day to enjoy the natural beauty of these islands. For a more enjoyable experience, we highly recommend choosing a smaller-scale tour over the large party boats that pack in hundreds of people.

Many boats leave from Lefkimmi port, located in the south of Corfu which is a 1 hour 20 minutes drive from Paleokastritsa. From Lefkimmi to Corfu Town (where you’ll be staying your last night) it is another 1-hour drive. So make sure you book a boat trip leaving from Corfu Port (€50 p.p excl food and drinks)

Day 7: Last day exploring Corfu Town

Use your final day in Corfu town to revisit the charm of its cobblestone streets and explore the spots you may have missed on your first visit. Wander through the vibrant markets and pick up unique souvenirs like locally made olive oil and honey.

Luckily Corfu airport is just a 15 minutes drive from town. Make sure you don’t arrive too early at the airport. The facilities at the airport are quite minimal, and in the summer it tends to get really busy. We ended up sitting on the floor for 1,5 hours waiting for check-in.

One Week Corfu Itinerary Alternatives

As we mentioned earlier, we didn’t opt for a full road trip during our time in Corfu. Instead, we split our stay between two locations: Acharavi and Moraitika. Both towns were laid-back and conveniently located along the beach, but they lacked the charm we discovered in other parts of the island.

If you’re planning a visit, we wouldn’t recommend limiting yourself to just one or two places. Corfu is full with incredible sights and experiences, and sticking to one spot means missing out on so much.

That said, we understand that constantly moving accommodations isn’t for everyone.

If you prefer to minimize the number of places you stay, here’s our suggestion for a more ‘relaxing’ Corfu itinerary:

Start your trip on the East Coast, not too far from Corfu Town, in a location like Dassia. This will give you easy access to Corfu Old Town and nearby beaches.

For the second half of your trip, head to Paleokastritsa. This area is perfect for exploring its stunning surroundings and enjoying some of the most breathtaking beaches Corfu has to offer.

Corfu Itinerary 4 days

Corfu is an ideal destination for a long weekend escape, especially in the mild, sunny months of spring or October when the weather is far more inviting than much of Western Europe.

It is also an ideal destination if you want to combine it with another Greek island or with a trip to nearby Albania.

If that is the case, we can imagine that you won’t have 7 days to explore Corfu. Let’s say you are considering 4 days on this enchanting island, here is how we would spend it:

Corfu Itinerary 10 days

Got a full 10 days to explore Corfu? With this much time, you can take our 7-day itinerary and stretch it out, spending more time soaking up the charm of each village. Add an extra night in Corfu Old Town, enjoy the relaxed vibe of the Kassiopi area a bit longer, and linger an extra day at the beautiful Arillas Beach.

But if you’re eager to see even more, we recommend sticking to our one-week Corfu itinerary and heading south to discover a different side of the island.

Just past Mesongi, you’ll find hidden patches of beach scattered along the coastal road. These quiet spots offer breathtaking views of the calm, crystal-clear waters and make an excellent base for exploring the southern part of Corfu.

How to get around Corfu island?

Having your own wheels is the only way to do this Corfu road trip. In summer, we always opt for a scooter. There’s something liberating about feeling the wind on your face, making spontaneous stops, and taking those unexpected detours. Plus, on a bustling island like Corfu, a scooter makes parking a breeze compared to a car or ATV.

Scooter Rental in Corfu 🛵

Corfu offers plenty of scooter rental options. Since our road trip begins in Corfu Town, we recommend renting one there or directly from the airport. Many rental companies include pick-up and drop-off services from the airport or harbor, making it super convenient. Once you’ve completed the paperwork at their office, you’re ready to hit the road.

Here’s a crucial tip: go for a 150cc scooter. The stronger engine will handle Corfu’s hilly terrain with ease and ensure you can keep up on the bigger roads. Some companies may hesitate to rent 150cc scooters if you only have a car driver’s license, but others, like BestCar, are more flexible.

That said, driving on Corfu’s roads requires caution. Even experienced riders need to stay vigilant. Matt, who’s been riding scooters for years, had a fall on our last day while navigating a sharp turn. The rear tire slipped, likely due to old asphalt. Thankfully, Matt and our son didn’t break anything, but it’s a reminder to always stay alert and drive carefully.

Tips for Touring on a Scooter:

• Travel light! A small backpack is ideal for carrying your essentials to the beach.
• Choose beaches with parking close by so you can keep an eye on your belongings.
• Alternatively, head to your hotel first, drop off your bags, and then continue exploring. With the short distances on this road trip (usually under an hour), this is an easy option.

Car Rental in Corfu 🚙

If a scooter isn’t your style, a car is a great alternative. It offers more convenience, especially if you’re carrying luggage or beach gear. However, parking can be challenging during the high season. Be prepared for tight spots, steep hills, and narrow streets that will put your parking skills to the test.

Ultimately, the best choice comes down to your comfort and confidence. Whether you’re on two wheels or four, it is extremely fun to explore Corfu’s stunning landscapes and charming villages independently.

When is the best time to visit Corfu Island?

We visited Corfu in the end of July, together with August the warmest and most busiest time of year. We were right in a heat wave, and at some moments it was just too hot to really travel around comfortably. For instance, we would have done and enjoyed Corfu Old Town much more if the temperatures were lower.

In the end, the best time to visit Corfu largely depends on the type of experience you’re seeking. But generally speaking September is the best time as the temperatures are still warm, the water is comfortable to swim in and the large summer crowd is gone.

But what about the other months? Let’s break it down so you know what to expect for the other months.

Spring (March to May)

A beautiful time to visit Corfu is in spring. The island comes alive with blooming flowers, lush greenery, and a calm atmosphere. The crowds are minimal, making it perfect for exploring at a leisurely pace. Temperatures range from 12°C (54°F) to 22°C (72°F), and the sea begins to warm up, though it’s still a bit cool for swimming at around 16°C (61°F) to 18°C (64°F).

Rainfall decreases significantly by May, making late spring a particularly inviting time to visit. This season is ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and soaking in the island’s natural beauty without the summer heat.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Corfu is all about sunny days, vibrant nightlife, and lively beaches. This is peak season, so the island is bustling with visitors. Daytime temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) to 33°C (91°F), while evenings cool down to around 20°C (68°F). The sea is pleasantly warm, hovering between 22°C (72°F) and 26°C (79°F), perfect for swimming and water sports.

Rain is rare during these months, and sunny days are almost guaranteed. Just be prepared for the crowds and book your accommodations early to secure the best spots.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn in Corfu is a perfect escape for those seeking a quieter, more relaxed visit. September still feels like summer, with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F) and warm water temperatures of 22°C (72°F) to 25°C (77°F). By October and November, the weather cools to a pleasant 15°C (59°F) to 23°C (73°F), and the sea remains swimmable until late October.

This is also when the island’s landscape takes on golden hues, and the pace slows down. Rainfall starts to increase in November, so pack a light rain jacket just in case.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Corfu is mild and peaceful, making it an excellent choice for those looking to escape harsh winters elsewhere. Daytime temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 16°C (61°F), while nights can dip to around 5°C (41°F). The sea temperature drops to 14°C (57°F) to 16°C (61°F), so swimming might not be on the agenda.

Rainfall is at its peak during these months, particularly in December and January. Despite the wet weather, winter offers a chance to experience Corfu’s authentic side, with fewer tourists and a focus on local culture and cuisine.

Many accommodation, shops and restaurants do close up for the winter months. So if you wish to experience a bit of a lively atmosphere stay in Corfu Old Town and from there go on day trips.

When Does It Rain the Most?

Corfu’s rainy season spans from late autumn to early spring, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in November, December, and January. While this might not be ideal for beach days, it’s perfect for enjoying cozy tavernas, scenic drives, and the island’s lush green landscapes.

FAQ Corfu Itinerary

Can you do Corfu in three days?

You can see a lot of Corfu in 3 days if you use Corfu Old Town as a base. Plan a trip to Paleokastritsa with a quick stop at Canal d’Amour, Cape Drastis or Porto Timoni. On the other day explore the idyllic beaches along the North-East Coast.

Can you get around Corfu without a car?

You can get around Corfu without a car but you will miss out on the beautiful places such as Cape Drastis and Portimo. That said, you can hop on a bus to villages such as Paleokastritsa and from there take a boat tour to these incredible beaches.

Is Corfu really touristy?

Compared to other Greek islands such as Lefkada, Corfu is pretty touristy. Particularly in the summer months, it is extremely busy. But you can avoid the crowds by visiting beaches early in the morning and staying at laid-back villages such as Arillas and Kassiopi.

Where to travel after Corfu?

From Corfu you can hop to other Greek islands. The ferry leaves from Corfu to Paxos. From there take a ferry to Igoumenisa port on the main land. There you can take the bus to Lefkada. Then from Lefkada hop on a ferry from Nidiri to Ithaca. Then continue to Kefalonia from where you can grab a plane back home. town to Kefalonia and Lefkada,

Our 7-day Corfu Itinerary Wrap Up

That’s it, your ultimate Corfu itinerary for a 7-day road trip. Corfu isn’t just another Greek island; it’s a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant local culture that leaves you wanting more.

Whether you’re chasing sunsets, exploring Venetian fortresses, or indulging in traditional Greek dishes, this island promises unforgettable memories.