Corfu in 5 days

The Ionian's green island. Venetian old town, olive groves, turquoise coves and Italian flair. Best time to visit: May-June & September. Average daily budget: $70 to $165 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Corfu Old Town (Kerkyra), A UNESCO-listed maze of Venetian lanes, squares and two fortresses.

Morning: Wander the Old Town. Explore the Liston arcade, Spianada square and the Old Fortress.

Afternoon: Explore Corfu Old Town (Kerkyra), A UNESCO-listed maze of Venetian lanes, squares and two fortresses.

Evening: Watch sunset from Pelekas. Climb to the Kaiser's Throne viewpoint over the west coast.

Eat: Sofrito, veal in a garlic and white-wine sauce

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Kanoni & Pontikonisi, The scenic peninsula with the iconic Mouse Island view.

Morning: Swim at Paleokastritsa. Boat between turquoise coves beneath a hilltop monastery.

Afternoon: Explore Kanoni & Pontikonisi, The scenic peninsula with the iconic Mouse Island view.

Evening: Visit the Achilleion Palace. Tour the neoclassical palace built for Empress Sisi.

Eat: Pastitsada, spiced beef or rooster with thick pasta

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Paleokastritsa, A cluster of stunning west-coast coves around a clifftop monastery.

Morning: Take a boat to Mouse Island. Visit the tiny islet of Pontikonisi off Kanoni.

Afternoon: Explore Paleokastritsa, A cluster of stunning west-coast coves around a clifftop monastery.

Evening: Explore Corfu's olive-grove interior. Drive to hill villages and the old capital of Palaiokastro.

Eat: Bourdeto, fish stewed in a spicy red sauce

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Northeast Coast (Kassiopi), Upscale resorts and pebbly bays facing the Albanian coast.

Morning: The blue lagoon and shipwreck cove of Porto Timoni, reached on foot.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Northeast Coast (Kassiopi), Upscale resorts and pebbly bays facing the Albanian coast.

Evening: The cliff-edge Angelokastro Byzantine fortress above the west coast.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Kumquat liqueur, a Corfiot speciality

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Corfu's Hill Villages, Inland hamlets like Pelekas and the old capital with sweeping views.

Morning: Old Perithia, an atmospheric abandoned mountain village turned tavernas.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Corfu's Hill Villages, Inland hamlets like Pelekas and the old capital with sweeping views.

Evening: The Corfu Trail, a long-distance path crossing the green interior.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Sofrito, veal in a garlic and white-wine sauce

Hidden gems

The blue lagoon and shipwreck cove of Porto Timoni, reached on foot.
The cliff-edge Angelokastro Byzantine fortress above the west coast.
Old Perithia, an atmospheric abandoned mountain village turned tavernas.
The Corfu Trail, a long-distance path crossing the green interior.

Getting around

Corfu Old Town is compact and walkable, and green buses (KTEL) connect the capital to most resorts and beaches, though services to remote coves can be infrequent. Renting a car or scooter is the best way to explore the west-coast beaches, hill villages and the island's lush interior at your own pace. The airport is just south of Corfu Town, and ferries link to mainland Igoumenitsa and to Italy. Roads inland are narrow and winding, so allow extra time and drive carefully.

Safety

Corfu is very safe with low crime, and solo travellers, including women, feel relaxed across the island. The main considerations are practical: mountain and coastal roads are narrow and twisty, so drive cautiously, and some west-coast beaches can have currents and big swells when it's windy. Summer sun is strong, so carry water and protection on hikes to spots like Porto Timoni. Keep valuables secure in busy old-town areas and on crowded beaches, but the island feels safe and welcoming overall.

Corfu in 3 days | Corfu in 7 days | Full Corfu guide