Corfu in 5 Days
From the UNESCO old town and Achilleion Palace to the cliffs of Paleokastritsa, the love channel of Sidari, and the golden sweep of Glyfada.
Corfu in 5 days, day by day: what to see, in what order, how far you drive and where you sleep. Base: Corfu Town and Paleokastritsa. It assumes a hire car from day one.
Corfu Old Town
Old Fortress Corfu
16th-century Venetian fortress on a rocky promontory β the symbol of Corfu. The views from the lighthouse tower over the old town and the Albanian coast are extraordinary.
Liston Promenade
The elegant arcaded promenade modelled on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, built during French occupation. The best coffee in Corfu, overlooking the Spianada β the largest square in the Balkans.
Corfu Old Town (UNESCO)
UNESCO-listed old town β narrow Venetian lanes called kantounia, Byzantine churches, and the extraordinary Museum of Asian Art (the finest in the Balkans). Allow 2 hours.
New Fortress
16th-century Venetian fortress on the hill above the new port. Labyrinthine underground passages and excellent views. Far fewer visitors than the Old Fortress.
Kanoni & Mouse Island
The most photographed spot in Corfu β a tiny church on a rocky islet in the Halikiopoulou Lagoon. The causeway and the planes landing over the lagoon make for a surreal and memorable scene.
Aperitifs on the Liston
Short drive back to Corfu Town (about 10 minutes from Kanoni). Aperitifs at one of the Liston cafΓ©s are a Corfiote ritual β the arcade was built by the French to mimic Paris's Rue de Rivoli.
Achilleion & the South
Achilleion Palace
Extraordinary neoclassical palace built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi) in 1890, later owned by Kaiser Wilhelm II. The terraced gardens and statues of Achilles are magnificent.
Benitses Village
Traditional fishing village that was Corfu's first tourist resort in the 1970s. It has returned to its quiet roots. Roman baths and a small aquarium are worth a stop.
Kavos Beach
Long sandy beach at the southern tip of Corfu. Calm, shallow, warm water. The resort behind it is geared toward young people and nightlife β the beach itself is excellent.
Arkoudilas Beach
Wild, empty sandy beach in a protected nature reserve near the south tip. No facilities, no development β just sand, sea and olive groves. One of the hidden gems of the south.
Sunset in Corfu Town
Long drive back from the southern tip (about 1 hour to Corfu Town). The eastern coast road in evening light is a fitting end to the day.
Paleokastritsa β The Jewel of Corfu
Paleokastritsa Monastery π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
13th-century monastery perched on a headland above the bays. Small museum of icons and ecclesiastical objects. Extraordinary views over the turquoise coves below.
Paleokastritsa Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
Six coves of extraordinary clarity, emerald water and dramatic cliff scenery β the most beautiful coastline in Corfu. Rent a small boat to explore the sea caves and hidden coves inaccessible by land.
Angelokastro
13th-century Byzantine castle on a sheer sea cliff β the most dramatic castle site in the Ionian islands. Views north along the entire Albanian and Greek coastline.
Agios Georgios Beach (North)
Long, sandy north Corfu beach with far fewer crowds than Paleokastritsa. Clear water, some waves, and spectacular sunset views. The village has good tavernas.
Porto Timoni π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
A stunning double bay accessible only on foot (45-min hike). Two beaches side by side facing opposite directions β the most photographed spot on the island after Kanoni.
Dinner in Paleokastritsa π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
Drive back to your Paleokastritsa hotel (about 30 minutes from Afionas). The bay's tavernas β La Grotta or Akron β are favourites for sunset dinners with the monastery floodlit above.
Sidari & Canal d'Amour
Roda Beach
Long sandy north-coast beach β calm, shallow, family-friendly. One of the best beaches on the north coast with good facilities and a lovely village behind it.
Canal d'Amour π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
The most famous spot in Sidari β dramatic sandstone cliffs carved into channels and caves by centuries of sea erosion. Local legend says couples who swim through the channel together will marry. Unique and unmissable.
Sidari Beach
Long sandy beach adjoining the canal d'Amour. Golden sand, gently shelving into the sea. Good for children. The resort behind it is lively with restaurants and bars.
Acharavi Beach
Long, wide, sandy beach that never gets overcrowded. Shallow and calm β the best family beach on the north coast. A local favourite rather than a tourist hub.
Dinner in Sidari
Short drive back to your Sidari base (about 15 minutes from Acharavi). The promenade comes alive in the evening with families and tavernas serving fresh fish straight off the boats.
Glyfada & the West Coast
Glyfada Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
Widely regarded as the most beautiful sandy beach in Corfu β a broad golden bay framed by green hills, with calm Ionian water. Arrive early for a sunbed. Water sports, beach bars, good facilities.
Mirtiotissa Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
A stunning hidden beach accessible only via a steep 30-minute walk through olive groves. Almost deserted despite its beauty. Lawrence Durrell called it the most beautiful beach in the world.
Agios Gordios Beach
A wide, dramatic sandy beach backed by green cliffs and a rocky pinnacle. One of the most scenic beaches on the island, with a long stretch of sand and good facilities.
Planning questions
Is 5 days enough for Corfu?
Yes, for a first visit. The plan covers the essentials at a pace that leaves time in the water. With one more day, add a slow beach day with no driving.
Do I need a car on Corfu?
Yes. The beaches and villages are spread out and the bus does not reach the ones that matter; book ahead for July and August.
Where should I stay on Corfu?
The plan sleeps in Corfu Town, Paleokastritsa and Sidari, so you are not crossing the island every morning.