Itineraries for Your Trip to Corfu
1 Day on Corfu for First Timers
Parts of Corfu are undoubtedly touristy, but it’s worth exploring this lush-green Ionian island. Beyond its big resorts—all fine for an injection of summer sun—the island has plenty else up its sleeve, and I’ve experienced its wonders many times. While my family and I have sidestepped Corfu in favor of nearby Paxos, we've also discovered the delights of making day trips to Corfu Old Town. We love shopping and eating in its alleyways, slaking our thirst with ginger beer in its Liston cafés, and heading inland to discover hidden villages and spots like Old Perithia. If you can arrange a day in Corfu, here’s an itinerary to help you get the most from your visit.
If you visit in spring or fall, bring a waterproof: Corfu’s rains can be sudden and torrential.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a meal at a local taverna in Corfu Old Town.
With only a day in Corfu, you can still see island highlights via guided tours. Catch a private morning-only tour or shore excursion from Corfu Town that covers three of the island’s must-sees with ease: corraling Paleokastritsa’s west coast beaches, the Achilleion Palace, and UNESCO-listed Corfu Town into a single, hassle-free outing. Alternatively, prebook hop-on hop-off bus tickets to zip around Corfu Town’s landmarks and explore them in your own time.
Hit the blue Ionian for a blast of sea air and relaxed sailing along Corfu’s northeast coast. Take a cab to Corfu Town’s portside or nearby Gouvia Marina for a private yacht or motorboat tour. Most cruises traverse Corfu Town’s Garitsa Bay, offering views of photogenic spots Mouse Island, Mon Repos Palace, and the promontory-perched Old Fortress. Many drop anchor in secluded, gin-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling in solitude.
Cap your day off in Corfu Old Town. The capital’s cobbled quarter is compact for walking and bubbles to life as the locals come out to play and eat in the cool evening air. From ghost-themed walks revealing the city’s spooky past to guided tours showcasing its best nighttime spots and food-and-culture tours punctuated with culinary tastings, there’s an experience for every traveler, from history buffs to night owls to foodies.
