7 DAY CORFU ITINERARY FOR ADVENTUROUS TRAVELLERS.
We are firm believers that the best way to see any island is to explore on foot. Recently, we walked the Corfu Trail from the very south of the island to the very north.
Although we had both visited Corfu before, exploring it this way gave us a chance to see the island’s contrasts in technicolour detail, the colour of the sea in Paleokastritsa, the pastel-shuttered streets of Corfu Town, the sunset burning orange over the west coast.
What we discovered is that the appeal of Corfu is not just beaches. Don’t get me wrong: the beaches are incredible. But it’s the full package that will keep you coming back. The mix of small mountain villages, tiny coves you stumble upon by accident, and tavernas where lunch quietly stretches into the afternoon.
This itinerary is for travellers who want more than one beach for seven days. It’s the one we would recommend to our friends, based on our exploration of the island.
It’s for people who enjoy exploring villages, swimming in different bays, walking a little, and trying local food without needing every day to be planned down to the minute.
We’ve grouped the destinations geographically to keep the driving sensible and to help you experience different sides of the island, rather than rushing from one edge to the other.
Corfu top picks 😍
Short on time? Some of our top recommendations for Corfu are:
- Beach: Agios Georgios Pagon – golden sand and turquoise water surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
- Village: Old Perithia – a Venetian ghost village in the mountains, beautifully restored.
- Town: Corfu Old Town – Venetian fortress, pastel alleyways, endless squares & bakeries.
- Viewpoint: Kaisers Throne at Pelekas – iconic sunset spot.
- Food: Fresh seafood in Kassiopi or a beach taverna in Paleokastritsa.
Accommodation 🏨
- For exploring the island: Corfu Town (The Calliston)
- For budget travellers: Agios Georgios Pagon (Kostas studios)
- For families: Kassiopi (Porto Kassiopi Apartments)
Tips 💡
- Corfu is mountainous – journeys take longer than they look on paper.
- Pebble beaches are common on the North East – pack swim shoes.
- Cash is still useful. Many tavernas are cash-friendly.
- Sunsets = West Coast. Calm turquoise water = North East.
- Parking in Corfu Town can be stressful; use paid lots or bus in.
Transport 🚌
- Car hire is the easiest way to explore – especially with this itinerary.
- Scooters/ATVs are fine for coastal hopping, less ideal for long mountain drives.
- Public buses (Green Buses of Corfu) run to major spots: Paleokastritsa, Kassiopi, Benitses, Pelekas.
- If you’re relying on buses, base yourself in Corfu Town to save time and stress.
An ideal 7 day itinerary for Corfu route & map
For the purpose of this Corfu itinerary, we are going to assume that you stay in one place for the entire week. Of course, an alternative might be to pick two bases in order to better explore the island.
In this case, we might recommend staying on the West Coast and the North East – in order to maximise time exploring and spending less time on the road!
You can find our detailed guide to where to stay in Corfu here.
For this itinerary, we’ve grouped destinations geographically, to make the most of your time.
Getting around Corfu
Hiring a car is the easiest way to follow this itinerary. The roads are narrow but manageable, and most routes are scenic. Scooters / ATVs are fine for coastal hops but less comfortable for long mountain drives.
Public buses (Green Buses of Corfu) connect Corfu Town with major destinations. If relying on buses, basing yourself in Corfu Town will save time and transfers. There are also tour operators providing day trip options. More detail on that below.
7 day Corfu itinerary: day by day
Below you can find our ideal 7 day Corfu itinerary – day by day.
Day 1: Kalami & Kassiopi (North East Coast)
THINGS TO DO
The north-east coast is where Corfu is at its most relaxed and for this reason, I recommend starting there on day one!
It has small pebble bays, protected water and a rhythm that feels slower than the rest of the island. Kalami is a perfect place to start the week because it gives you an instant picture of why people return to Corfu again and again.
If you’re comfortable on the water, renting a small boat is the best use of your time. You can idle between coves and swim in the clear water.
Any fans of the Durrells, may wish to visit The White House – a restaurant which sits in the former home of Lawrence Durrell.
If you’d rather a quieter cove, head to nearby Agni – an easy walk along coastal footpaths from Kalami.
By late afternoon/ early evening, head north to Kassiopi. The town is livelier, with a working harbour, cafés, and restaurants that stay open late. The ruined Byzantine fortress above the town is a short, straightforward walk and gives wide views back over Albania and the Ionian coast.
GETTING THERE
From Corfu Town: 45–60 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
By bus: Green Buses run to Kalami regularly (pay on board). The same bus continues to Kassiopi, so you can visit both on public transport, before returning to Corfu Town.
Day 2: North Coast & Old Perithia
THINGS TO DO
On paper, the north coast is all beaches, but inland is where Corfu surprises you. Old Perithia is one of the oldest villages on the island, sitting high on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator.
Spend the morning here. Walk through the lanes, read the small plaques explaining the village’s history, and sit down for an early lunch.
If you’d rather something a little more high octane, a walk of one hour or so will take you to the top of Mount Pantokrator.
After lunch, head back down the mountainside to Acharavi or Roda. These beaches are wider and sandier than the pebbled north-east coves.
GETTING THERE
By car: the drive will take around 1 hour 15 minutes from Corfu Town. You can swing back via Acharavi on route back to town.
Day 3: Corfu Town & Benitses
THINGS TO DO
Corfu Town is ideal for a morning wander, taking in the Venetian balconies and slow paced coffee culture. We were quite taken with the delightful combo of a pretty but lived in town.
The Old Fortress is worth a visit for views over the water and back across the terracotta roofs.
From here, give yourself permission to simply follow your nose (no doubt it will take you to a bakery – as mine did). Some streets lead you to churches, others to small museums. The Museum of Asian Art could be worth a visit if you want something “to do” – or simply follow your senses.
As the day heats up, head south along the east coast of Corfu to Benitses, around 20 minutes away. The village has a relaxed seafront, a small pebble beach and plenty of tavernas. It’s a good spot for an afternoon swim or a simple dinner.
GETTING THERE
By car: Benitses takes about 20 minutes.
By bus: Green Buses leave Corfu Town and travel south along the east coast towards Benitses. You could also stop at resorts along the way like Dassia and Ipsos, if you’d rather not go all the way to Benitses.
Day 4: Agios Georgios Pagon & Pagoi
THINGS TO DO
The west coast feels like a different island. The road drops down to Agios Georgios Pagon, a sweeping long beach.
It’s one of the best beaches on Corfu for a full-day swim: long, spacious and rarely as crowded as you’d expect. And, beds and umbrellas can be rented for €10. Of all the beach resorts in Corfu, this was by far our favourite.
On the beach, you can hire all sorts of water sports equipment – paddle boards or kayaks. So, there’s plenty to do.
You can find our full guide to visiting Agios Georgios Pagon here.
If you want a break from the sun, drive inland to Pagoi, a small traditional village above the bay.
GETTING THERE
By car: 40–50 minutes from Corfu Town.
By bus: You can take regular bus services from Corfu Town to Agios Georgios Pagon. The bus takes about 90 minutes.
Day 5: Palaiokastritsa & Liapades
THINGS TO DO
Paleokastritsa is the classic postcard. The coastline breaks into a series of small turquoise bays tucked beneath tall green hills. Expect it to be busy – it’s one of Corfu’s most popular sights.
Spend time switching between beaches, or take a boat taxi or short cave tour to see how vivid the water becomes away from the harbour.
In the afternoon, continue a few minutes inland to Liapades, a quieter village with a more local feel. The beach is smaller, partly shaded, and usually much calmer. It’s an ideal spot for lunch or an early swim when Paleokastritsa starts to feel crowded.
If you have the energy, detour to Lakones, the balcony village overlooking the whole coastline. The view from here is one of the best on the island. You can walk up the Donkey Trail (a 20-30 minute walk from Palaiokastritsa) if you wish to get the blood pumping – or just drive.
Tip – If you don’t like crowds, I recommend skipping Palaiokastritsa. Honestly, it’s beautiful but incredibly busy during summer. We found it a little overwhelming. See our alternative suggestion below.
AN ALTERNATIVE
Our alternative recommendation to Palaiokastritsa, would be to visit Halikounas Beach – a sweeping sand beach alongside the Korission Lagoon. It’s a super peaceful spot – pack a picnic, or decamp to Agios Georgios for lunch. If you’re driving, take time to visit Monument Olivenbaum MITERA on route back to your hotel – it’s an ancient olive tree and really quite enchanting.
GETTING THERE
By car: 30-40 minutes from Corfu Town.
By tour: many tour operators offer tours to – like this one.
Day 6: Kontogialos & Pelekas
THINGS TO DO
The west coast beaches tend to be sandy and wide, and Kontogialos is one of the best examples. It’s a great place to slow the pace, long strips of golden sand, beach bars for lunch, and plenty of space even in high season. The bay stays shallow for a while, so it’s ideal for a relaxed swim or just sitting in the shallows with a book.
Note – the loungers and umbrellas are a little more expensive here than on other beaches. If you’re on a budget, consider buying an umbrella from a souvenir shop (it’s cheaper) and just find yourself a spot to relax. There is a small mini-market if you need drinks or snacks.
Above the beach is Pelekas, a colourful hillside village. Stop for coffee or pastries and wander the narrow lanes. The highlight here is Kaiser’s Throne, a viewpoint built by the German emperor who used to holiday on the island.
Tip – If it suits you better, explore Pelekas in the morning and de-camp to the beach for the afternoon. Sunsets on the beach are spectacular – as is the setting at Bella Vista Sunset Restaurant in Kontogialos (book in advance in summer.)
GETTING THERE
By car: Getting here is straightforward, it should take about 20-25 minutes from Corfu Town.
Day 7: Pick your favourite for one last day
Leave the final day open. Go back to the place you didn’t want to leave or somewhere you passed in the car and didn’t get a chance to stop at!
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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