The 10 Best Corfu Day Trips in 2024

Looking for the best Corfu day trips for your itinerary? This guide has got you covered.

The idyllic island of Corfu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece and with good reason. It boasts beautiful beaches, stunning natural scenery, quaint mountain villages and fascinating history that spans millennia.

What’s more, it’s relatively easy to see different parts of the island during a single trip. This guide covers diverse day trip options including the island’s historic capital, vineyards, olive oil mills, ancient castles, scenic beach resorts, and even nearby islands.

I spent a couple of weeks on the island on my last trips and fell in love with everything that it offers. While staying in different parts of Corfu, I took advantage of different day trip options available.

Without further ado, let’s jump into some of the best Corfu day trips to include as part of your next adventure.

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The Best Corfu Day Trips for Your Itinerary

Corfu Town

The elegant exterior of the Museum of Asian Art — Museum of Asian Art in Corfu Town

If your plan is to spend most of your time in Corfu’s beach towns, I recommend including a day trip to the charming Corfu Town. Its historic city centre, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a trip back in time.

Admire the Old Town’s Venetian architecture, visit the magnificent Old Fortress and explore its many museums. There are many walking tours available for those who would like to delve deeper into the city’s history. However, the charm of Corfu Town extends beyond sightseeing.

The Old Town boasts numerous delightful bars and eateries, where you can relax in outdoor seating areas within one of the historic city squares, savouring a leisurely drink in the sun while indulging in some people-watching. Truly, isn’t this what the good life is all about?

Getting to Corfu Town is relatively straightforward, with bus services available from many popular resort areas. Additionally, some coastal towns like Kassiopi offer water taxis to the city, providing a scenic travel option.

For more information on how to maximise your time during your trip, check out this one-day itinerary for Corfu Town.

The Achilleion Palace

Just a 30-minute bus journey south of Corfu Town lies the iconic Achilleion Palace. This historic site is an architectural gem that boasts serene landscaped gardens and stunning coastal views from its terrace.

Originally constructed in 1890 as a summer retreat for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sisi, the palace beautifully blends neoclassical and art nouveau architectural elements. Adorned with Greek-style statues, intricate mosaics, and exquisite artwork, it exudes grandeur and elegance.

Tragically, Sisi’s time at the palace was short-lived, as she was assassinated in 1898. Since then, Achilleion has served various purposes, including as a summer residence for German Kaiser Wilhelm II, a military hospital, an orphanage, and even a casino.

Thankfully, eventually the palace returned to the Hellenic Tourist Organisation, allowing visitors to explore its opulent interiors and the picturesque grounds it occupies.

You can reach the palace by either taking bus number 10 from the centre of Corfu Town or by driving from other locations.

The Governor’s Olive Mill

Corfu is famous for its endless olive groves, and several olive oil producers have capitalised on this natural wealth to craft high-quality versions of this Greek staple.

The Governor is one of the local producers that have been making a name for themselves in Corfu and beyond. Their extra virgin olive oils are renowned for their exceptional quality, so much so that my husband and I purchased them as souvenirs during our last visit to Corfu.

Visitors have the opportunity to delve straight into the source and explore the Governor’s estate, immersing themselves in the art of olive oil production. Wander through vast olive groves, sample the exquisite olive oils, and gain insights into both traditional and modern oil production techniques.

You can book a spot on the Governor Mill tour here. Additionally, the estate provides a complimentary pick-up and drop-off service for guests staying within a 30-kilometre radius, encompassing Corfu Town, Paleokastritsa, and Dassia.

Paleokastritsa

Located on the northwestern coast of Corfu, Paleokastritsa is one of the most popular destinations on the island and with good reason. Surrounded by dramatic hills and embraced by crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea, this area is renowned for its natural beauty.

While many visitors choose Paleokastritsa as their base while in Corfu, this area is also a popular spot for day trips. Paleokastritsa is home to several scenic beaches, a selection of traditional Greek restaurants, and the historic Paleokastritsa Monastery.

The town also serves as the starting point for many boat tours that include visits to ancient sea caves and secluded beaches. Those who like to stay active can enjoy snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding and pedalo rides at local beaches.

Paleokastritsa is easy to get to from Corfu Town thanks to the regular bus services that connect the two. You may need to drive or take a taxi to reach it from other areas.

It’s worth noting that Paleokastritsa can get quite busy during the day, as it’s a popular destination for shore excursions from cruise ships. However, it’s quite peaceful in early mornings and late afternoons.

Angelokastro and Lakones

Bird's eye view over Paleokastritsa — View over Paleokastritsa from the Bella Vista viewpoint near Lakones

Perched up on a hill above Paleokastritsa lies the quaint village of Lakones. This sleepy spot appears to have been frozen in time, with only a handful of cafes and shops dotting its streets.

Nevertheless, Lakones is worth visiting for stunning views and a magical atmosphere that feels worlds apart from the bustling tourist hub of Paleokastritsa. Villages like Lakones offer a glimpse into the traditional Corfiot way of life.

Moreover, a trip to Lakones can easily be combined with a visit to the nearby Angelokastro, the ruins of an ancient Byzantine Castle. Perched dramatically atop a cliff, Angelokastro affords unparalleled coastal vistas.

While it’s possible to drive between the two locations, the best way to soak in the picturesque surroundings is by foot. The path linking Lakones and Angelokastro is relatively flat, offering additional viewpoints along the way.

If you are staying in Paleokastritsa, you can take the donkey path from the town to get to Lakones. However, it’s worth noting that this path is quite steep and may not be suitable for everyone.

For those travelling from other areas, a private vehicle or an organised tour are the best options for getting to these locations.

Wine Tasting at Local Vineyards

While perhaps not the first destination that comes to mind for wine lovers, Corfu is home to several boutique family-run wineries. The island boasts its own distinct local wine varieties, including Kakotrygis, Skopelitiko, and Petrokoritho.

Many of these Corfiot wineries offer tastings, tours, and sometimes even meals, providing an ideal opportunity for those interested in the region’s wine-making traditions, which span centuries. Exploring one or more of these wineries makes for a fantastic day trip.

One of the most popular options is Theotoky Estate, the oldest winery in Corfu. Located in Ropa Valley, just a half-hour drive from Corfu Town, the estate boasts acres of picturesque olive groves and vineyards.

Theotoky offers tours of the estate, light snacks and museum visits starting from €12 (US $13) per person. You can book your tasting spot here.

Another great option for a day trip is the Pontiglio winery, located in the south of the island. They offer tastings, organised tours of the estate, and even Greek cooking classes on Mondays.

Please note, public transportation connecting vineyards to other parts of the island is virtually non-existent, so you will need to either drive there or get a taxi.

Mount Pantokrator and Old Perithia

Standing at over 900 metres high, Mount Pantokrator is Corfu’s tallest mountain. It is a popular day trip destination, offering unparalleled views across the island from its summit.

Reaching the summit of Mount Pantokrator can be achieved by either driving or hiking. The latter, is, unsurprisingly, the more challenging option. However, it allows you to savour the ever-changing scenery as you ascend.

Aside from the breathtaking views, visitors can enjoy refreshments at a cafe which is part of the ancient Pantokrator Monastery. Although modest in size, this Orthodox monastery dates back to the 14^th century and still showcases some original frescoes from its inception.

The slopes of Mount Pantokrator are also home to Old Perithia, the oldest village in Corfu. Established in the 14th century, it was largely abandoned in the 20th century due to shifting economic circumstances.

Today, visitors can soak in its eerie atmosphere, exploring the deserted houses and churches, offering glimpses into traditional Corfiot life.

However, Old Perithia is not a complete ghost village anymore. It now boasts a B&B, a handful of tavernas and even an organic honey shop.

Top Day Trips from Corfu

Visitors to Corfu can enjoy day trips not only around the island, but also to the nearby destinations in Greece and beyond. Here are some great options to consider for your next trip.

Parga and the Blue Lagoon

Combine your stay in Corfu with a visit to picturesque spots in mainland Greece. A popular day trip destination from the island is the seaside town of Parga, famous for its colourful historic buildings and beautiful beaches.

The easiest way to get to Parga is by joining an organised tour. These normally depart from Corfu Town and include stops at other scenic spots along the way.

For instance, this Parga, Sivota and Blue Lagoon Cruise includes sailing around the picturesque Sivota Islands, a swimming stop at the Blue Lagoon, and some time to wander the charming streets of Parga and enjoy its natural beauty.

Paxos and Antipaxos

No article on the best Corfu day trips would be complete without mentioning the popular boat trip to the idyllic islands of Paxos and Antipaxos.

These two small islands lie just south of Corfu and offer stunning beaches, charming fishing villages and a totally laid-back feel. Visitors can enjoy swimming in crystalline waters, snorkelling, hiking and traditional Greek food at local tavernas.

You can travel there independently by water taxi or join an organised boat trip. The latter normally depart from Corfu Town and include visits to both Paxos and Antipaxos, swimming breaks and sea cave stops.

Albania

Another popular day trip destination from Corfu is the nearby Albania. There is a ferry service that connects Corfu Town with the Albanian resort city of Saranda.

There are several ferry companies that operate this service, and their mixed fleets include boats of different speeds. Naturally, the faster the journey, the higher the ticket price.

The longer journey takes over an hour and costs €19 (US $20) per person one way, while the faster option that gets you to your destination within 30 minutes will set you back €33 (US $35) per one-way ticket.

Alternatively, travellers can opt for organised guided tours, which streamline the logistics of the journey. For example, this day trip to Saranda and Butrint National Park from Corfu Town covers two great destinations in Albania.

How to Get Around Corfu

The most flexible way to get around Corfu is by car. Rental services can be easily arranged either before or upon arrival. Having your own car will give you the complete freedom to explore the island on your own terms.

However, it is also possible to explore Corfu without a car. The island has two bus networks: the Blue buses that operate within Corfu Town and its outskirts, and the Green buses the connect the capital with other destinations.

Many of the day trips featured in this article can also be done via taxi, including Greek Uber, and organised tours. Scooters and ATVs are an alternative form of private transport available on the island. However, they do come with additional safety considerations.

Final Thoughts

So here you have it. These are some of the best Corfu day trips to add to your itinerary. Whether you’re into beach hopping or culture and history, there is something for everyone in Corfu.

For more planning tips, check out this guide to the costs of travel in Corfu, safety tips and itinerary suggestions for different trip durations. If you’re wondering when the best time to visit is, I recommend going to Corfu in September for the best weather and thinner crowds.

FAQs: Best Corfu Day Trips

Can you get around Corfu in a day?

Yes, you can get around Corfu in a day by car. The drive from north to south takes about two hours. However, it’s best to take more time than that to see the island properly. There are lots of great places to see there.

Which is the prettiest part of Corfu?

Corfu is famous for its natural beauty and it’s hard to choose just one pretty spot. Personally, I think the coastal areas on the northwestern coast, such as Paleokastritsa, offer some of the most beautiful scenery on the island.

Which side of Corfu is best to stay?

The best areas to stay depend on what you want to do and how many days you have in Corfu. I think Corfu Town is fantastic for those looking to delve into the island’s history, while spots like Paleokastritsa, Agios Georgious and small resorts on the northeastern coast such as Kalami are perfect for a relaxing beach break.

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The 10 Best Corfu Day Trips in 2024