How Many Days in Corfu Do You Need for a Great Trip

Wondering how many days to spend in Corfu? This guide will help you plan a fantastic trip to this idyllic Greek island.

Corfu is famous for scenic beaches and stunning scenery. However, the island has so much to offer beyond the beach. It boasts fascinating history, a wealth of cultural attractions, unique cuisine and numerous adventure activities to enjoy.

I spent nearly two weeks in Corfu on my last trip and could have easily stayed for longer. This duration allowed me to enjoy local beaches, hiking trails, sightseeing in different parts of the island, and experiences such as olive oil tastings and cooking classes.

You don’t necessarily need to spend as much time as I did there, but I would dedicate at least five days to your trip. A week or more would be even better especially if you have a few items on the to-do list.

Read on to find out about my rationale for spending this many days in Corfu. There are also itinerary suggestions for different durations to help you maximise your time on the island.

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How Many Days in Corfu

Ultimately, the decision on how many days you should spend in Corfu depends on what you want to do there. After all, it’s the seventh largest Greek island and packed with many exciting sites and activities.

This means that you also need to allow for travel time between different locations. Alternatively, you may prefer to use your time on the island for beach relaxation rather than intensive sightseeing. This is completely fine, and the length of the trip depends on how much time you need for achieving that feeling of zen.

I recommend spending at least five days in Corfu as it will allow you to see the highlights of the island. You can choose to take a road trip and stop over at a different location every night or stay at one or two locations of interest and explore them in more detail.

However, I feel that seven to ten days on the island is a much better amount of time to really get to know the island. This will allow you to explore different locations, visit a few sites, and possibly join an organised day tour or two.

Also, Corfu is the type of place where you want to switch gears and simply be. It’s good to have some downtime in-between sightseeing to enjoy the island’s many beaches, traditional villages, and olive groves.

If you can dedicate even more time to your trip, even better. The island does offer enough sites and experiences to fill a longer stay.

Itinerary Ideas for Corfu

Here are a few Corfu itinerary ideas for different lengths of stay to help you maximise your time on the island.

2 Days in Corfu

Faliraki Bathing Beach in Corfu Town from above — Faliraki Bathing Beach

To be completely honest, I don’t believe two days in Corfu is enough. If you’re set on visiting Corfu, I would ensure you have at least two full days there, as the logistics of airport arrival and departure can take more time than expected.

For a two-day itinerary, I would suggest opting for a city break in Corfu Town. The city centre is conveniently located just a 10-minute taxi ride from the airport, making it an ideal choice for a short trip. Alternatively, you can take bus number 15 for the same journey, which typically takes about 15 minutes.

Once you’re in the Old Town, wander its charming historic streets, visit an iconic fortress with panoramic views over the city, or delve into local history at a museum. I also recommend venturing out of the city centre to Mon Repos, a historic stately home that now houses a small archaeological museum showcasing local discoveries amidst beautiful parkland.

Corfu Town also offers many guided tours where you can learn about its history or master the art of local cuisine. Moreover, as the island’s foodie capital, Corfu Town is home to many great restaurants, cafes, and delis.

Within Corfu Old Town, there are limited beach options, with Faliraki Bathing Beach near the Old Fortress being the primary one. It’s a picturesque spot, though not a typical beach in the traditional sense, as it lacks sand or pebbles.

Instead, it features a paved waterfront area complete with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a bar. Despite this, swimming is still a popular activity, though it may not align with the dreamy Greek beach experience you imagined.

3 Days in Corfu

Three days in Corfu still constitute a relatively short time to fully explore the island, so I would still suggest basing yourself in Corfu Town for convenience. However, an additional day on the island means that you can combine sightseeing in the capital with a day trip to a picturesque destination.

Public transport options link the city with popular beach spots. For instance, you can catch a bus to Paleokastritsa or Benitses, both charming spots. The journey to the former takes approximately 40 minutes, while the latter is under 30 minutes away. Be sure to check the bus timetable to plan your return trip to avoid getting stuck out there though.

Alternatively, there are organised day trips departing from Corfu Town. These often involve sailing trips along the local coastline or to the idyllic islands of Paxos and Antipaxos located slightly further afield.

If you prefer overland travel, guided tours are available to take you to olive oil mills and popular landmarks, eliminating the hassle of arranging logistics by yourself. For example, this day trip includes visits to Mon Repos, the Achilleion Palace, Benitses, and a beach stop.

4-5 Days in Corfu

Agios Spiridon Beach in Paleokastritsa. The island's beaches is the primary reason why people believe Corfu is worth visiting. — Agios Spiridon Beach in Paleokastritsa

Having between four and five days in Corfu allows for a more relaxed exploration of the island without the need to rush. There are several approaches to planning an itinerary for this duration.

One option is to spend a night or two in Corfu Town and then move to a beach resort area of your choice. This would work for those interested in experiencing both the cultural aspect of the island and its famous beaches.

Alternatively, you can opt to stay in a beach town for the entire duration of your trip. Coastal destinations such as Paleokastritsa, Sidari and Kassiopi are all great options with a wealth of things to do and places to eat to fill your four or five days.

These popular spots are well-connected to Corfu Town by public buses, allowing for sightseeing and shopping day trips. Also, these places have their own ports so you can do easy boat trips to explore beautiful coastal scenery.

Also, four or five days would be enough for a small road trip. Prioritise the locations and experiences that resonate the most and be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to each. I find that it’s best not to overload your schedule to get the most out of a short trip.

7 Days+ in Corfu

Unsurprisingly, a week or more in Corfu opens even more possibilities for exploring the island more thoroughly. I personally think opting for this duration will result in a more fulfilling trip.

The longer you stay, the more ground you can cover, whether you go for a comprehensive road trip covering the island from top to bottom or embark on the adventurous 10-day Corfu trail. As the saying goes, the world is your oyster.

To really appreciate the Corfiot way of life, I would also recommend allowing for some downtime in-between sightseeing. Taking a few hours to relax at the beach and go for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Ionian Sea is magical.

The different pace that the island is especially apparent when you visit some of the traditional villages away from the tourist trail. The flow of time feels different there.

With seven days at your disposal, you can comfortably incorporate multi-night stays in various locations. For instance, you might spend a couple of nights in Corfu Town, followed by a day or two in a quaint mountain village like Lakones and incorporate a visit to the dramatic ruins of Angelokastro, and then two or three nights at resort towns in different parts of the island.

It’s worth noting that you don’t need to change your accommodation frequently to enjoy the island fully. Instead, you can divide your week between two different locations of interest and embark on day trips, whether organised or independent. However, if you opt for the latter, I recommend hiring a car for added flexibility.

How to Get Around Corfu

When you are putting together an itinerary for your trip, it’s important to factor in travel time between different destinations. This consideration will help determine whether your desired duration is sufficient for all your planned activities.

In the grand scheme of things, Corfu isn’t vast, but travelling from north to south typically takes around two hours by car. Additionally, navigating narrow, winding roads in certain areas demands extra time and concentration.

Opting for car hire is the ideal transportation choice if you intend to explore various parts of island, particularly remote areas. Car rental agencies are plentiful, allowing you to either arrange your rental online before your trip or upon arrival.

For those who prefer not to drive, taxis are readily available throughout the island. They can be hailed at official taxi ranks, booked by phone or online, and even through the Uber app. However, relying on taxis does cost a pretty penny.

Alternatively, the island boasts a decent public bus network that offers affordable transportation to many popular destinations. Be sure to consult the most up-to-date bus schedule to make the most of it. It’s available online, at bus stops, and at the KTEL Bus Terminal in Corfu Town.

While taking the bus may lack the flexibility of driving and some routes may have infrequent services, with proper planning, I believe the network meets the needs of most tourists.

Final Thoughts

Hope you’ve found these tips on how many days to spend in Corfu helpful. For more information on different aspects of travel in this part of the world, check out these guides to Corfu travel costs, visiting without a car and local safety tips.

If you are travelling to the island in the shoulder season, check out this guide on visiting Corfu in September. I personally think it’s one of the best times to go there.

Last not least, if you are dreaming of a classic Mediterranean villa experience, this guide to the best villas in Corfu will help you make it a reality.

FAQs: How Many Days in Corfu Do You Need

What is the best month to visit Corfu?

It is best to visit Corfu in the shoulder season when the crowds are not crazy, and the afternoon heat is manageable. I visited Corfu in September and thought it was a great time. May and early June are also good bets.

How many days do you need in Corfu Town?

I recommend at least two days in Corfu Town. Although the city centre is quite compact, there are many attractions and historic sites to explore. Having more time there will also give you an opportunity to visit nearby places like Mon Repos and the Achilleion Palace.

Is 2 days in Corfu enough?

No, two days in Corfu is not enough to experience the island. If you only have a couple of days and are dead set on visiting it, I recommend staying in Corfu Town and make the most of this small, but perfectly formed city.

Is 10 days in Corfu too much?

No, 10 days in Corfu is not too much. I spent nearly two weeks there on my last trip and could have easily stayed for longer. Corfu is one of the bigger Greek islands, so it will take time to explore it, especially if you want to visit lots of places.

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How Many Days in Corfu Do You Need for a Great Trip

How Many Days in Corfu