8-day itinerary in Corfu

A tour of Mon Repos

Not far from the Old Town is the neoclassical estate known as Mon Repos, which translates as ‘my rest’ or ‘my refuge’ and holds historical and natural significance for Corfu. It was built by British High Commissioner Frederick Adam for his Corfiot wife, Nina Palatianou, and later served as the summer residence of the Greek royal family. It was also the birthplace of Prince Philip, husband of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Today, it houses the Paleopolis Museum, which tells the story of Corfu’s ancient city (located in this area). The grounds include a botanical garden with mature trees and a beautiful landscaped garden with 2,000 plant species from the British colonies.

Dinner with a view on Vido Island

The final treat on your first day in Corfu is dinner on the islet of Vido. Boats leave regularly from the Old Port and the crossing takes just 10 minutes. Vido is a 538-acre natural paradise, with walking trails and beaches, and is named after an adaptation of the first name of its one-time owner Guido Malipieri. Your reason for being here is to enjoy an unforgettable dinner in a unique location overlooking Corfu Old Town.

The (almost) deserted village of Old Perithia

You get a taste (literally) of old Corfu next as you drive up to Palea   (Old) Perithia, a now deserted village whose Medieval past  means that it has been classified as a historic settlement. It is located 450m up Mount Pantokrator (about 13km from Kassiopi) and is hidden from the sea. Most of the houses are derelict but don’t let that deceive you. A few have been restored as tavernas and serve traditional dishes. Or you can save your appetite for the next stop and choose to visit the Monastery of Pantokrator, which is a further 30 minutes away on a dirt road. 

Photo by: Alexandra Vutof (@alexanndrav)

Kassiopi village waterfront and castle

You can adapt your day according to how long you wish to spend on the beach and whether you eat in Old Perithia. But a final option is to return to Kassiopi (which you pass anyway if you return to Corfu Town from the east) to visit the castle there and enjoy a coffee or a meal (there are many seafood options). Kassiopi Castle dates to the 13th century and once formed a defensive triangle with Gardiki Castle and Angelokastro (which you’ll be hearing more about later). Leave time for a stroll by the harbour, with its traditional wooden fishing boats.

Hike to Nymfes Waterfalls

One of the island’s favourite nature spots awaits in the heart of northern Corfu. Just outside Nymfes village is a 1.5km path leading to Nymfes Waterfalls (so-called because, according to mythology, nymphs are said to have bathed there). The water drops about 10m into a green ravine and there are two other smaller waterfalls nearby. You’ll find more water in spring and autumn, when visiting the waterfalls a favourite thing to do in Corfu and when the island is perfect for outdoor activities generally. Whether you visit the waterfalls or not, be sure to have a look around Nymfes village, while you’re here.  You can eat here, too.

Photo by: Dimitris Priftis (@d.priftis7)

Mountainous Sokraki village

End your day in Sokraki, one of Corfu’s best villages. It is located at an altitude of around 440m at the end of a winding road, and despite being inland offers views of Ipsos beach and Corfu town as well as the islands of Vido and Lazareto. You’ll love the multicoloured houses and churches dating to the 16th century, as well as two squares with traditional cafes serving ouzo and meze. You should also try the local ginger beer.

Photo by: Eddie Kastamonitis (@kastamonitis)

Early dinner in Afionas village

The traditional village of Afionas overlooks Porto Timoni and Agios Georgios Pagon and has views as far as the Diapontia isles, the tiny group of islands off Corfu’s northwestern coast. You’ll find the architecture here a little different to other Corfu villages, with whitewashed stone buildings brought to life by flowerpots and bougainvillea. It is a great place to eat, whichever beach you choose, with a choice of tavernas that make the most of the wonderful views.

The sunset at Loggas

Your final stop today is Loggas, famous for its sheer cliff face and sunset views of Cape Drastis, the northwestern-most point of Corfu. You can enjoy the view from a glass-bottomed platform over the cliff (with the benefit of cafes and tavernas). Or you can continue further north to a viewpoint even closer to Cape Drastis (the scenery matches the dramatic name). Either way, you’ll be treated to a magical sunset.

Beach fun in Paleokastritsa

As one of the most popular and touristically developed parts of the island, Paleokastritsa has some of the best beaches in Corfu when it comes to action. Agia Triada, Agios Petros, Ambelaki, Agios Spyridonas … they all have facilities to keep you entertained. Or you could take a boat trip to Paradise beach, one of Corfu’s most magical spots a little further down the coast. Bear in mind that the beaches of Paleokastritsa are very busy with tourist boats during the peak summer months. If it is a busy time of year, a good tip is to hire a sea bike or kayak from Agios Spyridonas and explore the coastline that way. 

Sunset in Angelokastro

Angelokastro is another of Corfu’s historic fortresses, perched on a steep hill overlooking Paleokastritsa Bay. It was built during the Byzantine period in the 13th century, offering a strategic defensive stronghold against invasions over the following centuries. It is a short climb to the top but you can leave your car in the car park and walk up (15-20 minutes). If you’re looking for good hikes in Corfu, walk from Lakones to the Agios Georgios   Pagon beach (passing Angelokastro), although you’ll have to skip your time on the beach to do this.  

Dinner in a village of your choice

You have the choice of returning to Corfu town for dinner or visiting another nearby village for a traditional meal to end the day. There are many villages to choose from and they all have their own character: Krini, Makrades and the village of Pagoi north of Paleokastritsa, and Doukades and Liapades to the south. Note that the Corfu Donkey Rescue near Doukades (which rehabilitates injured or mistreated donkeys and shelters other animals) and the Enotis Olive Groves & Museum in the Vistonas area (with olive oil tasting) can be added to your village visit.

Photo by: Griekenland (@griekenlandnet)

Go wild on the beach

Another memorable afternoon awaits with a choice between two of Corfu’s most memorable beaches. Halikounas is a long sandy beach on the southwest coast, with activities such as kitesurfing and a basic beach bar. There is also a horse riding centre near Halikounas village just above it, with routes that include Korission lagoon, behind the beach. Another wonderful option is Issos beach, which is separated from Halikounas by a cedar forest and is part of the Natura 2000 environmental network. The beach has facilities, including stand-up paddleboard and kitesurfing rental. The sand dunes make this one of the wildest spots in Corfu.

Dinner in Chlomos village

End the day with a stroll through the traditional village of Chlomos, which is nestled in the hills on the way to the east coast and offers a variety of food options. Founded in the 13th century, Chlomos is another Corfu village with Venetian architecture, built around a cute little square with alleyways hiding colourful houses and courtyards. There are views to both the east and west coast and tavernas and cafes with balcony views over the sea. 

The golden beaches in the southwest

The southwest coast of Corfu is blessed with long, sandy beaches (for many, the best in Corfu and especially popular with families). Whichever you select, you’ll be curious to know what the others look like. Glyfada, Agios Gordios and Kontogialos (accessed by a steep, narrow road) are our three recommendations – all generous stretches of golden sand with all the facilities you could want (including beach bars, tavernas and water sports) and a backdrop of pine tree-studded hills. Enjoy!

A cookery class or wine tasting

There’s no way you’re going home without learning more about Corfu’s food and wine. There are a couple of nearby vineyards that can be added to your day. Ambelonas Corfu is a winery in the hills which offers wine tasting and has a restaurant. It also offers cookery classes teaching the principles and techniques of Corfiot cuisine and ending with an epic meal (made by you, of course). Alternatively, the Theotoky Estate is the oldest winery in Corfu. You can learn all about the indigenous white Kakotrigis grape (which accounts for the bulk of Corfu’s production) and the Skopelitiko grape (for reds and rosés) as well as enjoy wine tasting and a tour of the estate.

Book your Private Cooking class

Pelekas village

Depending on your choice of activities today, you can include Pelekas on your way back to Corfu town. It’s perfect for a village stroll, or you could just enjoy the sunset. Surrounded by greenery and built at 220m above sea level, it is known for the nearby Kaiser Observatory (named after Kaiser Wilhelm II and also known as Kaiser’s Throne), which offers panoramic views of the valley and is the perfect place for sunset cocktails.

Photo by: @droning_on_and_on.hn

Olive oil tasting at the Governor

On your way to the beaches of southwest Corfu, you stop at Agios Mattheos, a gem of a village with colourful houses, narrow alleys and courtyards with shops, tavernas and cafes. The main reason for visiting, however, is the olive press at The Governor Olive Oil, where you’ll learn all about Corfu’s Lianolia olive and its extra-virgin olive oil. The Dafnis family have been running the facility for over 100 years and a guided tour includes learning about all aspects of the processing and extraction of the olive oil at low temperatures as well as olive oil tasting.

Book your Olive oil tasting

More sandy beaches in the south

You continue your search for your favourite beach in southwest Corfu now. If we’ve opened your appetite for long stretches of golden sand and you want more of the same, then Marathias is the one for you today. Smaller and more personal (but still with the facilities to spend the afternoon there) are Prasoudi to the north and Gardenos to the south. It's going to be a tough choice.

Photo by: Billy Varelis (@cfuyvrflyboy)

Seafood in Boukari

For a final meal in Corfu, we’re sending you back to the east coast to the small fishing port of Boukari, about 25km south of Corfu town. It’s the perfect spot to say goodbye. The tiny harbour, traditional wooden fishing boats and still waters are the ideal accompaniment to a seafood meal. Home will seem a million miles away. So take your time.