Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Corfu?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Corfu?
Most people spend at least 5 or as many as 7 days in Corfu during their visit. The natural island offers amazing highlights such as the beaches, the hiking, the cuisine, and the gorgeous scenery.
Corfu is famous for its stunning natural beauty and impressive sandy beaches that are set against the turquoise blue Mediterranean waters. It's the most northern of the Ionian Islands and it has rolling green hills to the south and striking limestone rock formations to the north. The island also has very lush Mediterranean vegetation. The island is diverse enough that there's really something for everyone - family-friendly hotels, adventure water sports, an active nightlife scene, and romantic resorts that make for the perfect honeymoon.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Corfu? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Corfu?
One week is more than enough time to see pretty much everything on Corfu. You can move at your own pace and take in the scenery and culture of the island. You could also use Corfu as a base for exploring the nearby destinations or get out on the water. You'll find some great day trips here for sure.
How to spend a week in Corfu
The beautiful beaches await you in Corfu, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The island is known for its stunning beaches which offer a diversity of settings ranging from family-friendly to natural or party-focused. The most famous beach resort area is Paleokastritsa but other nice places include Pelekas, Agios Gordis, and Glyfada. On the western side of the island you'll find mostly long sandy beaches and on the eastern side you'll find more pebble beaches.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Tour of Corfu Beaches Paleokastritsa and Glyfada ($165)
- Private Shore Excursion: Corfu Beaches Paleokastritsa and Glyfada ($165)
- Full Day Cruise from Corfu in Classic Wooden Vessel, Swim & BBQ ($112)
The delicious food of Corfu is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this island's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. The island's local dishes are heavily influenced by the surrounding areas. You'll find similarities to Greek and Venetian dishes as well France and Mediterranean flavors. Common ingredients include wine, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice and several traditional dishes that you should try include pastitsado (red wine stew), sofrito (garlic seasoned beef), and veal fricando (roasted veal).
A few tour suggestions include:
- The Governor Olive Mill Tour with Olive Oil Tasting ($75)
- Winery tour with Wine and Olive tasting in Corfu ($24)
- Royalty Winery tour with tasting at Theotoky Estate in Corfu ($25)
Corfu is a very walkable city. With only a day in the island, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. It's easy to walk around Corfu Town, and if you plan to spend most of your time at the beach there's really no need for a car.
Known for it's hiking, Corfu sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. The stunning natural beauty of the island means you'll find some of the most breathtaking hikes in the Greek Isles. From the lush green rolling hills to the striking blue waters, there are many places to soak up this island's idyllic setting. The island is also rich in plant life and you'll find more than 30 species of orchids here. Popular hiking trails include Vlacherna Trail (good for beginners and families), Mount Pantokrator Trail (the most challenging on the island), and Old Town Hiking Trail which takes you through the history of the area.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Corfu from Above: Hiking at the Highest Peak of Corfu ($49)
Corfu is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The island is known for its natural beauty. There are idyllic rolling green hills on the southern side and dramatic limestone rocks towards the north.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Motor Boat Hire in Corfu Italmar 17,asso 5.10. No license needed ($176)
- Shadows of the Past: Corfu Town Dark History Walking Tour ($29)
- Corfu: Sunset Cruise on a Wooden Vessel with Cocktails & Bites ($53)
Public transit in Corfu is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the island quite easily. There's a decent public bus system on the island. The blue buses stay near Corfu Town while the green buses go further around the island.
Don't miss Canal d'Amour during your trip to Corfu, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
This island is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. It's a large island that attracts a number of students, so you can expect a party during the summer months. The most popular areas for nightlife are Kavos, Ipsos, Kontokali, and Sidari. You'll also find clubs in many of the resorts and there are often all night parties even during the off seasons.
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Corfu is very popular. Spend the day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. The island is large enough that it has a number of spots to choose from. One of the most beautiful is Afionas, in Port Timone. It's only accessible by boat or a 45 minute hike. Paleokastritsa is a more accessible snorkeling and dive area with facilities and luxury villas where you can stay. For scuba diving, you can also head to Agni, but the busy boat traffic means it's not the best place for snorkeling.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Shopping in Corfu is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. You'll find most of the shops concentrated in Corfu Town. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, jewelry, ceramics, and items made from olive wood.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Corfu Town Shopping Trip ($21)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Corfu.
After you've explored most of Corfu, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Sarandë Day Trip with Optional Tour from Corfu to Butrint ($99)
- Meteora One Day Trip from Corfu ($214)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Corfu.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Corfu?
Two weeks provides more than enough time to explore the entirety of Corfu at your own pace to swim at the beach, get out into nature, sample the delicious cuisine, and take in the beautiful scenery. Then, use your hotel as a base to take some day trips or get out on the water, as this island offers plenty of options
Corfu, Greece
How to spend 2 weeks in Corfu
With 2 weeks in Corfu, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the island has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach, hiking, and dining at local restaurants. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this island looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Sarandë Day Trip with Optional Tour from Corfu to Butrint ($99)
- Meteora One Day Trip from Corfu ($214)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Corfu, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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