Corfu Itinerary: 7 Days Without Rushing (With a Map + Driving Times)
Planning a Corfu itinerary for 7 days is easy to overdo—distances look short, but roads are slow, parking takes time, and the best moments in Corfu happen when you’re not sprinting between “must-sees”.
This 7-day Corfu itinerary is built for a relaxed week: one main area per day, realistic driving times, and enough downtime to actually enjoy beaches and sunsets. It’s ideal for UK travellers doing a 7-night holiday and hiring a car (I’ll also share tips if you don’t want to drive).
Corfu 7-day itinerary (quick overview)
Best for: first-timers, couples, friends, families (with tweaks).
Pace: relaxed (no-rush days + optional upgrades).
Transport: easiest with a car.
Highlights included:
- Corfu Old Town + viewpoints
- Paleokastritsa + boat trip coves
- Angelokastro fortress views
- North Corfu (Kassiopi)
- Sidari + Canal d’Amour
- Porto Timoni hike (optional)
- South Corfu beach day (Issos) or Paxos/Antipaxos day trip
Realistic Corfu driving times (useful guide)
Driving in Corfu can be slower than it looks on a map because of narrow roads, bends, and summer traffic. These are typical driving times:
- Corfu Airport → Corfu Town: 10–20 minutes
- Corfu Town → Paleokastritsa: 35–50 minutes
- Paleokastritsa → Lakones viewpoint (Bella Vista): 10–20 minutes
- Paleokastritsa → Angelokastro: 15–25 minutes
- Corfu Town → Glyfada Beach: 25–40 minutes
- Corfu Town → Kassiopi: 45–70 minutes
- Kassiopi → Sidari: 45–60 minutes
- Sidari → Afionas (Porto Timoni): 30–40 minutes
- Corfu Town → Issos Beach: 50–75 minutes
Want the simplest option for your trip (car hire vs buses vs taxis vs transfers)? Here’s my Getting Around Corfu: Complete Transport Guide.
Tip: Add an extra 10–20 minutes for parking and “wrong turns,” especially in peak season.
Where to stay for this 7-day Corfu itinerary (no-rush bases)
To avoid long daily drives, choose one base (simple) or two bases (best experience). If you’re choosing between north vs west vs Corfu Town, this post breaks it down: Where to Stay in Corfu: Best Areas Guide.
Option A (recommended): 2 bases
- Nights 1–3: Corfu Town / Gouvia / Dassia (easy arrival + central for west coast)
- Nights 4–7: Kassiopi (north-east) or Paleokastritsa area (west)
Why this works: you don’t drive across the island every day.
Option B (simplest): 1 central base
- Gouvia / Dassia / Kontokali are practical for exploring both north and west without moving hotels.
Day-by-day: Corfu itinerary (7 days without rushing)
If beaches are a big part of your trip, here are my picks for the best beaches in Corfu (including hidden spots and family-friendly options).
Day 1: Corfu Town (Old Town + fortress + sunset viewpoint)
Morning / midday
- Arrive, check in, and keep your first day light.
- Take a slow walk through Corfu Old Town (lanes, cafés, local shops).
Afternoon
- Visit the Old Fortress for panoramic views and an easy “first-day” activity.
Evening (sunset)
- Go to Kanoni viewpoint for the classic Corfu photo (Mouse Island view).
- Dinner back in Corfu Town (book ahead in high season).
No-rush note: This day is intentionally low-driving so you start your trip feeling good.
Day 2: Paleokastritsa (coves + boat trip + viewpoints)
Morning
- Drive to Paleokastritsa early (parking is easier).
- Take a small boat trip to nearby caves/coves (one of the best experiences in Corfu).
Afternoon
- Stop at Lakones viewpoint (Bella Vista) for a big “wow” view with minimal effort.
- Choose one beach/spot and stay there—don’t chase five beaches in one day.
Evening
- Return to base and enjoy a relaxed dinner.
Optional upgrade: If you love viewpoints, add a short stop at a second look-out on the west coast—but keep it simple.
Day 3: Angelokastro + west-coast beach day
Morning
- Visit Angelokastro (dramatic fortress and coastline views).
- Wear proper shoes (the path can be uneven).
Afternoon (pick one beach area)
- Glyfada Beach: popular, easy facilities.
- Agios Gordios: scenic and more laid-back.
- Pelekas/Kontogialos: great sunsets and beach time.
Evening
- West-coast sunset if you can—Corfu sunsets are a highlight.
No-rush note: This is a “one big sight + one beach” day on purpose.
Day 4: Move north + Kassiopi (easy travel day)
If you’re doing two bases, today is your move day—don’t overload it.
Morning
- Drive toward Kassiopi.
- Check in and have lunch by the harbour.
Afternoon
- Short walk around Kassiopi (harbour vibe, easy swimming coves nearby).
Evening
- Dinner in Kassiopi—perfect low-effort holiday night.
If you’re staying in one base: You can still do Kassiopi as a day trip, but start early.
If you want a more authentic north Corfu experience beyond the beach, add a short visit to Old Perithia and Syriotis Honey.
Day 5: Sidari + Canal d’Amour (early visit + relaxed afternoon)
Morning
- Head to Sidari and see Canal d’Amour.
- Go early for easier parking and better photos.
Afternoon (make it calmer)
- Balance the touristy morning with a quieter swim or a slow lunch.
- Head back to Kassiopi (or your base) and keep the evening simple.
No-rush tip: Don’t try to do Sidari + Paleokastritsa + Porto Timoni on the same day. That’s the fastest way to turn a holiday into a checklist.
Day 6: Porto Timoni (Afionas) hike or a true rest day
Choose based on your energy (and heat).
Option A: Porto Timoni (for views + “wow” swim)
Morning
- Drive to Afionas early.
- Do the Porto Timoni hike before peak heat.
Afternoon
- Swim and relax, then head back.
Bring: water, sun protection, shoes.
Reality check: It’s not a long hike, but it can feel tough in midday sun.
Option B: Rest day (highly recommended for families)
Pick one beach and stay there. Read, swim, snack, repeat. This is the day that makes the whole week feel “not rushed”.
Day 7: South Corfu beach day (Issos) or Paxos/Antipaxos boat trip
Choose your “grand finale”:
Option A: Issos Beach (space + sand dunes)
Morning
- Drive to Issos Beach (southwest). It’s a different landscape from the north/west.
Afternoon
- Beach time + long lunch nearby.
Evening
- Return with enough time to pack calmly for departure.
Option B: Paxos & Antipaxos day trip (iconic photos)
Best for: swimmers, boat-day lovers, “big day out” energy.
Note: It’s a long day—fun, but not restful. If you feel tired, pick Issos instead.
Practical tips to keep your Corfu itinerary relaxed
Car hire tips (Corfu driving)
- Choose a smaller car if you’re not confident—many roads and parking spots are tight.
- Expect slower drives than Google Maps suggests (especially in summer).
- Plan for parking time near popular spots (Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town, Canal d’Amour).
Best times to visit popular places (avoid crowds)
- Corfu Town: morning or evening (cooler, nicer atmosphere)
- Paleokastritsa: early morning (parking + calmer feel)
- Canal d’Amour: early morning for photos
- Porto Timoni: early morning to avoid heat and crowds
Still deciding what to add or swap? Here’s my Corfu guide to beaches, towns & food with extra recommendations.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is 7 days enough for Corfu?
Yes. 7 days in Corfu is enough for Corfu Town, one or two west-coast highlights (Paleokastritsa/Angelokastro), and the north (Kassiopi/Sidari), with time for beaches.
Do I need a car for this Corfu itinerary?
A car makes this itinerary far easier. You can visit Corfu without a car, but you’ll need to base yourself in a well-connected area and replace remote spots with bus/taxi-friendly beaches and towns.
What’s the best area to stay in Corfu for 7 days?
For first-timers who want a mix of sights and beaches, a central base like Gouvia/Dassia is practical. If you want a pretty harbour and easy north-coast exploring, Kassiopi is a great second base.
What should I prebook in Corfu?
In peak season, consider prebooking:
- Your car hire.
- Any Paxos/Antipaxos boat trip.
- A couple of top restaurants in Corfu Town (if you have “must-try” places).
