Thinking about spending 3 days in Corfu? Smart move. This Greek island is equal parts relaxed beaches, pastel-colored villages, and crumbling fortresses that whisper stories of empires past. It’s a place where you can sip espresso in a Venetian square one moment, then let your kids splash in turquoise waters the next.
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Here’s what you need to know before diving into the itinerary:
- Trip Length: 3 Days (but you’ll want more)
- Best For: Families who like a little culture with their beach time
- Where to Stay: Corfu Town (for walkability) or split with a night in the north
- Getting Around: On foot in town, rental car for beach days
- When to Go: May to early October – think sun, sea, and fewer crowds
- What to Pack: Swim gear, comfy shoes, and patience for narrow roads
- Vibe Check: It’s chill. It’s beautiful. And yes, the food really is that good.
Let’s get into how to make the most of 72 hours on one of Greece’s most underrated islands.
DAY ONE
Corfu Old Town
Old Town Corfu is a picture-perfect postcard of everything you imagine Europe to be. Cobblestone streets, narrow alleys that twist and turn into one another, and surprise discoveries around every corner whether it’s a cozy café, a local shop, or a gelato stand waiting in the sun.
Tables spill out in front of restaurants, the scent of fresh pastries drifts through the air, and sunlight filters through the tiniest openings, casting the most dramatic shadows across centuries-old stone.
The architecture, the textures, the sheer age of the place it’s perfection.
It’s one of the best places I’ve ever wandered without a plan, and honestly, that was one of my favorite parts of visiting Corfu. If you have a full day to spend in Old Town, take it.
The best time to go is early morning, before the crowds roll in and as the shops slowly begin to open. It’s quiet, beautiful, and feels like stepping into another time.
There are so many corners of Old Town worth exploring, including:
Corfu Central Market
Tucked into the maze of Old Town’s winding streets is the Corfu Central Market—a lively little world of its own. It’s the kind of place where you can browse for souvenirs, sample local goods, and stumble across something you didn’t know you needed.
The market is packed with charm, from small artisan shops to family-run stalls, and it’s surrounded by some of the best places to grab a bite. It really does feel like a city within a city.
Mitropolis Square
This charming square is anchored by the striking Holy Metropolitan Church of the Virgin Mary, perched atop a picturesque staircase and tucked tightly into the narrow folds of Old Town.
It’s an awesome scene of elegant architecture, dramatic steps, and a sense of intimacy you don’t often find in a city center. The way the church fits so seamlessly into its surroundings creates a kind of quiet magic. It’s a beautiful, often overlooked spot that’s well worth a visit.
Cosmopolitan Liston
This elegant promenade at the edge of Old Town feels like something out of a European daydream. Lined with graceful arches and set just across from a park shaded by tall trees, the setting is effortlessly beautiful.
It’s one of the finest examples of Venetian architecture in Corfu and a perfect backdrop for photos. For the best light (and fewer people), come early in the morning when the whole place feels calm and cinematic.
Spianada Square and Boschetto Garden
Spianada Square is one of those rare places that feels both grand and inviting. Nestled between Old Town and the towering Old Fortress, it’s the largest square in Greece and it shows.
Wide open lawns, tree-lined paths, and benches shaded by leafy canopies make it a peaceful spot to pause and catch your breath. Whether you’re letting the kids run free, people-watching with a coffee in hand, or simply soaking up the sun, this is where Corfu slows down and gives you room to breathe.
Just off the edge of Spianada Square, Boschetto Garden offers a quiet, shaded escape from the midday sun. We used this space as an opportunity to relax and escape the midday heat before we headed to the fortress.
With benches tucked beneath tall trees and views stretching toward the sea, it’s the perfect place to rest your feet, let the kids roam a bit, and soak in a slower pace of Corfu Town.
Old Fortress
The Old Fortress rises boldly from the edge of Corfu Town, separated from the mainland by a narrow canal that gives it an almost island-like feel. You’ll cross a pedestrian bridge to enter, greeted by towering stone walls that whisper centuries of history.
Entry is €10, cash only kids get in free. It’s a sprawling site with plenty to discover if you’re up for a bit of exploring. Most of it is outdoors and there’s very little shade, so come prepared with water and a hat. Once inside, don’t miss:
Old Fortress Lighthouse
Reaching the top of the Old Fortress is no small feat. I lost count of the steps along the way, but just know this: you’ll earn that view. And trust me, it’s worth every climb.
At the summit, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Corfu and the endless blue beyond. I especially loved the view of the harbor, dotted with yachts like tiny white specks on the water. On a clear day, you can see all the way to mainland Greece and even Albania.
It’s the kind of view that makes you pause and stay a while.
St. George’s Church
While you’re exploring the Old Fortress, make sure to stop by Saint George’s Church. Its unique architecture more reminiscent of a neoclassical temple than a typical Greek church sets it apart immediately.
Perched on the southern side of the fortress grounds, it stands alone against a backdrop of stone and sea. Step inside and take a quiet walk around. The simplicity of the interior paired with its dramatic setting makes it one of the most memorable spots within the fortress.
DAY TWO
Palaiokastritsa/Agios Spiridon Beach
Of all the beaches on Corfu, Palaiokastritsa might just be the most popular and once you arrive, it’s easy to see why. This area is actually home to several beaches, but Agios Spiridon Beach is the crown jewel.
Tucked between two dramatic cliffs, its U-shaped pebble shoreline wraps around sparkling blue-green water that practically glows under the sun. It’s easily one of the most breathtaking beaches we’ve ever visited.
The vibe here is relaxed and scenic, with calm, shallow waters that are perfect for families. You’ll find both open space for laying out a towel and umbrella, as well as a section with sunbeds for rent.
The beach isn’t huge, but it’s long enough that we never felt packed in or overwhelmed by crowds.
Just across the parking lot is Agios Petros Beach, a smaller, more intimate spot with the same jaw-dropping cliffs and clear water. It also has a few sunbeds available, or you can just stretch out on the sand and enjoy the views.
There’s a paid parking lot between the two beaches that costs €5 for the day. If you’re hoping to save a few euros, many people park along the roadside and walk down to the beach.
We rented two sunbeds and an umbrella from one of the beach clubs, which also gave us access to their changing facilities—clean and convenient. If you’re not renting a sunbed, changing options may be more limited, but either way, this beach is more than worth the trip.
Monastery of Palaiokastritsa
Once you’ve had your fill of beach time, make your way up the narrow, winding road to the Monastery of Paleokastritsa. Perched high on the hill, the view from the top is incredible as you’ll be able to look down over both beaches you just visited, with the cliffs and sea creating a picture-perfect backdrop. It’s one of those spots where you’ll definitely want your camera ready.
If you’re up for a bit more adventure, there’s a short trail leading to the Metal Cross Vantage Point. It’s about a 10-minute hike, and while the path is a little rocky, it’s nothing a pair of decent shoes can’t handle.
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and a stunning bird’s-eye view of Agios Petros Beach below. Quiet, scenic, and incredibly photogenic it’s a hidden gem that’s absolutely worth the effort.
Sidari
From Palaiokastritsa, head north toward the island’s northern coast to reach the town of Sidari. The drive is an adventure in itself tight roads, hairpin turns, and some stunning scenery along the way.
Stay alert, especially on the curves, and enjoy the ride as you wind through several small, traditional villages.
Sidari has a completely different feel than Old Town Corfu. It’s more modern, more laid-back beach town than historic charm but it has its own appeal.
As you drive through the main road, you’ll pass a handful of casual restaurants and shops, but the real draw here is what lies along the coastline.
The main attractions in Sidari include:
Canal d’Amour
The Canal d’Amour in Sidari isn’t just a tourist stop it’s nature showing off. Wind-carved cliffs, narrow passages, and waters that shimmer like a screensaver. Legend says couples who swim through stay together forever. Bring the kids, skip the myth, and just enjoy one of Corfu’s most bizarrely beautiful spots.
Cape Drastis
Cape Drastis feels like the edge of the world jagged cliffs, impossible blues, and a silence that hits different. It’s less crowded than Canal d’Amour and way more dramatic. The road in is rough, but the views? Unreal. Bring a camera, maybe a drone, and definitely your sense of awe.
Loggas Beach
Loggas Beach is your sunset mic-drop moment. Perched beneath craggy cliffs, the golden sand and neon-blue waves feel like a postcard that got realer. Pull up a seat at the cliffside bar, sip something cold, and watch the sun kiss the Adriatic.
DAY THREE
Glyfada Beach
Located on the west coast of the island, about 30 minutes from Old Town Corfu, Glyfada Beach offers a completely different vibe from Palaiokastritsa.
Where Palaiokastritsa feels wild and rugged, Glyfada is smooth, golden, and relaxed, home to some of the finest sand you’ll ever step onto.
What really makes this beach shine for families is the water. It stays shallow far out into the sea, much farther than most beaches we’ve visited. It’s an amazing feeling to walk out so far with the water still only waist-high. Safe, fun, and perfect for kids.
Glyfada is also much wider and more spacious than Palaiokastritsa, which means there’s plenty of room to spread out even on the busiest days. While the scenery isn’t as dramatic, it’s still beautiful, with gently sloping hills and a long stretch of sand meeting calm, clear waves.
There’s a small parking lot near the beach, but even if that fills up, there are plenty of places along the road to improvise a spot. We rented two sunbeds and an umbrella, which gave us access to clean changing rooms and showers always a plus after a sandy beach day.
Royal Achilleion Palace
We’d heard that the Achilleion Palace grounds aren’t quite what they once were, and while that may be true, it was still an interesting and worthwhile stop.
One downside was the confusing information online about whether the palace interior was open for tours. By the time we arrived, we already knew it wasn’t, but that didn’t take away from the experience too much.
Be sure to check before you go to find out if it’s open yet.
We still enjoyed strolling through the gardens, which lead you to a stunning panoramic viewpoint overlooking the sea and stretching north toward Old Town Corfu.
Even just seeing the palace from the outside was impressive it’s a gorgeous building with grand details and a regal presence.
Admission was €7 for adults and €5 for kids, and honestly, we felt like we got our money’s worth. The peaceful garden walk, the classical statues, and those peekaboo sea views through the greenery made it a memorable stop, even without going inside.
Kanoni Harbor/Corfu Airport – planespotting
Kanoni Harbor is where Corfu mixes chill with adrenaline. Make your way to the causeway, and watch planes drop from the sky, so close you’ll feel the rumble.
It’s wild, weirdly peaceful, and guaranteed to blow your kids’ minds. Who knew planespotting could be this fun?
How To Get Around Corfu
If you’re staying in Old Town Corfu, you’ll have no choice but to walk since there are no cars allowed within the Old Town. But that’s a good thing because it’s the best way to experience Old Town. We walked all around the area and loved it.
To see the rest of the island, the best way is to rent a car. It does come with challenges in that the roads across Corfu island can be narrow with sharp turns and unpredictable layouts and the island is hilly so that can make driving a bit more interesting.
There were plenty of roads that are supposed to be two way but only fit one car at a time. Our trip from Palaiokastritsa to Sidari was quite interesting to say the least.
Just be prepared to go slow and be alert! Having a car provides you the freedom to explore this awesome island more fully and on your time schedule.
If you don’t want to deal with the hills and crazy roads, there are buses that can take you to some spots across the islands including some beaches so that may be an option if you’re hesitant to drive.
Taking the bus in Corfu is cheap, scenic, and surprisingly reliable—just don’t expect speed. Blue buses cover Corfu Town, while green ones reach beaches and villages across the island.
It’s perfect for travelers without a car, but check schedules in advance—service to places like Paleokastritsa or Sidari is limited.
If You Have More Time
Got an extra day or a few open hours? These stops add even more magic to your Corfu trip whether you’re chasing views, relaxing on quieter beaches, or adding a little culture between ice cream breaks.
- Porto Timoni Viewpoint & Beaches – One of Corfu’s most jaw-dropping hikes. The trail takes you to a double beach split by a narrow strip of sand and surrounded by turquoise water. It’s a bit of a workout, but your reward is pure postcard material.
- Vlacherna Monastery – A tiny whitewashed monastery on its own islet, connected by a narrow causeway. Right next to the Kanoni planespotting area, it’s one of Corfu’s most iconic views.
- Kaiser’s Throne (Pelekas) – Head to this scenic overlook once favored by royalty. It’s a perfect sunset stop with panoramic views across the island and sea.
- Agios Gordios Beach – A laid-back beach with soft sand, shallow waters, and cozy tavernas. Great for families who want to skip the crowds but keep the beach day vibes.
- Barbati Beach – Calm, pebbled, and great for snorkeling. It’s low-key but picturesque, with clear waters and a few good places to grab lunch.
- Corfu Archaeological Museum – A solid hour indoors if you’re curious about ancient artifacts and Greek history. Surprisingly digestible for kids.
- Boat Tour from Paleokastritsa – Hop on a small boat to explore sea caves and hidden beaches. It’s short, scenic, and kid-approved.
- Day Trip to Paxos & Antipaxos – Hop on a boat from Corfu to explore sea caves, swim in crystal-clear water off Antipaxos, and stroll through the charming village of Gaios. A fun, family-friendly day on the water that feels like a mini island getaway.
ENJOY YOUR TIME IN CORFU
Three days in Corfu won’t let you see it all but it’s enough to fall in love like we did. From Venetian streets and sunset cliffs to hidden beaches and cliffside monasteries, this island serves up history and fun in equal measure. Whether you’re chasing kid-friendly beaches or just trying to catch your breath between bites of souvlaki, Corfu delivers. Slow down, soak it up, and if you didn’t make it to everything, well, that’s what next time’s for.
If you’re ready to start planning your Corfu adventure, why not start with finding out the best way to get awesome deals on flights like we did. Check out the tips we used to save thousands on our flights to Europe.
