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I only had a couple of days to explore Corfu—and let me tell you, I was determined to make it count. Instead of trying to piece together a last-minute plan, I organized a guided tour, and it turned out to be the best decision ever.
From charming villages and stunning viewpoints to historical landmarks and local eats, I got to see way more than I ever could have on my own. Even some gems mostly locals know about.
If you’re short on time but still want the full Corfu experience, this is absolutely the way to do it.
Article overview
Can you get around Corfu in a day?
I caught the ferry from Saranda to Corfu because I had to get a flight to Wroclaw. So since this was my first time on the island I decided to spend a few extra days. I set aside one day for Corfu Town and one day to explore the rest of the island.
Yes, you see a lot of Corfu in one day—especially if you have a plan or book a guided tour. The island isn’t huge (about 64 km/40 miles long), though many of the top highlights are spread out but reachable by car or tour bus within an hour or two.
If you’re driving yourself, just be ready for some narrow, winding roads—especially in the mountains. But with a good itinerary, a rental car, or a local guide, you can definitely experience the best of Corfu in one unforgettable day.
One-day Corfu itinerary
I explored the island with Corfu Union who offers high-end private transfers and tailor-made tours across Corfu. The tour I did is called all-in-one Corfu private tour, you can choose whether or not to add a professional guide.
Unfortunately, the weather was very bad on the day of my tour in March. I haven’t experienced rain like that in a long time. You know, when it rains so hard you can’t see anything in front of you.
My Norwegian brain, thought, hey I’m going to Greece, I don’t need to bring a raincoat. Apparently, I was wrong haha. There’s a reason why Corfu is so beautifully green, it rains a lot in fall, winter and early spring.
But luckily, my awesome guide Phillip and driver came to my rescue with an umbrella and always held the door open for me to jump in. We couldn’t do anything other than laugh and sprint from place to place. But I had the best time.
Here’s everything we saw (and why I think a guided tour is totally worth it).
Achilleion Palace
Our first stop of the day was Achilleion Palace. As a history buff with a love for castles and palaces, (if you’ve read my blog before, you might know I’m obsessed) Achilleion Palace was one of the sights I had looked forward to the most.
Walking up to the grand entrance felt like stepping into another era, even though it was pouring down. The palace is stunning, with neoclassical details, sprawling gardens, and incredible views of the sea below.
I especially loved learning about Empress Elisabeth of Austria (aka. Sisi), who built the palace as a peaceful escape—her obsession with Greek mythology, especially Achilles, is everywhere in the decor.
There is some work going on inside, but the gardens and exterior was the higlight for me anyway.
Kaiser’s Throne Viewpoint
Our next stop was Kaiser’s Throne Viewpoint in the charming hilltop village of Pelekas. I’d heard the views were amazing, but seeing it in person was even better than I imagined.
It’s called “Kaiser’s Throne” because the German Kaiser Wilhelm II used to come here for the sunsets, and I can see why. On a clear day, you can see nearly the entire island—from the mountains to the coastline—and it really gives you a sense of just how lush Corfu is.
The rain and fog made it very mystical, I felt like I was in the middle of a fantasy world. But suddenly the wind caught my umbrella and almost took it over the edge, which quickly brought me back and we scurried back to the car.
Paleokastritsa
Another one of the stops I’d been looking forward two was Paleokastritsa Bay—I had seen photos before and heard it was a favorite among several of my friends. The water was this deep shade of turquoise, so clear it looked like glass, even on a stormy day.
I definitely understood why this spot is often called one of the most beautiful places in Corfu. We walked around for a little bit until my camera stopped working because of all the rain. Luckily I was able to fix it in the car on our way to the next stop.
While the beach in Paleokastritsa is absolutely gorgeous, there’s more to this little coastal village than just sun and sea. We drove up to the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, perched high on a hill with breathtaking views over the sea.
Our driver was nice enough to stop right outside the gate and we ran as fast as we could without slipping to a covered area. There are lots to see – blooming flowers, traditional architecture, a chapel and a small museum displaying religious artifacts and bits of Corfu’s history.
Even if you’re not usually drawn to monasteries, this one is worth the visit for the views alone. It felt like a quiet, spiritual escape from the more touristy spots—and a lovely contrast to the lively beach below.
Lakones Village
We then continued to Lakones Village, famous for several spectacular viewpoints, includign Bella Vista, which offers spectacular panoramic views.
Legend has it that the name “Bella Vista” (beautiful view) was given by the British when they occupied Corfu in the 19th century, and it certainly lives up to its name.
We took a break at Dolce Café a gem tucked into the hillside, boasting the most jaw-dropping panoramic view of Paleokastritsa Bay far below—honestly, it looked like something off a postcard.
They serve Greek food, homemade cakes and an impressive number of ice cream flavors. I tried kumquat ice cream for the first time—made with Corfu’s signature fruit—and it was so unexpectedly delicious, sweet and citrusy with just the right amount of tartness.
I would never had thought to stop here on my own, and it ended up being one of the sweetest surprises of the day.
Enotis – Olive Groves & Museum
One of the highlights of the day for me was our visit to Enotis. I’ll be honest—I’m not usually a fan of olives, so I didn’t expect to love this stop as much as I did.
But the setting was beautiful, the people running it were so welcoming, and getting to taste and try their handmade products—from olive oil to marmalade, chutney and even olive body oil won me over.
Everything was fresh, flavorful, and made with such care that I found myself genuinely enjoying every bite. I was literally a kid in a candy store and could kick myself for forgetting my wallet. Haha. So I will be returning.
It gave me a deeper appreciation for the island’s traditions and how important olive farming is to Corfu’s culture.
Angelokastro
One of our last stops of the day was Angelokastro, a dramatic Byzantine castle perched high on a rocky hill. I didn’t make the climb to the top, but even from below, I was in awe of its commanding presence.
Just standing there, I could feel the weight of history—this place once watched over the island, protecting it from invaders for centuries.
Walking up the lower part of the stairs I already felt like I stepped into a scene from Game of Thrones. Especially with the moody weather.
There’s a nice restaurant next to the entrance, where I would have loved to sit down for a drink if the weather allowed it.
Kanoni Viewpoint
Our final stop of the day was the Kanoni Viewpoint, and it was honestly the perfect way to end the trip. The sight of Mouse Island (Pontikonisi) and the tiny chapel of Vlacherna Monastery looking like it’s just floating offshore was even more beautiful in person than in the photos I’d seen.
I could’ve stood there for hours watching the planes glide in just over the water. Or better yet, sat down at one of the cafés that are open during the summer season.
The sun even peeked out for a few minutes. It was the kind of peaceful, postcard-perfect moment that makes you pause and think, I really don’t want to leave.
Corfu itinerary alternatives
Since I was staying in Corfu Old Town, I had the chance to explore it on my own the next day, so I didn’t include it in my day tour—but if you only have one day on the island, you have to make time for it.
The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s full of charm with its narrow cobblestone alleys, Venetian architecture, and pastel-colored buildings. If you’re a lover of old world architecture like me, you’ll absolutely love it.
You can easily spend a few hours wandering the streets, visiting the Liston promenade, the impressive New and Old Fortresses, and stopping by Spianada Square, one of the largest in Greece.
Or if you’re looking to swap sightseeing for more beach time, Porto Timoni Beach is a fantastic alternative. This stunning double beach near Afionas village is one of the most beautiful and unique spots on the island, with two turquoise coves back-to-back, surrounded by lush green cliffs.
It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but the views along the trail are absolutely worth it.
I also got some quality artisan products while in Corfu:
- Patounis olive oil soap. A family business making pure traditional soap by hand from locally produced olive products. The recipes and practices have been passed on from father to son for five successive generations. You can book a tour of the factory.
- Governor Olive Oil. The Dafnis Family has been producing olive oil on the island of Corfu for over 100 years. I love the oil I got, not too strong a flavor. You can also book an olive oil tasting.
- Candied kumquats. Lazaris Distillery & Artisan Sweets was founded in 2005, and they are constantly innovating and experimenting with new delicious combinations. Their products are handmade and produced in small batches using traditional Ionian recipes.
- Cakes from Dolce Café. I was lucky enough to get some cakes to taste when we left the café. I can’t understand the Greek names, but one was a syrup cake and the other made from dates. I shared that with my grandfather who loves dates and he really liked it.
Even though I managed to see a lot in only a few days, I was already planning to return while I was there. Most likely this fall, I just can’t wait to see more.
I want to thank Phillip and our driver from Corfu Union for an incredible day. If you plan to visit Corfu soon, be sure to check them out!
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