The best day trips in Corfu, with a variety of places to see – from quiet villages and ancient sites to beach resorts.
While Corfu is famous for its views of clifftop villages over the sea, there’s a lot more to do. You can spend time on unique beaches, wander through old Greek villages, or take a boat trip to Albania.
Despite its size, getting around Corfu for day trips is pretty straightforward, even without a car. You can use buses and ferries to move around the island. Here are 12-day trips I like in Corfu, and I’ll tell you how to get to each place by yourself. I’ll also mention some tour options if you’re not into planning it all on your own.
Achilleion Palace
This famous palace, located about ten kilometers from the city of Corfu, was built in honor of Achilles by the Austrian Empress Elisabeth – Sisi.
After her tragic death, Emperor Wilhelm II often visited this palace, which served as a summer residence. It is important to note that during the First World War, it was used as a hospital.
The park of this summer residence is rich with copies of ancient statues made of marble and bronze. The most impressive to visitors are two statues: a sculpture of the dying Achilles hit in the heel and an 11.5 meters tall statue of Triumphant Achilles holding a spear and a shield with the image of Medusa.
Also, in this wonderfully green park, one can see statues of many gods from Olympus, as well as of poets Shakespeare and Byron.
Paxos Parga
No Greek vacation is complete without a cruise. Parga, lying on the mainland, and the island of Paxos near the southern coast of Corfu. Depart from the port in the city of Corfu, where you will have a wonderful view of the old town, nestled between two Venetian fortresses. Continuing further, you can see the Kanoni peninsula and the “Mon Repos” palace.
Also, as you sail south, you will see the areas of Perama, Benices, and the southernmost places on Corfu, Kavos and Asprokavos. As you approach the channel between Corfu and Paxos, you will see the green island of Paxos, covered with olive and cypress trees. Legend has it that Paxos was created when Poseidon separated a part of Corfu with a powerful strike of his trident, and took it south to create an idyllic refuge for his love, the nymph Amphitrite.
The reputation of this small place is evident in the million-dollar yachts anchored in the harbor alongside small fishing boats. Entering the narrow channel that leads to the small port of the village of Gaios, you will see a beautiful view of the two islands, Panagia and Agios Nikolaos.
From the port, near the center of Gaios village, you can easily walk through the small narrow streets and enjoy your lunch at one of the traditional taverns.
The trip continues to the Greek mainland and the town of Parga, the largest village with an island character, a rich history full of events, and rare beauty intertwined with beaches, emerald sea, peaceful bays, olive groves, romantic side streets and pathways with two-story and three-story houses surrounding an amphitheater beneath the remains of a Venetian fortress.
On the way back to the city of Corfu, you will travel close to the mainland to enjoy views of the rocky coast and sandy beaches. During your trip, you can enjoy sunbathing on the deck of the boat and refreshing yourself with drinks from the bar.
Aqualand
If you are vacationing on Corfu, be sure to visit Aqualand, which is exceptional for both children and even more so for parents. The entrance to Aqualand is not cheap, but it’s worth every cent. If you’re looking for fun, play, and adventure, visit this extraordinary water park.
Pantokrator, the Almighty Lord
This is the highest point on the island, located at 909 meters above sea level. At this impressive location, there is also a monastery with the same name.
Almost always, a cool wind blows through this peak, and the view is mostly directed towards the Albanian coast. To reach Pantokrator, one turns westward near the village of Spartilas, just a few kilometers from Ipsos on the east coast.
Paxos – Antipaxos – Blue Caves
Departing from the port of the city of Corfu, you have a unique view of the old town, nestled between two Venetian fortresses. Continuing further, you can see the Kanoni peninsula and the “Mon Repos” palace.
Also, sailing south, you’ll see the places Perama, Benices, and the southernmost places on Corfu, Kavos, and Asprokavos. As you approach the channel between Corfu and Paxos, you’ll see the green island of Paxos covered with olive and cypress trees.
Legend has it that Paxos was created when Poseidon separated a part of Corfu with a powerful strike of his trident and took it south to create an idyllic refuge for his love, the nymph Amphitrite.
The legend continues with Poseidon’s beautiful palace located in one of the Blue Caves on the island Ipapanati.
What is a Blue Cave? It’s an opening in the rock where the sea is very shallow, and as you enter, you are greeted by semi-darkness and a corridor about 15 meters long in the shape of the Cyrillic letter G (Г).
At the exit of the cave corridor, a guide waits to help you emerge, pushing you under a rock about 0.5 – 1 meter long. During the passage, you’ll see the beautiful bay of Laka on the left side. You continue sailing south past the western coast of Paxos, enjoying the beautiful rocky coast with unique white sandy beaches.
Next, you enter the Blue Caves by boat, where the crystal clear blue water of the sea will take your breath away.
From the caves, you arrive at the small, perfectly formed bay-island of Antipaxos, whose sandy beaches and azure blue sea are compared to the Caribbean. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to swim in the crystal waters of “Paradise beach”.
This excursion returns once more to Paxos… entering a narrow channel that leads to the small port of the village of Gaios, you’ll see a beautiful view of two islands, Panagia and Agios Nikolaos. From the port near the center of the village of Gaios, you can leisurely walk through the narrow streets and enjoy your lunch in one of the traditional taverns.
Angelokastro, Angel’s Castle
This is one of the most significant Byzantine fortresses in Greece, located a few kilometers from the village of Lakones on the northwestern part of Corfu and also near Paleokastritsa.
The road to this viewpoint leads by turning right a few kilometers before Paleokastritsa, and after a few more kilometers, you reach the desired place from where you can observe Paleokastritsa – the port where, according to legend, Odysseus stayed.
At the pass above this viewpoint, you can enjoy the intoxicating scent of vegetation (lavender, cypress, pines, olives) and buy various spices, honey, wine, and olives.
Pelekas, Kaiser’s Throne
Above the most famous sandy beach of the island of Corfu, Glyfada, a few kilometers east of the coast and the village of Pelekas, there is a beautiful viewpoint also named Pelekas, which is also called Kaiser’s Throne.
This viewpoint was a favorite spot of German Emperor Wilhelm and offers each visitor a unique view of the interior of the island.
Olives on Corfu
A special charm to the island of Corfu is added by olive trees, of which there are over four million. It is assumed that the Venetians, during their rule of the island, planted more than two million trees to increase the production of olive oil.
For every 100 trees that were planted, the Venetians paid 12 gold coins. Today, Corfu is the largest producer of olives in Greece, so after tourism, the main income of the island comes from the export of olives and olive oil.
Unlike other regions, olive trees on Corfu are not pruned but are allowed to grow freely, fully developing their majestic height and width. Thus, in the olive groves of Corfu, one can always find a shady spot and freshness, and walking under 400-year-old crowns is something unforgettable.
So, if you decide to visit Corfu, find a good Corfu olive oil, and you will undoubtedly discover that its scent and complexity of taste are simply exceptional and better than any other olive oil.
Saranda and Butrint, Albania
Traveling from Corfu to Saranda and Butrint for a day trip is quite feasible. The ferry ride from Corfu to Saranda takes about 30 minutes.
Once you arrive in Saranda, it’s approximately a 42-minute drive to Butrint. So, the total travel time from Corfu to Butrint is roughly 72 minutes.
Saranda, once an ancient port called Onchesmos, is now a lively seaside town. It has a sunny Mediterranean vibe and is a gateway to exploring Albania’s past and beautiful beaches.
Butrint, just a short trip from Saranda, is like walking through time. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with ancient ruins that tell stories of its past as a Greek colony, a Roman city, and a Byzantine bishopric. You can explore old temples, an amphitheater, and the famous Butrint Baptistery with its extraordinary ancient mosaics.
Ksamil, close to both Saranda and Butrint, is a slice of beach paradise. It’s less crowded and more natural than typical resort areas, with small sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters that might make you think you’re in the Caribbean.
Meteora Monasteries
Almost 4 hours away in one direction from Corfu, a visit to the Meteora Monasteries in Greece is indeed worth it. Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site has unique landscape of immense sandstone pillars, upon which ancient monasteries stand. These monasteries, dating back to the 14th and 16th centuries, are perched atop these rocks, creating a breathtaking sight.
The Meteora complex includes several monasteries, each with its own history and architectural beauty:
- Great Meteoron Monastery: This is the largest and oldest of the monasteries, situated over 600 meters above the valley floor. Inside, you’ll find a grand 14th-century church, a small museum, and even a wine cellar.
- Varlaam Monastery: Known for its challenging construction history, it took 22 years to bring materials to its summit. A highlight here is the frescoes in the main chapel.
- Rousanou Monastery: Established in the 16th century, it’s now a nunnery. The monastery is known for its frescoes depicting martyrdom and its accessible location.
- St. Stephen Monastery: Visible from Kalambaka, this monastery has historical significance dating back to the 14th century and features relics and a museum.
- Holy Trinity Monastery: Famous for its appearance in the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only,” it offers stunning views and beautifully restored frescoes.
- St. Nikolaos Monastery: The first monastery encountered on the way to Meteora, founded at the end of the 14th century.
The geological formation of Meteora is as intriguing as the monasteries themselves. The rock pillars were formed over 60 million years ago, shaped by weathering and geological changes. These monasteries were originally built by hermit monks seeking isolation and spiritual elevation.
The Acheron River
Located near Parga on the Greek mainland opposite Corfu. In ancient Greek mythology, Acheron was one of the five rivers of the underworld and was often associated with the passage to Hades. This mythical significance is partly due to its flowing through dark gorges and going underground in several places.
Geographically, the river is 52 km long, with a drainage area of 705 km². It’s known for its crystal-clear waters and rich surrounding vegetation, creating a unique and captivating natural landscape. The river’s flow varies, forming lakes and water pits in some areas, while in others, it rushes through steep cliffs.
The Acheron River area, particularly near its springs, is a region of outstanding natural beauty, marked by its lush vegetation and transparent waters. It remains one of the lesser-known gems in Parga, retaining its unspoiled charm and a sense of mysterious energy.
The river originates in the mountains of Souli in Epirus and flows to the Ionian Sea at Ammoudia beach. Close to the sea, the river passes through a forest with uniquely shaped water plants, leading up to an imposing Roman bridge, a popular place for picnics.
The Acheron River is recognized as an ecosystem and is protected under the Natura 2000 Network.
Old Perithia
Established in the 14th century during Byzantine times, the village is perched on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator, about 8 km from Kassiopi. Its location, at an altitude of 650 meters, was strategically chosen by the inhabitants to protect themselves from pirate attacks and the diseases spread by mosquitoes on the coast.
The village’s architecture is predominantly Venetian, reflecting the period’s style. At its peak, Old Perithia was home to about 1,200 residents, evidenced by the eight churches that once served the community.
However, the village started to decline in the late 19th century as piracy threats diminished and people began moving to the coast. The rise of tourism in the mid-20th century further accelerated this trend, leading to its eventual abandonment. Today, only a few elderly people reside there year-round, maintaining the legacy of what once was a thriving community.
Here you can explore nearly 150 abandoned houses, churches, and other Venetian-style buildings, some of which are in various stages of decay.
