Ultimate Corfu Travel Guide: Costs, Best Places to Stay & Tips for a 10-Day Trip
Corfu, a stunning island in the Ionian Sea, is a dream destination for travelers seeking history, beautiful beaches, and Greek charm. Located in northwest Greece, just a short ferry ride from Albania and accessible from Italy, Corfu is a fantastic island to explore. Whether you’re looking for scenic coastal towns, cultural sites, or vibrant nightlife, this travel guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Corfu for 10 days, including costs, accommodations, and transportation.
How to Get to Corfu
Corfu is easily accessible via multiple routes:
- By Air: The island has an international airport with direct flights from various European cities. A budget-friendly option is flying with Ryanair, as Anna and Tom did from Rome, which took just 30–45 minutes.
- By Ferry: Corfu is well connected via ferry from Italy, Albania, and mainland Greece. Cruise ships also frequently dock in Corfu Town, making it a popular stop for island-hopping itineraries.
Best Areas to Stay in Corfu
For this 10-day trip, we stayed in three different areas of Corfu, each offering a unique experience:
1. Corfu Town (3 Nights)
- Accommodation Cost: $117 USD per night
- Where We Stayed: We booked a charming boutique hotel near the Old Town, just steps from the ferry port. The room was cozy, the staff was warm, and the rooftop views were spectacular.
- Why Stay Here?
- Walkable and packed with history
- Two impressive forts to explore
- Great shopping, dining, and cultural sites
- Easy access to boat tours
- Top Places to Eat: We loved Pane e Souvlaki for their juicy gyros and fresh tzatziki. For a romantic dinner, Avli offers an enchanting garden setting and the best seafood pasta we’ve ever had.
- Top Things to Do:
- Visit the Old Fortress & New Fortress – Wander through centuries-old Venetian fortresses with incredible views of the city and sea. The Old Fortress offers historical exhibits, while the New Fortress has stunning panoramic points.
- Stroll through the charming streets of Old Town – Explore cobbled alleys lined with pastel buildings, vibrant cafes, and boutique shops. Stop by Spianada Square for people-watching and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
- Take a boat tour or rent a private boat – Discover Corfu’s coastline with a boat trip to Vidos Island or nearby hidden coves. Renting a boat allows you to explore secluded beaches at your own pace.
2. Paleokastritsa (3 Nights)
- Accommodation Cost: $67 USD per night at Paleo Inn
- Where We Stayed: Perched on a cliffside, this small, family-run hotel had breathtaking views of the bay. Basic but comfortable, with a pool perfect for cooling off in the summer heat.
- Why Stay Here?
- Stunning cliffside views and turquoise bays
- Ideal for nature lovers and beachgoers
- Great hiking trails and beautiful monasteries
- Top Places to Eat: Akron Beach Bar was our go-to for sunset cocktails and delicious seafood platters. Gran Aladino served up the most amazing moussaka, a must-try!
- Top Things to Do:
- Relax on the famous beaches – Visit Agios Spyridon Beach and La Grotta Beach for crystal-clear waters, cliff diving spots, and sunbeds. Perfect for swimming and snorkeling in the calm, blue waters.
- Visit the Paleokastritsa Monastery – This 13th-century monastery sits atop a hill, offering stunning sea views. Inside, you’ll find Byzantine icons, a small museum, and a peaceful courtyard for reflection.
- Explore hilltop villages nearby – Drive up to Lakones for breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. The village has charming tavernas where you can enjoy local dishes with an unbeatable sunset backdrop.
- Take a boat tour to see hidden caves – Hop on a traditional Greek boat and explore the famous Blue Caves. These sea caves have mesmerizing turquoise waters and are best visited in the morning for the clearest views.
3. Sidari (3 Nights)
- Accommodation Cost: $102 USD per night at The Wave Resort
- Where We Stayed: This beachfront resort felt like a home away from home. The owners treated us like family, the pool was sparkling, and the on-site restaurant was outstanding.
- Why Stay Here?
- Lively atmosphere with great nightlife
- Easy access to beaches and scenic cliffs
- Family-run accommodations with great hospitality
- Top Places to Eat: We couldn’t get enough of The Hive’s fresh seafood and cocktails. Salt & Pepper served traditional Greek dishes with an extra touch of love from the friendly owners.
- Top Things to Do:
- Visit Canal d’Amour (Channel of Love) – A stunning rock formation famous for its legend that couples who swim through will stay together forever. The sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing and photography.
- Take a day trip to Kassiopi – This quaint fishing village offers a mix of history and charm. Visit Kassiopi Castle, enjoy waterfront dining, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Bataria Beach.
- Enjoy the local bars, beach clubs, and live music – Sidari has a buzzing nightlife scene with everything from cozy Greek tavernas to lively clubs. The local live bands create an unforgettable atmosphere by the sea.
Getting Around Corfu
Corfu is larger and more mountainous than expected, making transportation a crucial part of planning your trip:
- Car Rental: Highly recommended. While public buses exist, they don’t always stop close to key destinations. Renting a car provides flexibility and comfort, especially in the summer heat.
- Taxis & ATVs: Available for shorter trips but can be costly.
- Buses: The Green Line Bus connects Corfu Town with other parts of the island, but routes can be limited and require long walks from stops.
Final Thoughts: Is Corfu Worth It?
Absolutely! Corfu is a fantastic destination that combines history, stunning beaches, and authentic Greek charm. We found that spending more time in the north (Sidari and surrounding beach towns) would have been ideal, as it offered a more relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking scenery.
For future visits, we would also rent a private boat for a day and explore the southern part of the island, which we didn’t have time to visit.
Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, Corfu has something for everyone. Plan ahead, rent a car, and enjoy the beauty of this Ionian paradise.
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Mediteranean Islands
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14-Day Greek Island Hopping Itinerary
