Venetian-style architecture, gorgeous beaches, picturesque villages, and a vibrant Old Town known for its fortresses and charming squares make Corfu one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea.
What to do in Corfu, Greece in one day? If you have only 24 hours to spend on the greenest island in all of Greece, this itinerary might just be what you need.
Discover a stunning palace built for the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, explore Corfu Old Town, which is home to the second largest square in Europe, visit a charming fishing village blessed with majestic beaches, and much more.
What to Do in Corfu, Greece in One Day
Morning Exploration (Achilleion Palace and Corfu Town)
Achilleion Palace
Your first stop in the morning is the stunning Achilleion Palace. Built in the 19th century, the palace is filled with beautiful statues and artwork. Step inside to find everything from clothing and paintings to period furniture. There is also a lovely garden with statues from the 19th century, palm and cypress trees, and majestic views of the Aegean Sea. For those who don’t know, Achilleion Palace was built as a retreat for the Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sissy) and Kaiser Wilhelm II.
Corfu Old Town
Located just a 20-minute drive from Achilleion Palace, Corfu Old Town is a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its picturesque alleyways lined with elegant Corfu villas for rent, galleries, shops, and a great selection of Greek tavernas. From three forts and a few lovely squares to a garden with marble statues and the Royal Palace, which houses the Museum of Asian Art, there are so many things to see and do in Corfu Old Town.
The Church of Saint Spyridon
Located in Corfu Old Town, this famous Greek Orthodox Church is dedicated to Saint Spyridon. You can go inside the church to admire the beauty of its interior and see the saint’s relics, ornate chandeliers, painted coins, and an impressive ceiling.
The Old Fortress
If you have one day in Corfu, make sure to visit this magnificent fortress which was constructed by the Venetians in the 15th century. The Old Fortress in Corfu Old Town houses historic exhibitions and offers majestic views of the sea. For the best views, enjoy a refreshing drink at the on-site café. Entrance to the fortress is around 6 euros per person.
Spianada Square
Located in the heart of Corfu Old Town, Spianada Square is the largest square in the country. With its lush green spaces and palm trees, it is always packed with tourists. The main attraction here is the neoclassical arcade called Liston. Similar to the Parisian arcades, it is lined with some of the best cafes and dining establishments on the island. You can also check out some of the nearby historical attractions, such as the Palace of St. Michael and St. George and the Ionian Academy.
Boschetto garden
No Corfu travel itinerary is complete without mentioning the lovely Boschetto garden. Located between Spianada Square and the Old Fortress, this small garden features native plants to the region and many different trees. Visitors will also come across a few marble statues of notable figures from the island’s history. The sea views from the gardens are spectacular.
Midday Highlights (Corfu villages and beaches)
Kassiopi
If you have only one day in Corfu, I suggest renting a car to explore some of the best beaches and villages in the afternoon. Drive to the north coast, where you will find Kassiopi, one of the island’s most spectacular beach towns. With its picturesque harbor dotted with yachts and colorful fishing boats, Kassiopi looks amazing. It is a romantic village ideal for couples on vacation in Corfu.
If you are searching for hidden gems in Kassiopi, make your way to Engagement Bay Beach. It is a tiny bay that can only be accessed via a small gate. While the entrance might look like it’s a part of private property, feel free to open the gate and make your way down to a beach that you will probably have all to yourself.
Canal d’Amour
Head west along the island’s northern coast until you reach the Channel of Love. Also known as Canal d’Amour, this rural area is known for its gorgeous beach and impressive sandstone cliffs. Tourists visiting the canal with their partners can swim together, as the legend has it that those who swim across Canal d’Amour will eventually get married. Keep in mind that this is an uninhabited area with almost no facilities apart from a small beach club.
Paleokastritsa Beach
While there are many amazing tourist attractions in Corfu, Paleokastritsa Beach is probably one of the most visited sites on the island. Made of a few bays and two peninsulas, Paleokastritsa Beach is famed for its fine sands and crystal-clear waters. The beach is developed with many restaurants and bars, as well as sun chairs and umbrellas available for rent.
You can also visit Paleokastritsa village to see the historical monastery of Panagia Paleokastritsa, dine at cozy taverns, and have a drink at the legendary La Grotta Bar that is built right into the cliffs.
Pelekas
The last stop in the afternoon is the traditional Corfu village of Pelekas. This quaint hilltop village is the ideal place to mingle with the locals and experience the traditional village lifestyle. Visitors can wander the narrow streets, stop for lunch at Jimmy’s restaurant, and enjoy stunning views of the island.
Evening in Corfu (Shopping, Sunset, Nightlife)
End your one-day itinerary in Corfu Old Town. Do some shopping, enjoy sunset views, and visit some of the best bars and nightclubs on the island.
Shopping in Corfu Town
Corfu Town is home to many local shops where tourists can purchase everything from perfumes and jewelry to olive oil and souvenirs to take back home. For handmade jewelry, go to Emporion d’Artes. If you are searching for souvenirs, look no further than The Little Paper Boat and My Piece of Greece.
Sunset Views in Corfu Town
For the best sunset views in Corfu Town, go to the Mouragia Promenade. There are a few restaurants that offer spectacular sunset views. The other option is to sit on one of the benches about the Old Port.
Dinner and Drinks in Corfu Town
The Venetian Well is definitely one of the most popular restaurants in Corfu. This upscale dining establishment is known for its posh décor and tasty Greek delicacies. Tourists searching for a reasonably priced taverna that serves fresh seafood and fish can book a table at Klimataria. Make sure to try their signature fish in red sauce. For a refreshing cocktail and snacks, there is SWAY. Travelers with a sweet tooth in search of high-quality ice cream in the Old Town will want to visit Ice Cream Bochoti.
How to Get to Corfu for a One-Day Trip
The best way to get to the island really depends on how many days in Corfu you are planning to spend. If you opt for a one-day trip, the best option is to join one of the many cruise ship trips in Greece. Tourists can also take the ferry from mainland Greece to Corfu. There is also an international ferry from Albania to Corfu which gets you to this Greek Island in about 30 minutes. If you decide to spend a few days on this beautiful island, you can book a flight to the Corfu International Airport (CFU), which is located just a short drive from the Old Town.
How to Get Around Corfu
The seventh-largest island in Greece, Corfu is definitely not a small place. If you are planning to spend 24 hours in the Old Town, you won’t need to rely on public transportation and rent a car. Tourists can explore the Old Town on foot, as most of the tourist attractions are located close to one another. However, to explore at least a few other tourist sites across the island, the best option is to rent a car. The roads are well-maintained, and there are many car rental agencies on the island. Because some of the roads on the island are narrow, I recommend getting a smaller car. Travelers who are planning to spend 2 to 3 days on the island can use public transportation to explore the island.
Essential Travel Tips for One Day in Corfu
To help you plan your trip, here are a few travel tips for your one-day visit to Corfu:
Visiting Corfu for a day trip in July or August? It can get quite hot on the island. Therefore, you should always carry a bottle of water and sunscreen in your backpack.
While most establishments on the island accept credit cards, make sure to have some cash on you. For instance, to purchase groceries and souvenirs in smaller villages, you will need to have cash.