Corfu is one of those Greek islands that quietly overdelivers.
Venetian old towns, wild green hills, pale turquoise coves and prices that still feel refreshingly reasonable compared to Santorini or Mykonos.
If you are travelling from the UK and want a relaxed but varied Greek island break without blowing your budget, this 5 day Corfu itinerary strikes the sweet spot.
This guide is written with value in mind and is ideal for first time visitors who want beaches, culture and scenic drives without rushing.
It also works brilliantly for shoulder season travel from May to mid-June, or September to October when prices are lower and the island is less crowded.
You will find suggested bases, daily routes, transport options, budget friendly places to eat and stay, plus realistic costs in euros throughout.
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Why Corfu Works Well for a 5 Day Trip
Corfu is compact enough to explore properly in 5 days, but varied enough that you will not feel bored.
The island is only around 2 hours end to end by car, public transport is decent by Greek island standards, and accommodation prices are still competitive.
Direct, short flights from the UK make Corfu an easy win for a quick break too, with flights cheaper than many other Greek islands.
If you want a destination where you can mix lazy beach days with proper exploring and cultural UNESCO sights, Corfu is ideal.
Where to Base Yourself in Corfu
Choosing the right base is key to keeping costs and travel time down.
Corfu Town is the best all round base if you do not want to hire a car for the full trip.
It has the best bus connections, plenty of affordable eateries and lots to see within walking distance.
Paleokastritsa works well if you want dramatic scenery and beaches but you will need a car or rely on buses.
Agios Gordios or Glyfada are good value west coast bases with sandy beaches and sunset views, often cheaper than the north.
For this itinerary, Corfu Town for nights 1 – 3 and west or north Corfu for nights 4 and 5 works brilliantly.
Getting Around Corfu on a Budget
Car Rental in Corfu
Hiring a car gives you the most flexibility in Corfu, especially for beaches and viewpoints.
Expect to pay around 30 – 45€ per day in shoulder season for a small car if booked in advance.
Use price comparison sites such as DiscoverCars and always check reviews carefully.
Pick up from Corfu Airport or Corfu Town for the best rates.
Public Transport in Corfu
Corfu has two bus networks.
The blue buses serve Corfu Town and nearby beaches like Kanoni, Achilleion Palace and Glyfada.
The green KTEL buses cover longer distances including Paleokastritsa, Sidari and Kassiopi.
Single fares typically cost 2 – 5€ depending on distance. Timetables are reliable but routes can be slow.
Best Corfu Travel Itinerary: 5 Days
Day 1 Corfu Town & Old Fortress
Start your trip in Corfu Town, one of the most beautiful island capitals in Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Spend the morning wandering the Old Town lanes – Venetian architecture, pastel shutters and washing lines make this area endlessly photogenic.
Walk through Liston Promenade and Spianada Square, one of the largest squares in Greece.
Visit the Old Fortress for panoramic views over the town and sea. Entry costs 6€ and is well worth it for orientation.
For lunch, try a bakery or casual taverna around the Old Town. Bougatsa or a pita gyros should cost around 4 – 6€.
In the afternoon, explore the Museum of Asian Art if you enjoy cultural stops or simply wander the quieter backstreets.
Dinner in Corfu Town is excellent value. Expect mains around 12 – 18€ at traditional tavernas.
Where to Stay in Corfu Town
Budget friendly guesthouses and small hotels often start from 70€ to 100€ per night for a double in shoulder season.
Good areas include Campiello and near Spianada Square.
Arcadion Hotel
Overlooks the Liston promenade with unbeatable Old Town views and excellent breakfast.
Bella Venezia
A charming heritage hotel with a garden courtyard and consistently high reviews.
Konstantinoupolis Hotel
One of the best value central hotels with harbour views and walk everywhere access.
Day 2: Achilleion Palace & Kanoni
Today focuses on Corfu’s southern sights, easily reached by bus or car.
Start with Achilleion Palace, built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria.
Entry costs 10€ and the gardens offer lovely coastal views. Arrive early to avoid tour groups.
From there, head to Kanoni and Mouse Island, one of Corfu’s most iconic viewpoints.
Watch planes land over the causeway and enjoy the scenery.
You can take a small boat to Mouse Island for around 2€ return.
Have lunch near Kanoni or back in Corfu Town. A simple Greek salad and main usually comes in around 12 – 15€.
Then spend the afternoon at Mon Repos Estate, birthplace of Prince Philip. The grounds are free to wander and it is a peaceful break from the town.
Return to Corfu Town for another relaxed evening.
Day 3: Paleokastritsa & West Coast Beaches
Pick up your hire car today or use the green bus to Paleokastritsa.
This area is famous for its turquoise bays and dramatic cliffs, so spend the morning swimming and relaxing on one of the coves.
Sunbed sets usually cost around 10 – 15€.
Visit Paleokastritsa Monastery for sea views and a glimpse of local life. Entry is free but dress modestly.
For lunch, tavernas overlooking the water serve fresh fish and simple Greek dishes. Expect to pay 15 – 20€ for a main.
In the afternoon, stop at Glyfada or Agios Gordios beach on the return drive for sandy shores and sunset views.
Overnight either return to Corfu Town or move to your west coast base.
Where to Stay in West Corfu
Akrotiri Beach Hotel
Dramatic clifftop location with 2 beach access points and excellent sea views.
Zefiros Traditional Hotel
Good value family run hotel near the main beach with a relaxed feel.
Odysseus Hotel
Affordable rooms with balconies and easy walking distance to beaches and tavernas.
Day 4: Northern Corfu & Porto Timoni
Head north today for some of Corfu’s most dramatic scenery.
Start at Porto Timoni, a double bay near Afionas village.
Park above and walk down. Wear proper shoes and bring water. The views are spectacular and completely free.
After swimming, drive to Agios Stefanos or Arillas for a relaxed lunch by the sea. These areas are less developed and great value.
In the afternoon, continue to Sidari to see the Canal d’Amour rock formations. While touristy, it is still worth a short visit.
Stay overnight in northern Corfu or return west depending on accommodation.
Where to Stay in North Corfu
Melina Bay Boutique Hotel
Harbour front location with stylish rooms and consistently high ratings.
Villa Perris
Well priced apartments close to beaches and the village centre.
Bella Mare Hotel
Great value seafront stay with pool and relaxed atmosphere.
Day 5: Kassiopi or Relaxed Beach Day
For your final day, choose between exploring the north east or slowing the pace.
Kassiopi is a lovely harbour village with clear water swimming spots and affordable tavernas. It is a good final stop before heading back south.
Alternatively, enjoy a slow beach morning at your base, return the car and finish with a final Corfu Town wander.
Allow time for airport return and car drop off. Corfu Airport can get busy in summer.
5 Days in Corfu: Budget
| Expense | Approximate Cost Per Person |
| Accommodation | 80 – 120€ per night |
| Food And Drinks | 30 – 40€ per day |
| Car Rental | 30 – 45€ per day |
| Fuel | 20 – 30€ total |
| Attractions | 20 – 30€ total |
| Bus Transport | 2 – 5€ per journey |
Corfu is excellent value compared to many Greek islands, especially if you avoid peak August.
Best Time to Visit Corfu
May, June, September and early October offer the best balance of weather and prices.
Expect daytime temperatures of 22 to 28 degrees C and warm sea conditions.
July and August are hotter, busier and more expensive but still manageable with early starts.
Eating Well in Corfu for Less
Local dishes to try include sofrito, pastitsada and bourdeto.
These are often cheaper and more authentic than tourist menus.
Look for tavernas filled with locals and menus in Greek.
Set lunches are common outside peak season.
Bakeries are brilliant for breakfast and snacks, with pastries costing 2 – 4€.
Travel Tips for Corfu
Getting to Corfu
I recommend Skyscanner for getting the best flights deals.
Getting Around Corfu
Top car car rental deals available in Corfu from Discover Cars.
Best eSIM for Corfu
Holafly offer unlimited data eSIMs for Corfu that are perfect for staying connected across the country.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offer simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Travel Money for Corfu
Corfu use the Euro (€).
I always travel Europe with my Wise card, which makes spending abroad cheaper with real exchange rates and no sneaky transaction or ATM fees – grab yours here.
Luggage Storage
Store your luggage for less in Corfu with LuggageHero.
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Corfu proves that a beautiful Greek island holiday does not have to cost a fortune.
With smart bases, flexible transport and a relaxed pace, 5 days here delivers serious value and unforgettable scenery.
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