Corfu in 3 Days: What to See, Do, and Eat on Greece’s Chicest Isle

Picture a destination where life moves at an effortlessly elegant pace—where comfort, culture, and natural beauty converge to define the good life. Think lush green hillsides, crystalline Ionian waters, and a rich tapestry of Venetian architecture, mythology, and music. Add refined cuisine, deep-rooted traditions, and warm hospitality, and you begin to understand the timeless allure of Corfu, one of Greece’s most captivating islands.

Set in the Ionian Sea, Corfu, population: 100,000, is one of around 6,000 Greek islands—although just 200 are inhabited. It’s a key stop on ALG Vacations’ Cities & Seas program, which pairs a few days in a vibrant European city with a few days of relaxation at a seaside destination. First, we spent three days exploring the easy-to-navigate city of Athens, immersing ourselves in the ancient ruins, historical buildings, culture, gardens, cuisine, shopping, and hotel site inspections. After that, we were ready for the relaxed pace of Corfu. 

For travel advisors looking to extend a client’s itinerary with a refined Greek Isles escape, here’s how to spend 72 memorable hours on the enchanting island of Corfu.

Day 1: Island Luxury at Dreams Corfu

An early afternoon flight on Aegean Airlines took us from Athens to Corfu, and after a quick and easy drive to our hotel, we spent the rest of the day settling in at Dreams Corfu Resort & Spa, set in the peaceful village of Gouviá.

As soon as you step through the reception area at Dreams Corfu, you are enveloped in stunning views of the blue waters of the Ionian Sea and hugged by the mountains all around. Meanwhile, the resort’s winding paths, fragrant flowers and trees, bird song, and relaxing music all inspire you to wander about. 

This all-inclusive, five-star resort has 327 rooms and suites ranging from double rooms in the main building to standalone bungalows and suites. My bungalow—just steps from the inviting bay—was open, airy, and elegantly decorated with all the comforts in a style that suits the Mediterranean seaside. I enjoyed leisurely sipping a cappuccino on my private balcony and meandering through the beautifully landscaped pathways, leading to an early evening dip in the sea before dinner. 

For the highest level of exclusivity at Dreams Corfu, the resort’s Preferred Club offers an enhanced experience with extra perks, such as an elevated suite, access to a private lounge, and a dedicated concierge service.

The property has five restaurants (including Greek, Italian, and seafood specialties), various bars and lounges, and, of course, the brand’s Coco Café for coffee lovers. The Dreams Spa offers personalized services for rejuvenation. There are four pools (one family-friendly and one for Preferred Club members), as well as daily music, entertainment, and other activities for those who wish to partake. Families can enjoy the Explorer’s Club (ages 4–12) and the Core Zone (ages 13–17). The staff throughout the property deserves high marks for excellent service.

Day 2: Corfu’s Old Town and Authentic Greek Cuisine

The Old Town of Corfu is a must-visit UNESCO site on the island, especially for first-time visitors.

With roots dating back to the 8th century BC and the Byzantine period, Old Town is a charming maze of narrow cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, quaint squares, shops, restaurants, cafes, and a Greek Orthodox church. There are also plenty of treasures to snap up at the boutiques—I opted for hand-made leather sandals, clothing, and some jewelry. Fans of “The Durrells in Corfu” may recognize some spots in Old Town.

One of our tour guides, Magdalini Aggelidou, who has lived on Corfu for 24 years, says the Old Town is one place that every visitor to Corfu should see. “The town is amazing, with the fortresses, Venetian buildings, the British palace, and the narrow alleys called kantounia. Walking in that town feels like being in a different era, with beautiful, hidden neighborhoods,” Aggelidou told me. 

Advisor Insight: Recommend that your clients sample the gelato and a local pastry like bougatsa, a custard-filled phyllo.

Thanks to its location near Italy, Corfu has absorbed a rich mix of European influences over the centuries. The Venetians ruled the island for nearly 400 years, leaving a lasting mark on its architecture and cuisine. Later came brief periods of French control and a 50-year run as a British protectorate—each adding another layer to Corfu’s uniquely cosmopolitan character. Everywhere you look, it’s a feast for the eyes. Another of our tour guides, Mary Laki, said one of her favorite things to do in Corfu is to head to the top of Old Fortress in Corfu Town “to enjoy the views of the old [Venetian] buildings, and the coast of Albania and mainland Greece.” The Holy Church of Saint Spyridon, home to the relics of the island’s patron saint, revered for his miracles, is also worth a visit.

On our way to our next stop, we passed the ruins of Roman baths and a Medieval church. Then, we ascended a mountain to look down on the well-known planespotting spot, a narrow platform over the water between Vlacherna and Perama where people gather to watch the planes flying so low that it feels like you can almost touch them. There’s also the small Holy Monastery of Vlacherna on Pontikonisi—also known as Mouse Island, due to its small size and shape.

Driving around Corfu, the views are breathtaking, whether winding your way through the mountains with their lush vegetation (the island now has 4 million olive trees and abundant lemon and cypress trees) or leisurely passing by the shores of the seaside.

After our tour finished and we had some downtime back at Dreams Corfu, our group met for dinner at Yiayia on the property. The à la carte restaurant serves traditional Greek dishes and specialties local to Corfu in particular, like sofrito and pastitsada.

Day 3: Mountain Monasteries, Beach Coves, and Local Flavor

Our third day on the island was spent on a private tour with Viator. 

We hiked up the mountains until we came upon the Monastery of Theotokos. This small, serene Byzantine monastery—dating back to the 12th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary—sits at the top of the mountain and gives a peek into monastic life. They still make olive oil there, and there is a museum of religious objects and sweeping seaside views. 

Back down the mountain, we arrived at the village of Palaiokastritsa, nestled in a rocky bay with cliffs all around. Corfu’s beaches are legendary, and Palaiokastritsa is home to one of the most famous. Its crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or renting a boat to explore hidden coves, which I recommend. Both of our tour guides named Palaiokastritsa as a must-see while on Corfu. “It is also called the small Capri of Greece, with crystal green waters,” Aggelidou said.

Our next stop was for a local food tasting at Carburi Estate, a family-owned farm in the mountains delivering an incredible immersion into Corfu’s cuisine and culture. We sampled all sorts of olives and olive oils infused with various herbs (sourced from their 500-year-old groves), Corfiot wine, a strong local spirit nicknamed “holy water,” herb-infused honey, marmalades, spices, and sweets like Corfu’s traditional kumquat treats. It was a feast for the palate—and a delightful look into the life of a Greek family.

On the way back to Old Town for more shopping, we stopped in the harbor to sit on the stone wall and take in the beautiful view and luxury yachts. Sometimes, a cruise ship or two also anchors out in the bay.

Back at Dreams Corfu, our farewell dinner was a multi-course, gourmet meal with wine pairings at the à la carte La Trattoria Ristorante, an open-air Italian trattoria. The elevated cuisine, drink, music, and the perfect weather culminated in an evening of complete satisfaction.

More to Discover: Day Trips and Hidden Gems

Although our time on Corfu had ended, there are other places to consider when building client itineraries. 

The quaint village of Lakones, known as the “Balcony of the Ionian,” offers panoramic coastline views. Adventurous travelers can hike Mount Pantokrator, Corfu’s highest peak. The summit offers gorgeous views of the island, the Albanian coastline, and even Italy on clear days; a small monastery at the top provides a serene moment. Kassiopi is a picturesque fishing village on Corfu’s northeast coast, where the waterfront tavernas serve freshly caught fish, octopus, and lobster.

For those with more time, Aggelidou recommends the Archeological Museum of Corfu, where you can learn about the island’s habitation 100,000 years ago. Laki revealed that one of her favorite personal spots for a day trip is Porto Timoni, near the village of Afionas. “The hiking trail ends up at two back-to-back beaches with crystal blue waters,” she explained. “You can go there by boat from St. Georges Beach.”

And for classical music lovers, Corfu hosts an astonishing 40 philharmonic orchestras.

What to Eat in Corfu

Corfiot cuisine blends Venetian, Greek, and British influences.

“Corfu has its own specialties, coming back to the Venetian period,” Laki explained, when asked what foods visitors must try. “Sofrito is one of them, with veal in garlic wine sauce served with rice and French fries. Pastitsada is also a very popular dish, which is beef in red tomato sauce with spetsieriko (a mixture of 12 different spices in the sauce) served with pasta. But you cannot leave Corfu without eating gelato in the Papagiorgis pastry shop, which dates back to 1924, and gives you an enormous choice of flavors made with fresh ingredients.

Aggelidou points out that while the island’s cuisine is naturally Mediterranean, the proteins used range from fish to veal and even rooster. “The Corfiot wine is excellent,” she added, “plus the beer that has won many distinctions.”

Other must-try dishes advisors can suggest to clients include bourdeto, a spicy fish stew flavored with paprika and tomato, and the local favorite kumquat treats, made from the island’s signature fruit. 

The Best Time to Visit

With its Mediterranean climate and lush landscape, Corfu enjoys generally mild and pleasant weather for much of the year. Spring and early fall—particularly May, June, September, and early October—offer the ideal balance of sunshine, warm temperatures, and fewer crowds. During peak summer months, especially July and August, the island can be uncomfortably hot and busy, while winter tends to be quiet and cool, with some attractions closed for the season.

Laki, who was born and raised on Corfu and has been sharing the island with visitors for more than four decades, told us she often travels during the winter, but always returns. After just three days, I understood completely. Corfu has a way of staying with you.

Its compelling blend of natural beauty, layered history, distinct cuisine, and easygoing warmth makes it a destination that appeals to many kinds of travelers. Whether you’re swimming in the turquoise waters of Paleokastritsa, savoring a bowl of pastitsada at a family-run taverna, or simply wandering the narrow streets of Corfu Town, each experience is a chance to connect with the island’s timeless charm.

Advisor Insight: For travel advisors, Corfu is an exceptional canvas for crafting bespoke itineraries, whether as a standalone destination or a serene complement to a city-based European trip.