1 Week In Corfu – We Tell You Our Dream Itinerary

If you absolutely love traveling and exploring the world, Corfu Greek Island is the ‘Master Destination’ for all of your travel dreams. With Royal Cars Rental, you can embark on a journey through this UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its lush sceneries, beautiful islands, and bountiful produce. Words can hardly do justice to the island’s charm—its emerald-green landscapes, azure waters, and rich cultural tapestry make it a paradise for travelers. Our dream itinerary begins at Corfu’s Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport, where your adventure kicks off. A wise traveler’s essential tip is to arrange a Corfu Airport car hire in advance, ensuring a seamless start to your exploration.

Getting Around In Corfu

Corfu car hire is not only easily available but also the fastest and most economical way to discover the island’s stunning locations. Royal Cars Rental offers the most spectacular car rental options in Corfu, with a fleet of well-maintained vehicles to suit every traveler’s needs. We pride ourselves on providing matchless transport services in collaboration with other Corfu car rental groups, ensuring you have access to the best vehicles and support throughout your journey. To help you make the most of your Corfu road trip, we’ve crafted the ideal itinerary that promises a truly memorable experience, filled with breathtaking sights, historical landmarks, and cultural gems.

Driving in Corfu offers unparalleled freedom to explore at your own pace. The island’s road network is well-developed, winding through picturesque villages, olive groves, and coastal cliffs, with each turn revealing a new postcard-worthy view. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or an extended stay, a rental car allows you to uncover hidden spots that are often missed by those relying on public transport or guided tours. From the vibrant streets of Corfu Town to the serene beaches of the west coast, your journey will be as delightful as the destinations themselves.

Our Dream Itinerary with Corfu Car Rental

Traveling via Corfu car rental is bound to fill you with a great sense of inner peace, as the island’s natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere soothe the soul. With Royal Cars Rental, you’ll enjoy a superior drive with great guidance, ensuring you don’t miss any of Corfu’s incredible attractions. The itinerary we’ve designed includes a mix of historical monuments, charming villages, and pristine beaches, offering a well-rounded experience of the island’s diverse offerings. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking relaxation, this itinerary has something for everyone.

Start your journey by picking up your rental car at Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport, where Royal Cars Rental offers convenient pick-up services. From there, you’ll set off on a scenic drive through Corfu’s rolling hills and coastal roads, stopping at some of the island’s most iconic and lesser-known spots. Each destination on this itinerary has been carefully selected to showcase the best of Corfu, from its cultural heritage to its natural wonders. Pack a camera, some comfortable shoes, and a sense of adventure—this road trip will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Travel Tip

A quick travel tip for a cost-effective journey is to rent a diesel car, which can save you a significant amount on fuel costs. In Corfu, the average price for diesel is around £1.19 per liter, making it a budget-friendly option for exploring the island. You can easily find diesel vehicles at Corfu car hire services like Royal Cars Rental, and every penny spent will be worth it as you navigate Corfu’s scenic routes. Additionally, plan your refueling stops in advance, as some remote areas may have limited gas stations. Always keep a small reserve of fuel to ensure you’re prepared for longer drives, especially when visiting rural villages or secluded beaches.

Another tip is to download offline maps or bring a GPS device, as cell service can be spotty in some parts of the island. Corfu’s roads are generally well-maintained, but some routes to remote areas can be narrow or winding, so drive cautiously and allow extra time for your journeys. If you’re traveling during peak season (July to August), book your rental car well in advance to secure the best rates and availability, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure.

Best Stops on Your Corfu Road Trip

Here are the top stops to include in your Corfu itinerary, each offering a unique glimpse into the island’s beauty and heritage. Booking a Corfu car rental with Royal Cars Rental ensures you can explore these destinations at your own pace, with the flexibility to linger at your favorite spots or make spontaneous detours along the way.

Kouramades

Kouramades, a charming village in central Corfu, is a stunning starting point for your road trip, known for its traditional Greek ambiance and culinary delights. This village is particularly famous as the best place to buy freshly baked bread, with local bakeries offering a variety of artisanal loaves made using age-old recipes. The aroma of warm bread wafting through the air is enough to draw you into one of these quaint shops, where you can also sample other local specialties like olive oil, honey, and homemade pastries.

Beyond its culinary offerings, Kouramades is a gateway to Corfu’s rich architectural heritage. The village is dotted with historical buildings, including traditional stone houses and small churches adorned with frescoes, reflecting the island’s Venetian and Byzantine influences. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets to admire the architecture and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Kouramades is also a great base for exploring nearby villages, such as Sinarades, known for its Folklore Museum, or Gastouri, home to the Achilleion Palace. With a rental car from Royal Cars Rental, you can easily navigate these central villages, unfolding the rich treasures of Greece like a dream come true.

Mouse Island

After crossing the lush Mon Repos Garden Grounds, you’ll reach Mouse Island (Pontikonisi), a delightful haven of deep, tropical vegetation that feels like a step into a fairytale. This tiny islet, located just off the coast of Kanoni, is one of Corfu’s most iconic landmarks, often depicted in postcards and travel guides. The island is crowned by a small 13th-century Byzantine chapel, accessible by boat, which adds a touch of historical charm to its natural beauty. According to local legend, Mouse Island is the petrified ship of Odysseus, turned to stone by Poseidon in Homer’s Odyssey, making it a fascinating spot for mythology enthusiasts.

What makes Mouse Island particularly unique is its proximity to the airport runway—planes often fly just overhead, creating an exhilarating experience that’s vastly enjoyed by both kids and adults. Stand on the causeway connecting Kanoni to the Vlacherna Monastery (another nearby gem) to watch the planes soar low, adding a thrilling element to your visit. The area around Mouse Island is perfect for a leisurely walk, with shaded paths, vibrant flora, and stunning views of the Ionian Sea. Bring a picnic to enjoy by the water, and don’t forget your camera to capture the picturesque scenery. A rental car ensures easy access to this spot and allows you to explore other nearby attractions, such as the Vlacherna Monastery, without relying on infrequent public transport.

Pelekas Road

Pelekas Road is a popular tourist spot that became a cultural hotspot during the hippie trend of the 1960s, attracting free spirits and nature lovers from around the world. Located on the west coast of Corfu, this scenic route winds through rolling hills and olive groves, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and the Ionian Sea. The road leads to the village of Pelekas, a charming hilltop settlement known for its bohemian vibe and stunning sunset views from Kaiser’s Throne—a lookout point named after German Emperor Wilhelm II, who was captivated by the island’s beauty.

Today, Pelekas Road remains a favorite among travelers, particularly those seeking a connection with nature and Corfu’s laid-back culture. The beach at Pelekas, known as Kontogialos, is a popular spot for nature lovers, with its golden sand and clear waters providing the perfect backdrop for a romantic beachside wedding. Many couples choose to tie the knot here, exchanging vows against the backdrop of the setting sun—a truly magical experience. The village itself is dotted with traditional tavernas, where you can savor local dishes like pastitsada (a Corfiot pasta dish with spiced meat) and sip on ouzo while watching the world go by. With a rental car from Royal Cars Rental, you can explore Pelekas Road and its surroundings at your leisure, stopping to take in the views or visit nearby beaches like Glyfada.

Old Fortress in Corfu Town

No trip to Corfu is complete without a visit to the Old Fortress in Corfu Town, a Venetian masterpiece that stands as a testament to the island’s rich history. Located on the eastern edge of the town, this imposing fortress was constructed in the 15th century and played a crucial role in defending Corfu against Ottoman invasions. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the island’s most iconic landmarks, offering panoramic views of the town, the sea, and the distant Albanian coastline. Inside the fortress, you’ll find historical artifacts, a small museum, and the Church of St. George, which hosts cultural events and concerts throughout the year.

Exploring the Old Fortress is like stepping back in time, with its ancient walls, cannons, and winding pathways transporting you to a bygone era. The fortress is surrounded by a moat, and crossing the bridge to enter feels like a journey into history. After your visit, take a stroll through Corfu Town’s Venetian-style streets, where you’ll find charming cafes, boutique shops, and the Liston—an elegant arcade perfect for people-watching. A rental car from Royal Cars Rental makes it easy to reach the Old Fortress and explore the surrounding area, ensuring you can experience the best of Corfu Town without the hassle of public transport.

Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa, on Corfu’s northwest coast, is a breathtaking destination renowned for its six stunning beaches and dramatic cliffs. Often referred to as the “jewel of Corfu,” this area is steeped in mythology—legend has it that it’s the site where Odysseus met Princess Nausicaa in Homer’s Odyssey. The main beach, Agios Spyridon, features golden sand and turquoise waters, while smaller coves like La Grotta offer a more secluded experience with rocky formations and clear waters ideal for snorkeling. The Paleokastritsa Monastery, perched on a hill overlooking the sea, is another must-visit, with its beautiful gardens, ancient icons, and sweeping views of the coastline.

Paleokastritsa is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. You can rent a boat to explore the nearby sea caves, which are famous for their vibrant blue waters and hidden grottos, or take a diving lesson to discover the underwater world of the Ionian Sea. The area is also dotted with tavernas serving fresh seafood, such as grilled octopus and fish soup, paired with local wines. With a rental car from Royal Cars Rental, you can easily navigate the winding roads to Paleokastritsa, stopping at viewpoints along the way to capture the stunning scenery. This destination is perfect for a full day of exploration, combining beach time, history, and natural beauty.

We hope this itinerary inspires you to visit Corfu and experience its endless beauty firsthand. With Royal Cars Rental, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, ensuring a stress-free and memorable road trip. Book your car today and get ready to discover the magic of Corfu Greek Island. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

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