I’ve visited Corfu twice, three years apart, and each trip felt completely different. One was a solo adventure and the other was a birthday trip with my best friend. Despite being one of the pricier Greek islands, Corfu can still be enjoyed on a budget.
My first visit lasted just two days, while the second was a full week, yet the island’s relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and lively town remained unchanged. I stayed outside Corfu Town the first time and right in the centre the second time. Both trips were spontaneous, with very little planning, which made the experience even more memorable.
Corfu Town
Corfu is a must-visit for its elegant architecture, charming streets, beautiful parks, and lively restaurants and bars. The mix of Venetian, French, and Greek influences gives the town a unique atmosphere.
Although there isn’t a large beach in the city, there are still a few nice swimming spots by the sea. You can easily spend a full day exploring, especially places like the Old Fortress of Corfu, the Museum of Asian Art of Corfu area, and Durrells Garden. The port is also stunning at sunset.
Palaiokastritsa Beach
Palaiokastritsa was my favourite beach on the island. The water is incredibly clear and bright blue, although quite cold because of the small bay.
There are plenty of activities available too. I tried the submarine boat tour, where you can see marine life underwater. You can also go scuba diving in the area.
One of my biggest tips is to rent a sunbed and umbrella. It’s affordable and makes a huge difference, especially during busy summer days. The first time I visited, I didn’t rent one and regretted it because the beach became overcrowded and too hot to stay comfortably.
Arrive early in the morning if you want the best spot.
Getting Around Corfu
We mostly travelled by bus, which was cheap and surprisingly good. However, Google Maps didn’t always show the correct routes or schedules, so it’s best to ask locals or double-check online before travelling.
We also walked a lot to save money. I even walked to and from the airport once, which honestly wasn’t too bad.
Near the airport, there’s a lovely place called Anemomylos Windmill that’s worth visiting. The area is beautiful for a walk or a swim, even though there isn’t a proper beach nearby.
Pelekas Beach
If you prefer long sandy beaches, then Pelekas Beach is one of the best spots on the island.
The beach is huge and reminded me a little of California. There’s plenty of space, lots of beach bars, and a few water activities too.
The bus ride from Corfu Town took around one hour, which was very reasonable.
Boat Trip to Paxos & Antipaxos
For my birthday, we booked a boat trip through GetYourGuide. It cost around €50 for the entire day and was honestly one of the highlights of the trip.
The tour included stops around the Corfu coastline, plus visits to Antipaxos and Paxos.
Antipaxos was my favourite. The water looked unreal, crystal clear and bright turquoise. It felt like a dream.
Paxos was small, peaceful, and very pretty. After walking around the town, we spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the beach near the port… and almost missed the boat because of a good beer.
Food & Budget
We ate out every evening and still managed to keep the trip affordable. Overall, we spent around €500–€600 for a full week, including food, drinks, transport, and activities.
My first trip was even cheaper — probably around €250 total.
Some places to eat I’d recommend are:
Final Thoughts
I don’t think I’ll return to Corfu anytime soon, mainly because there are still so many other places I want to explore, including Albania, which is only a short boat trip away.
That said, Corfu is absolutely worth visiting. There’s still so much of the island I haven’t seen, and renting a car or scooter would probably make the experience even better.
If you’re looking for beautiful beaches, relaxed days, good food, and a Greek island trip that doesn’t completely destroy your budget, Corfu is a great choice.
Leave a comment if you’ve been to Corfu too — or if you’re planning a trip soon!
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