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Corfu, the “Queen of the Ionian,” invites you to a dreamy encounter with ultimate beauty! Get ready for an exciting 72-kilometer road trip, where the island’s lush nature and rich history intertwine with its exceptional gastronomy and layered cultural heritage. Feel the rhythm of the island on an enjoyable day trip that starts in the east and ends in the stunning northern Corfu. The perfect finale: a magical dinner overlooking the Ionian Sea as the horizon is bathed in golden and crimson hues.

Ionian Islands

Route information

Kanoni

Start early in the morning to make the most of your day. An ideal starting point is Kanoni, one of Corfu’s most recognizable locations, just a stone’s throw from Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport. If you plan to arrive earlier the same day, beginning here will help you save valuable time. Admire the stunning view over the Halkiopoulos lagoon, once the site of the famous ancient Korkyraean port of Hyllae. At the entrance to the sea, the photogenic islands of Vlacherna and Mouse Island (Pontikonisi) stand proudly. Walk the 300-meter pedestrian bridge connecting Vlacherna Island to the mainland and visit one of Corfu’s most iconic landmarks, the 17th-century Vlacherna Monastery. From here, you can take a small excursion boat to visit the beautiful Pontikonisi. Suggested duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Mon Repos Estate

It takes just a 5-minute drive to reach the fairytale-like Mon Repos Estate from Kanoni. The eponymous palace, built between 1828–1831 as the residence of Sir Frederick Adam, the High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands, now houses the Palaiopolis Museum, featuring finds from the archaeological site of Palaiopolis and important memorabilia from the British rule period. After exploring the palace-museum, get ready to wander through the estate’s lush botanical paradise, which spans 235 acres of thriving vegetation. Along the shaded, downhill paths, the views of Corfu’s eastern coast and the turquoise Ionian waters are truly unforgettable. Suggested duration: 1 hour 20 minutes.

Address: 491 00, Mon Repos Estate, Corfu Tel.: +30 26610 41369

Corfu Old Town

The bustling Garitsa Bay and just a 7-minute drive separate Mon Repos from Corfu Old Town. Immerse yourself in its magic and get lost in the famous kantounia—the labyrinthine narrow streets lined with tall Venetian buildings, offering cool shade and unexpected corners. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Corfu Old Town is a unique mosaic where Venetian, French, and British influences coexist harmoniously. Stroll through the Spianada, Greece’s largest square, and enjoy a coffee along the cosmopolitan Liston promenade, a true architectural gem. Rest in the Boscetto, the charming garden between Spianada and the Contra Fossa moat, and let the allure of the past captivate you at the Old and New Fortresses. Visit the Museum of Asian Art, housed in the iconic Palace of St. Michael and St. George, as well as the excellent Archaeological Museum. For a firsthand experience of life in an authentic 19th-century Corfiot mansion, stop by Casa Parlante, an interactive museum recreating the daily life of a typical noble family—a multisensory experience. Complete your tour of Corfu Old Town with a stop at one of the traditional tavernas or modern restaurants to savor incredible Corfiot flavors. Suggested duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Museum of Asian Art Address: 491 00, Palace of St. Michael and St. George, Corfu Tel.: +30 26610 30443 Archaeological Museum of Corfu Address: 491 00, Armeni Vraila 1, Corfu Tel.: +30 26610 30680 Casa Parlante Address: 491 00, 16 Nikiforou Theotoki Street, Corfu Tel.: +30 26610 49190

Paleokastritsa

Driving through the lush Corfiot hinterland, after a scenic 45-minute route, you will arrive at the idyllic Paleokastritsa. Famous for its rare natural beauty, protected coves, and cool deep-blue waters, it is truly a magical place. Enjoy a refreshing swim, then make your way up to the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, where you can admire breathtaking views of Corfu’s rugged western coastline and the endless expanse of the Ionian Sea. With the stunning beauty of Paleokastritsa as a cherished memory, continue your journey north for another 50 minutes. If you’re traveling with your partner, swimming at Canal d’Amour in Sidari—the most romantic beach in Corfu—is an experience not to be missed. Legend has it that couples who swim here will stay together forever.

Longas Beach

The day concludes just 4 km to the west at Longas Beach, renowned for its steep, clay-rich cliffs. The beachfront restaurants in the bay offer unparalleled views of the island’s most spectacular sunset, set against the vertical cliffs and the stunning Ionian Sea. Savor traditional Corfiot dishes and fresh seafood, accompanied by local wine or a refreshing tsitsibira (ginger beer). As you enjoy your meal, watch the sun sink into the sea, painting the sky orange and providing the perfect finale to a magnificent day.

When to go

Although Corfu is enchanting all year round, it reveals its full splendor in summer. This particular route is designed for the summer season (May–September), allowing you to enjoy ideal conditions for swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Paleokastritsa and a seaside dinner with views of the sunset.

Visit proposal

The route is designed as a day trip, while the estimated duration of 2 hours refers to net driving time.

The Ultimate Corfu Experience. A Dreamy Sunset Journey

Route information

Kanoni

Mon Repos Estate

Corfu Old Town

Paleokastritsa

Longas Beach

Distance

Estimated duration

Difficulty level

Route type

Route Category

When to go

Visit proposal

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