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Guide to Kerkyra and Diapontii Nissi
KERKYRA AND DIAPONTII NISSI · ITINERARY

Kerkyra and Diapontii Nissi (Kerkyra, Ionia Nissia, Greece) in 7 days – Complete itinerary

7 days / 6 nights · History, sea, villages, islands

The itinerary starts in the historic center of Kerkyra, to be explored on foot at a relaxed pace, and continues to the Kanoni peninsula and the southeastern coast. The following days are organized by area: Paleokastritsa and the western inland, the northwestern coast, and finally the mountainous northeast. One day is reserved for Othonoi, the largest of the Diapontia Islands, but it must be confirmed based on seasonal ferry or excursion schedules and the actual possibility of returning the same day. For the coast and villages, a car offers greater flexibility; in the historic center, it is better to get around on foot.

Stops
6 · 6 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
2.3 km · 27 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 1.1 km · 15 min
  2. 147 m · 2 min
  3. 111 m · 1 min
  4. 285 m · 3 min
  5. 589 m · 6 min

Day 1 – Kerkyra: fortresses and old town

10:00–21:00 Urban walks, moderate pace

Get your bearings in the old town and discover its main Venetian and religious landmarks.

10:00

Spianada and Liston

Start from the large Spianada and continue under the arcades of the Liston, taking in the facades and café life. Allow about an hour for the walk; access to the squares is free.

Arrive early in summer: shade is limited in the square.

11:15

Church of St. Spyridon

Visit the church dedicated to the island's patron saint and admire the iconostasis and the bell tower, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Admission is generally free; please dress respectfully.

Services may limit tourist access.

12:00

Asian Art Museum

Spend about 60–90 minutes exploring the collections housed in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, featuring works from various parts of Asia. Admission is roughly 5–10 €; check opening hours and seasonal schedules.

The visit works well before the lunch break.

13:30

Lunch in the historic center

Choose a tavern in the narrow lanes between Spianada and Campiello and try local dishes such as pastitsada or sofrito. Allow about 15–25 € per person for a simple lunch.

For an outdoor table in high season, it’s a good idea to book ahead.

15:00

Old Fortress

Cross the bridge toward the fortress and walk along the ramparts for views over the harbor, the town, and the sea. Plan on 1.5–2 hours and an approximate entrance fee of 6–10 €; comfortable shoes are essential on the steep sections.

The sun is strong on the walls: bring water and a hat.

18:00

New Fortress and evening stroll

Walk to the New Fortress in about 15 minutes and visit the accessible areas, if open, for another perspective on the rooftops of Kerkyra. End with a walk through the center; access to the fortress can vary and the cost, when charged, is typically a few euros.

Check on site whether the indoor spaces and access points are open.

Day 2 – Museums, Mon Repos and Kanoni views

09:30–19:00 City and coast, with short transfers

Explore the southern part of Kerkyra, among archaeology, gardens and views over the lagoon.

09:30

Corfu Archaeological Museum

Dedicate about an hour to the collections of the ancient island, with particular attention to the Greek artifacts and the large pediments. Tickets are roughly 5–10 €; opening hours may vary by season.

Check for any weekly closures before you set out.

11:15

Mon Repos Palace and Park

Get to Mon Repos by taxi or local bus, or on foot in about 30 minutes from the center. Visit the museum if it is open and stroll through the shaded park; admission may be free or involve a small fee.

Allow 1.5–2 hours including the transfer.

13:30

Lunch around Kanoni

Travel by bus or taxi to the Kanoni peninsula and stop at a tavern with views over the water. For a simple lunch, budget around 15–25 € per person.

At scenic spots, prices can be higher.

15:00

Kanoni Viewpoint and Vlacherna Monastery

From the viewpoint, take in the airport runway, the lagoon, and the white monastery connected to the mainland by a walkway. Visiting the monastery is free; allow about an hour for photos and a stroll.

The viewpoint is especially busy at sunset.

16:30

Pontikonisi

If the boats are running, reach the islet with a short crossing from the Vlacherna pier; the fare is usually just a few euros, around 2–5 €. Alternatively, enjoy the view from Kanoni without boarding a boat.

Trips depend on the season, weather, and sea conditions.

Day 3 – Achilleion and the southeastern coast

09:00–18:30 Day by car or by bus and taxi

Combine a visit to Achilleion Palace with a coastal stop in Benitses.

09:00

Transfer to Gastouri

Leave central Kerkyra by car, taxi, or bus heading for Gastouri: the trip usually takes 25–40 minutes, depending on traffic and your mode of transport. Expect an approximate cost of 3–8 € by bus or around 20–35 € by taxi for the journey.

If you’re driving, check in advance where to park.

10:00

Achilleion Palace

Set aside 1.5–2 hours for the complex, the gardens, and the statues linked to the story of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Admission is roughly 8–15 €, but rooms and open routes may vary due to work or maintenance: check the latest information before your visit.

Don’t assume the entire interior is open.

12:30

Kaiser’s Bridge

Reach the stretch of coast associated with the former imperial landing place, a short drive from Gastouri. The stop is brief and free; take care with traffic when crossing or walking along the road.

There are not always continuous sidewalks.

13:30

Lunch in Benitses

Continue to Benitses, a seaside village with tavernas and a small harbor. For a fish lunch or local cuisine, plan on about 18–30 € per person, depending on the menu.

Ask the price of the fish by weight before ordering.

15:00

Stroll and swim in Benitses

Spend the afternoon on the waterfront and, if conditions are favorable, take a swim on the pebble beach. Access to the sea is free; sunbeds and an umbrella may cost roughly 10–25 € for two people.

Bring water shoes to make entering the water more comfortable.

Day 4 – Paleokastritsa and the western villages

08:30–19:00 A scenic day, with hills and car travel

Discover the western bays and the inland areas overlooking the sea.

08:30

Transfer to Paleokastritsa

Depart from Kerkyra by car or local bus: the journey is about 25 km and takes approximately 40–60 minutes. If you're traveling in high season, factor in traffic and full parking lots.

The bus is a budget-friendly option, but it ties you more closely to timetables.

09:45

Paleokastritsa Monastery

Visit the monastery overlooking the bays and its flower-filled courtyards; admission is usually free, with donations appreciated. Allow about 45–60 minutes and wear clothing suitable for a religious site.

The final stretch is steep and can be crowded.

11:00

Boat ride among the bays and caves

From the small port, consider a local boat to explore coves and sea caves, an activity that usually lasts 30–60 minutes. Indicative rates are 15–25 € per person; departure and route depend on the sea conditions.

Choose a morning departure, which is often quieter.

13:00

Lunch and swimming in Paleokastritsa

Have lunch at a taverna in the bay and set aside time to swim or relax on the beach. Expect to pay 15–25 € for the meal; beach access is free, while rental services cost extra.

The beaches are often pebbly: sea shoes are useful.

16:00

Lakones and Angelokastro

Reach Lakones for a scenic stop, then continue by car to Angelokastro, keeping in mind the narrow, winding roads. The castle requires a short uphill walk; admission is approximately 3–5 € when applicable.

Avoid the climb during the hottest hours and check accessibility on site.

Day 5 – Sidari, Cape Drastis and the northwestern coast

09:00–19:30 Beach day with car transfers

Explore the coastal formations of the northwest without adding detours to other parts of the island.

09:00

Transfer to Sidari

From Kerkyra, reach Sidari by car in about 50–70 minutes, depending on traffic; alternatively, use the bus if the seasonal timetables fit the schedule. Car rental often starts from around 35–70 € per day, excluding fuel and additional insurance.

In summer, it is advisable to leave early.

10:15

Canal d'Amour

Stroll among the sea-carved rocks and the small accesses to the coves. Entry is free, but space is limited and swimming depends on sea conditions.

Be careful on slippery surfaces and do not climb on the fragile rocks.

12:00

Lunch in Sidari

Stop in town for a simple lunch, with an estimated budget of 15–25 € per person. Buy water and snacks before heading to the more secluded spots along the coast.

Services are limited in the Cape Drastis area.

13:30

Cape Drastis

Reach the promontory with a vehicle suitable for road conditions and continue on foot only where the trails are clearly accessible. The cliff views are the main reason for the stop; access is free, while any boat excursions have varying prices, roughly 15–30 €.

Do not go near the edges and check road conditions before setting off.

17:00

Peroulades and Logas Beach

Finish in Peroulades and head down to Logas Beach if the route is open and conditions allow. Access to the beach is free; the sunset is stunning, but bring a torch for the return if daylight fades.

The descent can be steep and is not suitable for people with mobility difficulties.

Othonoi, the largest of the Diapontia Islands
Foto: Wikipedia

Day 6

Othonoi, the largest of the Diapontia Islands

06:30–20:00 A long day, entirely dependent on ferry schedules

Make your way to Othonoi and spend the day on its beaches, without trying to visit multiple islands in too tight a timeframe.

06:30

Departure for Agios Stefanos Avliotes

Get to the port of Agios Stefanos Avliotes by car or taxi, allowing about 60–80 minutes from the center of Corfu Town. Leave only after confirming in writing the schedules, exact port, seat availability, and same-day return.

Connections to the Diapontia Islands can be seasonal and not daily.

08:00

Boarding for Othonoi

Arrive early for check-in and keep water, sun protection, and cash on hand. Prices and crossing times depend on the type of service; allow roughly 20–50 € for transport or the excursion, checking the fare when booking.

If a suitable return trip is not available, do not set off for a day excursion.

11:00

Ammos and the small center of Othonoi

Once ashore, explore the Ammos area and the nearby settlement with a leisurely walk. Services are limited compared with Kerkyra: plan on a simple meal of around 12–22 € and do not rely on taxis being available at the last minute.

Confirm in advance how to reach the bays and get back to the port.

13:00

Ammos Beach

Spend part of the afternoon at the beach, which can be reached from the inhabited area, with timing depending on your landing point and the service available. Access is generally free; bring water and everything you need for your stay.

Sunbeds, shade, and refreshment facilities are not guaranteed.

15:00

Aspri Ammos and return

Head to Aspri Ammos only if the excursion or local transfer is actually arranged, and leave plenty of time to get back to the port. Otherwise, stay in the Ammos area and respect your boarding time: the confirmed return takes priority over an extra beach stop.

Sea and wind can alter boat routes and schedules.

Day 7 – North-east: Kassiopi, Pantokrator and Old Perithia

08:30–19:00 Scenic drive, with mountain roads

End the trip among castles, sweeping views, and a historic village in the north of the island.

08:30

Transfer to Kassiopi

Leave central Kerkyra for Kassiopi by car, allowing about 50–70 minutes. A bus can be an alternative, but check the services and return times before planning the rest of the day.

For this day, a car makes the links between coast and mountain more practical.

09:45

Kassiopi Castle

Walk to the Byzantine castle above the harbor and follow the accessible paths among the walls and vegetation. Entry is often free or subject to local conditions; allow about an hour and wear shoes with good grip.

Some sections may be uneven or overgrown with vegetation.

11:30

Transfer to Mount Pantokrator

Drive up the mountain along the inland roads, which are slow and winding. Allow 45–60 minutes from Kassiopi and plan a short stop at safe scenic viewpoints along the way.

Avoid distracted driving: some roads are narrow.

12:30

Mount Pantokrator and Old Perithia

Take in the view from the summit if visibility and weather conditions allow, then head down to Old Perithia, the historic village set on the hillside. Walks are free; for lunch at a village taverna, budget around 15–25 € per person.

Bring a light jacket: it can be windy at altitude even in summer.

16:00

Return to Kerkyra

Head back to the city at a relaxed pace, allowing about an hour or more and a break if you’re tired after driving in the mountains. If you need to catch a flight or ferry, don’t schedule this day too close to departure.

The direct return to the airport takes extra time and should be planned separately.

Estimated budget

Double room accommodation, per person45–130 € per night
Meals and drinks, per person per day30–60 €
Car rental and fuel, per vehicle per day50–100 €
Local transport and taxis10–35 € per day
Museum and monument entrance fees5–25 € per day
Boat trips and connections to Othonoi20–60 €

The local currency is the euro (EUR), so no exchange is needed for travelers arriving from Italy. The ranges are indicative and may rise significantly in high season; prices, schedules, monument access, and sea connections should be checked again before departure. The budget does not include flights or insurance.

Practical tips

  • Book your accommodation and car well in advance for July and August, when parking and availability can become limited.
  • Confirm the Othonoi crossing and return time directly with the operator: if same-day return is not guaranteed, rearrange the stop instead of improvising.
  • Bring water shoes, sunscreen, water, and walking shoes: many beaches are pebbly and some access paths are steep.
  • Check the latest schedules for museums, palaces, buses, and boats; opening times and frequencies change depending on the season, maintenance, and weather conditions.