17 of the best beaches in Corfu
source: thetimes.com
You can’t cram all of Corfu’s beaches into a single holiday, so use our guide to help you choose the perfect cove, secret strand or sandy bay.
As the closest Greek island to the UK, Corfu is perennially popular with holidaymakers thanks to its stunning scenery, superb food, rich history and reliably fantastic weather. Corfu Town, with its Venetian fortresses, is an inspiring day out, but it’s the beaches (of which there are just shy of 60) that inspire most holidaymakers. With an impressive range of shores to explore — from sandy sweeps to shingly coves and everything in between — you won’t run out of spots to kick back and relax. Meanwhile, those wanting a more high-energy escape will find myriad water sports and the vast Aqualand park. Here’s our pick of the best beaches in Corfu.
1. Cape Drastis, northwest coast
Prepare for an adventure by boat or on foot to reach Cape Drastis, whose sculpted clay cliffs lie at Corfu’s northwest tip. At their base are numerous small beaches and coves with fine sand and clear, shallow water. Families will find excellent swimming and snorkelling conditions, plus cliff-jumping for slightly older kids. Not feeling playful? Then simply enjoy the view out to the Diapontian islets — and be sure to stick around for magical sunsets.
2. Megas Choros, south coast
Megas Choros is an unspoiled gem. With its strip of golden sand beneath a hillside covered in scrub and wild olive, this could easily be a contender for the title of Corfu’s wildest beach. Even though it’s not a million miles from the built-up resort of Kavos, Megas Choros manages to retain a peaceful air all summer long, even in mid-August when other more accessible spots become crowded.
3. Vouvalomantria, northeast coast
It might be a bit of a mouthful, but gravelly Vouvalomantria is a worthy discovery. It’s walkable through the forest from more accessible (and sandier) Avlaki beach, but the effort deters all but the most dedicated beachgoers, so it’s often as good as deserted. The water is insanely clear, too. Just cross your fingers that you don’t have to ask a friendly local for directions and get tongue-twisted when articulating the name.
4. Dassia Bay, east coast
The east coast of Corfu — with its lovely, green backdrop — has some of the isle’s most popular beaches. Dassia’s mix of pebbles and sand is fronted by calm, shallow waters (with blue flag status), making it a particular favourite for families. There are plenty of hotels and facilities all along the bay, with waterskiing and wakeboarding among water sport options. It’s also within easy reach of Corfu Town for a cultural day trip.
5. Kontokali, east coast
Even closer to Corfu Town is Kontokali: a large and mostly sandy stretch of beach, equipped with sun beds and umbrellas. Ideal for family holidays, it’s got all the essential facilities and is only a short hop from the airport. The traditional village nearby that gives Kontokali beach its name is handy for restaurants, but don’t expect lots of nightlife here — this is a haven of peace and quiet.
6. Barbati, east coast
A mountain backdrop puts Barbati among Corfu’s most scenic beaches. Tucked into the foot of Mount Pantokrator — the island’s highest point — this blue flag beach is surrounded by greenery. Thanks to its pebbly nature, the water here is particularly clear, making for magical dips in the sea. It’s also just a hop from livelier Ipsos beach, where those in need of further distractions can head for its beach bars and pedalos.
7. Paleokastritsa, west coast
Arguably the prettiest of the many resorts in Corfu, Paleokastritsa has all the Greek clichés, from golden sands to turquoise sea and charming, traditional tavernas. The several Paleokastritsa beaches are spread around a headland, with each offering a different experience, be it water sports on Agios Petros or rock formations at Agios Spiridon. The best thing to do? Take a boat tour and visit the coastline’s caves and coves.
8. Rovinia, west coast
In stark contrast to the organised, touristy beaches elsewhere on the island, Rovinia is a wild and natural gem. Accessible only by boat or via the footpath from Liapades, the combination of scrub-covered cliffs and crystal-clear waters makes this pebble beach an absolute show-stopper. The westerly aspect also lends itself to amazing sunsets. And, because it’s a bit of an effort to get here, it rarely gets crowded — even in peak season.
9. Sidari, north coast
The north side of the island is home to the romantic Canal d’Amour: a natural channel where, legend has it, swimmers can find luck in love. It’s part of a stretch of coastline that’s peppered with rock formations and tiny coves. Sidari beach itself is larger, with parasols and loungers for hire. The resort’s water park draws high-season crowds, but day trips to offshore islets provide a wonderfully laid-back escape.
10. Glyfada, west coast
One of the most spectacular stretches of golden sand on the island, Glyfada is popular for its beach facilities and backdrop of olive groves and pine-studded hills. It’s the perfect choice for those preferring an active summer holiday. As well as volleyball and water sports directly on Glyfada beach, there’s golf and riding available nearby, while the Aqualand waterpark is inland, halfway between here and Corfu Town.
11. Issos, south coast
Things feel even wilder down in the southern part of the island, where the long, sandy stretch of Issos beach is particularly superb. Scattered with loungers and usually uncrowded, its position catches the breeze from the sea, cutting through high summer’s heat and creating dreamy conditions for windsurfing. Summer sees the sand dunes bright with sea daffodils, whose white, scented blooms are a feature of unspoiled Mediterranean beaches.
12. Halikounas, south coast
Just to the west of Issos lies Halikounas beach. Said to be one of the loveliest corners in the Ionian Islands, this narrow strip of sandy shore sits between the sea and Lake Korission, a natural lagoon that provides a haven for migratory birds. Joining them in the sky most days are clouds of colourful kites (the wind and waves here are catnip for kitesurfers), but otherwise this gorgeous spot feels wild and deserted.
13. Limni, west coast
Across the water from Paleokastritsaand close to Rovinia beach, Limni beach is a tombolo: a natural causeway connecting an island to the mainland. Consequently, Limni has two bays, so there’s plenty of space to spread out — not that there’ll be many others to share it with. Access is solely by boat or on foot through olive groves, making this an ideal beach for adventure-seekers.
14. Myrtiotissa, west coast
Hidden away behind a headland just beyond Glyfada, Myrtiotissa is said to be perhaps the most beautiful beach in Corfu. Named for the monastery that stands on the leafy mountain above the shore, this lovely beach is facility-free, which keeps the crowds at bay. Get here on foot via a trail though coastal vegetation and don’t be surprised if you’re sharing the beach with those who prefer baring all in the sun.
15. Agios Georgios, northwest coast
Filling a perfect horseshoe of a bay, Agios Georgios is a long, sandy beach in the northwest. Surrounded by emerald-green hills, it feels laidback and natural here — a world away from the busy resorts on the opposite coast. Clean waters, soft sand and plenty of water sports ensure that the children are kept busy all day, while neat rows of loungers and beachfront tavernas keep the grown-ups comfortable too.
16. Faliraki, east coast
Staying in Corfu Town? There’s no need to drive or jump on a bus in order to go for a swim. Faliraki is a tiny beach tucked beneath the Old Fortress, which falls within the Corfu world heritage site. Protected by the city walls and the cliffs that rise above it, it’s a sheltered spot for cooling off in the calm and limpid sea while watching boats pass in and out of the harbour.
17. Agios Ioannis Peristeron, east coast
Just south of Corfu Town, this chilled-out beach is a family favourite. A mixture of dark sand and pebbles, it’s washed by a sea of peculiar clarity and always has a chilled-out vibe that’s quite distinct from the rowdier scenes at other east-coast beaches. The resort itself is a sleepy collection of hotels and tavernas, with a wider selection a little further south in the next resort down, Moraitika.
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