Face it: one week will not be enough to see all the most beautiful beaches on Corfu. There are so many, too many to condense into one holiday, which is good news for beach lovers because it means that more or less everywhere you can find a dreamy spot to lay your towel.
Corfu’s beaches are not only many, but also very diverse. You can sunbathe stretched out on sandy beaches several kilometres long, tiny coves hidden between imposing cliffs or sandy tongues nestled at the end of fjords created by limestone rocks… And not only sand: there are also enchanting rock or pebble beaches.
There are beaches for families, for young people, for lonely souls, for nudists, for couples, for nature lovers, hidden treasures and secrets known to all. The sea is beautiful, but the quality of services at the beaches is also high: more than 30 of Corfu’s beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag.
With so much choice, deciding where to go can be difficult. To help you, we have selected the must-visit beaches in Corfu and divided them by area. Concentrate on one area at a time, devoting a couple of days to it, and even with just one week you’re sure to have seen the best this popular Greek island has to offer.
One of the best known areas for beach tourism on Corfu is Paleokastritsa, located in the north-central part of the west coast about 25 km from the capital.
The name is sometimes used to denote a specific beach, others to indicate a rather large area comprising several bays and coves with sand and pebble beaches, which can cause some confusion.
With one exception, all of the beaches in the Paleokastritsa area can only be reached by sea, but thanks to the taxi boat service you can get there in a few minutes. Another option is to join a boat trip or rent a boat – these two solutions allow you to visit several beaches in one day. If you opt for the public service, pay attention to the times, especially the return times.
In this stretch the sea is deep and the coast rich in caves: a true paradise for snorkelling enthusiasts.
The beach that gives its name to the area of Paleokastritsa is perhaps the least attractive, but on the other hand it is easy to get to, is an excellent introduction to the scenic beauty of the area and has all the necessary facilities. It is the only equipped beach in the area and for this reason it is also the most popular with families.
Chomi Beach was renamed as Paradise Beach, the name by which it is most famous today. It is a long, narrow beach of white pebbles behind which rise high vertical rock walls; on the northern edge of the beach is an underwater cave.
Like all the other coves in the vicinity, it is not equipped but has some basic facilities: deckchairs and umbrellas can be hired (but you have to arrive early to get one!) and at lunchtime it is served by a boat that serves as a travelling bar.
Although it is very busy, it is never overcrowded; it is wide enough for everyone to find a corner for themselves and to take relaxing walks along the shore.
Similar to Paradise Beach in landscape, but much smaller and completely devoid of facilities, is the tiny beach of Mikro Kastelli, a small patch of land plucked from a blue sea with waters as clear as those of a swimming pool, overlooked by a high promontory of white rock reminiscent of the white cliffs of Dover in England… with a much more pleasant temperature! A true enchantment, remote and little known.
The west coast of Corfu gives no respite to lovers of the beautiful sea! After leaving the area of Paleokastritsa to the north, one encounters a series of beautiful beaches to the south, including one of literary fame.
Remote and secluded, Myrtiosissa has long been Corfu’s most famous nudist beach; today it is mostly frequented by people in swimming costumes, but the idyllic atmosphere has remained intact.
You can arrive by car or bus to the nearby village, but from there you have to walk up a steep path to reach the beach.
In Glyfada, too, you will find golden sand and rocky promontories covered with vegetation, but the atmosphere is completely different from Myrtiosissa. It is a tourist beach, famous for its lively beach bars and natural pools created by a group of rocks on one side of the beach.
It is located in the centre of the west coast, and because of this position it can be easily reached from Corfu Town by following a road with impressive views that cuts the island in half.
Halikounas is a somewhat atypical beach: it is a long strip of dark sand, buffeted by strong winds that make it a favourite destination for kitesurfers and windsurfers.
It is generally snubbed by all other tourists and is therefore recommended for those looking for a wild-looking beach where they can forget the hustle and bustle of the more fashionable resorts.
Porto Timoni is one of Corfu’s most spectacular beaches, famous for its double bay separated by a narrow strip of green land. Located below the promontory of Afionas, this natural wonder offers a unique setting where two coves face opposite directions: one towards the open sea and the other towards the inlet of Agios Georgios. The crystal-clear waters take on different turquoise hues in each bay, creating a fascinating contrast with the surrounding green Mediterranean scrub.
Thermal peculiarities distinguish the two beaches: one has slightly cooler waters and more intense colours, while the other offers higher temperatures and greater transparency. Both are characterised by a mixture of golden sand and pebbles, surrounded by cliffs that protect from the wind and create an intimate and wild environment.
Not to be confused with another beach called Agios Georgios on the southern part of the same side of the coast, Agios Georgios Pagi is located north of Paleokastritsa and is a 5 km long beach of thick sand, lying on a wide bay in the shape of a perfect crescent.
The rocky promontories and hills behind it are covered with Mediterranean vegetation and provide an excellent vantage point for taking photos of the bay and neighbouring villages.
The north coast of Corfu is one of the most enchanting, dotted with coves and inlets still untouched by mass tourism. The colour of the sea ranges from turquoise to emerald green.
The picturesque Canal d’Amour near the quaint village of Sidari is one of Corfu’s must-see attractions and one of the most romantic spots on the island. It is formed by characteristic cream-coloured flat rocks that plunge into the sea, creating a kind of small fjord.
The channel provides an enchanting setting for a small sandy beach protected from winds and currents. Swimming in the clear waters of the canal, you can see underwater caves or fall in love forever: according to a local legend, couples who swim across the canal will be linked for life.
Lots of romance but also a touch of thrill: the Canal d’Amour is a great diving board!
Avlaki, near Kassiopi, consists of small white pebbles and is surrounded by fragrant Mediterranean scrub. This breezy beach offers a natural environment of rare beauty, where the smooth pebbles reflect the light creating an almost surreal atmosphere. Wild vegetation descends to the sea, perfuming the air with essences of myrtle, rosemary and broom.
Its position exposed to the winds makes it cool even on the hottest days, while the crystal-clear waters invite one to take a long swim. The sparse presence of commercial facilities guarantees an authentic experience of contact with nature, ideal for those seeking tranquillity and unspoilt beauty. The rocky seabed rich in marine life makes it perfect for snorkelling.
One of the few easy-to-reach and therefore popular beaches along the north coast of Corfu is Roda, a sandy beach almost 6 km long. The northernmost part is called Acharavi, named after the village behind the beach.
It is one of the best areas of Corfu for family holidays.
A very picturesque sandy beach is the romantic Agios Stefanos at the western tip of the north coast. The sand is a beautiful reddish-gold colour and the sea a clear blue, with calm waters and shallow waters. Perfect for relaxing while admiring breathtaking views!
The most famous beaches on the east coast are those around Corfu Town, but you can also find beautiful beaches and coves further north or conversely down south. When it comes to beautiful beaches in Corfu, you are never wrong!
Dassia is a pebble and gravel beach at a small village that is very popular with tourists. It is an equipped beach and the seabed is shallow, two characteristics that make it one of the most popular beaches on Corfu for families with small children; however, it is also suitable for young people who want sports activities and nightlife.
Although it is very busy, Dassia retains a natural charm, thanks mainly to the fine pebbles and multi-coloured stones that create striking plays of light with the clear waters of the sea.
Long, easily accessible and full of clubs, Ipsos is one of Corfu’s most touristy beaches, particularly popular with young people for its lively nightlife.
It is a sandy beach just under two kilometres long, with gently sloping seabed – perfect for those who like relaxing walks with their feet in the water!
Benitses is another typical seaside resort: a small, quiet village once inhabited only by fishermen and now devoted to tourism. The beach is a long strip of sand and pebbles, is easy to reach by car or bus thanks to the road that runs parallel to it and is equipped with all amenities.
Near the main beach there are other smaller ones, recommended for those who want more tranquillity, and a small harbour from which boat trips around the island depart.
One of the best beaches for snorkelling and diving in Corfu is Nissaki, in the northernmost part of the east coast. It is a quiet, rocky beach; the sea is of an extraordinary colour and transparency and there are picturesque sea caves nearby.
There are free areas and others with facilities, but it is generally not a very crowded beach.
Barbati is a white pebble beach on the east coast, characterised by crystal-clear waters and a lush natural environment. This semi-organised beach stretches for about 800 metres at the foot of Mount Pantokrator, offering a perfect combination of sea and mountain. The smooth pebbles reflect the sunlight, creating colourful plays in the water, while the lush vegetation descending from the mountain slopes provides shade and coolness.
Its sheltered location protects it from westerly winds, providing generally calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The seabed slopes gently and then quickly becomes deep, offering possibilities for both those who prefer shallow waters and those who enjoy swimming in deep waters. The presence of traditional taverns overlooking the sea completes the experience with the chance to enjoy fresh fish with panoramic views.
Nestled in a gentle hilly landscape in south-east Corfu, Mesoggi beach is a long, dark sandy shore lying on a wide bay and bordered behind by pine and olive groves.
You can combine a relaxing afternoon on this beautiful beach with a visit to Lake Korission, a lagoon close to the sea inhabited by numerous bird species.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
For families with children: Agios Georgios North, Glyfada, Barbati and Agios Gordios offer shallow waters, fine sand and full facilities for a safe holiday.
For nature and tranquillity: Myrtiotissa, Halikounas, Issos and Messonghi provide unspoilt surroundings away from mass tourism.
For water sports: Halikounas and Issos for windsurfing and kitesurfing, Paleokastritsa and Kassiopi for snorkelling and diving.
For romantic sunsets: Glyfada, Agios Georgios North and Agios Gordios on the west coast offer unforgettable sunset scenes.
For natural architecture: Canal d’Amour for unique rock formations, Paleokastritsa for sea caves and hidden bays.
For authenticity: Avlaki, Myrtiotissa and the small coves of Kassiopi retain the charm of traditional Greece.
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