Key Takeaways
- Corfu offers a wide variety of beaches, ranging from rocky steep shores to quiet sandy coasts. The island's morphology and size contribute to the exceptional beauty and diversity of the beaches.
- Many of the beaches in Corfu have been awarded the Blue Flag, indicating their cleanliness and organization. They are equipped with facilities for water sports and provide amenities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, cafes, and restaurants.
- Some of the beaches, like Glyfada, Paleokastritsa, and Canal d'Amour, are popular among tourists and locals. They are easily accessible, with free parking available in some cases, making them convenient destinations for visitors.
- The beaches in Corfu are known for their natural beauty, with stunning combinations of green landscapes, turquoise waters, and white-gold soft sand. The surrounding flora, hills, and cliffs add to the picturesque scenery of the beaches.
Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian Islands, with 217 km long coastlines that form the beautiful beaches of Corfu. The morphology of the island and its size make the beaches in Corfu exceptional in beauty and diversity. From rocky steep shores to quiet sandy coasts, the beaches of Corfu are a sight to behold, especially in combination with the luscious flora of the island.
The variety of beaches in Corfu makes choosing one a difficult task. Each boasts a striking combination of green landscape, turquoise waters, and white-gold soft sand. This fusion of colors and textures makes the beaches of Corfu some of the best in Greece.
Most of them have been awarded the Blue Flag and are well organized, with all kinds of facilities for water sports, diving, windsurfing, and water skiing. Below is a list of some of the best beaches in Corfu.
Glyfada
A beach that will impress you because of its great length and the beautiful landscape that surrounds it is the one of Glyfada. The landscape is dominated by hills overgrown with olive and pine trees and crystal clear waters. It is located 16 kilometers -and 20 minutes- from Corfu Town to the West and has been awarded a blue flag.
Glyfada is a fully organized beach, with sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports. It is an attraction for many tourists and especially young crowds, as there are cafes and bars. Glyfada beach is the most popular and one of the largest in Corfu. Additionally, it is easily accessible with free parking, making it especially convenient for visitors and locals alike.
Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa is one of the most beautiful places in Corfu in a landscape that combines the green of the rich vegetation with the blue of the sea. The crystal clear waters acquire a beautiful shade. The beach is sandy, the sea is deep, and the waters are quite cool.
During the period of high tourist traffic, it is quite crowded but it is without a doubt one of the must-visit beaches of the island.
Agios Stefanos
The beach of Agios Stefanos is one of the most beautiful in Corfu, the island of the Phaeacians. Long sandy shore with shallow waters ideal for families and all holidaymakers. It is organized with sunbeds, umbrellas cafes, and restaurants.
Loggas
Loggas beach in Peroulades and the entire coast of the area is an unprecedented landscape that will leave you in utter awe. The surrounding sedimentary rocks look as if they were neatly cut with a huge knife causing wonder to the visitor. Narrow strips of sand at the base allow for swimming in a unique setting.
Porto Timoni
Porto Timoni beach is one of the most beautiful in Corfu but relatively unknown as access to it is not so easy. The beach essentially consists of two "twin" beaches -divided by a narrow strip of land- covered with white pebbles.
From the mainland, in order to reach the beach, you have to follow the path from the village of Afionas in a journey of 20 minutes. Of course, the beach is not organized but its beauty makes up for it, and its relaxing vibes are more than rewarding.
Canal d’Amour - Sidari
Canal d’Amour -or the channel of love- is another special beach and one of the most popular on the island. It is a small fjord, a narrow strip of sea between caves carved by the wave that penetrates the land and meets a small sandy shore. There are some umbrellas but the space is very limited.
Tradition has it that couples who swim there, stay in love forever. As a result, this beach is perfect for lovebirds who want to make their bond even stronger!
Gardenos
The beautiful Gardenos beach has golden sand and crystal clear shallow waters. It is organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, and a few shops.
However, there is also plenty of free space to spread your towel and enjoy a refreshing dive in peace and serenity. It may not be close to the city, but it is easily accessible and the shallow waters make it ideal for families with children.
Halikouna-Issos
The beaches of Halikouna and Issos are located next to the lagoon of Korissia and are separated by a small cedar forest. The morphology of the area is truly unique. The landscape looks deserted by the sea in contrast to the green landscape behind the lagoon.
The beach is a narrow sandy strip, partly organized in some places. It is a sight to behold and one of our personal favorites due to its calming ambiance.
Agios Gordios
Agios Gordios, or Ai Gordis beach is one of the most popular in Corfu that took its name from the homonymous church of Agios Gordios, in the center of the beach. In a verdant landscape, the beach with the golden sand and the turquoise waters completes a natural scenery of unique charm.
It is an organized beach with sunbeds, nice views, and a wide variety of restaurants and shops nearby.
Agios Spyridon
The beach of Agios Spyridon, also known as the "central beach" of Paleokastritsa, is located next to the road at the bottom of the busy resort. The beach is covered by a mixture of mainly sand and some pebbles, it has crystal clear, calm waters and -surprise, surprise- lush vegetation.
The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for its organization and cleanliness. During the high season and on weekends it can be very busy, as it is one of the most popular beaches on the island. On the beach, there are sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as showers.
Moreover, there, you will find a wide range of water sports. Also in the area, you can find some traditional taverns, restaurants, and some hotels and apartments that promise a joyful state.
La Grotta
La Grotta is a small rocky cove with a crystal clear blue sea, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and exploring the surrounding coves. To reach this rocky cove, you must find a sign opposite the main entrance of the hotel Paleokastritsa and then go down about 150 steps.
Taxi boats and boats for rent are also available there, offering the opportunity for an adventure.
Agios Petros
Agios Petros beach is close to the parking lot, next to the road that leads to the homonymous monastery. It is a mixture of sand and pebbles, with emerald crystal clear sea in a very beautiful and strikingly green landscape.
Agios Petros beach is a small but very beautiful and organized beach. There you will find sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent and a wide range of water sports, such as water skiing, jet skiing, pedal boating, and paragliding. It is perfect for everyone, and especially adventure seekers with a fondness for sparkling waters.
Ampelaki
Ambelaki is a small but very beautiful beach very close to the resort of Paleokastritsa. It boasts a mixture of pebbles with a little sand and emerald crystal clear waters in a diverse green landscape.
On the beach, you can find sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, showers, and various water sports. To reach this beautiful beach, you must follow the small road just after the Apollo Hotel. It is without a doubt worth a visit!
Mirtiotissa
Mirtiotissa beach is located on the west coast of Corfu, not far from the island's capital. It is a small but quite wide and very beautiful beach with crystal clear blue waters and is surrounded by high cliffs covered with trees and shrubs.
There are no tourist infrastructures on the beach and the access is not very easy since the road leading to the beach is not paved.
Near the beach, you can find the small village of Pelekas, where there are traditional taverns serving mouthwatering local food. Myrtiotissa beach is the right place for those who love quiet beaches and want to relax under the sun in a beautiful landscape and swim in fantastic crystal clear waters.
We must inform you that Mirtiotissa beach is unofficially considered a nudist beach.
Kavos
Kavos is a very popular resort of Corfu and is located at the southern tip of the island, opposite the distant hills of the Greek mainland. It is a sandy beach of 2 km with shallow, calm, and very clear waters, making it safe for children.
On the beach, you will find sunbeds and umbrellas for rent and water sports such as jet ski and water skiing. As the beach of Kavos is close to the center of the area it is quite close to all the amenities you could need, such as bars, hotels and apartments, shops, taverns, and restaurants.
Nissaki
Nissaki beach - credits: greece.com
Nissaki beach is located on the northeast coast of the island, opposite the country of Albania. It is a pebble beach surrounded by steep slopes and has crystal clear, deep blue waters. Nisaki beach is safe for children since it is far from the road and the shops, while its waters can be a little deep in several places, but also with several shallow areas.
The main beach does not have sea urchins, but in the rocky areas at sea and in the surrounding rocky coves, you should be quite careful as there may be sea urchins - keep in mind those are a sign of the beach being extra clean.
To reach the beach you have to go down a few steps. Also in the area, you will find a beautiful tavern and some hotels where you can stay during your trip or shore excursion to Corfu.
Avlaki
Avlaki beach is located about 37 km north of Corfu town, between the villages of Agios Stefanos and Kassiopi. The beach is not crowded, nevertheless, it is a very nice beach with pebbles and clear crystal clear waters.
The beach has been awarded a blue flag. It is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, showers, toilets and changing rooms, water sports, as well as speedboats. In the area, there are some taverns that serve delicious local food and ample parking for cars, just opposite the end of the beach.
Kerasia
Kerasia -which in Greek translates to ‘cherry tree’- is one of the most beautiful beaches of Corfu and is located 7 km from Kassiopi and about 30 km from Corfu town. The beach is about 300 meters long and is surrounded by olive trees and pines, while it is covered with large white pebbles that lead to crystal clear blue waters.
The beach is flat with shallow waters, although it deepens sharply after a few meters. On the beach, there are sunbeds and umbrellas available, along with a shower, and a beautiful tavern. The beach of Kerasia is another Corfian beach that has been awarded a Blue Flag.
Ipsos
Ipsos beach - credits: greece.terrabook.com
On the northeast coast of the island, opposite Albania and the Greek mainland is the beautiful beach of Ipsos. It is a long and narrow pebble beach, with a very clear and shallow sea that deepens very gently, making it the ideal choice for families with young children.
The beach of Ipsos is organized with water sports, including windsurfing, pedal boats, paragliding as well as a pier from where boats start with organized day trips to the island. The beach is full of bars, shops, taverns, some hotels, and apartments for rent.
Ipsos also has two beautiful small harbors where you can see the fishermen with their daily fish or enjoy a romantic walk in the afternoon.
Liapades
Liapades is a picturesque and beautiful beach, located about 20 km away from the city of Corfu. It has blue crystal clear waters and is surrounded by green hills creating a unique landscape.
The beach is about 100 meters long. It is covered mainly by sand with some parts of pebbles and is organized with sunbeds umbrellas, canoes, and speedboats for rent.
In the area, there are about 15 hidden small beaches that you can explore, some of which can only be reached by boat or on foot. You can also find boats that organize excursions that cover most of these hidden beaches as well as the famous small caves of Paleokastritsa.
Acharavi
Acharavi beach is located on the north coast of Corfu and it is a developing resort with an 8 km long sandy beach that connects it with Roda. The beach is ideal for families and very safe for children since the seawater does not deepen sharply.
On the beach, you will find a variety of water sports such as windsurfing, pedal boats, water skiing, and paragliding. In the area, there are apartments for rent, some small hotels, and a variety of taverns and restaurants that serve delicious traditional dishes of Corfu in front of the beach.
Dassia
Dassia is located on the east coast of the island, opposite the Greek mainland and Albania, at a distance of about 13 kilometers northwest of Corfu town, in front of the homonymous tourist resort.
It is a large, well-organized beach with pebbles up to about 1 meter in the sea, where it changes to sand and has very clear and turquoise waters surrounded by olive and pine trees. The beach has been awarded a blue flag and is ideal for families with young children as it has shallow waters and is away from the main busy road.
On the beach, there are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, some bars on the beach, water sports, swimming platforms such as a diving center that is suitable for both experienced and beginners. There are taverns, snack bars, pizzerias, and for your stay a campsite, apartments, studios, and larger hotels.
Access from the island's capital is possible by regular buses, taxis or your own means of transport.
Kontogialos
On the west coast of the island, near the village of Pelekas is the beach of Kontogialos. This is a beach with sand and not very deep waters, ideal for those who seek tranquility and want to enjoy the summer sun in a very beautiful environment.
On the beach, there are some water sports, some taverns, and hotels by the sea. Kontogialos was recently awarded the blue flag, which is the distinctive award for its organization and cleanliness.
Ermones
Ermones is a rather quiet beach with sand and fine pebbles in western Corfu. The green rock formations that embrace it create a beautiful atmosphere. It has deep waters and is popular with water sports enthusiasts.
Gialiskari
A windless, small, sandy beach with trees that reach the shore, Gialiskari offers natural shade to bathers. In Gialiskari, you will relax and take a bath without noise and overcrowding. Enjoying the sun, admire the view of the rocks that protrude in the middle of the sea.
Agni
In northeastern Corfu, you will find the striking beach of Agni with pebbles and deep waters. It offers peace and seclusion to its guests. In the area, there are taverns and accommodation, providing you with all the necessary comforts to enjoy your time on the island.
Agios Georgios (Saint George)
In the area of Argyrades, southwest of the city of Corfu, is the beach Agios Georgios, away from the villages of the island. It extends to a length of 5 km. It is wide and its shallow and clear waters are ideal for family dives.
In some places, it is organized, while in the area you will find traditional taverns but also many accommodations. The green hills that surround it create a magnificent setting.
Benitses
Benitses is a beautiful cosmopolitan beach, south of the capital of Corfu, which combines sand, pebbles, and emerald waters with a magnificent landscape, full of olive trees and lush vegetation. Near the beach, there are hotels and tourist shops for your service.
That is, of course, if you can take your eyes off the striking sight of the beach.
Kalami
Kalami beach in northeastern Corfu is a quiet ideal for families beach with sand and fine pebbles. Its waters are shallow and will offer you peace and relaxation. In the area, you will find taverns and accommodation.
Kassiopi
Kassiopi beach in northeastern Corfu is one of the most popular beaches with pebbles and sand. It is a rather small but fully organized beach, with many hotels and taverns. Visiting Kassiopi beach is hands down one of the best things to do on Corfu island!
Pelekas
Pelekas beach - credits: mayorpelekasmonastery.com
Pelekas beach in western Corfu is a quiet sandy beach ideal for relaxation and games with children. In the area, you will find taverns, cafes, and many accommodation choices that will allow you the opportunity to rest and have a brilliant carefree time on the island.
Rovinia
You can reach the beach of Robinia by a dirt road that is quite narrow and steep. Regardless, the stunning beach is worth the effort. If you stay long enough and you are lucky, the floating bar will pass by - a boat that offers drinks and sandwiches for every bather who is hungry or thirsty!
Please keep in mind that Robinia beach is not for the faint-hearted: the waters may be incredibly clean, however they are ice cold!
Limnopoula
The wonderful beach "Limnopoula - Akoli" is probably one of the few isolated beaches on the island.
It is 32 km from the city of Corfu on the northeast coast of the island. It is more peaceful than any other beach on the island, while if you’re a fan of walking, it is worth the walk to get there.
Arillas
The beach of Arillas is one of the most beautiful ones in northern Corfu, with crystal clear waters, a beach bar, and apartments for rent. There, you will have the choice of restaurants and bars that serve great food.
As a result, it is preferred by lovers of comfort who want to spend their days on the island, relaxing and having a single worry on their minds.
Arkoudila
Arkoudila Beach is about 52 km from the center of Corfu and is located at the southern tip of the island. It is worth visiting the forest and the monastery above the beach, which make the setting one-of-a-kind! Don’t forget to pack your most comfortable shoes to reach the top before descending for a refreshing dive.
Astrakeri
Astrakeri beach is located on the north side of Corfu, at a distance of 39 km from the island's capital. With shallow waters and a wide shore, it is a pole of attraction for families with children. It is relatively organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, as well as taverns for fresh food.
Avrami
In a green landscape with a clear blue sea, Avrami beach is located 17 km west of Corfu town. There are sun loungers and parasols as well as hotel units. It is just as gorgeous as any other beach on the island, while its close proximity to the town and its accessibility makes it a favorite destination for both visitors and locals.
Moraitika
The beach in Moraitika consists of sand and pebbles, and its shallow waters are ideal for families with children. You can also find sun loungers with parasols and several shops along the beach.
Megas Choros
In Megas Choros beach, the blue of the sea unites with the blue of the sky that lures you into a wind whirl of emotions. It has a golden sandy beach and crystal clear waters that seem as good as a mirror. It is only 42 km from the center of Corfu and is located on the southeast side of the island.
If you ask them, the locals will tell you that if you are lucky, you can find yourself in front of the dolphin dance! The route you will take to reach the beach of Megas Choros is not so easy, especially if it is your first time on the island.
You will take the road to the port of Lefkimi, and afterward, you will go to the village of Perivoli. Then, you will follow the signs that lead to the beach. Prepare yourselves for jaw-dropping beauty.
Kanoula
This beach of Kanoula has located in the southern part of the island just 3 km from Kavos. Even at a time when the island is flooded with people, you will be alone on this beach! It has clear blue waters and a sandy beach.
Please keep in mind that in order to reach Kanoula beach, you will have to endure roads that are less than great. Don’t let that deter you from visiting this charming beach. Its serenity is medicine for the soul, while its waters are medicine for the body.
Cape Drastis
In Cape Drastis, you will see a wild, pristine, seductive landscape that will captivate you. In the area of Peroulades, northwest of the island you will come upon the Cape of Drasti. There, the image looks fake and you think it is taken from a postcard.
On the one hand, the soil formations and on the other the turquoise waters will make you enchanted and you do not want to leave the place. However, on the other hand, in order to approach it, you have to have to be prepared and own or rent a 4x4 vehicle because the road is not good.
It is perfect if you love adventure as it will provide you with nothing less!
Paradise
You can figure out all you need to know about this beach from its name, 'Paradise.' Once you see the enchanting landscape with crystal clear turquoise waters and the rocks around, you will not want to ever leave this place and this beach in particular.
It is located in the northwestern part of the island, which is accessible only from the sea. You do not need to have a boat to visit it. You can take the boat from Paleokastritsa or the coast of Liapades, and in a few minutes, you will enjoy your dives in the waters of a paradise on earth!
Final Thoughts
With an unmatched Venetian aura, awe-inspiring nature, historical and archeological interest, incredible tourist infrastructure, a historic city jewel, dozens of traditional villages, the famous Ionian landscape, and extraordinary beaches, Corfu is a special destination of Greek and international tourism that attracts a wide range of travelers.
This is why we include it as a must-visit destination in some of our Greece vacation packages.
Everyone is looking for the perfect beach, but they all have different criteria. Corfu may be famous for its stone cantonments and its traditions, but a "hidden" treasure for the island is the remarkable beaches -both the highly-advertised and the less-known ones.
Visit as many as you can during your trip to Corfu and make the most out of your time on the island. Your dives into the island’s transparent waters will be unforgettable!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the beaches in Corfu well-maintained and clean?
Can I engage in water sports activities at the beaches in Corfu?
Are the beaches in Corfu family-friendly?
How can I access some of the more remote or hidden beaches in Corfu?
Are there beaches in Corfu suitable for couples or those looking for a romantic atmosphere?
