Turquoise waters and landscapes of unparalleled beauty. A mini guide to Corfu's best beaches.
Corfu is a destination that has the whole 'package' and everything you could ask for from your holidays. It's no coincidence that the island has devoted fans from every corner of the world. Corfu has many faces, many choices for the traveler, and countless beaches. Cosmopolitan or secluded beaches, endless sandy stretches, dunes as well as lush coves with pebbles offer thrilling contrasts and satisfy every taste.
Paleokastritsa
You can't go to Corfu and not take a dip in Paleokastritsa, which is in the island's northwestern part, 25 km from Corfu Town. Paleokastritsa's beaches have sand and pebbles, crystal-clear turquoise waters (but quite cold even on the hottest days), and a backdrop of the area's impressive, verdant landscape. First you'll come across the organized beach of Agia Triada. At the end of Paleokastritsa, below the historic monastery (well worth a visit), lies the area's most famous beach, that of Agios Spyridon. There are also smaller coves for swimming, such as Alypa, Agios Petros, Ampelaki, and Platyakia. Just after the village entrance, you'll find the enchanting cove La Grotta with the bar of the same name (La Grotta). We suggest renting a boat to explore gorgeous nearby beaches that are accessible only by sea (such as Chomoi Beach or Paradise).
Agios Georgios Pagon
Agios Georgios Pagon is a long beach in the northwest, in the bay of the same name. The scenery is beautiful and the waters crystal clear and cool. The beach is organized and there's plenty of space if you want to avoid the crowds. It's especially loved by locals as well as the island's regular visitors. The afternoon maistros makes it ideal for windsurfing lovers.
Porto Timoni
Porto Timoni lies below the village of Afionas, in Corfu's northwestern part. Although it's no longer a secret, the beach remains relatively unexplored, as it's not accessible by car. It's essentially two different beaches separated by a narrow strip of land. The smaller is called Limni and the larger Porto Timoni. The waters are crystal clear and the shores are covered with fine, white pebbles. To get there, you'll need to leave your car in Afionas and walk for 20-25 minutes along a path through greenery with wonderful views. The beach isn't organized, so make sure you bring the essentials with you.
Sidari - Canal d’ Amour
On Corfu's northern shores, near the resort of Sidari, the much-photographed Canal of Love - or Canal d’ Amour - is a natural masterpiece worth seeing (whether you're in love or not). Thousands of tourists from every corner of the planet visit each year to swim there and gaze up close at the unique landscape of sculpted rocks. The white, sculpted clay cliffs create an impressive channel. Legend has it that couples who swim through this channel remain in love forever, or that those who manage to swim to its far end will find the love of their life.
Glyfada
Lush hills rise above the long, golden sandy beach of Glyfada on the island's west side, about 15 km from Corfu Town. The beach is super organized and among the island's most popular and cosmopolitan. It attracts everyone from a young crowd to families who prefer its shallow waters. Here you'll find restaurants, beach bars, and plenty of water sports.
Myrtiotissa
A top choice for naturists. Myrtiotissa is close to Glyfada but completely different. Scattered rocks, white sand, and crystal-clear deep waters set the scene at this beach, which has been the favorite of naturists on the island for decades. A little further north is the Monastery of Panagia Myrtiotissa, from which the beach takes its name. Access isn't easy. Leave your car before the steep descent and walk to the beach. Unfortunately, the sea has narrowed the beach in recent years, but it's worth going at least once for the experience. The scenery is magical.
Barbati
One of the Corfiots' favorite beaches, Barbati is ideal for those who prefer pebbles to sand and calm seas to big waves. Long and laid with white pebbles, it offers sunbeds, umbrellas, and plenty of restaurants and beach bars for all-day relaxation.
Agios Gordios
A vast and busy beach, about 20 km from Corfu Town. The rock formations, fine blond sand, clear waters, and the beach's amenities make it ideal for families. To the south it ends at a tall rock called Ortholithi. In Agios Gordios you'll find beach bars, restaurants, and a diving center.
Halikounas
Halikounas is one of the most exotic beaches you'll find on Corfu, in its southwestern part. Sand dunes start from Lake Korission, which lies close to the sea, and end in an endless, golden sandy beach. Windsurfers and kitesurfers love this corner of Corfu for its wind and waves.
Arkoudilas
An option for those seeking something away from the crowds. If you find yourself in Kavos and you enjoy nature walks, it's worth driving to the hill of Arkoudilas. A dense forest of cypresses, pines, mastic trees, and strawberry trees that ends in a steep cliff above the sea is the reward the island's southernmost tip offers explorers. There stands the Monastery of Panagia dating to 1700, while right below lies a secluded beach with crystal-clear waters.
