Corfu boasts an impressive array of beaches, ranging from busy, well-maintained sandy shores to serene, isolated spots perfect for those seeking tranquillity. With thirty Blue Flag-awarded beaches stretching across 217 km of stunning coastline, surrounded by lush forests, there is no shortage of breathtaking scenery.
Popular options include Halikounas, a sprawling sand dune with plenty of space and a kite surfing school, Kalamaki, a shallow beach ideal for families and young swimmers, and Glyfada, which offers a lively atmosphere, gorgeous scenery, and water sports. Whether you are after a relaxing day by the sea, or an action-packed adventure, Corfu has it all. Take your car rental and explore the best beaches on the Island.
North
Porto Timoni
Porto Timoni is a double beach near Afionas village on the west coast of Corfu. Known for its stunning scenery, including turquoise seas and towering green hills, it features two bays facing Agios Georgios and Mathraki island. The beaches can be accessed by foot from Afionas village or by boat from surrounding resorts, and the prevailing wind will help to decide which side to stay on.
Visitors should come prepared with sturdy footwear as the paths to the beach are narrow and rocky. No amenities are available, so bring your own food, water, and sun protection. The area also includes the cape of Akra Arilla with Neolithic period excavations and another rocky beach. The ascent back to the village can be challenging during the hot hours without any shade.
Canal d’amour
A cluster of three main beaches interspersed with fjords of soft sandstone, legend says that couples who swim together through the narrow canal will marry soon The unique rock formations, a result of erosion, are stunning, so bring a mask and flippers to enjoy the spectacular seabeds and caves.
Small, and easily overcrowded, most people stop for a swim and then head to neighbouring Sidari, where there are sunbeds and parasols, beach bars, seafood tavernas, watersport centres and a diving outfit. Small boats depart daily from the port to the Diapontia islands (Ereikoussas, Othoni and Mathraki).
Agios Stefanos
A nice, wide, sandy beach surrounded by hills with a gently shelving seabed is loved by families who stay at the nearby hotels. Well maintained and fully serviced, Agios Stefanos has a number of beach bars, tavernas and cafés and at the end of the beach, a small marina with boats that offer excursions along the coast and to local islets.
Almyros
After Agios Spyridonas, a superb 7 km (4.7 miles) long sandy beach begins. The first part of the beach is called Almyros and it is known for its sand dunes and shallow waters that offer a perfect, safe environment for young children. Peaceful and with plenty of room, there are frequent buses between Almyros and Corfu Town.
Apraos (Kalamaki)
A shallow, sandy beach, ideal for families with small children, Apraos lies between Kassiopi and Acharavi. Also known as Kalamaki, the beach is organised with beds, umbrellas and cafés but there is plenty of room for those who prefer to sunbathe away from others.
Astrakeri – Agios Andreas
When it is crowded at Roda and Sidari choose these two nearby beaches. The first has parasols and sunbeds for hire and the long wooden pier is perfect for diving, while Agios Andreas is backed by tamarisk trees for shade from the sun.
Kassiopi
The town has two sandy and pebbled beaches; the first is larger, to the west with umbrellas and nearby there are many restaurants and café-bars and water sports are offered. The second beach, which is closer to the cape of Kassiopi, is smaller and more beautiful.
Avlaki
Extensive, with white pebbles, Avlaki is just 2.5 km (1.8 miles) from Kassiopi. It has parasols, sunbeds and there are taverns for something to eat, while excursion boats ply along the coast. Quieter than neighbouring shorelines as the north wind can blow in the afternoon, watersport centres take advantage and offer a wide range for rental.
Acharavi
An extension of Avlaki beach, with equally shallow waters, Acharavi is a mix of fine sand and a few pebbles with views across to Albania. There are beachside restaurants and watersports are offered in the noticeably warm waters.
Rhoda
A busy, well-known, managed beach after Acharavi, with water sports, restaurants, and beach bars. At the foot of Mt. Pantokrator, Roda has grown from a fishing village to be a cosmopolitan resort with plenty of amenities and a lively nightscene.
West
Agios Georgios Pagon
Set in the mouth of a valley, Agios Georgios Pagon is a busy beach with coves surrounded by craggy cliffs. Ideal for families with soft sand and shingle, there are cypress trees to lend a natural air, and the restaurants and beach bars are perfect to watch the sunset from.
Agios Gordios
A very popular beach, Agios Gordios takes its name from the church at the centre of the beach. Surrounded by lush, green mountain cliffs and backed by olive groves and vineyards, the beach is blessed with golden sand and turquoise seas. Easily reached by bus from Corfu Town, the beach is organised with many tavernas and cafés nearby.
Glyfada
Glyfada is one of the best beaches with golden sands and sparkling green waters. Surrounded by wooded hills, it has cafés and beach bars that are loved by a young crowd attracted by the cocktails, music and party vibe. Fully organised with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, and watersports, the southern margin is quieter.
Ermones
A deep bay, 3.5 kilometres from the village of Giannades and 16 kilometres west of Corfu Town, Ermones has a small sandy beach in its cove, surrounded by steep green hills. It has parasols, sunbeds, hotels, shops, a dive centre, restaurants, and beach bars, but there are other secluded bays and beaches nearby for those in search of peace and quiet.
Myrtiotissa
One of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Myrtiotissa is a sandy paradise amid green cliffs and azure waters. Characterised by British writer Lawrence Durrell as ‘the loveliest beach in the world’, its dramatic landscape attracts many to its unspoilt shores despite a complete lack of facilities and a hike along a dirt path from the village of Pelekas.
Arillas
The first beach after the northwestern Kavokefali cape, the long sandy shoreline stretches for a couple of kilometres. Loved by families for its easy-going atmosphere, gently-sloping clean seas, and plentiful dining options, there is plenty of room for everybody with sunbeds and umbrellas grouped around the tavernas. There is parking on the beach front, regular buses to Corfu Town, and excursion boats that explore the surrounding area.
Paleokastritsa
Arguably the most picturesque village on the island, the landscape has a unique beauty with impressive cliffs amongst olive and pine forests, and six coves scattered around. All of them have sand or sand and shingle shores, brilliant green waters and are well organised with beach bars and tavernas. Snorkelling in the wonderful depths is highly recommended, and at Alypa there is a small harbour where boats depart for nearby deserted beaches. It is worth visiting the monastery of Panagia and Angelokastro while you are here.
Read also:
5 beaches in Corfu to avoid the crowds
Arkoudilas: A beach of wild beauty in Corfu
Korissia: The Lagoon in Corfu with Sand Dunes and a Cedar Forest
