Corfu, also known as Kerkyra, is the Green Island of the Ionian Sea and Greece. Thus, travellers spending their holiday throughout the island relish turquoise and emerald waters and pebble and sandy beaches. Moreover, many beaches feature resorts, hotels, and villas and are family-friendly. So, continue reading to learn where the best Corfu beaches for an active or traditional vacation are.
The Most Beautiful Corfu Beaches (With or Without Resorts)
According to Wikipedia, Corfu seaside is 217 km/135 mi long. And it features organized and pristine beaches that are near to each other. Therefore, Kerkyra Island is a great destination for beach hopping by boat or car.
Next, most beach resorts (Aeolos and Mareblue, for instance) and settlements line eastern (Corfu Town and Dassia) and northern (Roda and Sidari) shores. So, plan day trips accordingly to avoid delays due to peak times.
With this covered, let's see what the finest Corfu beaches are and where to find them.
1. Glyfada—The Most Popular Kerkyra Beach (West Coast)
Glyfada is a favourite Blue-flag beach for many Greek and international tourists. Verdant hills surround the long stretch of sand from three sides while the open sea waves wash its shore. Also, a couple of resorts and quite a few villas occupy the adjacent hill, offering sunset and the Ionian Sea views from vantage points.
The shoal is suitable for little children to splash and the adults to wade. Still, you won't wade long to enter the deeper waters to swim or dive. While enjoying Glyfada, keep an eye on the waves, which tend to grow when it is windy or the sea is restless.
Since the beach is quite popular, a lot of tourists come here during the summer season. However, finding a spot for yourself shouldn't be a problem due to its length. If you are in the company of beach volley fans, find a court at Glyfada's southern end.
There are sunbeds and parasols for rent available, as well as water sports, including adrenaline-pumping ones. To have some wet fun, rent a water ski, for example. If that isn't your thing, how about some pedalling on a sea bicycle?
How to Get From Corfu Town to Glyfada?
You'll find this outstanding sandy beach near Pelekas, a hillside village west of Corfu Town. To cover the 17-km (10-mi) distance from the island's capital, you would need around half an hour by car.
If you don't have a four-wheeler, resort to Green Buses to get there.
2. Barbati—The Finest Beach on Corfu’s East Coast
Barbati is the best Corfu beach located on the island's east side. Unlike Glyfada, it features tiny pebbles for those who don't like having sandy feet once out of the sea. Besides, you'll find this narrow Blue-flag beach in the namesake village at the wooded base of Mount Pantokrator, Corfu Island's highest point.
Edged by lush vegetation, Barbati is a photogenic beach featuring white gravel and peaceful waters.
But guess what?
It is more suitable for adults than young children (toddlers and preschoolers) because a few steps separate the shore from deep waters. OK, you may think now that a swim belt would solve the problem.
However, there's more.
Underwater currents tend to carry you away regardless of the calm water surface. Stop swimming, and you'll see for yourself.
Yet, Barbati's crystalline waters make for excellent snorkelling and water sports. Paddleboards, parakites, jet skis, and wakeboards are some available entertainment options. Also, loungers and umbrellas are available for rent, while beach bars and taverns offer various refreshments, such as juices, coffee, and cocktails.
For additional drinking and dining options, explore Barbati Village, which is next to the beach.
How to Get to Barbati?
Travelling to Barbati by car is simple. Just follow the road from Corfu Town, the capital of Kerkyra Island, via Gouvia, Dassia, and Ipsos to get there.
You may experience delays depending on the time of the day since this route is among the most travelled on the island. Typically, though, around half an hour should be enough.
3. Paleokastritsa—The Most Scenic Beaches of West Corfu
Paleokastritsa, a famous Corfiot seaside resort, is the next mandatory stop for your beach hopping. It is a cosmopolitan destination and a favourite holiday spot among Kerkyra visitors. The village consists of several bays with organized beaches, but the most famous is at its western end.
What Are the Highlights of Paleokastritsa Village?
Sitting between two hills teeming with greenery, Agios (Saint) Spiridon Beach combines soft sand and small pebbles. Big waves can't penetrate the cove, which makes the water surface peaceful most of the time. Also, entry into the water is gradual, rendering Paleokastritsa one of the best Corfu beaches for families and the elderly.
Maybe you think now: "I wouldn't go to the seaside to feel like I'm swimming in a lake." If so, the solution is just around the corner. The neighbouring inlet faces the open sea, so you are likely to entertain yourself there, especially if winds power the waves.
Either way, bring your fins, mask, and snorkel to explore the underwater world since the sea is transparent. If diving isn't among your strengths, pay a visit to the adjacent Corfu Aquarium.
Also, rent a paddleboat, speedboat, or some other vessel or join a boat tour to explore nearby bays and beaches. While you are about it, search for the Blue Eye Cave at the base of the rocky hill between Agios Spiridon and Verderosa beaches.
In addition, both beaches receive a lot of holidaymakers during the summer season. Thus, come early to secure the best spot.
What Facilities Are Near Agios Spiridon Beach?
If you arrive by car, there are two parking lots nearby.
One is between the beaches we mentioned, and you virtually need to cross it to get from one to another. Note, however, that you are unlikely to find shade there since the space is open entirely. So, try to find a free spot at another (unofficial) parking area.
Given that you came to Paleokastritsa for a day trip, make use of a public shower. Also, replace your swimsuit in a changing cabin. Besides, there is a selection of restaurants and bars where you can fill your belly and have a drink.
Finally, the resort is well-developed, featuring quite a few hotels and villas.
Take note, though.
You could have a half-bird perspective of Paleokastritsa and beyond. To enjoy such a benefit, book a holiday home in Lakones, a village sitting on the green slopes of the adjacent hills.
Commuting between these points by car usually takes around 15 minutes.
How Far Is Paleokastritsa Bay From the Capital of Kerkyra?
The distance between the bay and Corfu Town is approximately 25 km/15 mi, depending on the road you take.
The shortest route takes you via Kontokali, Gouvia, and Felekas. Travel times also vary but are usually between 30 and 40 minutes.
4. Agios Gordios—The Best Town Beach on the Island
The best Corfu beaches list without Agios Gordios would be like Hansel without Gretel or Frodo without Sam. Thus, make sure to include it in your beach hopping itinerary. You'll find the picturesque beach in the town of the same name, on the western shore of Central Corfu.
Agios Gordios is a long beach surrounded by hills teeming with olive groves, vineyards, cypress trees, and other greenery. The shoal is ideal for little children in the absence of big waves coming from the sea. As for the grown-ups, the depth suitable for swimming and snorkelling is close enough.
Some beach facilities available on Agios Gordios are:
- Wooden boardwalks to keep your feet from burning during the hottest time of the day
- Sunbeds and umbrellas
- Taverns and cocktail bars along the beach
- Water sports rentals, such as banana boats, paddle boats, and canoes
- And a water ski school
More so, there are nightlife facilities available in the resort. So, consider Agios Gordios if you like having a traditional holiday at the seaside.
Also, note that, due to its popularity, this particular Corfiot destination brims with travellers and activity, especially during July and August.
Getting to Agios Gordios
The resort town lies up to 20 kilometres (13 miles) southwest of the capital of Kerkyra Island depending on the route. To cover the distance, you'll need 30 to 40 minutes by car, on average. The shortest route leads via Chrisiida, Souleika, and Sinarades.
The public Green Bus service operates between Agios Gordios and Corfu Town.
5. Porto Timoni—The Best Secluded Beach of Kerkyra Island
Now, we come to a northwestern Corfu beach in its original state. Actually, Porto Timoni consists of two beaches ducked in inlets between the island's mainland and the attached promontory. As such, all you'll find there are stones, pure waters, and a tiny church on the adjoined cape.
Porto Timoni and Pirate Beach are small. The latter faces the blue horizon from its cove. The former, however, is oriented toward a sheltered bay and the Agios Georgios Pagon village.
As you won't find any beach facilities there, bring water, snacks, and other supplies. Also, fetch sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and a parasol since only low vegetation thrives there. Given that stones, some of which are large, stand between the shore and deeper waters, you should have water shoes, too.
The turquoise waters of the beaches are impeccably clean, which places them among the best Corfu beaches for diving and snorkelling. So, a mask and fins are mandatory gear. A bit away from the left beach, you can climb a rock emerging from the sea and have fun jumping into the water.
A Visit to Porto Timoni—Things to Have in Mind
You can get there by boat from the sea or by land. If you opt for the second option, you'll have to get down a slope from the Afionas village—that grows steep at times—on foot. And, that's quite a long descend that'll take you 15 or 20 minutes, at least.
And, don't let this challenging part put you off. Once you arrive, you are sure to enjoy the fruits of your effort.
Also, you would do well to visit Porto Timoni earlier or later (if you have a boat) during the day. The beaches are tiny and remote, that's true. But, they don't require a lot of vacationers to become crowded.
The Corfu Town to Porto Timoni Route
The direct route leads from the biggest Corfiot town to Porto Timoni via Gouvia, Skripero, and Agros. If you go by car, leave the vehicle in Afionas, and proceed to the stony cove on foot.
On average, the drive to Afionas lasts around an hour. Calculate 20 to 30 extra minutes to reach the bay by walking.
6. Ermones—The Best West Corfu Beach for Sunset Views
Picking the ten best Corfu beaches for viewing sunset would be a piece of cake. It gets tricky when you need to narrow it down to one. And our favourite in this regard is Ermones Beach.
It assumes the perfect position to relish moments when the sun plunges beyond the blue horizon. And those pass quickly, so make the best of the time you have.
But, is this beach right for you?
Pebble Ermones Beach isn't long, and gradual entry into the water benefits families with children. Since it faces the open Ionian Sea expanse, keep an eye on the waves.
If you are after sunbathing in a peaceful atmosphere in a scenic environment, you'll love Ermones Beach. Tourists looking for water sports and entertainment, on the other hand, should look elsewhere (Agios Gordios, for example). Also, the nearest store selling groceries and other necessary goods is up to 10 minutes away by walking.
Lastly, there are resorts, villas, and taverns around Ermones. And given its location, it makes an excellent base for Corfu beach hopping and exploring.
How Far Is Ermones From Kerkyra Island’s Capital?
The distance between Corfu's biggest town and Ermones Beach is 17 kilometres (10.5 miles). The road takes you via Alepou, Agios Ioannis, then by Aqualand Water Park, and, finally, through Kokkini Village. Given that you don't get stuck in a traffic jam, the journey should last around 30 minutes.
Other Top Rated Beaches of Corfu Island
The story of mind-blowing Corfu beaches doesn't end here. And in time, we'll introduce more of them. For now, though, let's mention some:
- First, Paradise Beach (Chomi) is accessible only by the sea since the high vertical cliff edges this pebbly slice of heaven. Taxi boats operate from Paleokastritsa.
- Second, Kalamaki, located between Kassiopi and Agios Spiridon in the north, is a sandy, child-friendly beach. Taverns, loungers, and umbrellas are available, but it lacks showers.
- Next, Dassia is a family-friendly beach of the adjacent resort that is an excellent base for exploring the Green Island. Being narrow but a few kilometres long, it boasts crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and diving. Trees in the background offer welcoming protection from the scorching midday sun.
- Myrtiotissa, Glyfada's neighbour, is among the best sandy Kerkyra beaches. Narrow with a cliff in its background and without tourist facilities, Myrtiotissa is popular among topless holidaymakers.
- Finally, Nissaki, located next to Barbati in a sheltered bay, features alternating turquoise and dark blue waters. In addition, trees and a rocky landscape make for a perfect setting for photo sessions.
The Best Corfu Beaches Summary
So far, we have introduced beaches of Kerkyra that are:
- Child-friendly
- Suitable for water sports enthusiasts
- Cater to solitude seekers
- Ideal for enjoying colourful sunsets
- Featuring sea-view accommodation
- And are perfect bases for Corfu Island beach hopping and sightseeing
However, the Emerald Island of the Mediterranean has many other beaches that Top Travel and Tours will cover in time. So, check back once in a while for additional information and insights.
Moreover, Corfu is one of the best Greek destinations for an active holiday. So, read our Top Corfu Attractions guide to learn what points of interest you shouldn't miss while here.
