Situated off Greece’s northwest coast is the stunning island of Corfu. Surrounded by the Ionian Sea, the island is known for its unique heritage which includes a mixture of French, British, and Italian cultures. It features a beautiful rugged coastline that is lined with magnificent resorts, shops, and restaurants.
In addition to this, the island is also home to numerous beaches which range in their scenery and atmosphere. If you’re interested in learning more about the best beaches to visit while in Corfu, you’ll definitely want to consider the ones listed below.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.
A Guide to the Best Beaches in Corfu
Beaches in Corfu Map
1. Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa is a village believed to be where the mythical Phaeacians once lived. It’s filled with the ruins of monasteries and has over six different beaches. These beaches include Agios Spiridon, Alipa, Ampelaki, Agios Petros, Agia Triada, and Platakia.
The beaches feature beautiful views of the local mountains and are some of the best places on the island for diving and swimming. The beaches are also filled with cafes and restaurants which serve local favorites`, such as Sofrito and Pastitsada.
2. Sidari
Sidari is situated on the northern section of Corfu and is a very small beach. However, despite its size, it’s considered a hidden gem. The beach features brilliant turquoise water and is lined with colorful umbrellas. While it’s the perfect place to sit back and unwind, it’s also ideal for photography and water sports, such as parasailing and windsurfing.
Sidari is also known for being home to the Canal d’Amour. This stunning rock formation lies just off the coast and features coves you can swim in. In fact, local legend states that if you swim through the passageway of the Canal d’Amour, you will meet your true love within a short amount of time. This beach is also just a short drive away from Corfu Town which is the capital city of the island and known for its old fortresses.
3. Glyfada
Glyfada is one of the most popular beaches in Corfu. This sandy beach surrounded by lush vegetation offers a wide range of facilities including umbrellas, sunbeds, and watersports. The beach is only 16 km away from Corfu town and it is easily accessible. In Glyfada Beach, you will also find cafes and tavernas.
4. Issos Beach
Issos Beach resides next to Korission Lake and is popular for its sand dunes and clear water. The beach is lined with blue umbrellas and features a long shoreline so there are plenty of places to explore. Due to its location, wind gusts can be a little strong here, but this makes it a good spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Issos Beach is also surrounded by a forest which features a long pathway winding through it. This pathway will take you through the nearby area and even up to a small hillside where you’ll be able to get incredible views of the beach.
5. Agios Georgios Pagon
Agios Georgios Pagon is situated in a resort town and is considered to be one of the best beaches in Corfu thanks to its extremely clear water. The beach is bordered by olive and cypress trees and provides views of the surrounding cliffs and historic villages. While here, visitors can go swimming, sunbathing, or take a boat ride out to the nearby uninhabited islands.
You’ll also discover a few diving centres you can visit where you’ll be able to explore the water under the eye of a professional. When you’re done spending the day at the beach, you could stop by one of the many coffee shops that are located nearby.
6. Ipsos Beach
Ipsos Beach is a heavily-developed area making it ideal for those who want easy access to shops, markets, and cafes while enjoying a day at the beach. The beach features breathtaking greenish-blue water and is a good spot for swimming as the water isn’t very deep.
There is a small fishing port nearby and you’ll be able to watch the ships coming in with their goods. The beach also offers views of Mount Pantokrator which is one of the tallest mountains in Corfu. While here, you can hop on a boat tour that will take you around the beach or to nearby Corfu Town.
7. Agios Gordios Beach
Agios Gordios Beach is located in the southern section of Corfu and is a sought-after destination for many. It not only is situated near many resorts, shops, and restaurants but massive vineyards as well. The beach is bordered by olive trees and towering mountains that are covered in thick forests. While here, you’ll discover plenty of things to do, such as swimming and water sports. The beach has plenty of boats, kayaks, and canoe rentals you can take out on the water.
In addition to this, Agios Gordios Beach provides views of Ortholithi, a nearby rock formation that peeks up out of the sea. When you’re done spending some time at the beach, you could wander through the nearby villages which feature structures built with traditional Greek architecture.
8. Dassia Beach
Dassia Beach is situated in southern Corfu and offers sweeping views of the nearby mountains and the Monastery of Pantokrator. It was one of the first beaches to be developed as a resort town on the island. The beach features a mixture of sand and pebbles and is lined with umbrellas and sunbeds.
It’s also bordered by ancient trees which provide shade on the hottest days of the year. For those who want to enjoy some time out in the water, you can swim or head over to a small diving platform located in the middle of the beach.
9. Kalami Beach
Kalami Beach is in the northern part of Corfu and is surrounded by a lush hillside that is dotted with houses. It gained popularity worldwide after author Lawrence Darrell used it as the inspiration for his book Prospero’s Cell. The beach is known for its crystal-clear water and white pebbles that are mixed into the sand.
Kalami Beach offers plenty of outdoor activities to do, such as swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing. Because it is located near forests, it’s also a great place to go hiking and search for local wildlife. Kalami Beach tends to be very quiet, making it perfect for those who are searching for a tranquil beach to relax at.
10 Liapades Beach
Liapades Beach is located on the southern coast of Corfu and is filled with vineyards and buildings that showcase beautiful displays of Ionian architecture. The surrounding deep blue water is filled with a vast amount of marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkelling. You’ll also find a few coves to swim into where you can take a break from the crowds.
The beach is surrounded by a small traditional village that visitors can trek through to chat with locals or visit quaint shops and cafes. However, you won’t find hotels here as the streets tend to be very narrow. Because of this, you’ll need to find a way to travel to the beach if you want to check it out.
11. Barbati Beach
Barbati Beach is surrounded by hills and forests providing visitors with unique scenery as they enjoy a day at the beach. The beach’s shoreline is filled with shiny white pebbles and is a good place for swimming and water sports. There are a few small boat tours available for those who want to venture out to explore the nearby bay.
The beach is also located next to a village that features many bars that sell traditional drinks, such as ginger beer and kumquat liqueur. Barbati Beach is easy to access, although the pathway to it is unpaved.
12. Peroulades Beach
Peroulades Beach is very narrow but features impressive views of the local scenery. The beach is well-known for its white rocky cliffs that provide a stunning contrast against the surrounding light blue water.
While it might be a tough spot for sunbathing, it’s ideal for those who want to go swimming or just take a stroll. You could also travel to nearby Cape Drastis while here with a local boat tour to view more of the area’s staggering white cliffs.
Peroulades Beach is a popular destination in Corfu to view sunsets. Keep in mind it might be a little difficult to reach as you need to travel down a narrow and rocky pathway.
Corfu is not only a wonderful place to learn more about history, but enjoy some time at the beach as well. The island contains some of the world’s most impressive beaches, such as the ones mentioned above.
They not only offer marvelous views of the surrounding coastline but plenty of unique experiences which range from diving expeditions to cafes with freshly-caught seafood. No matter which beach you decide to stop by at while visiting Corfu, you can be sure it will be a trip you’ll never forget.