Once you’ve decided on which Greek island to visit, the next big question is where to stay in Corfu. Though the island is not that big, you don’t want to get it wrong and end up tucked away in a sleepy secluded resort if your plan was to go clubbing every night, likewise, you probably don’t want to end up at a party place for 2 weeks if you’re a nature lover just looking to relax!
Fear no more, this guide will help you narrow down your options whilst helping you save time on your research as we’ve even provided some accommodation options for you.
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Best Places to Stay in Corfu
Corfu Town
If you want to stay somewhere in Corfu which has lots to do including plenty of great eateries, bars, museums, and sights, look no further than Corfu Town, the main settlement on the island. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed town features stunning Venetian architecture, a huge Old Fortress, the Spianada square, and labyrinthine shopping streets.
Corfu Town is also the only part of the island that is open year-round to tourists, so if you’re looking for a relaxing winter break with mild (but not hot) weather, this could be the place for you. Visitors can either stay in the heart of Corfu Old Town or opt for one of the nearby suburbs such as Kanoni or Mandouki, areas that are slightly quieter but still have easy access to the main town.
Recommended hotel in Corfu Town
One of the best hotels in Corfu Town is Siora Vittoria Boutique Hotel, a pristine 19th-century Venetian mansion that offers a calm oasis in the heart of the town. The hotel features spacious, elegant rooms with marble fixtures, wooden-beamed ceilings, and luxurious chaise-longues, with most bedrooms boasting garden views. The hotel is ideally situated for exploring the nearby attractions and it is the perfect choice for couples wishing to stay in Corfu’s Old Town.
Kontokali
Another superb family-friendly coastal tourist resort close to Corfu Town is Kontokali, a peaceful village ideal for relaxing but also sightseeing. Admire the stunning views over the Bay of Gouvia Marina out to the island of Lazaretto which sits just off of Corfu’s coast before visiting the village church, one of the oldest on the island, and walking the castle ruins.
If you’re feeling fit enough you can even walk the coastal road to cosmopolitan Gouvia in around half an hour, or hop in a taxi as from here you can take one of the many boat trips.
Kontokali’s blue flag sand and pebble beach with crystal clear shallow azure waters is ideal for the little ones, also being cordoned off from water sports. Organized with sunbeds and surrounded by beach bars, cafes, and tavernas you can find food to suit all tastes including traditional Greek dishes, fresh fish, and Chinese, Indian, and English food.
Recommended hotel in Kontokali
If you can afford it, splash out a little and stay at the magnificent Kontokali Bay Resort & Spa which is located on its very own peninsula with a private beach – bliss!
Gouvia
Gouvia is a lively, cosmopolitan resort containing the largest marina on the island and several sandy/shingle beaches where you can enjoy water sports including water skiing and paragliding, or head to one of the tiny coves and simply lay back and relax.
Horse riding excursions allow you to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area as you ride through the olive groves and orange plantations but being centrally located, you can easily reach all corners of the island when you rent a car, alternatively, take a day cruise or simply lose yourself in the beautiful backstreets shopping for souvenirs.
Recommended hotel in Gouvia
Popular with couples and families with accommodation to suit all budgets including the stunningly beautiful and romantic Art Hotel Debono which is set in a 32,000 m2 plot of olive trees and palm trees.
Gouvia is a more upmarket version of Kavos, this modern seaside resort good for nightlife with its karaoke bars and discos but also benefits from being close to the airport and just 15 minutes from Corfu Town ensuring a fantastic balance of sightseeing, beach time, and nighttime entertainment.
Ipsos
One of the most commercially developed and lively coastal resorts on the East coast of the island, situated 15km from Corfu Town, Ipsos tends to attract a young crowd due to its former 18-30 club days however, times are changing with Ipsos now also attracting families and couples.
There’s plenty to amuse visitors day and night with shops, a few clubs/discos, and plenty of pubs and bars including many English bars and pool bars not to mention the array of restaurants serving up anything you could wish for including all-day English breakfasts, Chinese and Indian cuisine, fast food, and traditional Greek cuisine.
Despite the tourism, Ipsos still benefits from natural beauty thanks to its shallow, green crystalline bay, its backdrop of mountains, and the view out to Albania’s coastline which you can get closer to by renting a boat, getting the water taxi to nearby Barbati Beach, going on a sightseeing boat trip, or scuba diving with the local diving centre.
The sea is shallow making it ideal for families, the beach along with a mix of sand and pebbles, organised with sunbeds, and the 2 jetty provides plenty of water sports activities including water skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
Recommended hotel in Ipsos
Youngsters seeking a good time will gravitate towards the beach road which is where most of the accommodation is located including the Onar Corfu Aparts & Studios but families seeking a more peaceful time can find tranquillity around the picturesque fishing port and in the village behind the busy main road.
Barbati
The beach resort of Barbati on the east coast of Corfu is a popular choice for families as it offers a great mix of mountains and beaches, relaxation, and convenient facilities. Many of the apartments and hotels here are situated on the hillside overlooking the sea, so visitors will benefit from having a car. The beach itself is safe and clean, and there are many sunbeds and parasols available for rent.
Boat tours and watersports are available throughout the season, so there is plenty to keep the kids entertained.
Recommended hotel in Barbati
One of the best hotels in the Barbati region is the Pantokrator Hotel, a gorgeous property located on the hillside with stunning views out to sea and a long, large swimming pool perched perfectly at the front to make the most of the vista! Both simple rooms and larger suites are available and there are a restaurant and snack bar on-site for added convenience.
Kassiopi
Another charming fishing village turned cosmopolitan resort perfect for couples, Kassiopi has an impressive Roman fortress towering above it where it is said that Antony and Cleopatra stayed before the battle of Actium.
An attractive resort, with many visitors returning year after year due to the welcoming hospitality, you’ll find the usual mix of souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars with Mount Pantokrator in the background and a picturesque fishing port with views across to the port of Saranda in Albania in the foreground.
Corfu Town is 35km to the South if you fancy a day trip of sightseeing whilst for beach days you can choose between the numerous tiny pebbled bays if you seek peace and quiet or opt for the larger organised pebbled beach if you want water sports facilities.
You can also rent a boat, go on one of the sightseeing boat trips, go scuba diving, play golf nearby, go horse riding, or simply wander through the backstreets stopping for a refreshing orange juice or beer in one of the trendy cafes on the square before heading back to the pool at your accommodation.
Recommended hotel in Kassiopi
As you’d expect Kassiopi has a wide variety of accommodation ranging from high-end hotels to budget studios, perhaps the Kassiopi Bay Apartments will take your fancy – the view is to die for!
Acharavi
The main town for the North of the island, 35km from Corfu Town, Acharavi is a beautiful flat area ideally suited to families and couples (especially those who might struggle with mobility where hills are concerned) who seek rest and relaxation but also a touch of fun.
It is split into 3 parts with the old village, new town, and seafront resort area, ensuring a little something for everyone – pretty architecture and winding backstreets in the old part, trendy coffee shops and all the everyday amenities including a post office and bank in the new part, and tourist amenities including hotels, studios, and apartments such as the self-catering Filorian Hotel Apartments down on the seafront, the sandy beach stretching for 3km and providing a stunning vantage point to watch the sunset with the added advantage of a nudist beach close by if that’s something you’re interested in, otherwise you’ll find beach volleyball and water sports on the main beach.
The town has its own Folklore Museum, a water park, and many hiking trails that lead from the town inland to a variety of traditional villages as well as Roman Bath ruins. Though not known for its nightlife, Acharavi has numerous tavernas and bars open until late.
Roda
This picturesque Summer resort village is located on the tip of the North coast, 35km from Corfu Town.
It has a cosmopolitan vibe with a lively nightlife scene, yet also manages to retain a sense of romance and tradition thanks to its old architecture including 17th-century church and 5th century BC ruins of the Temple Apollo making this a great place for all types of travellers; couples looking to relax, young adults looking to let their hair down without going too crazy, culture vulture solo travellers, and families, the kids sure to enjoy the mini go-karting facilities.
The 4km long blue-flag sand/shingle beach with shallow waters is set against a backdrop of mountains, the Pantokratoras mountains behind and the Albanian coastal mountain range across the crystal clear water. Organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, and water sports facilities, you can also hire a boat or go on a sightseeing day cruise to visit other areas of Corfu
Recommended hotel in Roda
All of the usual mix of cafes, tavernas, and bars can be found here along with supermarkets and souvenir shops together with beachfront hotels, self-catering apartments such as those at the Amorossa Village complex, and studios to suit all tastes and budgets.
Sidari
For a livelier party atmosphere, you’ll want to head to one of Corfu’s many resort towns. Kavos is arguably the most famous – popular among the 18-30 scene – but Sidari is a better option for a slightly older crowd. While the beach bars, clubs, restaurants, and watersports are some of the main draws for visiting Sidari, there is also the Canal d’Amour (Channel of Love) which is a popular tourist attraction.
This is a rocky channel filled with clear turquoise water which, according to legend, means that couples who swim through it will soon be married. Sidari is a good option for budget travellers as many of the hotels here are of great value, with most having some kitchenette facilities for those who don’t want to eat every meal out.
Recommended hotel in Sidari
Del Mare Beach Hotel is a fantastic choice for couples who want a hotel with a pool, garden, and sun terrace (as well as being close to the beach), and there is also an on-site bar to get the party started.
Agios Stefanos
An unspoiled fishing village resort that combines traditional whitewashed buildings with high-end hotels, Agios Stefanos, or San Stefanos as it’s otherwise known, is located on the northwest coast, 35km from Corfu Town.
Perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway as well as families with young kids, it has a 2km long blue-flag golden sand beach with sheltered waters making it the perfect place for teaching the kids to swim whilst the cliffs and caves are a dream for explorers with their snorkelling gear.
Alternatively, head off the beach for a spot of hiking through the olive groves being sure to admire the panoramic views at sunset.
If that all sounds a little too strenuous, meander through the village backstreets stopping to admire the chapel and pick up some souvenirs before deciding which traditional taverna to eat at, then head down to the harbour to see the fishing boats and the catch of the day! If another day on the beach doesn’t appeal, go on a day trip to Corfu Town or book a boat trip – you might get to see dolphins!
Recommended hotel in Agios Stefanos
With hotels and apartments to suit all tastes and budgets, Agios Stefanos is one of the most welcoming places on the island of Corfu, why not splash out with a stay at the amazing hillside Tereza’s Sunset Hotel where you can appreciate the breathtaking view every minute of your stay.
Agios Georgios
Otherwise known as San George (and not to be confused with the inland village of the same name), this pleasant and peaceful resort is tucked away on the Northwest coast, 35km from Corfu Town. It’s ideal for couples and families looking to escape the hustle and bustle and simply relax by the pool or on the golden sand beach which reaches over 5km ensuring enough space for everyone from the swimmers to windsurfers, scuba divers to lilo-floaters!
With the hills behind beautiful Agios Georgios covered in pine trees, it’s the ideal backdrop to enjoy a stroll, a bike ride, a hike or simply to enjoy the panoramic view from one of the cafes or bars with a drink in hand before enjoying a meal in one of the welcoming tavernas.
Recommended hotel in Agios Georgios
All of the accommodation here is small, family-friendly, and most often family-owned and run with a mix of small hotels such as the Stars Hotel as well as self-catering apartments, these either located on the seafront or on the roads just behind it.
Paleokastritsa
If you’re looking for a quieter part of the island then you’ll want to visit somewhere like Paleokastritsa in the north of Corfu. This small resort town features a number of traditional tavernas and studios as well as a handful of boutique hotels for the more discerning traveller.
Paleokastritsa not only has a collection of quaint coves, but it also boasts attractions like The Blue Eye Cave, the Monastery of Paleokastritsa, the Angelokastro, a Byzantine castle on a hilltop overlooking the sea.
As Paleokastritsa is located in the north, the sea here is renowned for being the coolest on the island, but this does mean that the beaches here don’t get anywhere near as busy as elsewhere on the island.
Recommended hotel in Paleokastritsa
The gorgeous Rapanos Apartments overlook the bay of Paleokastritsa and feature modern, bright furnishings throughout. While the property doesn’t include a pool, the apartments are located just 150 yards from the beach and most rooms feature a balcony that looks out to sea.
Liapades
A traditional Greek village that relies on tourism in the Summer and agriculture in the Winter, Liapades is located in an outstanding area of natural beauty known as The Ropa Valley on the northwest coast, 20km from Corfu Town.
Providing visitors with all that they need, from mini-markets to souvenir shops, car-rental services to cafes and bars located around the village square, Liapades is great for couples and families who seek an authentic Greek holiday as you can still see donkeys being led along the road to the village filled with quaint architecture and overflowing with Greek hospitality.
The sand and shingle beach, though only small, provides visitors with sunbeds and umbrellas along with access to other beaches on the island through water taxi services and organized boat tours. You can also rent a canoe for the day and see how far you get exploring the stunning coastline, there are 15 hidden beaches to be found, alternatively, get out on a hike whether you explore the coastline or head inland through the groves.
Recommended hotel in Liapades
You won’t find any modern chain hotels here, just family-run accommodation, mostly in the form of apartments and studios, many having sea-views, or hidden away in the trees such as the secluded Corfu Pearl which is an apart-hotel located on the edge of the village.
Kavos
Well known for being the 18-30 party place on the island, the sunny seaside tourist resort of Kavos, located 48km from Corfu Town, is also enjoyed by families who seek a ‘Brits Abroad’ budget-style holiday.
Boasting not 1 but 3 water parks, bungee jumping, an amusement park, football and tennis pitches, beach volleyball, go-karting, and boat trips plus a lively strip full of bars and clubs, Kavos is the place to go for fun-filled days and nights.
Kavos beach gets crowded in the peak summer months thanks to its 2km’s of soft sand and shallow waters but is well organised with sun umbrellas, sunbeds, beach bars, and water sports but, if visiting early in the season, it should be known that the water here is chilly due to the freshwater streams pouring into it.
Recommended hotel in Kavos
Most accommodation comes in the form of apartments and rooms with some hotels including the 3 star Mediterranean Blue hotel which has live Greek entertainment complete with traditional plate smashing and, as it’s located just outside the centre, you can be assured of a restful night’s sleep when your head does finally touch the pillow!
Moraitika
This modern tourist resort, situated around a gorgeous natural bay with a long sandy beach and a river, is located 20km from Corfu Town on the southeast of the island. Liked by young couples and families, you’ll find the usual tourist facilities with an array of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars, Moraitika has quite a lively feel once the sun goes down due to its music bars and discos.
This resort actually benefits from a split personality, there being an old village of the same name located above the coastal resort. Take a walk up the hill one day and admire the old houses, the church, and the breathtaking view, stopping for something to eat in one of the traditional tavernas before dropping back down to the coast and walking along the seafront to the adjoining resort of Messonghi.
The beach at Moraitika is both sandy and rocky, well-organised it has scuba diving facilities, windsurfing, and other water sports. You can take a boat trip to another part of the island or charter your own boat to explore the nearby coastline but if you don’t have your sea legs, you’re ideally located to rent a car and explore other parts of the island at your own pace.
Recommended hotel in Moraitika
In terms of accommodation, there are many apartments, studios, and hotels in the coastal part of this resort with rooms to rent mostly in the old part of the village – truly something for everyone whether you seek an adult’s only luxury resort, a family-friendly resort such as the beachfront Messonghi Beach Holiday Resort or a charming boutique hotel.
Benitses
This picturesque fishing village is a popular tourist resort for couples and families looking to relax and is ideally located in the middle of the island’s East coast, just 15 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from Corfu Town.
Sandwiched between sea and mountains, Benitses has 2 distinct parts, a traditional upper village with narrow streets and picturesque buildings which back onto woodland, and a cosmopolitan marina and seafront promenade full of shops, restaurants, and accommodation.
An ideal hiking and cycling destination, within the village you’ll find the Shell Museum aka the Sea Museum, ruins of the Roman Baths with mosaic floors, and 3 beaches one of which has an iconic rock in the sea known as the ‘People’s Rock’.
Recommended hotel in Benitses
Almost all water sports are available along the main blue-flag beach, where the majority of hotels are including the highly popular Eros Beach Hotel, the beaches having a mixture of sand and shingle and the cleanest seawater anywhere on the island due to the dark Posidonia marine plant filtering the water and helping to provide some of the tastiest seafood around.