Last updated on June 20th, 2025 at 07:22 pm
Looking for the best Corfu beaches?
From wild coves to golden sandy stretches, Corfu Beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Whether you’re after family-friendly shores, hidden snorkeling spots, or buzzing beach bars, this guide will help you discover the perfect beach for your trip.
What Makes Corfu’s Beaches Special?
What sets Corfu apart is the combination of natural beauty, variety, and accessibility. You’ll find everything here: wide sandy shores perfect for families, secret coves for peaceful swims, dramatic cliffs for scenic views, and lively beach bars for those who enjoy a social vibe by the sea.
Many of Corfu’s beaches proudly hold Blue Flag awards for cleanliness and water quality, making them ideal for both swimming and snorkeling.
Where to Find the Best Sandy Beaches on Corfu
For soft sand and wide-open spaces, head to the southwest coast — areas like Issos, Halikounas, and Marathias are favorites. These beaches are easily accessible from central and southeastern Corfu, with numerous facilities nearby.
If you prefer quieter, hidden spots, explore the small coves of Erimitis on the northeast coast or seek out the beautiful secluded bays south of Paleokastritsa.
The west coast offers long sandy stretches like Glyfada and Agios Gordios, backed by impressive green hills. In contrast, the east coast is dotted with popular, family-friendly beaches closer to Corfu Town.
Maps with Corfu Beaches
Corfu Beaches by Type (Map)
Corfu Beaches Route (Map)
Use these maps to explore Corfu’s beaches grouped by type — sandy, pebbly, quiet, family-friendly, and more.
Useful Tips for a Perfect Beach Day
- Bring reef shoes if you’re planning to visit pebble beaches; they make getting in and out of the water much easier.
- Pack sunscreen and a hat; the Corfu sun can be intense, especially in July and August.
- Arrive early to secure a good spot at the more popular beaches, especially during high season.
- Carry cash, while most organized beaches have cafes and sunbed rentals, some smaller places may not accept cards.
- Snorkel gear is a must — many rocky coves are excellent for underwater exploration.
Things to Avoid
- Avoid leaving valuables unattended. Corfu is generally safe, but busy beaches can attract opportunistic theft.
- Be cautious of sea urchins near rocky areas, especially in secluded coves.
- Skip the midday hours (12 PM–3 PM) for long sunbathing sessions, and enjoy a long lunch at a seaside taverna instead.
Recommended Beaches for Different Tastes
- For families: Glyfada, Agios Georgios Pagon, or Kalami.
- For adventure: Halikounas (ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing).
- For peace and quiet: Erimitis coves or Stelari Beach (access by boat).
- For beach bars and fun: Kontogialos or Ipsos.
Getting There
Most of Corfu’s top beaches are just 20 to 40 minutes by car or bus from Corfu Town. Renting a scooter or car gives you the freedom to discover hidden gems along the way, and you’ll be amazed by the changing scenery, from olive groves to dramatic cliffs.
Wherever you go, Corfu’s beaches promise memorable days of sun, sea, and natural beauty.
Best Beaches in Corfu (Counterclockwise Coastal Route)
Sidari & Canal d’Amour
- Location: North coast
- Why Visit: Famous for its unique sandstone formations and the legend of the Canal d’Amour, swim through the narrow channel, and local tradition says you’ll find your true love. Great for photos, but the main beach itself is small and busy.
- Good For: Couples, sightseeing, unique rock formations
- All about Sidari beaches
Loggas Beach (Peroulades)
- Location: Northwest coast, near Sidari
- Why Visit: Known for its impressive vertical cliffs and spectacular sunsets. The beach itself is narrow and disappears at high tide, but the dramatic scenery is worth the visit.
- Good For: Sunset views, dramatic landscapes
- Visit Peroulades and Loggas beach
Agios Georgios Pagon (North)
- Location: Northwest coast
- Why Visit: Huge sandy bay, clear shallow waters, well-organized but not crowded. One of the island’s best beaches for a relaxing swim.
- Good For: Families, easy swimming, great views
- More for Agios Georgios
Porto Timoni (Double Bay)
- Location: Northwest coast, near Afionas village
- Why Visit: Two wild coves connected by a thin strip of land. Reachable by a hike or boat. No facilities — bring water and snacks.
- Good For: Adventurers, hikers, snorkelers
- See more for Porto Timoni
Paleokastritsa Beaches
- Location: West Coast
- Why Visit: Beautiful green surroundings, pebble coves, great for snorkeling. Plenty of organized facilities.
- Good For: Scenic beauty, swimming in cooler waters, photography
- See Corfu’s hidden paradise beaches
Rovinia Beach
- Location: Near the village of Liapades on Corfu’s west coast, about 20 km from Corfu Town.
- Why Visit: Crystal-clear turquoise waters with white pebbles, it’s one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches on the island. — No organized facilities.
- Good For: Scenic beauty, swimming, photography
- More about Rovinia
Myrtiotissa Beach
- Location: West coast, near Pelekas
- Why Visit: Often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, it is surrounded by cliffs and lush greenery and historically known as a nudist beach, though mixed today.
- Good For: Seclusion, nature lovers, nudists
- More about Myrtiotissa Beach
Glyfada Beach
- Location: West coast, near Pelekas
- Why Visit: Golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and beach bars. One of the most popular and organized beaches on the island.
- Good For: Families, organized facilities, beach bars
- See more about Glyfada
Kontogialos (Pelekas Beach)
- Location: West coast, near Pelekas
- Why Visit: Wide sandy beach with a relaxed atmosphere. Fewer crowds than Glyfada, with tavernas and sunbeds available.
- Good For: Families, swimming, relaxation
- More for Kontoyalos beach
Issos Beach
- Location: Southwest coast, adjacent to Korission Lagoon
- Why Visit: Vast, golden sandy expanse with impressive dunes and clear, shallow waters. Popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- Good For: Watersports enthusiasts, adventurous swimmers, nature photography
- Highlights: Easy parking near the entrance, a couple of beach bars with sunbeds and umbrellas, access to walking trails around the lagoon and dunes.
- Family Tips: The shallow waters are safe for kids, but bring extra shade as the dunes get very hot in midday sun. Sand toys are a good idea for children here.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat and crowds; sunset over the dunes is spectacular.
- Nearby Tavernas: Traditional tavernas in the nearby village of Agios Georgios South, like *Taverna Kafesas* or *Seagulls Restaurant*.
- Click for more about Issos
Chalikounas Beach
- Location: Southwest coast, stretching along the edge of Korission Lagoon
- Why Visit: Wild, narrow sandy strip separating the lagoon from the open sea. Untouched scenery and constant breeze, perfect for kitesurfers.
- Good For: Nature lovers, wind sports, peaceful walks along the dunes
- Highlights: Limited facilities—one or two rustic beach bars, parking available but fills up in high season, excellent birdwatching by the lagoon.
- Family Tips: The beach can be windy and waves can be rough for small kids; it is better suited to older children who enjoy playing in the sand or watching kite surfers. Bring water and snacks.
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon when the sun lowers and the heat eases, ideal for walks along the dunes and birdwatching near the lagoon.
- Nearby Tavernas: Small tavernas at the entrance to the beach or in the nearby village of Vraganiotika, such as *Avra Taverna* for fresh seafood and local dishes.
- More about Chalikounas
Agios Georgios South
- Location: Southwest coast
- Why Visit: A huge, sandy beach with calm, shallow waters. Popular but never too crowded, thanks to its size. Good choice for families and swimmers.
- Good For: Families, swimming, relaxed atmosphere
- Visit Agios Georgios South
Marathias Beach
- Location: Southwest coast
- Why Visit: Golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and well-organized but peaceful. A favorite among locals.
- Good For: Couples, families, soft sand
- Find out about Marathia beach
Gardenos Beach
- Location: Far southwest coast, near Vitalades village
- Why Visit: Quiet, long sandy beach with crystal-clear waters. Local tavernas and plenty of space for peace and quiet.
- Good For: Seclusion, traditional atmosphere
- More details for Gardenos Beach
Arkoudila Beach
- Location: South tip of Corfu, near Lefkimmi
- Why Visit: Wild, remote sandy beach, accessible via a downhill path through olive groves. No facilities, bring everything with you.
- Good For: Adventurous visitors, solitude, wild beauty
- Full guide to Arkoudila
Messonghi Beach
- Location: Southeast coast, near Moraitika
- Why Visit: Pebble-sand mix, shallow waters, family-friendly, with tavernas nearby. Offers a relaxed beach atmosphere.
- Good For: Families, a low-key day at the beach
- Read more about Messonghi Beach
Small Bays South of Benitses
- Location: Southeast coast
- Why Visit: A series of small, hidden pebble beaches, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. Bring supplies.
- Good For: Couples, peaceful swims, scenic drives
- Benitses area, Beaches and more
Dassia Beach
- Location: East coast, near Ipsos
- Why Visit: Calm, shallow waters with a pebble-sand mix. Watersport options are available. A popular area for hotels and families.
- Good For: Families, water activities, easy access
- Dassia beach
Ipsos Beach
- Location: East coast, northeast of Corfu Town
- Why Visit: Long pebble beach with shallow, clear waters. Lined with cafes and bars. Great for young travelers and a social atmosphere.
- Good For: Budget travelers, nightlife, swimming
- All about Ipsos beach
Beaches around Kassiopi
- Location: Northeast coast
- Why Visit: Charming pebble beaches like Kanoni and Bataria, close to Kassiopi village. Crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
- Good For: Families, snorkeling, cafes nearby
- Beaches around Kassiopi
Erimitis Bays
- Location: Northeast coast, near Kassiopi
- Why Visit: Wild, untouched coves surrounded by lush vegetation and limestone cliffs. Reachable by foot or boat.
- Good For: Privacy, nature, swimming in crystal waters
- Erimitis beaches in detail
Acharavi Beach
- Location: North coast
- Why Visit: Long, pebbly beach with shallow entry and plenty of tavernas and cafes. Great base for families and couples.
- Good For: Families, easy facilities, relaxed atmosphere
- All about Acharavi
Other Sandy Beaches Worth Mentioning
Santa Barbara Beach
Nestled near Perivoli in the southwest, Santa Barbara is a peaceful, sandy beach ideal for those seeking tranquility away from the busiest spots. Its soft sand and calm waters make it perfect for relaxing or gentle swimming.
For more, visit Santa Barbara
Kavos Beach (yes, that Kavos)
Kavos, located at the Southeastern tip of the Island, has sandy stretches, and while it is known for its party scene, it might appeal to certain readers.
See more about Kavos
Arillas Beach
Located on Corfu’s northwest coast, Arillas offers a long stretch of fine sand with shallow, clear waters. Popular with families and visitors seeking a laid-back atmosphere, it boasts several tavernas and sunbed rentals without feeling overcrowded.
Roda Beach
On the northeast coast, Roda Beach boasts wide sandy shores and shallow waters, great for families with children. It’s well-organized with amenities and has a lively village atmosphere nearby, blending convenience with a classic beach experience.
More about Roda
Almyros Beach
Just south of Acharavi, Almyros is a quiet sandy beach with crystal-clear waters. Less frequented by tourists, it offers a peaceful setting with beautiful natural surroundings, ideal for those wanting to escape the crowds.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Corfu’s Beaches?
- May to October for swimming.
- June & September = ideal weather + fewer crowds.
- Avoid August for crowds, unless you love busy beach bars.
Wrapping Up
Corfu is a true paradise for beach lovers, with a seemingly endless coastline waiting to be explored.
Wherever the sea meets the land, you’ll find a place to swim, from lively, organized beaches to hidden little coves known only to locals.
In this guide, we’ve highlighted the largest and most popular beaches, the ones that draw visitors year after year. But they’re just the beginning. All around Corfu, especially along the east, north, and west coasts, countless small, secluded bays invite you to discover your private slice of paradise.
Insider Tip: As a rule of thumb, the best sandy beaches are mostly found along Corfu’s west and north coasts, offering wide, golden shores and crystal-clear waters. In contrast, many of the picturesque coves beneath Paleokastritsa are pebbly, adding to their rugged, wild charm. The eastern side of the island, known for its calm waters, mainly features pebble beaches, though there are exceptions, like the sandy stretches at Messonghi and the Alykes of Lefkimi in the southeast.
Whether you love long stretches of golden sand or quiet pebbly hideaways, Corfu’s beaches promise something unforgettable for every traveler.
See All the Best Corfu Beaches
Stelari Beach: How to Get to This Hidden Gem of Corfu
Stelari Beach is a beautiful, secluded paradise nestled along the west coastline of Corfu. It belongs to the beautiful hidden beaches of west Corfu.
Porto Timoni Beach: How to Get to this Scenic Corfu Beach
If you’re looking for a perfect and beautiful beach getaway, then look no further than Porto Timoni beach in Corfu, Greece. How to Get there.
Bataria and Pipitos Beaches in Kassiopi Corfu
Bataria and Pipitos are the most famous beaches at the Northeastern tip of Corfu island, with beautiful pebble beaches in small isolated coves scattered all around the area.
Rovinia Beach: How To Visit This Corfu Gem
Rovinia beach is a small, remote, beautiful, and unspoiled beach in west Corfu. It is considered the most beautiful beach in Corfu.
Paleokastritsa Beaches & 7 Nearby Secluded Paradises
Under Paleokastritsa, there are some high cliffs that end abruptly on the coast to create beautiful hidden beaches in Corfu.
Mirtiotissa: The Corfu Nudist Beach of the 80’s
Myrtiotissa is on the western coast of the island, and isolated, therefore since the 60`s it was the nudist beach of Corfu.
Gardenos Large Sandy Beach at Vitalades Corfu
Gardenos beach is situated in the southwest end part of Corfu, it is the beachside of the traditional village of Vitalades.
Golden Beach of Santa Barbara at South West of Corfu
The wide golden sandy beach of Santa Barbara in the southwest of the island of Corfu.
Agios Georgios (Saint George South) Beach at Argyrades
St George south in Argyrades, 33 km from Corfu town, It is a tourist resort with a vast sandy beach also known as Saint George south.
Marathias Beach – A Long Stunning Golden Sand in Corfu
The large golden sandy beach of Marathias in southwest Corfu, many miles of sand stretching down south up to the cape of Arkoudilas.
Issos – The Huge Sandy Beach in Southwest Corfu
Issos beach in Southwest Corfu lays just south of Chalikounas with Korission lake in the background and St George to the south.
Chalikounas: The Famous Golden Beach on West Corfu
Halikounas is several kilometers of sand in southwestern Corfu, between the northern Ionian sea and the Lake of Korission.
Asprokavos & Arkoudilas Beach in Southern Corfu
Asprokavos and Arkoudilas capes – the hard-to-reach and wild beaches at the southern end of Corfu island
Agios Stefanos and Arillas Beach in Corfu
Saint Stefanos and Arillas, these two bays are great favorites with visitors who return year after year and really feel ‘local’.
Sidari Beach in Corfu
Sidari is on the northwest end of Corfu. A large tourist resort with a golden sandy beach up to the famous Canal d`Amour.
Roda Corfu: Beach and Holiday Resort at North
Roda beach is one of the older villages on the north Corfu coast where tourism has been well established for many years.
Peroulades and Loggas Wild Sandy Corfu Beach
Peroulades is a small village with simple apartments and villas, perfect to enjoy the wonderful sandy beach.
Kavos Beach: A Corfu Hotspot for Young British Tourists
Kavos is on the southernmost edge of Corfu island, with rich and notorious nightlife.
Glyfada Beach Corfu: A Vibrant Sandy Resort
Glyfada is Corfu’s cosmopolitan beach, stretched at the bottom of an olive and cypress covered hill- looking out across the sea to Italy.
Ermones Corfu: The Resort in West Coast
Ermones is on a dramatic cove at the west coast of Corfu, claiming to be the place where Odysseus landed and found the lovely Princess Nausika.
Agios Gordios Corfu: A Lively Beach and Resort
Agios Gordios is a long wide sandy stretch, offering water sports and plenty of entertainment in the bars and tavernas along its length.
Acharavi: Corfu’s Vast Beach and Tranquil Retreat
Acharavi Beach is nestled on the northern coast of the stunning Greek island of Corfu. Situated on the Ionian Sea, Acharavi enjoys a prime location.
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