Corfu Travel Blog: An Insider’s View of Corfu Greece

Last updated on June 26th, 2025 at 02:30 pm

About Benitses Corfu

Discover Benitses, a charming seaside village in Corfu. Enjoy beautiful beaches, traditional Greek atmosphere, and local attractions in this coastal gem.

Benitses is a charming fishing village on the east coast of the beautiful Greek island of Corfu, located just 12 kilometers away from the bustling Corfu town and a mere 10 kilometers from Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport.

Benitses enjoys a unique setting between lush mountains and the sea, creating beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere.

After a period of decline, the village has been revitalized, focusing on upgrading infrastructure while preserving its traditional charm.

Tourism is vital here, with well-organized facilities, cozy accommodations, authentic culture, and inviting beaches. Benitses offers a perfect mix of tranquility, privacy, and a genuine Greek island experience.

Origin of the Name Benitses

Since the 13th century, the area was called Penitisai, from the Ancient Greek “Penio,” meaning a place with rivers and abundant water.

Benitses once had two small rivers flowing into the sea at the current harbor.

Over time, Penitisai evolved to Penitsai and finally to Benitses, the village’s official plural name reflecting its multiple settlements.

Variations like Mpenitses, Benitsa (Mpenitsa), or Binitsa (Mpinitsa) are used locally, but all refer to the same place.

Benitses is Big, the 5 settlements

The village comprises five distinct settlements:

Local Life and Culture

Benitses is known for its warm and welcoming residents.

With about 1,000 people, many work in tourism, but the village has roots in fishing, olive and citrus farming, and once had flour-producing watermills on the mountainside.

Traditional activities like fishing are seeing a revival, especially in winter. The tight-knit community treats visitors with genuine hospitality, making Benitses more than just a vacation spot; it’s a place to connect with the true spirit of Corfu.

Locals are always ready to help with recommendations or a friendly chat.

Getting from Benitses to Corfu’s old town

One great advantage of staying in Benitses is its proximity to Corfu Town, just 8 miles away.

The distance from Benitses port to San Rocco Square is about 11.5 km. For a change of pace, the old town of Kerkyra offers charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a lively atmosphere.

Getting there is easy with the reliable No. 6 blue bus connecting Benitses to the town quickly.

Accommodations in Benitses

There is a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s preferences and budget. From hotels and apartments to villas and cozy rooms, you’ll find a variety of choices to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Many of the accommodations in Benitses have undergone significant improvements in recent years.

Modern amenities and updated facilities provide guests with a comfortable and convenient experience.

Additionally, free broadband internet access is a common offering, ensuring that travelers stay connected during their visit.

Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa

Nestled on a lush hill overlooking the pristine Ionian Sea, Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa is a 5-star hotel, a serene oasis offering breathtaking views at every turn.

Enjoy the infinity pool, dine by the sea, relax on the private beach, and indulge in world-class wellness amenities, all amidst the beauty of the island.

Culinary Delights in Benitses

No travel experience is complete without indulging in the local cuisine, and Benitses certainly doesn’t disappoint in this department.

Thanks to its 400-year Venetian influence, Corfiot cuisine is a delightful fusion of Greek and Italian flavors, with a pronounced emphasis on seafood, making it a true gastronomic delight for visitors.

Some of the island’s finest restaurants can be found right here. Benitses has transformed into a culinary paradise, offering exquisite flavors at surprisingly affordable prices.

The dining scene is wonderfully diverse, encompassing traditional Greek and Corfiot cuisine, tantalizing Chinese dishes, mouthwatering grills featuring both meat and fresh fish, delectable pizzas, and more.

The village is renowned for its excellent seafood restaurants, showcasing traditional Corfiot dishes such as Bourdeto and Sofrito.

Whether you seek a romantic seaside dinner, a family-friendly meal, or a taste of traditional Greek flavors, these restaurants offer options to suit different preferences.

Benitses’ culinary scene ensures that every meal is a delightful experience, allowing you to savor the flavors of Corfu fully.

Nightlife in Benitses

When the stars come out, Benitses transforms into a place where you can enjoy a mellow yet entertaining nightlife.

The settlement offers a variety of bars and taverns, with many of them located around the shiny new yacht harbor, known as the Marina.

Whether you’re traveling with family, a loved one, or friends, Benitses welcomes everyone to kick back, relax, and sip on a glass of ouzo while watching the moonlight dance on the tranquil waters of the Ionian Sea.

This creates a unique atmosphere where you can unwind and make unforgettable memories.

Benitses has a Low-key Nightlife, no big Clubs

Benitses no longer has nightclubs or loud dancing venues. The vibrant nightlife of the past is gone, replaced by a few quiet bars with low-volume music.

This is unlikely to change due to local laws against noise pollution and the proximity of residents’ homes to tourist accommodations.

The village’s layout never suited wild nightlife, and by the late 1990s, locals demanded an end to the noise. Today, abandoned nightclubs stand as reminders of a bygone era of youth-filled frenzy that caused too many problems.

Benitses should not be compared to Kavos—Kavos is a beach area without residents nearby, allowing its famous party scene to thrive without disturbing locals.

If you wish to see how the abandoned Benitses clubs have become, just check for: The Abandoned Clubs of Benitses of the ’90s

Sights and Attractions in Benitses

1. The Ruins of the Roman Villa with Baths

Archaeological digs on the Kapsokavadis estate uncovered ruins of a Roman villa with well-preserved baths and decorative floor mosaics.

Though tucked behind houses, the site is easy to visit, just 50 meters from the main road via a narrow passageway between properties. This path isn’t fully public but remains open for residents and visitors alike.

For a detailed photo guide and more info, it’s best to explore the monument further.

3. Hiking and Biking

Starting from the village, many trails on the slopes of the mountain can be crossed on foot or by bicycle.

These paths are hidden in the lush vegetation and lead to the villages of Gastouri, Stavros, and Agioi Deka, and some trails go to the water sources with their aqueduct.

By these paths, there are many small churches scattered on the slopes of the mountain, such as Agia Paraskevi, Agia Triada, Agios Nikolaos Vrysiliotis, Taksiarches, Evaggelistria, and others.

The effort in walking up to Stavros or Agioi Deka or the knoll of Agia Triada (300 meters high) will reward you with superb views over Benitses and the middle east coast of Corfu.

While Benitses is perfect for those seeking relaxation, it’s also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

4. The Sea Museum

There used to be a unique sea museum in Benitses until recently.

It was owned by the former diver Mr. Sagias and had a huge collection of shells, fossils, sponges, corals, and stuffed large fish. One of the largest collections of its kind in the Mediterranean.

Sadly, after the death of the owner in 2018, the museum closed down.

Benitses Tradition, Culture, and History

Let’s take a step back in time and explore Benitses’ intriguing history.

Benitses holds a special place in Corfu’s tourism history as the island’s first vacation hotspot. From the mid-20th century, its charm, natural beauty, and proximity to Corfu town and the airport made it a perfect base for visitors.

During the ’60s to ’80s, it attracted celebrities like Peter Ustinov, Paul McCartney, Vivien Leigh, and John Lennon, who came to enjoy its serene beaches and traditional taverns.

The ’70s saw the rise of the Greek “kamaki” phenomenon, with Spiros on the Beach nightclub becoming a legendary spot, drawing over 3,000 visitors nightly and influencing youth music trends internationally. It was even voted the world’s second-best club in the early ’80s.

After the death of owner Spiros Poulis, the club and area were abandoned, signaling the end of that era. The ’90s nightlife persisted but declined due to disorderly behavior, leading to the closure of many venues and the fading of Benitses’ party reputation.

The local Festivals and celebrations

Benitses hosts two significant festivals: the festival of Agia Marina on July 16th and 17th, organized by the Cultural Association of Benitses, featuring traditional dances, local cuisine, and folk music.

Additionally, the Festival of Sardines, held in early August, celebrated the town’s fishing heritage but ceased due to financial difficulties. There’s optimism for its return in the future.

The Beaches in Benitses

There are quite a few beaches in and around Benitses: Click here to See all Beaches in Benitses

Nearby Beaches of the West Coast

If you plan to rent a car or have your own, it’s easy to explore the vast sandy beaches of the nearby west and southern coasts. More on the page about the Best Corfu beaches

The Yacht Marina and Daily Trips

The marina at Benitses Harbour is a welcoming haven for sailors and yachtsmen, featuring essential amenities such as mooring, fuel stations, and provisions, making it a convenient stop for those cruising the Ionian Islands by boat.

Surrounding the marina, a charming collection of waterfront cafes and restaurants offers a variety of dining experiences. From fresh seafood platters to Mediterranean and traditional Greek dishes, these eateries provide delicious options for all tastes.

Dining by the harbor lets guests enjoy their meals alongside stunning panoramic views of the sea, creating a truly memorable atmosphere.

Located within the Yachting Marina, ORCA Yachting Chartering specializes in premium yacht rentals. They offer bespoke private yacht cruises with attentive onboard service, unveiling the hidden gems of Corfu, Paxos, Sivota, and Parga.

Daily Cruises to the Greek mainland

Every day, small boats from Benitses Marina offer day trips to Parga, Sivota (Mourtos), other parts of Corfu, and Paxos.

Mourtos is famous for its beautiful beaches and islands with large caves full of wild pigeons. Boats sail inside the caves where the clear water shows the deep seabed.

You can swim between several small islands during the trip.

Paxos and Antipaxos are nearby islands worth exploring.

You can book these trips through your hotel, tourist offices on the main road, or simply join a boat at the harbor around 9 a.m.

In the afternoon, tickets are sold at the harbor entrance for cruises to Paxos, Parga, northern Corfu, and even Albania.

Benitses is the Perfect Corfu Getaway

Benitses, on Corfu’s east coast, is a perfect starting point to explore the island’s stunning landscapes.

Renting a car lets you visit Corfu’s best beaches and scenic spots. Start your day with a swim nearby, then set out for a memorable road trip.

For a more relaxed pace, take a walk to nearby traditional villages like Gastouri, Agii Deka, or Stavros, where you’ll find charming houses and panoramic views, offering a taste of authentic Greek village life.

For the adventurous, biking or driving around the island promises an unforgettable journey through Corfu’s beautiful scenery.

 

Have more questions about Benitses? Here are some quick answers to the most common ones to help you plan your visit with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Benitses

Is Benitses good for families?
Yes, Benitses is family-friendly with a relaxed vibe, good amenities, and kids’ entertainment. It’s one of the top family destinations in Corfu.

Is Benitses safe?
Absolutely. The crime rate is nearly zero, and you can walk around safely at any time of day or night.

Is Benitses worth visiting?
Yes, thanks to its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and charming village atmosphere. It’s perfect for both relaxation and exploration.

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