Growing up in Corfu, I’ve spent countless summers hopping from one sandy shore to the next, searching for the perfect spot to watch the sun dip into the Ionian Sea.
These are the 10 beaches that have stayed with me — not just for their beauty, but for the memories, the quiet corners, and the little surprises only a local would notice.
1. Glyfada – Where Sunsets Set the Sky on Fire
Where sunsets ignite the sky and the sand hums with life.
Ah, Glyfada. I remember running down its wide golden sands, sand sticking to my feet while the Ionian waves licked my ankles.
Today, it’s still that magical beach, but with a touch of modern life: dozens of seaside bars, restaurants, and even one of Corfu’s most famous nightclubs, “Pazuzu”, keep the energy buzzing.
Families gather during the day, sun-seekers claim their spots on the soft sand, and in the evenings, the sky melts into fiery orange while the beach comes alive with music and laughter.
Visit for sunbathing, swimming in clear waters, water sports, or nightlife — Glyfada truly has something for everyone.
2. Agios Gordios Beach – Olive Hills and Gentle Waves
A quiet cove kissed by olive hills and gentle waves.
Walking into Agios Gordios feels like stepping into a postcard. The long sandy beach stretches beneath hills dotted with olive groves, and the water laps gently, perfect for families or anyone seeking a quieter alternative to Glyfada’s bustle.
It’s a favorite among locals and travelers who enjoy a relaxed vibe, with sunbeds, cafes, bars, and several excellent seaside tavernas serving fresh fish and Corfiot specialties.
Unlike Glyfada, Agios Gordios has a more laid-back atmosphere, ideal for lazy afternoons, sunsets, and long evening strolls along the sand.
Whether you’re here for swimming, snorkeling, or just enjoying the view, the combination of natural beauty and welcoming amenities makes it a West Coast highlight.
3. Halikounas – The Wild, Endless Shore
Endless sands, sunrise solitude, and wild adventure.
Located on the Southwest Coast, Halikounas exudes a quiet, untouched grandeur. As Corfu’s largest sandy beach, it stretches endlessly along the southwest coast, backed by dunes and the protected Korission Lagoon.
I’ve wandered its sands at sunrise, the world still asleep, with only my footprints to keep me company. The winds here are perfect for kite surfing and paragliding, drawing adventure seekers, yet the beach remains largely undeveloped thanks to its wetland status.
Issos Beach lies just nearby, sharing the lagoon’s wild, natural beauty. Whether you’re here for long walks, a book under the sun, or the thrill of watersports, Halikounas feels like a private escape.
4. Issos – Pink and Gold Evenings
Dunes, wetlands, and evenings painted pink and gold.
Issos is next to Halikounas and is wild. Dunes roll endlessly, and the wetlands behind hide flamingos and other birds if you’re lucky.
Windsurfers glide across the shallow waters while the sunsets paint everything in pink and gold. Bring a camera — you’ll want to remember it.
5. Marathias & Santa Barbara – Secret Romance on Endless Sand
A secret stretch of sand perfect for romance and calm.
Located on the Southwest Coast, Marathias and Santa Barbara are really one long, sandy stretch with no clear boundaries — the northern part is Marathias, while the southern end is Santa Barbara.
I often come here early in the morning, when the sand is quiet, and the waves are my only company.
Wide and peaceful, it’s perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape, families looking for calm waters, or anyone craving solitude.
The surrounding landscape is untouched and natural, with only a few tavernas dotted nearby, making it feel like a secret hideaway even in the high season.
Walk from one end to the other, and you’ll understand why locals treasure it.
6. Saint George South – Golden Memories
Wide golden sands with a hint of old Corfu charm.
Located just south of Issos, Saint George South is a large beach with golden sand. Back in the 1980s, it was completely undeveloped — just sand, sea, and a barely visible road.
Today, it’s much busier, with hotels, tavernas, and beach amenities, yet it still retains stretches of wide, inviting sand.
Families flock here for the shallow, calm waters, while sun-seekers enjoy the convenient facilities.
Even with the development, there’s a hint of that old, natural charm if you wander a bit along the shore.
7. Porto Timoni – The Reward of a Trek
A hidden paradise rewarded only to those who trek.
Located in Northwest Corfu, Porto Timoni is a gem you have to work for. A hike through rugged cliffs and olive groves leads to a breathtaking double beach, each with turquoise water so clear it feels like a private paradise.
Both coves are Porto Timoni — together forming one of the island’s most spectacular beaches. Accessible only by foot or boat, the trek can be challenging: the path is steep, the sun relentless at midday, and there’s no development at all.
But every careful step is rewarded with unforgettable scenery and that rare feeling of discovery.
8. Paleokastritsa – Cliffs, Coves, and Pine-Scented Waters
Cliffs, coves, and pine-scented waters calling explorers.
Northwest Corfu, 23 km from Corfu Town. The coves around Paleokastritsa feel truly magical. Crystal-clear waters, cliffs rising around you, and the scent of pine trees make it a sensory delight.
I love stopping here for a swim and then climbing up to the monastery to take in the view.
The main beaches, each with its own charm, are Ampelaki, Agios Petros, Palaiokastritsa / Agios Spiridon, Alipa / Alypa, Platakia, Agia Triada, and La Grotta. From these beaches, boats can be rented to discover secluded coves and hidden spots further south.
9. Arillas – Calm, Soft, and Inviting
Soft sands, gentle waves, and tranquil horizons.
Located about 35 km northwest of Corfu Town. Arillas stretches gently along the coast, its soft sand inviting you to kick off your shoes and wander.
The waters are shallow and clear, perfect for a relaxed swim or for kids to splash around safely.
A handful of small tavernas and cafes line the beach, offering fresh seafood and local specialties without breaking the peaceful vibe.
Unlike the busier beaches further south, Arillas retains a quiet charm, ideal for a morning stroll, an afternoon swim, or simply watching the sun dip toward the horizon.
10. Sidari – Sun, Sand, and Playful Spirit
Playful waves, long sandy stretches, and hidden quiet corners.
Situated in the Northwest of Corfu, Sidari isn’t just about the Canal d’Amour.
Beyond the famous rocks, the long sandy stretches are perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, or simply lying back and watching the clouds drift by.
I have fond memories of family visits here and friends daring each other to jump into the waves.
The village itself is lively, with a nightlife scene that comes alive in the evenings, featuring bars, tavernas, and beachside music.
Despite the buzz, there are quieter corners along the coast if you look for them, making it ideal for both relaxation and fun.
Comments