Best Beaches in Corfu: Glorious Ionian Shores

It is well known some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches can be found on the Ionian island of Corfu. Many of Corfu’s beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status (an award given for cleanliness and facilities). Corfu is blessed with rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty and quaint villages. The olive and Cypriot trees that pin the unspoilt landscape give Corfu its reputation as one of the greenest Greek Islands.

Corfu has a total of 57 beaches. Whether you stick to touristic beaches or explore hidden secluded bays, this blog will show you the best beaches in Corfu…

Best Beaches in Corfu – East Coast

Typically the most popular area for tourists, the east coast homes many of Corfu’s top resorts and hotels. There is great access to Corfu town and several Blue Flag beaches. The east coast beaches are usually a mix of sand and shingle with lots of lush greenery surrounding them and Mount Pantokrator in the distance.

Corfu Town

Located on the east coast, historical Corfu Town has boasted UNESCO World Heritage status since 2007. Laced with cobbled streets and Venetian architectural influence. There are a few small bays near the town which are excellent to cool down from the sweltering Greek sun. At Faliraki Beach you can swim in the shallows, watch ships come in to port and enjoy views of the Old Fortress. A few kilometres from Corfu Town, Anemomilos Beach is a small beach area for locals and tourists alike.

Old Fortress, Corfu Town

Dassia Bay

The glorious Dassia Bay is in a secluded bay surrounded by greenery. The location has a low key yet upmarket feel and a long stretch of beach with calm shallow waters. Since the beach has been awarded blue flag status, it is particularly appealing for families. There is a wealth of water sports on the beach such as water-skiing and wakeboarding.

The eagerly anticipated Ikos Dassia hotel (due to open in May 2018) will be attractive to families and couples alike. The Ikos hotel group have already made a name for themselves in Halkidiki boasting two hotels with superb all inclusive facilities. The Ikos Dassia will surely not disappoint with its substantial number of restaurants, pools, sports activities, kid’s clubs and entertainment. This all inclusive property is a perfect family retreat located on one of the best beaches in Corfu.

View of Ikos Dassia beach

Agios Ioannis Peristeron

Just south of Corfu Town, Agios Ioannis Peristeron has a peaceful and laid-back vibe. Its distance from any lively resort on the island has been enticing families for a long time. The beach is made up of sand and pebbles with tavernas serving up delicious food just a stone’s throw away. Its crystal clear waters and excellent facilities provide the ultimate relaxing holiday.

Agios Ioannis Peristeron Beach

Kontokali

Just a short distance from Corfu Town, Kontokali Bay is a great option for families. The resort is well equipped with many facilities and amenities essential to a family holiday. The beach is large and mostly sandy with plenty of loungers and parasols. Kontokali is a traditional village with many residents meaning nightlife is low key (plenty of peace and quiet).

Beach at Kontokali Bay Resort and Spa

Barbati

17km north of Corfu Town, this beautiful stretch of beach is surrounded by lush greenery at the foot of Mount Pantokrator. Its shallow clear waters and breath-taking views have earned it Blue Flag status. South of Barbati beach, Ipsos Beach is slightly livelier with many tavernas and bustling nightlife. It boasts several ‘tourist’ experiences that come to mind when you think of summer in Greece (pedalos, banana boats and beach bars).

View of Barbati Bay

Best Beaches in Corfu – North Coast

The north of Corfu is slightly more rural than the east. It’s a tranquil and quiet experience for those wishing to escape the bigger resorts. The beaches are rated as some of the best in Greece thanks to their golden sand and pristine waters.

Canal D’Amour and Sidari

The story goes… couples who swim in the Canal D’Amour will soon be married and stay together forever. This romantic and picturesque cove in the North is one of the best beaches in Corfu. It may be small, but best things come in small packages; what it lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty. It tends to be popular in the high season but well worth a visit for its stunning rock formations. For a unique experience try a boat trip to the caves. If it gets a bit too crowded here you can head to nearby Sidari Beach which is bigger with loungers and parasols for hire.

Canal D’Amour

Agios Georgios

North West of Corfu, this beach is a horseshoe shaped bay surrounded by lush landscapes. It has been rated one of Corfu’s top sandy beaches. The best thing about this beach is it offers something different for all families. For older children, there is an array of water sports such as windsurfing and scuba diving; hiking and horse riding is also available. For younger children, nearby Afionas Beach is rated as the cleanest on the island. It has fine golden sand and calmer waters that is perfect for families.

Agios Georgios

Best Beaches in Corfu – West Coast

Like the north coast, the west coast is very green and lush with many hiking trails and stunning deserted beaches (most of which are sandy). The west coast has a more traditional local feel that is appealing to the more active traveller

Rovinia

Rovinia beach offers a completely unique experience compared to the tourist beaches in Corfu. On the west of the island, Rovinia is only accessible by boat or a small 600 metre hiking path. Because of this, it remains unspoilt and untouched, even in peak season. Although not ideal for smaller children, families with teenagers who enjoy outdoor activities will be amazed by its natural beauty.

Rovinia Beach

Paleokastritsa

When you think of the Greece you see on a postcard, you think of Paleokastritsa Beach. This wonderful beach represents everything fantastic about Corfu; turquoise sea, golden sands and picturesque harbours dotted along the shore. From here you can take boat excursions to uninhabited beaches and coves along the coast. The main village is filled with traditional tavernas to get lunch in overlooking bay. Whilst here, visit Paleokastritsa Monastery, situated on a hill in the main town. The monastery is home to a collection of Byzantine artefacts and is well worth a visit whilst at the beach.

Paleokastrista Beach

Glyfada

A spectacular stretch of golden sandy beach on Corfu’s west coast. It is a well known and loved beach by all who go there. One of the liveliest beaches in the west, it attracts families and locals. Only 16km from Corfu Town, it is easily accessible if you are staying on the island’s east coast. Its ample supply of facilities including loungers, parasols, tavernas and water sports is what makes this beach so enticing.

Glyfada Beach

Best Beaches in Corfu – South Coast

On the south of the island lies the stunning Korission Lake which is surrounded by sand dunes and bursting with wildlife. Home to some of the best beaches in Corfu, the south coast is delightfully untouched. This part of the island certainly earns Corfu its reputation as a leading destination for eco-tourism. It is also great for bird lovers as certain times of the year the lake becomes home to many migrating birds.

Issos Beach

30km south of Corfu Town, the superb Issos Beach is surrounded by sand dunes and spectacular wildlife. The nearby Korission Lake offers amazing scenery and great hiking spots – a nature lovers dream. The beach is wide and rarely gets crowded, even in the peak of summer. Its shallow and calm waters make it a great option for families. It is also a great spot for couples as the sunset views from the sand dunes are some of the best on the island. Loungers and parasols are available for hire.

Sunset at Issos Beach

Halikounas Beach

Like Issos Beach, Halikounas is located nearby Lake Korission. This beach is a small stretch situated between the lake and the Ionian Sea. It is completely unique as it lacks mass tourism and is mostly deserted. This beach offers ultimate privacy making it a great option for those who simply want to get away and avoid the beach crowds. From Halikounas Beach you can see the ancient monastery located in the hilltop village of Agios Matheos.

View of Korission Lake from Halikounas Beach

There are so many stunning beaches in Corfu, which beach would you like to visit? Tell us in the comments below…

To find out more about Corfu and its beaches visit our website.