Most people do know that Greece has some amazing beaches. But what they don´t know that the island of Corfu offers some of the best. Yes, really. The island is full of paradise beaches and each beach offers you a totally different experience. You love a remote bay with beautiful views? You can´t get enough of clear waters and snorkeling? Or you prefer a comfortable sunbed and some bars nearby? Or maybe some cliff jumping? Corfu has it all. No beach is like the other and you can fill at least two weeks exploring a new beach every day. But what are the best beaches in Corfu?
The best beaches of Southern Corfu
It takes about one hour drive from the capital to reach the South of Corfu. The island is not that big, but still there are some distances. The Southern part of the island is not as touristy as the North, which makes it perfect for some quiet areas.
Issos Beach
Issos Beach is known for the beautiful sand dunes and the great views over the inland. It is located on the Western coast of the island and can easily be reached by car, motorbike or quad. There are umbrellas and sunbeds for rental, but you can also find yourself a quieter spot and set up your own place to be for the day.
Thanks to the dunes in the background, there is quite a lot to see. You can walk in the dunes, take pictures and watch the sun set from the hills. You can also walk quite far along the beach, which is highly recommended. Close to the parking area, there is a cute little taverna offering delicious Greek food.
Best for: Definitely watch the sunset at the beach and long beach walks
A secret tip for the best beaches in Corfu: Notos Beach at the Panorama Taverna
Here comes a secret tip: in the small village of Notos, you will find the Panorama Taverna. Yes, it can be quite a drive, depending on where you are staying, but it is more than worth it. The taverna offers a private beach to customers and hotel guests. The beach is not like the usual beach you have seen in Corfu. It is more like a little hidden jungle, in between the banana trees and palm trees. There are free sunbeds and beautiful views over the bay and the Greek mainland.
You can relax and read in the hammocks or jump off the jetty or go for a snorkeling adventure.
If you are in the area and would like to get a little one-of-a-kind experience, this is it. Plus, the taverna offers delicious food with views over the water. The area is perfect if you are looking for some calm relaxation or even for families, this is ideal.
Best for: jungle vibes and good food
Marathias Beach – the best beaches in Corfu for a breathtaking sunset
This beautiful beach is your number one sunset spot. If you are exploring the Southern area of Corfu, put this high up on your list. Marathias Beach is especially worth your visit due to its high cliffs and the remote area.
If you have enough of the tourists and the crowds, this is your escape. Especially if you visit the beach during sunset, you will find a spot all for yourself. Enjoy the views of the spectacular rock formations and have a walk towards the very end of the beach. If you are lucky, you will be all by yourself.
Watching the sun set and hearing the waves and being all by yourself – this is a gift from Corfu you should not miss.
Best for: sunset
Agios Gordios
Agios Gordios is a cute little village, which has become popular among tourists. Some hotels have been built, but still, you are able to experience a good mixture between the typical touristy stuff and some traditional vibes. The area is great as a base as well as you can explore the South and part of the North without much driving.
The beach of the village is definitely one of the best beaches in Corfu. With stunning rock formations both in the water and behind the beach, clear water and traditional tavernas with incredible food, this really is a place to stay.
You can rent a sunbed quite cheaply and spend the day relaxing and eating. Could it get any better? What makes Agios Gordios worth a visit are the views and the impressive landscape. Again, this beach will show you how different each area in Corfu is and how much of variety the island has to offer.
If you walk towards the Southern end of the beach, you will find a more remote area. Pass the sunbeds of the hotels and you will find a small path up the cliffs giving you an outstanding view. A secret spot for sunset – check it out!
Best for: sunset, food and hotels
Mirtiotissa Beach
A small but incredibly beautiful beach is Mirtiotissa Beach. Located next to the popular Glyfada Beach, it can be a great alternative if you want to escape the tourists at least a little bit. Depending on where you stay, you will most likely need a car to reach the beach.
Best for: clear waters and incredible views
Notes-from-a-traveller´s tip:
You can spare yourself the time to visit Glyfada Beach. In many blogs, this is described as one of the best beaches in Corfu. Well, let´s say, opinions can be different and you can make up your own, but there are definitely better places to spend your vacation at. Glyfada is expensive and not as idyllic as it is portrayed.
Kontogialos Beach for the best beach party in Corfu
This beach might not be one of the absolute stunning beaches, but still, it is worth a visit. Especially if you are staying in the area, the beach is great to spend a day in the sun. Compared to some of its neighbors it is more silent and a little smaller. There are two bars or restaurants which offer sunbeds or something to eat. Especially for young travellers, this is great for listening to music and playing games or cards with a view.
For sunset, you can climb the nearby rocks and get a prime view over the ocean.
Best for: sunset and good music (depending on your taste of course)
The best beaches in the North of Corfu
Liapades Beach – one of the best beaches in Paleokastritsa, Corfu
Paleokastritsa is famous for paradise beaches and for some travellers, this is one of the most beautiful areas of the island. While some of the main beaches along the center can be quite crowded or do not offer the best views, Liapades Beach is located a little outside.
Liapades Beach is only a small bay, but there is space for everyone. It offers the most comfortable sunbeds (definitely get one!) and the nearby bar often offers Pita Bread and Softdrinks for just 2.50€. Already convinced?
The beach is full with small stones, which make up a totally different image than the beaches you just got to know. The rocks and the trees around paint an even more beautiful image and you can go on a little snorkeling adventure.
Plus, if you are planning to go on a boat trip in the area (which can be a great experience), there are two boat rentals directly at the beach.
Best for: boat trips, relaxing and cheap food
Porto Timoni Beach – the best beach in Corfu
May we present: the most beautiful beach in Corfu. Yes, it really is. Porto Timoni Beach is also known as the twin beach and located at the bottom of some hills. You can only reach this beautiful spot by boat or by hiking about 30-40 minutes. The way is quite steep, so be prepared and take some good shoes with you.
As the beach is well-known and famous for its unique landscape, it can be quite crowded from midday on. Therefore, if you want to experience the beach at its best and soak in all the beauty, make sure to arrive early. And do not forget your snorkeling gear – the water is insanely clear and you will meet lots of small fishes underneath the surface.
Best for: nature, unique views and snorkeling
Loggas Beach (Sunset Beach)
Loggas Beach is known as the sunset beach of the area. With the 7th Heaven sunset bar on top of the impressive cliffs, this really is a hotspot for the sunset lovers. And who doesn’t love it?
If you want to spend your evening in the bar and enjoy a drink while watching the show at the sky, make sure to arrive early to get yourself a good spot in the front row. (If you have ever been to Bali, this place gives you all the Bali vibes!)
Another great alternative is walking down to the water and finding yourself a nice spot. You can even go for a sunset swim or just sit by the shore and enjoy the view.
And be aware: this really is only a sunset beach. Due to the tides, the beach only appears in the afternoon and cannot be reached easily. It is not the beach you are spending your day at, so consider it for a trip in the evening.
Best for: sunset and drinks
Apotripiti Beach (near Sidari) – Corfu ´ s best hidden beach
If you have done some research, you have for sure come across the Sidari area and the famous Canal d´Amour. While both of these places are usually full of tourists and very crowded, Apotripiti Beach is a great alternative. Plus, it is a very natural and relaxed beach, which is perfect for travellers.
It is located in a small bay in between the rocks and actually quite similar to the Canal d`Amour. So maybe, if you are travelling with your better half, try and go for a swim here – and maybe you´ll stay together for the rest of your life (as promised at the Canal d´Amour).
Apotripiti Beach is one of the best beaches in Corfu because of its natural vibe and the cool rock formations around it. There are also some rocks in the water which are great for jumping – yes, this really promises a great time.
Best for: cliff jumping, nature vibes
Roda Beach
Roda is one of the main tows along the Northern coast of Corfu. It has grown into a vibrant touristic center, especially for German tourists. While you might not want to stay directly in the center, the area is still beautiful to explore. Especially the beach invites you to a relaxing afternoon.
Roda Beach is quite long and therefore ideal for some walks along the water. The further you go from Roda, the quieter it will be.
Best for: beach walks, eating and relaxing
Arillas Beach
Next on the list of the best beaches in Corfu is Artillas Beach. Arillas is a small village with some hotels and restaurants. Despite the fact that it is great for your stay, it also offers a small but beautiful beach. There are a few sunbeds and a great view over the Nisída Karávi Island.
You can perfectly combine a visit to Arillas Beach with a trip to Porto Timoni Beach.
Best for: relaxing
Kanoni Beach, Kassiopi
And last but not least, we travel to the Eastern coast of Corfu. Kassiopi is a small fishing village which has turned into a quite popular area for tourists. And for a good reason because it is home to one of the best beaches in Corfu: Kanoni Beach.
Kanoni Beach is, again, very different from the others. It is spread among the cliffs and perfect for snorkeling and relaxing. You can walk around the area, find yourself a secret spot or just get one of the sunbeds. The beach is divided into the small little bay, where you can enter the water easily and the top of the “cliffs”. This area is perfect for snorkeling or just relaxing on the rocks. There is even a restaurant nearby and every few hours a truck selling fresh fruits is stopping by the small parking lot.
If you are visiting the area, make sure to stay until the evening and spend the night in the cute little village. With some shops and many great tavernas, Kassiopi really is a great place to be.
Best for: snorkeling and relaxing
Check out The best things to do in Corfu for even more tips on how to spend an awesome time on the island. And get ready for one of the best trips in Europe!