The warm turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea are hard to beat. From tiny pockets of pebbled perfection hidden beneath firs and pines along Corfu’s swanky yet still unspoilt northeastern coast to the surprisingly long, wide swathes of golden sand of the west, there’s a beach to keep everyone happy.
Families gravitate toward the larger beaches that are furnished with sun loungers, in easy reach of a taverna or two and replete with watersports. The more adventurous tackle rocky trails that lead to the island’s most secluded and astonishingly beautiful swimming spots. These 12 pretty spots offer a mix of both, so you can find one that suits you.
Kalami
Horseshoe-shaped Kalami Bay attracts beach-going families and sailing yachts to its protected waters and pebbled shores, which bloom with brightly coloured flowers in spring. In this natural playground that was so beloved of the Durrell family, youngsters dangle, mesmerised, at the edge of wooden jetties foraging for undersea life. Yachties tie their dinghies to the dock below The White House, the former home of the Durrells, checking into the onsite restaurant to relish steamed cockles in the sunshine. Hire a boat to visit quieter neighbouring bays or tune into the old world pace of a pedal boat.
How to get there: Green bus A4 to Kassiopi
Barbati
Long, narrow Barbati Beach is located at the foot of the imposing Pantokrator Massif – Corfu’s tallest mountain – which stands at 2,972ft (906m). Barbati is known for its stark white flat pebbles that show off its aqua-tinged waters. Couples, in particular, frequent this beach, lazing about on the many sun loungers and ordering freddo espresso from beach bars that double as restaurants. Beachgoers can sate their appetite in the shade of eucalyptus trees. Arrive early to nab a good spot on the beach.
How to get there: Green bus A5 to Barbati-Nisaki. Alternatively, there is easy access by road and parking available.
Kaminaki
Simple cottages in hues of pale yellow and salmon huddle around Kaminaki beach in the homonymous village, which has barely changed over the years. Strewn with pebbles and sand, this tiny beach has a smattering of umbrellas and draws devout regulars in search of an annual dose of sun-soaked serenity. Children spend hours snorkelling around the rocks at either end of the beach. Boat rental and watersports such as stand-up paddle boarding and water skiing are on offer. At the western end of the beach, The Rocks serves old-school Greek taverna fare, such as masterfully chargrilled sea bass and village-style sausages, on the water’s edge.
How to get there: Green bus A5 to Barbati-Nisaki
Glyfada
Framed by a verdant hilly backdrop dotted with holiday apartments and two hotels, long, sandy Glyfada is one of Corfu’s busiest beaches. Families love it as there are ample umbrellas and sun beds, a couple of seafront tavernas and refreshments readily available. Locals and visitors flock to Pazuzu beach bar for sunset parties featuring international DJs. If you prefer a more serene scene, stick to the northern end of the beach, which is well protected from the wind that sometimes blows in from the Adriatic. Naturist-exclusive Myrtiotissa, which Lawrence Durrell enthusiastically described as the world’s loveliest beach, is a short drive north.
How to get there: Green bus B17 to Glyfada
Kontogialos
A winding road descends gently through Pelekas village down to Kontogialos beach, past olive groves cascading down the hillside. Families adore this sweeping curve of a beach that measures some 98ft (30m) wide for its golden sand and shallow emerald waters. Once a hippie haven, Kontogialos also lures a young crowd thanks to its relative proximity to Corfu town. Umbrellas and sun beds abound, though there is plenty of space to lay out a towel too. To the north is a minuscule beach hidden in the shade of an impressive sheer rock face rising up out of the sea.
How to get there: City Bus 11 to Pelekas
Issos
Issos beach is, perhaps, the island’s most jaw-droppingly spectacular beach. Some one and a half miles long, this untamed stretch of fine, golden sand sits below high, rolling sand dunes. Explore the dunes, where sand orchids grow, and a rare cedar forest that reaches the shores of Lake Korission, Corfu’s most significant wetland habit. There are sunbeds at the southern end, but it’s more peaceful the further north you go, which makes it popular with naturists. With its steady winds and flat seas, Issos is ideal for windsurfers and sailing newbies who can hire kit. Bring wine and treats to celebrate a sublime sunset.
How to get there: Green bus B6 to Issos
Halikounas
Seemingly endless Halikounas beach, separated from Issos by a small rocky cape, snakes along two miles and backs onto Lake Korission. Families tend to prefer the northern end, where there are a few sun loungers, whereas those seeking a little privacy head south. It’s also one of Corfu’s best kitesurfing and windsurfing spots, so it attracts the more experienced, who bring gear or rent onsite. Visit in the late afternoon and wait until the sun casts a bronze glow on this narrow strip of soft fawn sand. You’ll find it hard to resist a solitary, soul-reviving run along a wild, near-empty beach.
How to get there: Best reached by car
Verderosa
Shortly after entering Paleokastritsa and before you reach the bustling main beach of Agios Spyridon, you will find picture-perfect Verderosa tucked below a cliff. Walk down stone steps lined with green and red railings to the small sliver of a pebbled beach where orange and yellow chaise longues match the blazing sun. A favourite with couples for its tranquility, Verderosa enjoys views of Paleokastritsa’s small harbour, where boats can be rented to reach otherwise inaccessible beaches like Stelari.
How to get there: Green bus A9 to Paleokastritsa
Agios Stefanos Avliotes
The sheer length and breadth of Agios Stefanos Avliotes is guaranteed to stir the heart of even the savviest beachgoer. This open sandy expanse is more reminiscent of those in Australia. No matter that there are sun lounger and umbrellas aplenty, nature has provided infinite space so you can find your own slice of solitude. Shallow waters make it excellent for children and a regular, gentle breeze is welcome in the height of summer. Tavernas, restaurants and cafés are nearby, as are beach supplies. Small ferry boats depart from here for the Diapontia islets of Erikousa, Mathraki and Othoni.
How to get there: Green bus A1 to Agios Stefanos
Porto Timoni
It takes a good 20 to 25 minutes to navigate the twisting rocky path from Afionas village down to Porto Timoni but the reward is a lifelong memory of experiencing one of Greece’s great beaches. Many a young family with babes in arms barely flinches at the trek. It’s composed of twin pristine sandy coves with crystalline aquamarine seas facing one another, meaning when viewed from a minute lookout ledge on the trail, they are knock-out astounding. The eastern facing beach is at its most gorgeous in the early hours of the day and the westerly side is, clearly, made for sunset and entwined lovers.
How to get there: Green bus A6 to Afionas-Arillas
Agios Georgios Pagon
Horseshoe-shaped Agios Georgios Pagon, not to be confused with Agios Georgios Argyradon Beach in the south, measures 1.2 miles long, so it never feels crowded. This easy-to-access, well-sheltered beach retains a distinct Ionian throwback feel. There are umbrella and sun lounger sets but also ample room to spread out on the sand and finely pebbled shore, which shelves gently into cerulean waters. Aside from various watersports, a reef close to shore keeps youngsters busy snorkelling for hours and gives parents peace of mind. Catch a fiery sunset from Fisherman’s Cabin, a real-deal fish taverna that’s reachable on foot.
How to get there: Green bus A7 to Agios Georgios Pagon
Canal d’Amour
The blindingly turquoise waters and warren of sandstone coves at this popular seaside spot get crowded in the height of summer but on either side of the hottest months it’s well worth seeking out this lunar landscape of natural sea channels, caves and rock formations for sheer picturesque appeal. This striking strand some 25 miles north of Corfu Town is best known for its eponymous fjord-like channel that cuts between biscuit-crumbly cliffs topped with dense scrub – according to legend if you swim through it with your “significant other” the two of you will stay together forever. Sidari is the largest beach, but it can get so you’re best off spreading your towel on the surrounding rocks.
How to get there: Green bus A2 to Sidari
How we choose
Every beach in this curated list has been chosen by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of areas and styles, from popular city beaches to lesser known corners – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.