Corfu (Kerkyra) is the greenest of the Ionian Islands, lying off the northwest coast of Greece a short crossing from Albania. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town, shaped by Venetian, French, and British rulers, sits beside olive-covered hills, a mountainous north, and beaches ranging from the cliffs of Paleokastritsa to the sandy shores of the south. The island also has a distinct cuisine, with dishes such as pastitsada, sofrito, and bourdeto found nowhere else in Greece.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Corfu.
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- sheltered, scenic and busy at midday
- Sunbeds and umbrellas
- Tavernas and cafes
- Boat and kayak rental
- Water taxis to other coves
Agios Spyridon Beach, Paleokastritsa
A small sheltered cove in the Paleokastritsa bays below the Theotokos monastery, with clear water for swimming and snorkelling and boats for hire nearby.
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 10:00 in July and August to find parking and sunbeds in Paleokastritsa.
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- scenic, lively with boat trips by day
- Sunbeds and umbrellas
- Tavernas
- Boat trips to sea caves
- Diving centre
Agios Petros Beach, Paleokastritsa
The main Paleokastritsa beach, a pebbly cove ringed by cliffs and the starting point for boat trips to sea caves.
Editor’s tip. Park in Paleokastritsa before 10:00 in peak season, as spaces near the beach fill quickly.
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- organised resort beach with water sports and beach bars
- Sunbeds and umbrellas
- Water sports
- Tavernas and bars
- Showers and toilets
Glyfada Beach
One of Corfu's widest sandy beaches on the west coast, backed by cliffs and organised with water sports and seafront restaurants.
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 11:00 in July and August to secure parking and sunbeds.
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- secluded, natural and clothing-optional
- Small taverna
- Umbrellas
- Steep access path
Mirtiotissa Beach
A beautiful cove below a hillside monastery, long known as an informal clothing-optional beach and reached by a steep path.
Editor’s tip. Wear sturdy shoes for the steep path and steps down to the sand.
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- relaxed, scenic and quieter than Sidari
- Sunbeds and umbrellas
- Cafe
- Parking
Logas Beach, Peroulades
A wide sandy beach below tall eroded cliffs on the north-west coast, with shallow water and sunsets from the nearby cliff-top.
Editor’s tip. Visit late afternoon and stay for the sunset from the cliff-top.
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- scenic, romantic and busy at midday
- Cafes and bars
- Parking nearby
- Boat trips
- Sunbeds
Canal d'Amour
Eroded sandstone cliffs, small canals and coves near Sidari, popular for swimming and photography.
Editor’s tip. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds.
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- lively seafront with a mix of families and young visitors
- Sunbeds and umbrellas
- Tavernas and bars
- Water sports
- Parking
Agios Gordios Beach
A long sandy beach in a west-coast bay framed by cliffs and the rocky Prasoudi headland, with a lively seafront.
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 11:00 in high season to find parking near the seafront.
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- relaxed, scenic and unhurried
- Sunbeds and umbrellas
- Water sports
- Tavernas
- Parking
Barbati Beach
A long pebble beach on the north-east coast at the foot of Mount Pantokrator, with deep clear water.
Editor’s tip. Wear water shoes, as the pebbles are hot at midday and the sea floor shelves steeply.
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- wide, windy and natural, popular with kitesurfers
- Windsurf and kite schools
- Taverna
- Limited facilities
Issos Beach
A long dune-backed beach on the south-west coast beside the Korission lagoon, popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Editor’s tip. Choose mornings for swimming and afternoons for wind sports.
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- quiet, natural dunes away from the resorts
- Beach tavern
- Natural dunes
- Parking
Halikounas Beach
A beach of golden sand and protected dunes at the southern end of Korission lagoon, a quieter option away from the main resorts.
Editor’s tip. Bring water, sun protection and shade, as the beach is exposed with few facilities.
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- family-friendly, calm and shallow
- Sunbeds and umbrellas
- Tavernas
- Water sports
- Showers
Arillas Beach
A long, gently shelving sandy beach in a sheltered north-west bay, family friendly and backed by tavernas.
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 11:00 in July and August for the best parking and sunbeds.
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- party resort, bars and clubs behind the sand
- Sunbeds and umbrellas
- Bars and tavernas
- Water sports
- Toilets
Kavos Beach
South Corfu's long beach resort strip, with sunbeds along a sandy stretch and nightlife behind the seafront.
Editor’s tip. Visit early in the morning for a quieter beach before the party crowd arrives.
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- family-friendly, calm and shallow
- Sunbeds and umbrellas
- Tavernas and bars
- Water sports
- Showers
Dassia Beach
A long, shallow east-coast beach with an olive-tree backdrop and calm water, good for families.
Editor’s tip. Take the blue KTEL urban bus from Corfu Town to avoid parking pressure.
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- quiet, scenic cove with waterside tavernas
- Tavernas
- Sunbeds
- Parking nearby
Kalami Beach
A small, quiet pebble cove with taverna seating at the water's edge and views across to Albania, associated with the writer Lawrence Durrell.
Editor’s tip. Arrive early in high season, as the narrow road and nearby parking fill quickly.
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- busy roadside resort with tavernas and bars
- Sunbeds and umbrellas
- Water sports
- Tavernas and bars
- Showers
Ipsos Beach
A long pebble beach beside the main road on the east coast, with tavernas, bars and water sports.
Editor’s tip. Take the blue KTEL urban bus from Corfu Town to avoid roadside parking pressure.
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- relaxed sandy cove, calmer than nearby resorts
- Sunbeds and umbrellas
- Tavernas
- Water sports
Pelekas (Kontogialos) Beach
A sandy cove below the village of Pelekas, more relaxed than the larger west-coast resorts.
Editor’s tip. Arrive before midday in high season to find parking near the cove.
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- relaxed fishing-village resort close to Corfu Town
- Sunbeds
- Tavernas
- Water sports
Benitses Beach
A narrow pebble beach in the former fishing village of Benitses on the south-east coast, close to Corfu Town.
Editor’s tip. Take the blue KTEL urban bus from Corfu Town, as seafront parking is limited.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Corfu’s coast.
Is Agios Spyridon Beach good for swimming?
Yes. The cove is sheltered, the water is usually clear and calm, and swimming and snorkelling are the main activities.
From the Agios Spyridon Beach, Paleokastritsa editorial.
How do visitors reach Agios Spyridon Beach from Corfu Town?
The green KTEL bus runs from Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa, about 45 minutes. A taxi or rental car is the alternative, followed by a short walk to the cove.
From the Agios Spyridon Beach, Paleokastritsa editorial.
What kind of beach is Agios Petros?
It is a pebble beach in a cliff-ringed cove with clear, blue-green water.
From the Agios Petros Beach, Paleokastritsa editorial.
Can visitors take boat trips from the beach?
Yes. Boats to the sea caves and glass-bottom boat tours leave from the Paleokastritsa shoreline.
From the Agios Petros Beach, Paleokastritsa editorial.
Is Glyfada Beach sandy?
Yes. It is a broad beach of golden sand and one of the widest on Corfu.
From the Glyfada Beach editorial.
Is Glyfada suitable for families?
Yes. The sand slopes gently, facilities are close at hand and water sports and tavernas are on the beach, though lifeguard cover should be checked.
From the Glyfada Beach editorial.
Is Mirtiotissa Beach clothing optional?
It has long been an informal clothing-optional beach, though swimsuits are also acceptable.
From the Mirtiotissa Beach editorial.
How hard is the walk down to the beach?
A steep path and steps lead down from the car area above, and the climb back up is demanding in heat.
From the Mirtiotissa Beach editorial.