Canal d'Amour

The Canal d'Amour is a stretch of eroded sandstone cliffs, narrow channels and small sandy coves on the coast near Sidari, in the north-west of Corfu, Greece, about 35 km from Corfu Town. Wind and sea have carved the soft golden rock into arches, gullies and sheltered inlets, and the water in the channels is clear and turquoise, with a mix of sand and rock underfoot. Local legend says that couples who swim through the channel together will stay in love, and the name draws many honeymooners and couples. The coves are small, and the sea is usually calm in the sheltered channels though more exposed on the open stretches. The atmosphere is lively and scenic rather than secluded: the area is a main attraction of Sidari, and it can be crowded from late morning to mid-afternoon in July and August. Cafes and bars sit along the cliff-top and the sea edge, sunbeds are available in places, and boat operators run short trips along the coast from the main Sidari beach. Parking is available nearby, but spaces fill quickly in high season. Toilets are found at nearby businesses. Lifeguard cover is not guaranteed in the small coves, so visitors should take care when swimming, particularly in the rock channels where waves and slippery surfaces can be hazardous. The area is reached from Sidari village on foot along the cliff path, and rock steps lead down into the coves. The green KTEL bus from Corfu Town stops at Sidari, from where the walk is short, and the road journey takes roughly an hour. The best season runs from June to September. Early morning and late afternoon are quieter and better for photographing the rock formations, and the golden light of sunset works well on the cliffs. Water shoes help on the rocks. Nearby Logas Beach and Arillas offer broader sandy stretches.