The island of lush greenery and romantic landscapes – this is how one can describe Corfu, located in the northern Ionian Sea. It stretches 120 km in length, with a width varying from 4 to 40 km, making it the second largest island in Greece. Although it is not as famous as Rhodes or Cyprus, those who visit Corfu once are forever enchanted by its unforgettable natural landscapes, the hospitality of the locals, and the azure sea.
The most attractive factor for tourists is the picturesque beaches of Corfu. They vary here: sandy, pebble-sandy, pebbly, and rocky. Some are close to the island’s capital, the city of Kerkyra, while others are farther away, but all are accessible for relaxation.
Paleokastritsa
Among the beautiful stretches of the 217-kilometer coastline, it is hard to choose the best one, but Paleokastritsa can be considered as such. One glance is enough to understand that this is the most beautiful place on the island. The stunning colors of the sea, the white masses of rocks in green caps of lush vegetation, the velvet of fine sand, and the blue expanse of the sky create an irresistible picture.
This piece of paradise is located on the west coast of the island in the village of the same name. There are six beach areas here, sandy and sandy-pebbly. The longest of them – the central one – has been awarded the Blue Flag for water cleanliness and good ecology. All beach areas are located in cozy, very picturesque bays. They are protected from the wind, so the sea here is warm.
The gentle slope into the water, safe bottom, and soft sand have made Paleokastritsa a favorite place for families with children. The second category of tourists here are divers, attracted by the rich underwater world of marine fauna. It’s no wonder that there is a diving center here, one of the best in Corfu.
There are no complaints about the local infrastructure: everything is arranged conveniently and comfortably. There is equipment rental, various attractions, and food establishments of different kinds. A pleasant bonus is sea trips to mysterious caves hidden in the rocks.
Gardenos
This is a wonderful place where the Greek color is sharply felt. Olive and cypress groves are spread around the wide, long sandy coastline. Cozy taverns greet guests with the exoticism of national dishes. The area is enclosed by a high cascade of cliffs covered with emerald greenery.
Local residents love to spend their leisure time here, and tourists have not yet discovered it for themselves. Before your eyes, the vast expanse of the sea opens up, and a fresh breeze blows. The favorite sea entertainments here are sailing, canoeing, and boating. Gardenos does not boast a rich infrastructure, but there are umbrellas, sunbeds, and toilets.
The attractive factor is the large space, free from crowds and noise. You can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, breathe in the air infused with cypress and sea vapors. Taste an original dish in a local tavern against the backdrop of stunning landscapes.
Rovinia
An idyllic picture appears before the eyes of those who first come to Rovinia near the village of Liapades. This is the shore of a small bay, surrounded by high cliffs covered with thick greenery. Tourists who come here in rented cars have already discovered this cozy place. After leaving the car in the parking lot, you need to walk along a path through dense thickets – and you are there.
You can also come here by sea, renting a motorboat in Liapades. Here you can spend wonderful hours in harmony with enchanting nature. Rovinia lacks any infrastructure, except for a toilet cabin. Before traveling to this secluded place, you need to stock up on everything necessary for a calm rest: water, food, bathing accessories.
A boat comes here, but it only brings ice cream and soft drinks. However, the asceticism of the local rest is compensated by the magnificence of the surrounding views and numerous rock caves. You can hide from the sun in these caves and explore them while boating. The thick layer of white pebbles allows you to sunbathe comfortably on it.
Benitses
Located 13 km from the capital, the village of Benitses has the status of the main resort of Corfu. Several years ago, it was famous for its night parties with loud music and beach dances. But after the locals appealed to the authorities, the situation here changed, and today Benitses is a place of wonderful rest against the backdrop of breathtaking views.
The majestic mountains with dense forest caps surrounding the coast make a strong impression. The turquoise sea and the sandy-pebble coastal strip, for which tourists come here, also please the eye. Tourist rest is well organized here. For ecological and household cleanliness, the Benitses coast is awarded the Blue Flag.
The full-fledged infrastructure allows you to fully enjoy a serene rest for those who love splashing in clean water and lounging on sunbeds. The same opportunity is available for active leisure enthusiasts.
They can enjoy various water entertainments: diving, surfing, scooter riding, water skiing, and more. There are volleyball and basketball courts on the shore. Catamaran rides and boat trips are practiced. Ferries to neighboring islands depart from Benitses.
Issos
Among the picturesque stretches of the 217-kilometer coast of Corfu, Issos stands out, stretching 2 km, and popularly known as the “Desert of Corfu.” It is located in the southwest of the island, near the village of Agios Georgios, and stretches to the freshwater lake Korission. This place got its nickname due to its wide, long strip and the presence of sand dunes nearby.
Issos is located between the sea and Lake Korission. From the east, the strip is protected by high sand dunes – a platform for riding ATVs and horses. The dunes prevent eastern winds from penetrating here, which positively affects the state of the sea. The unique lake becomes a habitat for migratory birds during their migration.
During this time, it becomes a mass photographing object of birds, bringing great pleasure to tourists. Another pleasure for them is the breathtaking sunsets, turning the coast into a fairytale world. Issos is so vast that even a large number of vacationers do not create a crowd. Good conditions for comfortable staying are created here: everything necessary is available to make the rest civilized and romantic.
Porto Timoni
Those who want to visit a truly heavenly place should go to the cherished corner of divine nature, hidden from view in a picturesque bay – Porto Timoni. Its other name is the Blue Lake because the water here is bright blue. Two bays, separated by a narrow isthmus connecting the bay with the island’s land, have small coastal areas covered with white pebbles.
Both are reliably protected from winds by high ridges of rocks entwined with velvet greenery. Bright fragrant flowers complement the irresistible beauty of the landscapes. The water in the bays is unusually warm, making it very comfortable for swimming. Nearby is the village of Afionas and the resort village of Agios Georgios (northwest of the island).
Despite the lack of infrastructure and the difficulty of getting here, Porto Timoni attracts tourists with its unearthly beauty of views opening from everywhere. They come to the bay by buses and rented cars from Kerkyra. They stop in Afionas and then go down the path (650 m). Along the way, everyone clicks their cameras because it’s impossible not to capture the magnificence of the local nature.
Barbati
Located in a bay of the same name, it delights with its picturesque view and space. It offers incredible landscapes of rocky ridges cutting into the sea, the sapphire expanse of water merging with the sky. Nearby is a village of the same name, with a single street stretching along the coast. The area is separated from a row of hotels and tourist complexes by a green park where you can hide from the sun under tree crowns and rest on sunbeds.
The coastal area is separated by a low stone wall decorated with flower beds. There is the necessary infrastructure here, renting sunbeds, umbrellas, and equipment for water sports. Many prefer to sunbathe on their towels – the fairly large pebbles are well polished by water and do not cause discomfort. The presence of changing rooms, toilets, and showers contributes to comfortable staying throughout the day.
The sharply starting depth and stones found on the bottom make Barbati unsafe for children. For adults, however, it is a wonderful leisure place. The transparent water allows you to see all the colors of the underwater flora and fauna. In the thickets of seaweed live many fish of fantastic colors – a paradise for divers and snorkelers. Bright impressions are given by boat rides, parachute rides, tubing, and more.
Peroulades
A completely unique place, formed by nature’s whims. It is located 40 km from Kerkyra, near the village of the same name, delighting the eye with its picturesque views. Peroulades is a narrow sandy strip limited by a mass of sheer cliffs 100 m high. You can swim and sunbathe here only during low tide, when the water recedes, exposing the sandy shore.
Wooden ladders with a steep slope lead to it, making it not easy to descend. But particularly curious tourists attracted by the unusual are not deterred by this. They come here mainly for the stunning views opening from the height. At the top of the cliff is a tavern with the speaking name “Panorama.” It is not only a dining establishment but also an observation deck for visitors.
To enjoy the irresistible view of the sea and cliffs during lunch, you need to book a place in the tavern in advance. The peak hour here comes in the evening during sunset – a captivating spectacle many seek to see. There is no infrastructure on Peroulades; vacationers sunbathe on the sand.
Agios Georgios
The widest (200 m) stretch of sandy coastline is located near the island’s capital, Kerkyra. Agios Georgios is known as the longest beach, stretching for 6 km. The coastline is extraordinarily picturesque: lush greenery around, forests, sheer cliffs ending in sharp peaks create a captivating view. The clear sea with transparent water attracts divers and snorkelers.
Despite its impressive size, Agios Georgios is never empty, especially in the high season. Local residents and tourists love to relax here. The highly developed tourism industry allows visitors to spend a wonderful time. In a wide range of hotels and guesthouses, you can easily choose an acceptable accommodation option. There are many restaurants and cafes on the coast with a varied menu for every taste.
There is a rental service for umbrellas, sunbeds, mattresses, and equipment for water sports. Besides diving, you can do windsurfing here. On the western side of the strip is a suitable place for it, with waves. Agios Georgios is an object of civilized, comfortable rest.
Glyfada
The resort is located on the west coast, 15 km from Kerkyra. The resort’s purpose is to provide tourists with rest that meets high standards. Glyfada, covered with wonderful golden sand, stretches for 1.5 km. The cleanliness of the shore and water is carefully monitored here, so this place has the Blue Flag as the highest award for cleanliness.
The swimming season begins in June when the water warms up to 20-22 degrees, and the shore fills with vacationers. In July-August, it is crowded here. The long shallow water with a gentle slope into the water and soft bottom attracts many vacationers with children. The northern part of the strip allows car entry, so there are always more people there.
The southern side is less crowded, where you can find a secluded corner. Glyfada is in demand as a place of rest for people of different ages. For young people, parties are organized here, with the opportunity to do surfing, diving, and paragliding.
More solid visitors ride boats and catamarans. Guests are provided with free toilets, showers, changing rooms, and umbrellas. Nearby are many hotels with playgrounds and water slides. Entry to them is paid (from 2 to 12€).
Canal d’Amour
An extraordinarily romantic place. Located in the town of Sidari, it is called the “Canal of Love.” This amazing natural wonder is a small bay in the shape of a heart. It is formed by two cliffs “squeezing” it from both sides, leaving a narrow exit to the sea. The water in the bay under the protection of the cliffs is always calm. The 20-meter sandy strip is also called the “Canal of Love” and is the smallest beach on the island.
Despite its minimal size, it enjoys great popularity among locals and foreigners. They are attracted here not only by the natural “highlight” but also by the legend of the origin of this place and the signs associated with it. The legend tells that once the two cliffs were a young man and a girl in love.
The gods, angered by the strong feelings of the young lovers, turned them into stone cliffs, separated by water. There is a sign that if lovers swim across the bay together, they will never part and will love each other forever. For those who are still single and dream of finding their love, they need to swim through the arch.
Different people visit this magical place, including families with children. It is very beautiful here, the water in the bay is warm, and it is shallow. On weekends, the rocky slopes are “dotted” with vacationers. In local cafes and bars, you can have a drink and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Avlaki
If you have visited many places on the island and think that nothing can surprise you here anymore, you are mistaken. This can be understood by visiting the most beautiful corner of the island – Avlaki, generously endowed with natural beauty. Avlaki is located between the villages of Kassiopi (to the north) and Agios Stefanos (to the south).
The turquoise expanse of the sea, with an elongated shoreline bordered by a low ridge of cliffs with green slopes, makes an indelible impression. The characteristic feature of this place is the beautiful bays with clear water and white pebbly coastal strip. Avlaki is little known to many tourists, but those who have discovered it visit the strip eagerly.
Besides lovers of sea rest with swimming and sunbathing, surfing enthusiasts come here. Strong winds often blow here, promoting wave riding on boards. You can also engage in sailing on Avlaki. Foreigners choose this coast to enjoy the beautiful expanse, learn horseback riding, and do diving.
A solid rental point offers boats, canoes, water bikes, surfboards, and more. Two taverns provide vacationers with national-style lunches.
Ipsos
The coastal strip in the place of Ipsos winds in a narrow ribbon in the shape of a crescent along a large bay. The water in it is amazingly clean, for which Ipsos is awarded the Blue Flag of the European Union. The ideal entrance to the sea, comfortable temperature, and flat bottom are good incentives for family rest.
It is good to spend time here even with small children: for them, an inflatable town with trampolines and inflatable slides is equipped. Adults are also provided with entertainment: pontoons for diving, rental of water motorcycles, bananas, and boats. Comfortable staying is provided by excellent infrastructure. There are many changing rooms, enough showers, sunbeds, and umbrellas.
The sandy-pebble covering does not cause discomfort, so you can lie on a towel or a blanket. Given the great popularity of Ipsos and the influx of tourists, many cafes, restaurants, and taverns are open here. You can have a meal to suit any taste and budget.
On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, night discos are held on the shore. Young people have fun until the morning. The close proximity of a busy road slightly spoils the comfort. Ipsos is a great place to rest.
Dassia
Surrounded by various vegetation and forest, the place called Dassia translates into Russian as “forest.” The local beach, bearing the same name, is a narrow but long coastal strip. The abundance of olive, orange, and lemon groves saturates the air with a special aroma. Charming landscapes open up to the eyes of vacationers from the shore.
The sandy-pebble strip is always clean, it is cleaned daily. The sea in the eastern part of Dassia is calmer, warmer, with a gentle entrance and shallow waters. Besides other tourists, families with children settle here. The shore is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. Trees growing nearby serve as natural protection from the sun.
Well-developed tourist infrastructure promotes diverse leisure activities for vacationers. Parasailing, water skiing, and sea trips on boats are offered here. Right on the shore, a night club “Eden” is open, where thematic parties and discos are organized. For extremists, a concrete platform is installed in the sea from which they jump into the depth.
In the town itself, there is a golf course where you can learn to play golf. There is a horseback riding school. The northern end of Dassia is a more secluded and quiet part of the strip, suitable for relaxation against the background of the surrounding beauties. Along the coastal highway, running parallel to the shore, there is a row of restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Marathias
A beautiful stretch of coastline near the village of Potamia – Marathias is among the top 20 best beaches of the Ionian Islands. It is surrounded by stunning views and is located 300 m from the center of Potamia. Picturesque mountains, pleasing the eye, are a natural protection of the sea from winds, ensuring calm water. Clean golden sand of light shades spreads softly underfoot.
It is pleasant to walk and lie on it under the sun. An auto highway stretches 500 m away, making access to Marathias easy. A spacious parking lot for cars is equipped here. The depth in the sea increases gradually, without sudden drops, and the bottom is even, without stones. Excellent equipment creates great conditions for comfortable rest for vacationers.
There is no shortage of umbrellas and sunbeds, many changing cabins are provided. Vacationers have access to toilets and showers, as well as rental of water transport and equipment. Kayaking, diving, SUP surfing, catamaran riding, jet skiing, and banana riding are practiced here.
There is a volleyball court on the shore. The spacious territory of Marathias meets the demand for both relaxation and active pastime. In the surrounding area (within a 5 km radius), there are another 8 good stretches.
Vitalades
A resort place located in the village of Vitalades, captivating with its authenticity, is famous for its picturesque coastline. Low yellow cliffs jut into the turquoise sea with triangular peaks, forming small coves. There are several places covered with white sand. One of them is Gardenos, located 30 km from the airport.
It is especially in demand among vacationers with children. Fine sand, shallow waters over a long stretch, and comfortable water temperature make children’s stay here safe. The territory is divided into two parts by the river of the same name flowing into the sea. Good conditions for comfortable leisure are created at Gardenos.
Umbrellas and sunbeds are rented (about 5 €), there are showers and changing rooms. In numerous taverns and restaurants, you can have an inexpensive meal. South of Gardenos is the equally picturesque Megali Lakka (Kanula). Nearby there is a car park, mini-markets operate, and rooms are rented out. The village of Vitalades is liked by vacationers for its cozy beauty, national color, and the extraordinary hospitality of its residents.
Halikounas
A vast sandy space located between the Ionian Sea and Lake Korission is called Halikounas. It is situated in the southwest of the island. The very wide, entirely sandy coastline can accommodate a large number of vacationers. This is a great place for leisure: fine sand underfoot, a gentle descent into the water, and plenty of space.
Here you can breathe the sea air deeply and indulge in serene relaxation. Not everywhere on Halikounas is there flora, and there are no shade umbrellas. When planning a trip here, you should bring an umbrella. The juniper thickets growing on the sand dunes emit a pleasant aroma. The shallow water, warm temperatures, and extensive space create good conditions for children’s rest.
The sand spit is sparsely populated because this place is quite remote from resorts. You can only get here by taxi or a rented car on a good dirt road. It runs along the entire coastline. Parking here is free.
For kite surfers, Halikounas is a real paradise, an ideal place for riding. The western part is almost wild, and people rest at a great distance from each other. The central part of the coast is provided with infrastructure. There are sunbeds, cafes, equipment rental points for water amusements, and a kite school.
Nissaki
Located 20 km from the capital city of Kerkyra, the village of Nissaki has a special color that attracts tourists of all categories. The local coastline consists of several small sections where it is easy to find seclusion. The gentle deepening of the sea and the lack of wind make Nissaki popular with families with children.
Young lovers and newlyweds also love to come here to spend their honeymoon days in a romantic setting. Natural beauties and charming sunsets serve as a backdrop for romantic dates. Cozy bays and rocky caves provide a lot of pleasure for exploration enthusiasts. The rich underwater world attracts divers and snorkelers.
A series of small coastal sections suitable for rest are covered with fine pebbles. The bay in which they are located is reliably protected from winds, and there are no strong waves here. High rocky shores are covered with dense forest, ozonating the air. The road is located away from the Nissaki coast, and there is no promenade.
Most of the beaches are wild, except for the central one, which has all the necessary conveniences, taverns, and rental points for various equipment, boats, and scooters. In the high season (July-August), Nissaki is crowded with vacationers.
Kontogialos
Located 9.8 km from Kerkyra and near the village of the same name, 200 m from the central square, Kontogialos ranks 26th out of 450 coastal sections in the region in terms of amenities and natural features. Its territory, with light golden sand, is not very long but is equipped to a high standard.
The entrance to the crystal-clear water is gentle, and the bottom is without stones. The turquoise sea, surrounded by green mountains, and the colorful sunbeds on the shore create a beautiful picture. Everyone here will find their favorite activity. You can quietly relax in the sun while admiring the magnificent views. There is plenty to do for active leisure enthusiasts.
Kayaking, SUP surfing, and various types of water transport are popular here. High waves attract many surfers. You can play beach volleyball. Children have a great time here; a whole water town is equipped for them. In the high season, when the entire coastline is filled with vacationers, lifeguards are on duty at Kontogialos.
Agios Spyridon
The stunning views of the resort village of Agios Spyridon, located in the north, are breathtaking. High mountains, lush subtropical greenery around, and white cliffs hugging the turquoise water captivate at first sight. It is located in a picturesque bay with calm waters.
Agios Spyridon is awarded the high honor of the Blue Flag of the European Union. The coastline, covered with sand mixed with fine pebbles, does not cause discomfort; you can walk barefoot all over the territory. It is a great place to rest with children: a gentle descent into the water and a soft bottom. The Greek color characteristic of this place attracts many foreigners, who enjoy the wonderful nature.
Nearby is a reserve and a beautiful lake where excursions are organized. Tourists visit the ancient church of Saint Spyridon, which gave the name to the resort. The swimming season here begins in June when the water is sufficiently warmed up. The season ends in October, which is a suitable month for excursions. People also come here in May to enjoy the surroundings and see the natural attractions.
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