Discover The 25 Best Corfu Beaches

Last updated on July 18th, 2024 at 08:09 am

Best Sandy Beaches on Corfu Island

Corfu Beaches are innumerable, stunning, and expansive. Most are sandy and bustling, with numerous tranquil and secluded shores to discover.

Most small-sized beaches are mainly those in the small bays of Erimitis on the northeast coast and the beaches on the West side of the island just south of the amazing Palaiokastritsa.

In Corfu, we have the endless long sandy beaches of the west coast and the tourist pebble beaches on the eastern coast.

Most of them were awarded blue flags due to their crystal and clear water.

No matter how many days you spend in Corfu, two things are certain: you’ll never get tired of the stunning Corfu beaches, and you’ll always wish you had more time to enjoy them!

Our List of the Best Sandy Corfu Beaches

1. Sidari and Canal D`amour beach

Sidari Resort is one of today`s largest tourist destinations on the island and lies on the northwest coast of Corfu.

The beaches at Sidari are sandy and suitable for anybody.

In the East part of the village, a sandy stretch deepens softly and is good for families. It is fully organized with water sports and other amenities.

On the west side, we find Canal D`amour (Channel of Love), a strange and unique rocky formation ideal for romance as well as diving. It is equally good for young and older people.

The myth says that couples who meet on these rocks stay together forever, which is where the name comes from.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of the best beaches on the island.

Sidari and Canal D’amour beach

2. Peroulades and Loggas majestic beach

Peroulades is a small village with simple apartments and villas.

People here can enjoy the wonderful sandy beach of Loggas below the cliffs, and see the famous sunset from the top of the cliff.

Loggas, the beach of Peroulades is a rare geological phenomenon with very steep tall sandstones that give a sense of majesty.

It is not so organized beach with some water sports but is quite narrow. When the sea is rough is almost totally lost under the waves.

It is aimed at romantics because of the fabulous sunsets. Also good for the adventurous type of person.

See more about Peroulades and Loggas

3. Porto Timoni beach

On the island, there are also some incredible places like Porto Timoni.

Porto Timoni is a double beach between the Gulf of Saint George of Pagoi and Afionas.

The scenery is breathtaking and the view from the surrounding heights is amazing. The beach is a slimline land that connects Corfu with a small height that otherwise would be an islet.

A downside is that this beach is accessible only by the sea.

Someone may try an approach by a narrow and rough lane between the mountains but it is difficult, it requires time and the skills of a young person.

Still one of the best beaches for nature lovers, good for relaxing too.

More about Porto Timoni

4. Beaches inside Paleokastritsa

Palaiokastritsa has been called the jewel of Corfu. Set on several bays which are beaches, separated by small promontories.

Paleokastritsa has exceptional scenery along with superb beaches. The waters are cool and crystal clear, ideal for swimming and water sports.

On most of the beaches, there are taxi boats, sunbeds, umbrellas, motorboats, and canoes for rent.

In the settlement`s area, there are seven beaches, separated by round-shaped capes.

On the headland farthest out to the sea is the beautiful monastery, still working and occupied by cat-loving monks, and containing the famous icon of the Virgin in its church.

Τhere also exists and kept the skeleton of a whale that had stranded years ago on the shores of the region.

Beaches inside paleokastritsa

There are hotels and apartments to suit all pockets here, and many tavernas and bars strung out along the road, some on the hillside, and others on the water’s edge.

The view from the village of Lakones on the hill above is stunning. Many visitors walk up the old donkey trail which goes between the two places, and some go on up into the hills above, exploring the inland villages of Krini and Makrades.

Read more about Paleokastritsa beaches

5. Rovinia Beach

Rovinia Beach is perhaps the most beautiful beach in this area and is located in the area of Liapades in western Corfu just south of the rocky shores of Paleokastritsa.

Small, remote, beautiful, and unspoiled, accessible from the sea as well as from the land through a small path with steps, about 600 meters long.

It is deserted, therefore not very crowded, with fine pebbles, little sand, and a turquoise crystal clear sea in a landscape of exceptional natural beauty, it could be a nudist beach.

The beach of Rovinia is a small petal-shaped beach, almost surrounded by tall rocks on both sides, with rocks at its southern end creating a small but spectacular cave.

The waters here are crystal clear, fairly cold, almost frozen, as well as in the whole area of Paleokastritsa, due to the cold streams from the Adriatic that end up on these coasts.

Rovinia beach

6. Myrtiotissa Nudist Beach

Myrtiotissa is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Also known as “the only beach on the island of Corfu where nudism is officially tolerated“.

It’s a nudist beach reached by a steep path or by the sea. A rather small sandy beach is difficult to spot that lay just north of Glyfada which is separated by a thin but high rock. Also one of the best beaches in Corfu.

No hotels, apartments, or restaurants are on the beach. So it remains natural and unspoiled by progress.

Located between the villages of Pelekas and Vatos. In an isolated place on the western coast of the island.

See all about Mirtiotissa

7. Glyfada Beach

Glyfada is one of the most popular and busy Corfu Beaches. A long sandy stretch lays on the island’s west side, opposite the town at a distance of about 15 km.

A cosmopolitan beach suitable for young, old, and people who love to meet new friends. One of the best Corfu beaches.

Buses from here go to Corfu Town, passing Aqualand, the largest water park on the island. Also going near the golf course in the Ropa Valley.

More about Glyfada

8. Pelekas and Kontogialos Beach

Kontogialos is below the famous village of Pelekas. It was the beach that during the ’60s the hippies had as their favorite resort.

It`s a large organized beautiful sandy beach, good for relaxing moments.

The village of Pelekas can be seen from far away as it is situated on a hill overlooking all central Corfu.

At the top of the hill is a viewpoint. Said to have been a favorite spot of Kaiser Wilhelm 2nd who used to walk across from Achilleion Palace in Gastouri.

From here you can look across Corfu Town, the bay of Gouvia, and right up to the coast to Nissaki. While in the foreground is the lush meadows of the Ropa Valley.

The most popular time to enjoy the view is sunset.

More about Pelekas and Kontoyalos beach

9. Gialiskari Beach or Yialiskari

Gialiskari is further south. A small yet quiet sandy beach, well-organized with sunbeds and umbrellas.

A place surrounded by woods that keep the temperature low, especially in the summer. Rather like natural air conditioning.

Nice beach for nature lovers and relaxing.

On the beach, there are water sports facilities for the more adventurous types.

The background is rocky and magnificent. It offers natural shade and the wider area guarantees peace. Just behind the beach, there are several hotels and restaurants.

10. Agios Gordios Beach

The huge and very busy beach of Agios Gordios is a sandy beach that ends at a high rock called Ortholithi.

It looks like Glyfada. A bit less cosmopolitan though but still good enough for young people and families and surely one of the best beaches in Corfu.

Agios Gordis has plenty of restaurants and small bars for nightlife too.

Almost at the center of the west side, it takes only 20 minutes by car to get there as it is 15 km away from Corfu town.

It is the summer resort of the beautiful Sinarades village on the hills.

More about Agios Gordios

11. Chalikounas beach

Probably, the best sandy beach in Corfu is called Chalikounas. Followed by Issos in the south.

Chalikounas is enormous, and endless, with variations in the landscape, with a forest, and a lagoon behind the dunes.

Above all, it is pristine – no hotels or uncontrolled tourist development.

This part of the island has tons of sand and may remind you of the Sahara desert in Corfu.
Click to go to Chalikounas

12. Issos Beach

Issos sandy beach is in continuation and equally large and beautiful. It is considered among the best beaches of Corfu.

The beach has another access from the main road, just after the long straight road of Linia. We hope the place will always remain as it is today. Photos illustrate the uniqueness of the landscape.

These two huge sandy beaches together are more than 10 kilometers long. With golden sand and permanent waves making them ideal for surfing, windsurfing, and paragliding.

Luckily they are next to the lagoon of Korission, a protected area, along with the habitat. So there are no hotels or restaurants here.

If one is thirsty or wants to eat something, there is a simple bar on the beach.

Between Halikouna and Issos beaches, there is a cedar forest three kilometers in length.

It starts at the end of the track of the sandy road in Chalikouna and finishes at Issos. There is a path through the cedar forest leading from Halikouna to Issos and vice versa.

Both Chalikounas and Issos are good for adventures. Depending on the weather, winds blow a bit stronger here and may not appeal to families.

Take me to Issos

13. Saint George Beach South at Argyrades

Saint George in Argyrades before the ’90s was a beach of wild beauty when the roads that drive down there were unpaved between the towering dunes.

You could find your way to the beach only by following the smell and noise of the sea as it could not be seen yet.

Until you suddenly found yourself in front of the magnificent sea breaking over the pristine sandy beaches. Where there was almost nothing except your presence.

Today the landscape is completely different. With plenty of concrete development on one side and the sea on the other. It has lost the wild beauty that it used to have in the past.

It is still very pleasant and still among the best beaches though. Organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, and water sports. Visit it if you prefer the comforts of the shops and restaurants.

There is a great restaurant that deserves a visit, called “Cafessas” at the southern end of the resort.

Read more about St George

14. Marathias and Santa Barbara

Marathias and Santa Barbara to the south of Saint George.

Two adjoining sandy beaches, about four kilometers long, make them a beautiful shore included in the top 10 beaches on the island.

Good for relaxing, families, and couples.

They can be reached by driving through Perivoli village and following the signs.

Nobody knows exactly where their boundaries are (the locals are still arguing about that!). But generally, the northern part is called Marathias, and the southern Santa Barbara.

If you see a sign on the main road showing the way to Malta or Marta Beach just remember that it is the same place with a different name used by the locals.

The beach is well organized, with many restaurants, and attracts many visitors. Although the parking area is quite small for all the people who drive down there.

Read more about Marathias

15. Gardenos Beach in Vitalades

Then the beautiful large sandy beach of Gardenos at Vitalades.

Ideal beach for sand lovers, couples, and families too.

Gardenos Beach is situated at the southwest end part of Corfu and is the beachside of the traditional village of Vitalades.

The region took its name from a small river…

Read more about Gardenos

16. Megali Lakka (Kanoula beach), or Agios Gordios of South

The beach of Lakka or Agios Gordios of South or else Kanoula is under the traditional villages of the Lefkimi area, Paleochori, Neochori, and Dragotina.

But there is only a narrow road to drive down there. Another way to get to it is to walk from Gardenos.

This magnificent beach is just before Megas Choros, before one of the southern capes of Corfu named Arkoudila.

It is the natural continuation of Gardenos beach. It’s a remote beach with golden sand.

There is absolutely no tourist infrastructure there. So you must have with you the necessary equipment to enjoy swimming.

To be honest, someone can not separate this beach from the next beach of Megas Choros down to the South.

17. Megas Choros

After Gardenos and Agios Gordis at the south of Corfu, just before the last beach of the island, Arkoudila at the southern end, there is another remote sandy beach called Megas Choros.

The name means Great Dance, we know the meaning but we don’t know the exact reason for this name.

Some people say that this place was so remote that it was used by the pirates after they looted the villages around the west coast of Corfu, they came here to celebrate their success by dancing. Therefore the name Great Dance.

Others say that it was used as a large dancing place for the locals of the villages.

Therefore the name may mean Large Space or Great Dance!, keep in mind that in Greek some words sound the same but have different meanings, in this case, one word is ‘Choros=Χορός=dance’ and the other is ‘Choros=Χώρος=space’.

Furthermore, there is another word from the same root, ‘Χορωδία’ (Chorodia in Greek or Chorus in Latin) meaning any group of people who sing together.

In any case, it is another lovely sandy beach, completely unspoiled.

There is a small dirt road leading down there through the village of Vitalades but the access is very difficult. But if you manage to reach down there you will get rewarded by the tranquility of the landscape and the unspoiled virgin sandy beach.

18. Arkoudillas beach

Arkoudilla is a large area with a sandy beach.

The sea here is very clean but there are some underwater currents. Families can visit it but they must be careful with their children.

Apart from the beach, there are many more important facts about the area, check them all in detail on page:

Read more about Arkoudillas

19. Messonghi

Messonghi is one of the most popular tourist villages in Corfu.

Only a river separates it from Moraitika. It offers natural charm and beauty, is hidden among green hills and olive groves, and boasts a beautiful beach.

Messonghi is a place for families looking for a relaxing holiday.

The beach is sandy with some shingles. Very well organized with sunbeds and parasols as well as plenty of water sports.

More facilities include showers and changing huts. Along the beach, there are many restaurants and Bars.

The sea is clean and calm, perfect for water activities. Suited to families, couples, and especially small children as the waters are very shallow even at large distances from the shore. Therefore, it is very safe.

There is a school for scuba diving run by a friendly Anglo-Greek couple. It’s the Nautilus Diving School on the shore of the Messonghi Beach Hotel. Also recognized as a British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) school.

They also organize trips for qualified divers and equipment for hire is also provided.

Find more about Messonghi

20. Moraitika

The busy resort of Moraitika is perhaps the best beach on the East Coast for children. A mixture of sand and shingle, getting deeper very softly indeed, so it is very safe.

This side of the island is also protected as it looks across to the mainland. Often when the sea is rough on the west coast it is calm here.

The old village of Moraitika sits on a hill at the base which lies the modern resort stretching down to the shore.

Families return again and again, renewing friendships with Corfiots they have known over the years. Relaxing in the bars and tavernas which they have visited in previous years.

Learn more about Moraitika

21. Dassia

Dassia was the site of Europe’s first Club Mediterranee. The sand and shingle beach is now popular with families.

Ikos Dassia is a luxury all-inclusive resort located in the Dassia area of Corfu.

The resort offers a wide range of amenities and services, including multiple swimming pools, spa facilities, restaurants, bars, and a variety of sports and leisure activities.

The hotel has 411 rooms and suites, each elegantly designed and furnished with modern amenities.

All rooms come with a balcony or terrace with either sea or garden views, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars.

See more about Dassia

22. Ipsos

Ipsos lies in a large bay at the foot of Mount Pantokrator, Corfu’s highest peak.

It is a lively resort and long pebble beach with mostly English tourists. With water sports and a diving school. Dolphins are often spotted frolicking out at sea.

At the southern end, there is a small harbor with fishing boats.

Read more about Ipsos

23. Corfu Beaches of Erimitis area

Erimitis is a protected paradise. There are 11 small isolated and pristine beaches in the area of Erimitis.

We mention them briefly here:

To the east of Kassiopi and in order: Avlaki, Vouvalomantria beach, Vrachli beach, Tzoufaka, the Arias beach, Akoli, Vromolimni, Kaminakia beach, Korfovounia, Aspalathras, and Xylokeratia beach.

All these secret havens belong to the Erimitis area.

All beaches on Erimitis area

24. Acharavi

This was once a small village, clustered around the well in the middle. But it is now a small town, with banks, supermarkets, schools, etc.

The old village can be found but has to be searched out. Hidden behind the modern buildings fronting the main road. It ends on the lanes leading down to the sandy beach.

Acharavi beach is very long, it covers about 30% of the north coast of Corfu. Therefore in some parts, it is sandy, and in other parts shingle. It is suitable for families and relaxing holidays.

There are many tavernas, bars, and shops here. So many local people no longer need to make trips to Corfu Town. Almost everything can be found on their doorstep!

Discover Acharavi

25. Roda

Roda is one of the older villages on the north coast where tourism has been well-established for many years.

A large sandy beach, good for relaxing and families.

The heart of the village is, of course, the sandy beach which is lined with shops, bars, and tavernas.

More about Roda

The Best Corfu Beaches spotted on a map

Wrapping Up

The number of Corfu beaches is endless.

All the Corfu coast is suitable for swimming and everywhere the sea meets the land there is a beach.

In our list, we describe only the largest and most well-known to the general public.

But there are many more, every small cove at the east, north, and west of the island is a beach.

See also: 7 paradise beaches under Paleokastritsa, not included here.

For a total view of Corfu Beaches Read: All Beaches in Corfu

More Corfu Beaches