The warm turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea are hard to beat. From little pockets of pebbled perfection hidden under pines and pines along the slightly posh but still unspoilt northeastern coast to surprisingly long, wide stretches of golden sand in the west, there’s a beach to please everyone. Families flock to the larger beaches furnished with sun loungers, within easy reach of a taverna or two and full of water sports. The more adventurous will hike rocky trails that lead to the island’s most remote and astonishingly beautiful swimming spots.
For more Corfu inspiration, check out our guides to the island’s best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and activities.
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Northeast Corfu
Kalami
The horseshoe-shaped Kalami Bay attracts beach-going families and sailing yachts to its protected waters and pebbly beaches, lined with olive and pine trees, and blooming with brightly colored flowers in spring. In this natural playground so loved by the Durrell family, young people dangle mesmerized from the edge of wooden jetties in search of undersea life. Yachties tie their dinghies to the dock beneath the White House, the Durrells’ former home, and check into the onsite restaurant to enjoy steamed clams in the sun. Rent a boat to visit quieter neighboring bays or tune into the old-fashioned pace of a pedal boat.
How do you get there: Green bus A4 to Kassiopi
Barbati
The long, narrow beach of Barbati is located at the foot of the imposing Pantokrator massif – the highest mountain in Corfu – which is 906 meters high. Barbati is known for its stark white flat pebbles that flaunt clear, aquatic translucent water. Couples in particular often visit this beach, laze on the many sun loungers and order Freddo espresso at beach bars that also serve as restaurants. Beachgoers can satisfy their hunger in the shade of eucalyptus trees. There is easy road access and parking available. Arrive early to get a good spot on the beach.
How do you get there: Green bus A5 to Barbati-Nisaki
Kaminaki
Simple houses in pale yellow and salmon tones lie around Kaminaki beach in the hamlet of the same name, which has hardly changed over the years. This small beach, strewn with pebbles and sand, has a few parasols and attracts devout regulars looking for an annual dose of sun-drenched tranquility. Children spend hours snorkeling around the rocks at either end of the beach. Boat rentals and water sports such as stand-up paddle boarding and water skiing are offered. At the west end of the beach, The Rocks (0030 2663 091374) serves old-fashioned Greek taverna dishes, such as masterfully grilled sea bass and village-style sausages, right on the water’s edge.
How do you get there: Green bus A5 to Barbati-Nisaki
Glyfada
Surrounded by a green hilly backdrop, dotted with holiday apartments and two hotels, the long, sandy Glyfada Beach is one of the busiest beaches in Corfu. Families love it as there are plenty of parasols and sunbeds, a few tavernas on the seafront and refreshments readily available. Locals and visitors flock to Pazuzu beach bar for sunset parties with international DJs. If you prefer a quieter scene, stick to the northern end of the beach, which is well protected from the winds that sometimes blow from the Adriatic Sea. Naturist-exclusive Myrtiotissa, which Lawrence Durrell enthusiastically described as the world’s most beautiful beach, is a short drive north.
How do you get there: Green bus B17 to Glyfada
Kontogialos
A winding road descends gently through the village of Pelekas to Kontogialos beach, passing olive groves running down the hillside. Families love this sweeping curve of a beach that is some 30 meters wide for its golden sand and shallow emerald water. Once a haven for hippies, Kontogialos also attracts a young crowd thanks to its relative proximity to Corfu Town. Parasols and sunbeds are plentiful, but there is plenty of room to put down a towel. To the north, a tiny beach lies hidden in the shadow of an impressive steep cliff rising from the sea.
How do you get there: City bus 11 to Pelekas
Issos
Issos beach is perhaps the most breathtakingly spectacular beach on the island. This untamed stretch of fine, golden sand is about a mile long and lies beneath tall, rolling sand dunes. Explore the dunes, where sand orchids grow, and a rare cedar forest that reaches the shores of Korission Lake, Corfu’s most important aquatic habitat. There are sunbeds on the south side, but as you go further north it becomes quieter, making it popular with naturists. With its steady winds and flat seas, Issos is ideal for windsurfing newbies and sailing catamarans with equipment available for hire. Bring wine and treats to celebrate a sublime sunset.
How do you get there: Green bus B6 to Issos
Halikounas
The seemingly endless Halikounas Beach, separated from Issos by a small rocky promontory, winds for some three kilometers and borders Lake Korission. Families prefer the north end, where there are a few sun loungers, while those looking for a bit of privacy head south. It is also one of Corfu’s best kitesurfing and windsurfing spots, so it attracts the more experienced, who bring equipment or rent it on site. Visit in the late afternoon and wait for the sun to cast a bronze glow on this narrow strip of soft fawn-colored sand. You’ll find it hard to resist a lonely, exhilarating run along a wild, nearly empty beach.
How do you get there: Best accessible by car
Northwest Corfu
Verderosa
Shortly after entering Paleokastritsa and before you reach the bustling main beach of Agios Spyridon, you will find the beautiful Verderosa hidden under a cliff. Walk down the stone steps, lined with green and red balustrades, to the small sandy stretch of a pebble beach where orange and yellow chaise longues match the blazing sun and palms painted on the faded exterior of a restaurant that once was. If this beach had a soundtrack, it would be reggae. Verderosa is a favorite with couples for its tranquility and overlooks the small harbor of Paleokastritsa, where boats can be rented to reach otherwise inaccessible beaches such as Stelari.
How do you get there: Green bus A9 to Paleokastritsa
Agios Stefanos Avliotes
The sheer length and breadth of Agios Stefanos Avliotes is guaranteed to touch the heart of even the savviest beachgoer. This open sandy area is more reminiscent of that in Australia. It doesn’t matter that there are plenty of sun loungers and parasols, nature has provided infinite space so that you can find your own piece of solitude. The shallow water makes it excellent for children and a steady, gentle breeze is welcome in summer. Tavernas, restaurants and cafes are close by, as well as beach supplies. From here small ferries leave for the Diapontia islands of Erikousa, Mathraki and Othoni.
How do you get there: Green bus A1 to Agios Stefanos
Porto Timoni
It takes a good 20 to 25 minutes to navigate the winding rocky path from Afionas village to Porto Timoni, but the reward is a lifelong memory of experiencing one of Greece’s most beautiful beaches. Many a young family with babies in their arms hardly hesitates during the trek. It consists of two pristine sandy bays with crystal clear aquamarine seas that face each other, meaning that when viewed from a small viewing ledge on the path, they are breathtaking. The eastern beach is at its most beautiful in the early hours of the day and the western side is clearly made for sunset and entwined lovers.
How do you get there: Green bus A6 to Afionas-Arillas
Agios Georgios Pagon
The horseshoe-shaped beach of Agios Georgios Pagon, not to be confused with the beach of Agios Georgios Argyradon to the south, is two kilometers long, so it never feels crowded. This easily accessible, well-sheltered beach retains a distinctly Ionian atmosphere. There are parasols and sun loungers, but there is also plenty of space to ground yourself on the sand and the fine-pebble coast that gently descends into the azure blue water. In addition to various water sports, a reef close to the coast ensures that young people can keep themselves busy snorkeling for hours, giving parents peace of mind. Catch a fiery sunset from Fisherman’s Cabin, a small real fish tavern accessible on foot.
How do you get there: Green bus A7 to Agios Georgios Pagon