The complete guide to Corfu’s beaches: where to relax under the Greek sun

27/08/2025 by Animawings / General

Corfu invites you to discover a colorful island full of surprises, where beaches blend Greek tradition with a modern atmosphere. With over 200 kilometers of coastline and nearly a hundred beaches, Corfu satisfies both the desire for relaxation and the passion for adventure. Whether you’re planning a peaceful retreat, a family holiday, or want to explore hidden corners, here you’ll find options to match every preference.

Why choose Corfu for a beach holiday?

Corfu has the reputation of being a friendly destination, where local hospitality and lush nature create a relaxing setting. Here you can enjoy wide sandy beaches, coves with crystal-clear water, authentic tavernas, and breathtaking views. The diversity of beaches makes it easy to find the perfect spot: you can choose between Blue Flag beaches for cleanliness and facilities, secluded beaches for tranquility, or lively spots with activities for the whole family.

Types of beaches you can visit in Corfu

  • Blue Flag beaches: clean waters, well-organized areas, and easy access to restaurants or bars.
  • Family-friendly spots: shallow waters, fine sand, and playgrounds.
  • Secluded areas: hard-to-reach coves, perfect for intimacy or exploring nature.
  • Bustling beaches: plenty of water sports, beach bars, and nightlife.
  • Hidden coves: accessible only by boat or after a short hike.

Now is the perfect time to book your flight to Corfu!

The most popular and spectacular beaches in Corfu


Here are some beaches worth visiting when in Corfu:

Paleokastritsa: turquoise bays and spectacular landscapes

Paleokastritsa impresses with its landscapes, blue waters, and rocky formations. Many visitors choose this area for its snorkeling potential and the relaxing vibe of its beaches. Among the main spots to explore:

  • Agios Spiridon: crystal-clear waters and perfect depth for snorkeling make it a favorite among underwater activity lovers. The beach offers sunbeds and bars.
  • Limni Glyko: a small, quiet beach ideal for those seeking relaxation away from the crowds. You can reach Limni Glyko by following a short trail through pine trees.
  • Porto Timoni: two bays separated by a strip of sand. The walk to Porto Timoni takes about 30 minutes from the village of Afionas, but the reward is a unique landscape and clear waters, perfect for snorkeling.

Sidari and Canal d’Amour: tourist attraction with unique rock formations

Sidari is home to one of Corfu’s most famous attractions – the Canal d’Amour. Here, cliffs carved by wind and water form unique tunnels. Legend has it that passing through the tunnel brings good luck in love. Sidari also offers plenty of space for families, sandy beaches, and a variety of facilities.

Kassiopi: Tradition and variety on the northern coast

Kassiopi combines the charm of a fishing port with clean beaches and small coves. Discover here:

  • Bataria and Avlaki: pebble coves with umbrellas and sunbeds available. Many tavernas nearby serve fresh fish.
  • Engagement Bay: a secluded cove, loved by those seeking peaceful moments. Ideal for couples who appreciate nature and intimacy.

Popular beaches on the western coast

  • Barbati (Blue Flag): known for its clean water and a wide range of water activities. Restaurants here specialize in seafood dishes.
  • Halikounas: a long, wilder beach, recommended for photography enthusiasts and those who enjoy windsurfing or kitesurfing. Nearby, Lake Korission hosts various water birds.

Family-friendly beaches and relaxing holidays

Traveling with kids to Corfu? Here are some beaches to consider:

North and northwest Corfu – safe choices for families

Families often look for beaches with shallow entry into the sea and child-friendly facilities. These spots allow parents to relax even with little ones around:

  • Kalamaki: very shallow waters, perfect for young children to splash around.
  • Astrakeri: fine sand, quiet atmosphere, family-friendly beach bars.
  • Sidari (Blue Flag), Agios Stefanos, Arillas, Agios Georgios North: wide sandy beaches with sunbed rentals, shops, and bars nearby.

West coast – gentle sun, safety, and facilities

  • Glyfada: popular with tourists seeking relaxation. Families with children appreciate its wide space, shallow waters, and beachfront restaurants.
  • Kontogialos and Agios Gordios: sandy beaches with easy access to restaurants, water sports rentals, and playgrounds.

South Corfu – spacious and laid-back atmosphere

  • Issos: known for its sand dunes, wide towel-friendly spaces, and the chance to spot flamingos at the nearby lake.
  • Marathias, Gardenos, Kanoula: long, quiet beaches perfect for those who want to avoid crowds. Marathias also offers sections with sunbeds.

Southeast and Corfu Town – easy-to-reach options

  • Bouka, Moraitika: fine sand, shallow waters, and tavernas with kid-friendly menus.
  • Faliraki, Mon Repos, Gouvia, Dassia, Ipsos: close to Corfu Town, making them ideal for quick seaside breaks between sightseeing.

Choose these beaches for convenient facilities such as restrooms, changing cabins, restaurants with child-friendly menus, and playgrounds. They’re accessible both by car and bus.

When booking your plane tickets, make sure you also know how to choose the best seat on the plane based on your preferences!

Plaje sălbatice și izolate pentru exploratori

Do you want to avoid the crowds or are you searching for more secluded landscapes? Corfu also offers nearly untouched beaches, where nature takes center stage.

  • Gialiskari: tucked into a quiet bay with pines and cliffs. Getting here requires a short walk, but once there you’ll find complete tranquility.
  • Loggas (Sunset Beach): a beach under the cliffs, famous for its sunset views. To reach it, you descend a steep staircase – perfect for photography lovers.
  • Katevasidi, Iliodoros, Giali: accessible via short hikes or by boat. Giali, for example, offers plenty of space to relax and sometimes you may even have the beach to yourself.
  • Arkoudilas: total peace and quiet. A few sunbeds are available, but most of the beach maintains a natural, untouched look.

Beaches for snorkeling and diving

Some of the best spots for underwater exploration include Porto Timoni and the bays of Paleokastritsa. Local teams also offer diving lessons, suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.

Facilities, activities, and experiences on Corfu’s beaches

What services you’ll find on the beaches:

  • Sunbeds and umbrellas: rent them on-site or pre-book online at some beaches.
  • Toilets, showers, changing cabins: most organized beaches provide these, free or for a small fee.
  • Restaurants, tavernas, bars: enjoy meals and snacks without leaving the beach. Some beach bars host themed evenings.
  • Water sports: rent kayaks, paddleboards, motorboats, or join windsurfing and kitesurfing sessions. At Halikounas, rental centers offer multi-day packages.
  • Playgrounds and kids’ activities: at beaches like Glyfada and Sidari, you’ll find special areas for children.
  • Accessibility: most Blue Flag beaches are equipped with ramps for people with reduced mobility.

Activities to enhance your beach experience:

  • Boat trips in Paleokastritsa: discover hidden caves, emerald bays, and dramatic cliffs. Usually lasting 1–2 hours, tours can be booked directly on the beach.
  • Snorkeling/Scuba diving: clear waters and marine biodiversity make dives unforgettable. Beginners can join licensed local instructors.
  • Kite-surfing at Issos: rent equipment or take beginner lessons – steady winds make it an ideal location, with instructors available on the beach.
  • Yoga in Arillas: several centers organize outdoor yoga sessions with sea views.
  • Photography: Loggas is often considered the perfect sunset photography spot.

When to visit Corfu’s beaches

The season starts in mid-May and runs until the end of October, with June–September bringing perfect swimming temperatures. Avoid the July–August crowds if you value personal space, and come in the shoulder season for better prices and peace. In May and September, accommodation deals are easier to find.

Practical tips for planning your Corfu beach holiday

How to choose the right beach

Choosed the beach based on the following criteria:

  • Comfort and services: Glyfada, Sidari, Barbati, Dassia, Ipsos.
  • Family holidays: Kalamaki, Astrakeri, Moraitika, Agios Georgios North.
  • Peace and quiet: Katevasidi, Arkoudilas.
  • Adventure and nature: Porto Timoni, Loggas, and the remote west coast.

Getting to the beaches – transport and mobility on the island:

  • Rent a car, scooter, or bike: the most flexible option for exploring remote or hidden beaches.
  • Public transport: bus lines connect resorts to major beaches, with timetables available online and fares from €2–5 per trip.
  • On foot: many wild beaches require a 10–30-minute walk, so bring comfortable shoes and water.

Use the flight route map and local connections to plan your trip from the airport to the beaches efficiently.

What to know about flights, baggage, and documents

  • Direct flights: available from Bucharest and Timișoara. Check flight packages here.
  • Personal item: a small handbag or backpack (to fit under the seat). At AnimaWings, an 8kg carry-on is included in all flight packages.
  • Online check-in: complete your boarding process before arriving at the airport to save time. Usually takes 5–10 minutes, with confirmation sent by email.
  • Documents: ID card or valid passport. For minors, check the special travel documents listed on the official site.
  • Travel terms: for details on documents, extra charges, or updated rules, consult the travel terms and conditions.

Save time and money on the island!

  1. Book accommodation at least two months in advance (especially for July–August).
  2. Choose local tavernas in small villages, with meals from €10–12.
  3. Check free options: showers and changing cabins on main beaches are usually free.
  4. Visit popular beaches early morning or at sunset to avoid crowds and secure a free umbrella.
  5. Take advantage of off-season deals: many hotels and guesthouses lower rates in May, June, September, and October.

If you’ve explored Corfu and still have time, you can expand your holiday to nearby Ionian islands such as Kefalonia or Zakynthos. Check flight options and choose your departure city to find the best match for your schedule.

Why it’s worth planning a beach holiday in Corfu

Corfu offers spacious beaches for families, secluded coves for couples or those seeking solitude, and lively areas for travelers looking for active experiences. Each region has its own charm, from traditional tavernas to modern water sports centers. The island welcomes visitors from May to October, and its variety ensures that every trip can be tailored to your wishes.

Now you have all the details you need for a successful holiday under the Corfu sun. Plan ahead, pick your perfect beach, and enjoy everything the island has to offer!