Best beaches in Corfu

Known as one of the beaches of Liapades, this blue cove can be reached both by car or by water taxi. It distinguishes not only for the fascinating color of the sea but also for the view to Paleokastritsa and the green hills around it. Another peculiarity of Rovinia is the small cave in the rocks right at the beach.

Glyfada is one of the best sandy beaches of the island, with shallow water and great sunset view. It is surrounded by high cliffs from both sides, accessible via steep curvy road with hairpin turns but the panoramic view from above compensates for the somewhat unpleasant way down to the beach.

Paleokastritsa is blessed not with one, but with six consecutive coves divided by cliffs, each with own name and amazing blue water. The most popular of them is the beach of Agios Spyridon, located next to the most visited monastery of Corfu.

Kontogialos is considered the beach of Pelekas village because it is located less than 2 km from the hill on which Pelekas is built. It is a lively sandy beach with shallow water, water sports and a few beach tavernas which rent parasols and sunbeds. The large rock in the north end of Kontogialos is often used for jumping in the sea.

Canal D`Amour, also called the Channel of Love, is one of the emblematic places of Corfu. The beach itself is very small - a tiny strip of soft yellow sand which is so fine that it looks like clay. What makes this spot interesting are the terraced porous rock which rise from both sides of the beach, forming a long and narrow canal in the sea.

Issos is a large sandy beach with huge sand dunes. It occupies the northernmost and widest part of Agios Georgios - Argyrades, next to lake Korision. Issos has shallow transparent water around the shore but in windy days it may be hard to stay at the beach, unless you are windsurfer.

Chomi is better known as Paradise Beach. It has impressive vertical rocks right behind it, sea caves and bright blue water. Paradise Beach can be accessed only by sea but luckily in the summer there are water taxis from Liapades and Paleokastritsa that can take you there and come back for you within few hours.

Although often windy, Chalikounas is one of those beaches with own identity. It is the piece of land which separates the salt lake Korission from the sea. Most of the beach is sandy and shallow around the shore.

This is another large sandy beach on the west coast of Corfu which boasts spectacular sunsets. Agios Gordios is located beneath the old villages of Sinarades and Kato Garouna, surrounded by many pine trees. The beach is Blue Flag awarded and despite the waves you can often observe, the sea bottom is very shallow around the shore. Nearby you can also see one of the local landmarks - the Shipwreck of Agios Gordios.

Bataria is a small beach located in the northeast resort of Kassiopi. It is covered with round white pebbles, both on the shore and on the sea bottom, and the water looks extremely blue and transparent. Due to the sheltered location, there are no waves or winds in this part of Corfu, making it very suitable for snorkeling.

Gardeno is also called Vitalades, after the name of the nearest village which is 2 km away. The beach is long, sandy and shallow, with two beach restaurants in the widest part and plenty of free space in the narrower section.

A small peninsula with twin bays and emerald sea - the scenic Porto Timoni lies just beneath the hill with the old village of Afionas. However, you need to walk a bit in order to see it from above, because Porto Timoni is accessible either via hiking trail, or via boat from the nearby beach of Agios Georgios - Pagi.

The beach of Liapades village is called Gefyra. It is a small but picturesque cove with rocks from both sides and a small sea cave which can be easily accessed by swimming. The beach is pebbled, both on the shore and in the sea, but the water is transparent and blue. From Gefyra there are water taxis to nearby beaches which are accessible only by sea or on foot, like Paradise Beach, Iliodoro and Limni.

Marathias, also known as Santa Barbara, is one of the longest beaches of Corfu, situated on the southwest coast. A small part of it managed by a few beach restaurants but most of it is empty and you can always find a place away from other visitors. Marathias is covered with soft dark yellow sand all over.

The north resort of Agios Georgios near the village of Pagi needs to be distinguished from its namesake on the south coast. This Agios Georgios occupies a large crescent-shaped bay which reaches to the village of Afionas. The beach is covered with sand mixed with pebbles, and the water has various shades of light and dark blue.

Apraos (also Kalamaki) is probably the best beach for toddlers on Corfu. The water is warm and shallow, and kids can walk for tens of meters far out at the sea until the level reaches more than knee height. Apraos is located on the north coast of the island, near Kassiopi.

The south Agios Georgios is actually the continuation of Issos beach, closer to the area where all hotels are built. After the small fishing harbor of Agios Georgios, the beach continues further to the south and has the same yellow sand and shallow water.

Agios Stefanos is a long and wide beach in the northwest of Corfu. It is distinguished for the soft dark yellow sand, extremely shallow sea bottom and white rocks in its north end. From the small harbor of Agios Stefanos you can make a day trip to the nearby islets of Mathraki, Othonoi and Ereikoussa.

The beach of Arillas is located on the northwest coast of Corfu, near Agios Stefanos and the old village of Afionas. It is long, sandy and very shallow, suitable for families with small kids. Depending on the waves, the beach width varies and in some days it may look narrower than usual.

This is not your beach if you are looking for sand - Krouzeri is covered with big pebbles which turn into smaller as you approach the shore. The sea bottom is pebbled, too, but the water is very transparent and tranquil, like all beaches in this part of Corfu.

This beach with bizarre rocks is very special but only if you can see it. In windy days large waves appear and the beach is literally gone, as the only hint of it are the spots of dark sand here and there. The beach of Peroualdes village is also called Longas or Sunset beach because of the dramatic sunsets you can enjoy there.