The best beaches in Corfu are Paleokastritsa, Glyfada, Agios Gordios, and Porto Timoni. Unlike the bare volcanic beaches of the Cyclades, Corfu’s coastline features lush, cypress-covered cliffs, golden sand on the west coast, and clear pebble coves in the northeast. The swimming season runs from June through October, with peak water temperatures hitting 22–26°C (71–78°F). Expect to pay €15–€30 ($16–$32) for a set of two sunbeds and an umbrella at organized beaches during the peak summer months.
Corfu is one of only a few Greek islands where you can swim under pine trees: most Corfu beaches are framed by olive groves and cypress-covered cliffs rather than the bare volcanic rock you see in the Cyclades. The island has more than 60 named beaches and coves, and over 30 of them hold the Blue Flag award for water quality and safety (Source: Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, 2025 Blue Flag list).Corfu’s swimming season runs from June through October, when the Ionian Sea sits at a comfortable 22–26 °C. Because Corfu is on Greece’s wetter, greener Ionian side, autumn arrives earlier here than in Santorini or Mykonos, so November to May is best for hiking the coastal trails rather than swimming.
This Corfu beach guide is written by Pavlos Inglesis, a Greek travel writer who has been visiting Corfu since the 1990s. Each beach below lists the sand type, distance from Corfu Town, what amenities you’ll find (sunbeds, water sports, tavernas, lifeguards) and who the beach is best for.
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Best Beaches in Corfu at a Glance
- Paleokastritsa – the iconic green-cliffs beach, best all-rounder
- Glyfada – Blue Flag golden sand, best for families
- Agios Gordios – best west-coast sunsets
- Sidari (Canal d’Amour) – the famous Channel of Love
- Issos – longest sand dunes in Corfu
- Pelekas (Kontogialos) – golden sand below the sunset village
- Kavos – party beach for young travelers
- Barbati – Blue Flag pebble beach on the northeast coast
- Marathias – quiet, undeveloped sandy bay
- Kalami – the Durrell brothers’ beach with crystal water
- Nissaki – tiny pebble cove with Albania views
- Avlaki – peaceful family pebble beach
- Agios Stefanos – fishing village with two sandy bays
- Roda – family-friendly sandy beach in north Corfu
- Gialiskari – hidden pebble cove near Paleokastritsa
- Arillas – long sandy beach, perfect for sunset swims
- Kerasia – secluded pebble beach near Kassiopi
- Porto Timoni – Corfu’s most unique double bay
If you are wondering whether you can combine Corfu with Santorini or Mykonos in one trip, the honest answer is no – Corfu sits on Greece’s west coast in the Ionian Sea, while Santorini and Mykonos are on the east coast in the Aegean.
Pairing them costs a full travel day and 150–300 EUR in ferries or flights, so it’s only worth doing on trips longer than two weeks.
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QUICK ANSWERS — BEFORE YOU GO
- Best swimming season in Corfu: June, July, August, September and the first half of October — sea water averages 22-26 °C. Outside these months the Ionian Sea is too cold for most swimmers.
- Best overall beach in Corfu:Glyfada Beach — Blue Flag golden sand, gradual entry, full amenities (sunbeds, beach bar, water sports) and one of the island’s best sunsets.
- Best Corfu beaches for families and kids: Glyfada, Paleokastritsa, Agios Gordios, Roda and Arillas — all have soft sand, shallow shorelines and a parking lot within walking distance of the beach.
- Most unique beach in Corfu:Porto Timoni — a double bay below Afionas village, only accessible by boat or a 30-minute hike, framed by lush green cliffs.
- Best beach for snorkeling in Corfu: the coves around Paleokastritsa (Rovinia, Limni, Chomi) and Kalami — clear, deep water with rocky sea floor.
- Best Blue Flag Corfu beaches: Glyfada, Barbati, Agios Gordios, Issos, Roda and Agios Spiridon.
- Best Beach Hotel on Corfu:Akrotiri Beach Resort (Paleokastritsa)
- Best Beach Villa in Corfu:Sun’n’Chill Beach Villa
Corfu Beaches Comparison Table
| Beach | Sand type | Distance from Corfu Town | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paleokastritsa | Pebble + fine sand coves | 25 km / 35 min | All-rounder, snorkeling |
| Glyfada | Soft golden sand (Blue Flag) | 16 km / 25 min | Families, sunsets |
| Agios Gordios | Golden sand | 17 km / 30 min | Sunsets, couples |
| Sidari / Canal d’Amour | Coarse sand & sandstone | 38 km / 50 min | Photography, lively resort |
| Issos | Long sandy dunes | 32 km / 45 min | Space, walking |
| Pelekas (Kontogialos) | Wide golden sand | 14 km / 25 min | Sunsets, low-key |
| Kavos | Sandy | 47 km / 60 min | Nightlife, young travelers |
| Barbati | Pebble (Blue Flag) | 20 km / 30 min | Families, clear water |
| Marathias | Soft sand | 34 km / 50 min | Seclusion, dog walking |
| Kalami | Pebble | 30 km / 45 min | Tavernas, history (Durrell) |
| Nissaki | Small pebble | 22 km / 35 min | Snorkeling, romantic |
| Avlaki | Pebble | 37 km / 55 min | Families, wind sports |
| Agios Stefanos (NE) | Sand & pebble | 35 km / 55 min | Boat trips to Albania |
| Roda | Long sand | 36 km / 50 min | Families, lively resort |
| Gialiskari | Pebble cove | 26 km / 40 min | Quiet swim, dive sites |
| Arillas | Golden sand | 38 km / 55 min | Relaxed family resort |
| Kerasia | Pebble & shingle | 35 km / 55 min | Seclusion, taverna lunch |
| Porto Timoni | Pebble (double bay) | 40 km / 60 min + hike | Unique scenery, boat tours |
1. Paleokastritsa Beach
Paleokastritsa is the most famous beach in Corfu and the easiest first-day choice for any visitor. It sits on the island’s west coast, 25 km (35 minutes by car) from Corfu Town, and is actually a cluster of six small coves linked by short walks and boat tours.
The main beach has fine sand mixed with smooth pebbles, crystal-clear waters that get deep within a few meters, sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, three beach bars and a couple of tavernas. Above the beach sits the 13th-century Paleokastritsa Monastery, worth a 20-minute visit for the views over the bay.
Paleokastritsa is also Corfu’s top spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, with hidden coves like Rovinia Beach, Limni and Chomi reachable only by boat. Boat rental in Paleokastritsa costs from 50 EUR for a half-day. The beach is accessible by car (large parking lot within walking distance) and by the green KTEL bus from Corfu Town.
Paleokastritsa Beach Information
- Sand type: Fine sand with pebbles · Water: Turquoise, gets deep quickly
- Amenities: Sunbeds & umbrellas for rent, 3 beach bars, tavernas, parking, watersports, boat tours, dive shop
- Best for: First-time visitors, snorkeling, scuba diving, boat trips to Rovinia Beach
- On Google Maps · On Instagram
2. Glyfada Beach
Glyfada Beach sits on the west coast, 16 km (25 minutes) from Corfu Town, just below the cliffside village of Pelekas. It is a Blue Flag beach with about 500 meters of soft golden sand backed by leafy hills, and the seabed slopes gently for 15–20 meters, which is why it is the most popular Corfu beach for families with young children.
Glyfada has fully organized sunbeds, three beach bars, a beachfront hotel and a wide range of water sports (jet skis, paddle boards, banana boat, kayaks).
Because it faces west, Glyfada delivers one of Corfu’s most spectacular sunsets. Arrive before 17:00 to grab a sunbed in high season — this is one of the busiest beaches on the island in July and August.
Glyfada Beach Information
- Sand type: Soft golden sand · Water: Crystal clear, shallow gradient
- Amenities: Blue Flag, sunbeds, 3 beach bars, lifeguard, water sports, parking
- Best for: Families with kids, sunsets, all-day beach club vibe
- On Google Maps · On Instagram
3. Agios Gordios Beach
Agios Gordios is a 1.5 km sandy beach 17 km southwest of Corfu Town (about a 30-minute drive). It is enveloped by lush green cliffs and capped by a dramatic rock pinnacle that drops straight into the sea at the southern end.
The west-facing orientation gives Agios Gordios some of the most spectacular sunsets in Corfu, which is why it is the favorite beach of many couples and photographers. The village behind the beach has hotels, tavernas, mini-markets and a few low-key bars, so you can easily spend a whole holiday here without renting a car.
Agios Gordios Beach Information
- Sand type: Golden sand · Water: Clear, gradual deepening
- Amenities: Sunbeds, water sports, tavernas, bars, hotels right on the beach
- Best for: Sunsets, couples, low-key beach holidays
- On Google Maps · On Instagram
4. Sidari Beach & Canal d’Amour
Local legend says couples who swim its length will end up falling in love — which is why this is probably the most photographed beach in Corfu after Porto Timoni.
Sidari has the widest selection of restaurants, snack bars, water sports and budget hotels in northern Corfu, plus a direct A2 Green KTEL bus from Corfu Town. The Canal d’Amour is a 15-minute walk west of the main Sidari beach, so plan a half-day to see both.
Sidari Beach Information
- Sand type: Coarse sand & sandstone · Water: Crystal clear, shallow
- Amenities: Tavernas, bars, hotels, mini-markets, watersport facilities, bus from Corfu Town
- Best for: Photography (Canal d’Amour), families, lively nightlife
- On Google Maps · On Instagram
5. Issos Beach
Issos Beach is the wildest beach in Corfu — an enormous stretch of soft sand backed by the only true sand dunes on the island, with the Lake Korission nature reserve directly behind.
It runs for nearly 8 km along the southwest coast (32 km from Corfu Town, 45 minutes by car), so even in August you can walk five minutes from the only beach bar and have an empty stretch of beach to yourself. Issos is a popular spot for windsurfing, kitesurfing and beach-hiking, and the shallow shoreline makes it safe for families.
Issos Beach Information
- Sand type: Long sandy dunes · Water: Shallow, can get choppy in afternoon
- Amenities: One beach bar, limited sunbeds, parking by the dunes; bring plenty of water
- Best for: Walking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, escaping the crowds
- On Google Maps · On Instagram
6. Pelekas (Kontogialos) Beach
Above the beach the famous “Kaiser’s Throne” lookout served Kaiser Wilhelm II’s favorite Corfu sunset spot — today it’s still one of the best free things to do in Corfu around sunset.
Pelekas Beach Information
- Sand type: Wide golden sand · Water: Clear, gets deep quickly
- Amenities: Sunbeds, two beach bars, taverna, free parking lot within walking distance
- Best for: Sunsets, couples wanting a quieter alternative to Glyfada
- On Google Maps · On Instagram
7. Kavos Beach
Daytime is family-friendly, but from 22:00 the strip behind the beach turns into the most concentrated nightlife on the island, drawing young singletons and groups of friends. Kavos is 47 km / 60 minutes from Corfu Town and not a sensible day trip — it is best as a weekend base.
Kavos Beach Information
- Sand type: Sandy · Water: Shallow, calm
- Amenities: Sunbeds, beach bars, water sports, hotels, all-night clubs
- Best for: Young travelers, nightlife seekers, budget beach holidays
- On Google Maps · On Instagram
8. Barbati Beach
The water at Barbati is extraordinarily clear and gets deep within a few meters, making it a favorite of snorkelers and stand-up paddleboarders. The smaller, quieter Kaminaki Beach is a 10-minute drive north if Barbati feels too busy.
Barbati Beach Information
- Sand type: Pebble (Blue Flag) · Water: Crystal clear, deep within meters
- Amenities: Sunbeds, beach bars, tavernas, watersport facilities, boat rental, parking
- Best for: Snorkeling, families wanting clean clear water, paddleboard rental
- On Google Maps · On Instagram
9. Marathias Beach
It is the perfect Corfu beach if you want space, soft sand underfoot and very few people. Marathias has a handful of tavernas and a small beach bar at the access road but no big resorts, so it stays calm even in August.
Marathias Beach Information
- Sand type: Soft sand · Water: Calm, shallow gradient
- Amenities: Small beach bar, 2-3 tavernas, free parking, limited sunbeds
- Best for: Seclusion, dog-walking, families wanting space, sunset strolls
- On Google Maps · On Instagram
10. Kalami Beach
Kalami has crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, organized sunbeds, watersport facilities and four tavernas right on the pebble shore.
Kalami Beach Information
- Sand type: Pebble · Water: Crystal clear, deep
- Amenities: Sunbeds, 4 tavernas, water sports, paddleboards, boat rental
- Best for: Snorkeling, literary fans (Durrell), couples
- On Google Maps · On Instagram
11. Nissaki Beach
The beach itself is small, but the surrounding rocky inlets are some of the best snorkeling and freediving spots in Corfu. Drive distance from Corfu Town: 22 km / 35 minutes.
Nissaki Beach Information
- Sand type: Small pebble · Water: Crystal clear, deep
- Amenities: 3 cafes/tavernas, dive shop, boat rental, small parking lot
- Best for: Snorkeling, scuba diving, intimate dinners
- On Google Maps · On Instagram
12. Avlaki Beach
The water is exceptionally clean and the atmosphere is sleepy — two tavernas, a watersports school, and a long pebble bay that almost never feels crowded.
Avlaki Beach Information
- Sand type: Pebble · Water: Very clean, gradual deepening
- Amenities: 2 tavernas, windsurf school, free parking, limited sunbeds
- Best for: Windsurfing, families with older children, escaping the crowds
- On Google Maps · On Instagram
13. Agios Stefanos Beach
It’s the launch point for the daily boat trips to Sarande and a peaceful spot for a long taverna lunch by the water. The beach is a mix of sand and shingle backed by the village’s whitewashed houses.
Agios Stefanos Beach Information
- Sand type: Sand and shingle · Water: Clear, shallow at the village end
- Amenities: Tavernas, small port, boat trips to Albania, hotels in the village
- Best for: Boat trips to Sarande (Albania), long lunches, fishing-village charm
- On Google Maps · On Instagram
14. Roda Beach
It is one of the easiest Corfu beaches to enjoy without renting a car, with direct KTEL buses from Corfu Town.
Roda Beach Information
- Sand type: Long fine sand · Water: Shallow, calm
- Amenities: Sunbeds, lifeguard, tavernas, bars, hotels, water sports, KTEL bus
- Best for: Families with young kids, car-free holidays, all-inclusive resort stays
- On Google Maps · On Instagram
15. Gialiskari Beach
A short footpath leads down to the beach from a small parking lot, which keeps day-tripper crowds away. The water is exceptionally clear and gets deep quickly, making it a quiet alternative for snorkelers who want to escape the busier Paleokastritsa coves.
Gialiskari Beach Information
- Sand type: Pebble & fine sand cove · Water: Crystal clear, deep
- Amenities: One small taverna, no sunbeds, parking lot within walking distance
- Best for: Snorkeling, secluded swims, photographers
- On Google Maps · On Instagram
16. Arillas Beach
Behind the beach is a relaxed, low-rise resort with family-run tavernas, casual bars, bakeries and well-stocked supermarkets. Arillas is also famous for its west-facing sunsets, which are some of the best on the island.
Arillas Beach Information
- Sand type: Long golden sand · Water: Shallow, calm, perfect for kids
- Amenities: Sunbeds, water sports (pedalos, canoes), tavernas, hotels, supermarkets
- Best for: Families with children, sunsets, relaxed beach holidays
- On Google Maps · On Instagram
17. Kerasia Beach
Only a handful of villas overlook the bay and there is just one family-owned taverna (Kerasia Tavern) and a small parking lot. The water is exceptionally clean and the headland blocks the prevailing wind, so the sea is glassy on most summer afternoons.
Kerasia Beach Information
- Sand type: Shingle and large pebbles · Water: Glass-calm, very clear
- Amenities: One taverna, limited sunbeds, free parking, no shops
- Best for: Seclusion, taverna lunches, away from the crowds
- On Google Maps · On Instagram
18. Porto Timoni Beach
Porto Timoni is reached by a 30-minute downhill hike from Afionas village (sneakers strongly recommended) or, more easily, by a boat tour or boat rental from Agios Georgios Pagon. Drive distance from Corfu Town: 40 km / 60 minutes plus the hike.
Porto Timoni Beach Information
- Sand type: Pebble, double bay · Water: Crystal clear, two different shades
- Amenities: None — bring plenty of water, sunscreen and flip-flops; small drinks kiosk in summer
- Access: 30-minute hike from Afionas village OR by boat from Agios Georgios Pagon
- Best for: Photography, adventurous hikers, boat trips, dramatic landscape
- On Google Maps · On Instagram
Honorable Mentions: 4 More Corfu Beaches Worth Visiting
- Rovinia Beach — a hidden cove south of Paleokastritsa, accessible by boat or a steep 20-minute hike; famous for crystal-clear deep water and snorkeling.
- Agios Georgios Pagon — the “other” Agios Georgios, in northwest Corfu near Afionas; a 1.5 km sandy beach popular with the boats that go to Porto Timoni.
- Dassia & Ipsos Beaches — two long pebble beaches just north of Corfu Town with the densest concentration of beach hotels, water sports and family resorts on the east coast.
- Agios Spiridon — a Blue Flag sandy beach next to the Antinioti lagoon in north Corfu, ideal for families thanks to its shallow shoreline.
FAQs
What is the most beautiful beach in Corfu?
Porto Timoni is widely considered the most beautiful beach in Corfu thanks to its unique double bay below Afionas village. For an easier-to-reach option, Paleokastritsa is the runner-up, with six interconnected coves of turquoise water under lush green cliffs.
Which side of Corfu has the best beaches?
Are there any sandy beaches in Corfu?
Yes — the best sandy beaches in Corfu are Glyfada, Agios Gordios, Pelekas (Kontogialos), Issos, Marathias, Roda, Arillas and Sidari. They are all on the west and north coasts. The northeast coast is mostly pebble.
Is Corfu good for snorkeling?
Corfu is one of the best Greek islands for snorkeling. The coves around Paleokastritsa (Rovinia, Limni, Chomi), Barbati, Nissaki and Kalami have exceptionally clear, deep water and a rocky sea floor that supports a healthy marine ecosystem. Bring water shoes — rocky sea bottoms occasionally hide sea urchins.
Final Verdict
The 18 best beaches in Corfu — Paleokastritsa, Glyfada, Agios Gordios, Sidari (Canal d’Amour), Issos, Pelekas, Kavos, Barbati, Marathias, Kalami, Nissaki, Avlaki, Agios Stefanos, Roda, Gialiskari, Arillas, Kerasia and Porto Timoni — cover every kind of beach holiday on the island, from family-friendly sandy bays to dramatic hidden coves only accessible by boat.
If you only have time for one Corfu beach, choose Paleokastritsa. It is the most accessible all-rounder — six coves of turquoise water, on-site sunbeds, water sports, a parking lot within walking distance, and a 13th-century monastery on the headland. It works for couples, solo travellers, honeymooners, families, kids and seniors (no steps to the beach).
Corfu beaches are equally beautiful as Crete beaches and Mykonos beaches, but the great difference is that Corfu beaches sit on the Ionian Sea and are framed by green hills and Mediterranean forest you cannot find on any Aegean island.If you are visiting Corfu in the winter, the seawater between November and May is too cold for most swimmers — but from June through October the Ionian Sea is perfect.
Sources & Further Reading
- Blue Flag Greece 2025 awarded beaches list — Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature
- Greek National Tourism Organisation, Corfu beach guide
- Personal visits by Pavlos Inglesis (Santorini Secrets), 1995–2026
- Local taverna and dive-shop interviews, Paleokastritsa & Nissaki, summer 2025
