“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” – Lawrence Durrell
On Corfu, choosing well matters. Not because there is too little, but because there is so much — and time, even on holiday, remains finite. A week slips by quickly between morning swims, long lunches and evenings that stretch later than planned. The beaches you choose quietly shape how those days unfold: some invite you to settle in and stay, others reward a brief dip and a timely move on; some suit families and sandy feet, others solitary swims and unhurried hours by the water. Writers like Durrell understood this instinctively — returning to the same stretches of coast, letting place set the rhythm rather than the other way around.
Corfu’s coastline folds into coves of glass-clear water, sweeping sandy bays and cliff-backed inlets that feel a world away from the bustle of the Old Town. You’ll find quiet pebbly coves on the northeast for long swims and leisurely lunches by boat, and big, golden crescents on the west for sun-drenched afternoons and fiery sunsets. Below, we map out the best beaches in Corfu, by mood and by area, so you can plan with confidence.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CORFU BEACH
The east and northeast coasts (Kassiopi to Barbati) are sheltered, typically calm, and extraordinarily clear, making them perfect for swimming and relaxed beach days. The west coast (Paleokastritsa to Glyfada and south to Halikounas) faces open water, with broader sandy beaches and dramatic light, especially at sunset. Pebbles often mean clearer water, while sand means softer entries and more space for families.
Getting around is straightforward, but parking at the most popular spots can fill mid-morning in July and August. If you’re staying in a villa in the northeast, consider hiring a small motorboat (no licence is required for lower-powered boats) to hop between coves – Corfu’s loveliest ‘road’ is often the sea.
Standout Beaches
Kerasia (Northeast)
A long, elegant sweep of pale pebbles and pine-framed water with a single, excellent taverna. You come for the clarity, stay for a long lunch and leave reluctantly. Arrive early for front-row loungers.
Rovinia (Paleokastritsa)
Reachable by a short path or by water taxi, Rovinia rewards the effort with emerald water under high cliffs. Pack reef shoes and your camera – the late afternoon light is spectacular.
Glyfada (West Coast)
A broad arc of soft sand with a gentle slope and a few stylish spots for lunch or late-day drinks. Ideal if you want the classic ‘big beach’ feel with facilities.
Avlaki (Near Kassiopi)
Shimmering, still water and a low-key sailing vibe. A favourite for morning laps and families who value space over scene. Pebbles underfoot and perfect clarity.
Porto Timoni (Afionas)
Two mirror-image bays split by a green headland, reached on foot (20–30 minutes) or by boat from nearby beaches. It’s the postcard you came for – go early, take water, and wear decent shoes.
SANDY BEACHES
Agios Gordios
Backed by lush hills and famous rock stacks, Agios Gordios blends soft sand, good swimming and chilled tavernas. Sunset is the headline act and there are plenty of wonderful bars and restaurants from which to savour the views.
Issos & Halikounas (Southwest)
A wilder duo: wind-brushed dunes, the lagoon of Korission to one side and broad sandy runs to the other. Space, sky and a sense of escape.
Glyfada
Sandy underfoot, excellent for families, with easy parking if you’re early. When a light swell rolls in, body-surfing becomes the day’s sport.
Marathias & Gardenos
Long, golden and rarely crowded compared with the north. Ideal for an unhurried beach day with proper swims and simple fish lunches.
SECLUDED BEACHES
Kaminaki & Agni (Northeast)
Small pebble coves stitched by footpaths and best linked by boat. Agni’s waterside tavernas are a rite of passage.
Bataria & Kanoni (Kassiopi)
Crystal coves tucked behind the harbour. Bring a mask – the rocks host curious fish and the water is pool-clear.
Stelari (Near Liapades)
Accessible by boat, this cliff-ringed slip of white shingle is a private-island fantasy on calm days. Minimal facilities: plan accordingly.
Ermones Coves
Skirt the main beach to find tiny scallops of shingle with deep, navy-blue water. Quiet in the morning, shadowed in late afternoon. If solitude is your priority, trade ‘famous’ for ‘small and boat-reached’. You’ll gain silence, lose the crowds and feel Corfu at its most restorative.
BEST BEACHES FOR SWIMMING
Kerasia
Long, straight shoreline, no sand plumes, perfect visibility. It’s the island’s informal lap lane.
Avlaki
Usually calm, with a gentle gradient that gets you into deep water fast – great for confident swimmers.
Barbati
Pebbly shelves, picture-clear shallows and easy access from the road. Early morning is blissfully quiet.
Rovinia
Deeper water close to shore and excellent snorkelling along the rocks. Take a light rash vest for long sessions.
Agios Georgios Pagon (Northwest)
A huge horseshoe bay where you can set a straight course and swim without crossing paths too often.
BEST BEACHES FOR WATERSPORT
Halikounas (Kitesurfing & Windsurfing)
A dependable breeze funnels across Lake Korission’s sandbar, creating textbook conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Schools operate in season and even regular spectators love the show.
Dassia & Ipsos (All-rounders)
Centres here offer water-skiing, wakeboarding, tubes, SUP and small boat hire. Calm water equals reliable fun for mixed-ability groups.
Paleokastritsa (Kayak & SUP)
Paddle between limestone coves and caves on still mornings. Hire from the beach and go exploring before the day boats arrive.
Glyfada (Surf, Occasionally)
On the right days, a playful shore break appears. When it’s flat, swap to SUP along the headlands.
Tip: Check local operators the day before; conditions vary by micro-area, and a ten-minute drive can be the difference between glass and chop.
BEST BEACHES IN CORFU TOWN
Faliraki Bathing Platform (Old Town)
A stone terrace with ladders into deep, clear sea. More ‘dip between museum visits’ than beach, and wonderfully urban.
Mon Repos (Anemomilos)
Tree-shaded swimming spots and easy access, five minutes’ drive from town. Bring water shoes for the pebbly entry.
Kontokali & Gouvia
Close, convenient and calm, with marina views and family-friendly shallows. Good for a first swim straight after landing.
Dassia
A short drive north and a reliable pick for mixed groups thanks to facilities and smooth water.
Benitses
South of town, with clear pockets for swimming and plenty of places to pause for a seafood lunch.
BEST BEACH CLUBS
Akron (Paleokastritsa)
Deck-style lounging over cobalt water with boat-watching and strong lunch options. Book ahead in peak months.
Pazuzu (Glyfada)
A polished setup on a superb sandy beach: daybeds, DJs on selected days and sunset energy without losing the coastal calm.
Imabari (Faliraki)
Stone-built terraces above the sea right in town. Ideal for a late swim, an Aperol and a stylish segue into dinner.
Barbati Beach Spots
A handful of understated bars with loungers and attentive service; more low-key than scene-stealing and all the better for it.
Villa Collective view: choose the beach first, the club second. On Corfu, the setting and company do the heavy lifting – good service and a cold glass simply complete the picture.
