The Best Beaches in Corfu, From Bataria to Issos
Beach, please. Here are our favourite strips of sand and sea in sunny Corfu.
~
Narrowing down the 57 beaches in corfu is no easy task, but we've done our very best. You would have to holiday here for two months and visit a different beach every single day to see them all, and who has the time to do that? That's why we here at Plum Guide have taken the drastic measure of formulating a journal post with our selection of only the crème de la crop. What is it we’re looking for in a Corfu beach? Serenity, scenic terrain, crystal clear water, and a host of other elements that can help make a certain sandy stretch the perfect one for you and your family. The island itself looks a little like a mini-Italy, with that same boot formation, and we’ll take you from the heel to the shins in search of pastures golden and sandy. Without further ado, here are the very best beaches in Corfu.
Bataria Beach
Issos Beach
Marathias Beach
Rovinia Beach
Acharavi Beach
Agios Gordios Beach
Sidari Canal d'Amour Beach
Bataria Beach
A view overlooking Bataria beach from Kassiopi, Corfu, Greece
Tucked away in the north-eastern corner of the island, Bataria Beach adorns the promontory jutting out from Kassiopi. You’ll recognise it by the crumbling castle overlooking it, which is one of the characteristics that separates the beach from the other pristine strips on our list. Enjoy a picnic on the sand in view of the castle as you work on your tan. And if the castle behind you isn't enough to satiate your thirst for scenic vistas, look to the horizon for the Albanian Mountains. The beach itself is small and secluded, with tiny pebbles and clear, shallow water. Lie on one of the numerous sun beds decorating the strand, and enjoy the utter tranquillity in this idyllic spot, away from city life. One of its advantages is that, even in its isolated location, it’s not far from the taverns and bars of Kassiopi.
Archipelago Point, Plum Guide home in Corfu, Greece
Issos Beach
Issos is a Corfu beach that is great for families, with its shallow waters and soft sand. Watch your little ones clamber up the small pyramids (sand dunes), or let your inner child transport you up to those sandy summits yourself. Set up your family beneath an umbrella on the beach and go for a swim in the warm, clear water. At the rear of the beach, embark on a stroll past the eclectic range of vegetation, until you reach the Korission Lake and its wetland terrain. On the other side of the beach, knock back drinks and snacks at the St. George South bar and restaurant or the Sea Gulls restaurant. If you are indeed with kids, then you could also visit other family hotspots, such as the Palaiokastritsa Beach and the stunning Glyfada Beach.
Golden Pavilion, Plum Guide home in Corfu, Greece
Marathias Beach
A close up of large grey rocks in the sea at Marathias Beach, Corfu, Greece
Embellishing the south-western corner of Corfu is Marathias Beach, with its crystalline water (bit of a recurring theme on this Greek island, isn’t it?) and sandy beach. This one stands out a little for its hilly greenery stacked up at its rear. Embark on a little hike between the trees and enjoy a picnic in the shade (make sure to bring food and drink, as it won’t just appear out of thin air). You can also grab something to munch on at one of the myriad eateries and bars behind the beach. You’ve got the Nikos restaurant, with its open-air terrace and gorgeous vistas of the sea, and the Wave Beach Bar, whose tables spill out onto the sand. The Sirens snack bar and the Santa Barbara tavern are also great options for a pit stop.
Homeric Galley, Plum Guide home in Corfu, Greece
Rovinia Beach
Lying on the western side of the island, Rovinia is only accessible by boat or a long hiking path. This makes it especially quiet and spacious, so if you're in Greece as a couple and looking for some alone time, it's perfect. Breathe in the fresh air and contemplate the absolute silence and serenity in this secluded hub. Nearby, drop in at the Cricketer Taverna (there’s something English about that name) and the Shambala Bar. While you're in Greece and exploring the sandy strips of Corfu, stay at one of our professionally vetted Plum Guide beach homes, such as the magical Under The Olive Branch. Beach views from your dream home - is this heaven?
Under The Olive Branch, Plum Guide home in Corfu, Greece
Acharavi Beach
Perched on the island's north coast, Acharavi is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Corfu. The isle's northern areas are known for their selection of incredible sandy strips, so this is where to head for your pick of Corfu’s finest. Covered in both sand and pebbles, and stretching roughly 3 kilometres, Acharavi will offer you breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea, as well as a more peaceful beach day - it is situated slightly further afield from the main town. How sandy the beach is depends on where along the 3km stretch you decide to settle, but you’ll find nothing but soft sand once you enter the crystal-clear water - this is the perfect beach for a family day of splashing around.
The beach even has an abundance of restaurants and attractions within walking distance - break up the day with a bite to eat, and spend some time out of the sun in the nearby Folklore Museum of Acharavi. Return to the sun lounger and marvel at the Albanian mountains towering in the distance, while the kids resume their playful period in the refreshing water. Views, sun, safe water, and an ideal amount of personal space - this might be the perfect family beach.
Agios Gordios Beach
For those of you with any sandcastle enthusiasts in the party, this is the one you’ve been waiting for. Agios Gordios is arguably the best sandy beach in the entirety of Corfu, stretching over 1.5 kilometres (there is also a private section for nudist - perhaps keep the kids away from that end). As well as sun loungers and parasols to hire for a day of working up a tan (or sunburn), you can also get out on the water and explore this incredibly serene part of the world. Hire a canoe, pedalo, or even a boat, and venture out into deeper waters for some true peace and quiet - maybe you’ll even spot some wildlife (friendly wildlife, of course).
As is common in Corfu, the water is an eye-catching blue colour that simply epitomises what a beach holiday should be, and the sandy stretch is surrounded by dominant green mountains. Head up to explore the area from new heights, and wonder at the captivating views out to sea. Stop in at one of the countless nearby restaurants to refuel, and return to your sun lounger for an afternoon stint in the sun. You can’t let that tan fade, after all.
Sidari Canal d'Amour Beach
A bird's eye view of the Sidari Canal d'Amour Beach, Corfu, Greece
Rounding off this guide to the best beaches in Corfu, we present to you the Sidari Canal d'Amour Beach. This is one of the more unique beaches in Corfu, and widely considered one of the most romantic spots on the island. Sitting between two large rocks, the Canal d’Amour (which translates to the Channel of Love) offers crystalline waters and an intriguing small beach, perfect for some more peaceful sunbathing (get there early though, or you’ll find yourself hunting for room). The Canal d’Amour is yet another remarkable beach along Corfu’s north coast, so this is certainly the side of the island to visit for the ultimate selection of sandy beaches.
The sandy section is limited (unsurprisingly, this beach is popular), but there is also space up on the rocks to wind down and see the island from a different vantage point. Have a dip in the picturesque water, and venture out through the rocks to encounter the serene ripples of the Ionian Sea. Legend has it that couples who visit this famed beach and swim through the small canal together are destined to get married, so just think about that before making any rash decisions. There are also a range of coves to explore, perfect for those of you craving some adventure as you make the most of the Corfu sun.
