Dear Travellers,
Thank you for being here!
Choosing the perfect accommodation location is just as important as deciding which holiday destination to choose. Our guide, "Where to Stay in Corfu", is here to help you make an informed decision about your lodging in Corfu!
Corfu offers different accommodation options in each main resort area and several other non-resort locations. Each resort area has at least one beach or cove. An alternative to accommodation options in beach-side resort areas is to stay in small rural traditional villages, which mainly offer self-catering options.
This guide briefly describes each main resort area and adds a video of each resort from various travel bloggers that is as representative as possible.
Additionally, we have created an interactive map to help you locate each resort area relative to others. The same interactive map includes 11+1 must-see landmarks and sights in Corfu, as well as the airport, port, and marinas. This feature allows you to better understand the location and proximity of each resort area compared to these important landmarks. The interactive map lets you view photos from other travellers for each location and read real travellers' feedback via Google Maps.
We believe that knowing what to expect in each location can help you decide where to stay in Corfu more easily.
Where to Stay in Corfu | Central, Northern + Southern Resort Areas Content list:
Interactive Map of the Main Resort Areas to stay in Corfu
Explore the interactive map we've created below to view the locations of airports, ports, marinas, 11+ 1 sights and landmarks and the main resort areas you can stay in Corfu with available tourism facilities. Remember that the map allows you to hide the categories you are not interested in comparing by pressing the check icon (you can exclude and include categories).
To help you choose better, we have divided Corfu into three major resort regions: Central, Northern, and Southern. Below, you will find three expandable lists, one for each main resort region, showcasing the most popular resort areas in each region with tourist amenities available. You can click on individual locations to navigate or read the entire post.
Central Corfu main resort areas
Northern Corfu main resort areas
Southern Corfu main resort areas
Central Corfu Resort areas
The central Corfu resort areas are located near the Corfu airport, port, and Corfu town. They are near to most of the must-see sights and landmarks. Some of the locals' most beloved sandy beaches are on the west! There are numerous small traditional villages to explore, olive groves and small vineyards. Spectacular sunsets are another asset of the western areas).
Corfu Town, Benitses, Kondokali, Gouvia, Kommeno, Dassia, Ipsos, Ermones, Glyfada, Pelekas - Kondoyalos, Agios Gordios
Corfu Town (East Coast)
Ideal for: culture, foodies, nightlife, luxury + mid-range, LGBTQIA-friendly
Corfu Town is the ideal accommodation location if you visit Corfu for a few days or during the off-season or low-season months! There are plenty of dining options and sightseeing options. You can even find some charming spots to swim without leaving the town. The most popular in-town swim spots are "Faliraki ", "Nautical Club Corfu", and "Anemomilos - Windmill". Buses link the capital with the other small towns, resorts and villages. Blue buses (for short distances from Corfu Town) and Green buses (for longer distances from the capital centre).
🚍 Corfu City Bus itineraries
🚍 Corfu (intercity) Green Bus itineraries
On the other hand, you can rent a vehicle and explore every corner independently.
Mon Repos, a former royal estate, is within a 30-minute walk from the heart of the old town, and a visitor can combine different experiences in a day spent here. You can view more about Mon Repos here! And for must-see attractions and sights in Corfu Town, please view here!
Benitses(east coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 13.8km - 8.6miles
⏱️ Driving time: 30 minutes
Ideal for: young families, groups, budget + mid-range, LGBTQIA-friendly
Benitses is a charming fishing village with a small marina and various dining options. In the 1970s and 1980s, Benitses was one of the first tourism-developed areas in Corfu. The main road that connects Corfu Town with Southern Corfu passes through the area, partially following a coastal route. The sandy beach at Benitses is relatively narrow, and the area has many tavernas, some bars, many mini markets, gift shops, and scooter and car rental companies. 🚍 To view the bus timetable, please scroll down to the end of the page here and tap on the bus line number: 6
💡 Insider info: If you stay in Benitses, don't forget to wake up at least once to watch the sunrise! A regular blue bus line passes through the village, connecting Benitses with Corfu Town.
The road to Benitses is the main road that connects Corfu town with southern Corfu. During peak hours, especially in high season, if you want to visit Corfu town and vice versa, you must be patient because of traffic jams.
Kondokali (East coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 9.5 km - 5.6 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 20 minutes
Ideal for: families, couples, older travellers, luxury + mid-range + budget
Kontókali is a suburb of Corfu, located 6.8 km north of the city centre, on the Gulf of Gouvia. Nearby is the Gouvia Marina and the main Hospital of Corfu. A regular blue bus line passes from here, connecting Kondokali with Corfu Town. There are two beach options here: Kondokali Beach, a well-organised beach with watersports experiences available on-site, and "Sotiriotissa", regarding "Sotiriotissa" beach, the main road - highway passes near the (in our humble opinion, there are far better beaches to choose to swim). In Kondokali, a traveller can find organised hotel accommodations or self-catering and room rental options. 🚍 To view the bus timetable, please scroll down to the end of the page here and tap on the bus line number: 4 and 7
Gouvia (East Coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 9.7 km - 6 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 20 minutes
Ideal for: nightlife, groups, older travellers, young families, budget + mid-range
Gouvia is a touristically developed area next to Kondokali, only 8km away from Corfu town. There are many different accommodation options: restaurants, bars, car and scooter rental companies, mini markets, supermarkets, and tourist shops. Gouvia Marina is located here, and a regular Blue bus line connects Gouvia with Corfu Town. 🚍 To view the bus timetable, please scroll down to the end of the page here and tap on the bus line number: 4 and 7
Kommeno (East Coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 11.9 km - 7.4 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 27 minutes
Ideal for: retreat, foodies, luxury + mid-range, LGBTQIA-friendly, families, couples
Kommeno area is not a village. It is a very green peninsula on the east coast of Corfu island, located in the bay of Gouvia opposite its Marina. It has many small coves, small beaches, lush vegetation, and different accommodation options, from Luxury hotels (The Corfu Imperial), villas, and all-inclusive 4-star hotels to rooms to let. You can also find some restaurant-cafe bars here with unsurpassed peninsula views! Watersports options are available.
💡 Insider info: Kommeno is a hilly area. If you don't choose to stay in one of the beachfront hotels and just lay and enjoy a slow-paced holiday time, be prepared to walk if you want to visit the nearby cafes, restaurants and mini-markets. A charming sight nearby is the small church of Hypapanti!
Dassia (East coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 12.4 km - 7.7 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 20 minutes
Ideal for: families, couples, nightlife, older travellers, luxury + mid-range + budget
Dassia is one of the most developed tourist areas in Corfu. Various accommodation options are available. Many shops, such as tourist shops, mini markets, restaurants, bars and tavernas, are also available. Many scooter and car rental options are available here! A regular Blue bus line connects Dassia with Corfu Town. The beach is well organised, with rented umbrellas and sunbeds and many watersport options. The shore has gravel and some portions of coarse sand. The sea water is usually warmer than in the western part of Corfu! 🚍 To view the bus timetable, please scroll down to the end of the page here and tap on the bus line number: 7
💡 Insider info: If you are not staying in the IKOS beach resort, be prepared to find limited space in the small thin strip of beach that remains uncovered from the hotel. The pedestrian street passes right next to that slim strip of coarse sand, pebble and gravel mixture. If you plan to spend a relaxing holiday in a beach resort area, this is probably not a good location option unless you intend to stay at IKOS Resorts. Or unless you plan to rent a scooter or car and explore the island!
Ipsos (East Coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 14.4 km - 8.5 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 23 minutes
Ideal for: clubbers, nightlife, groups, families, budget, young travellers
Ipsos is a well-developed tourist destination with a vibrant nightlife that attracts many young Italians. It offers a variety of accommodation options, including mini markets, restaurants, tavernas, and bars. Additionally, there are many scooter and car rental companies available for visitors. The beach is well-organised, with boat taxis, water sports and inflatable sea park services available. The beach is right before the main road. The shoreline is thin but long, with gravel and some portions of coarse sand. The pedestrian street is above and along the long beach strip, and the main road is right next to the pedestrian street. Ipsos is also connected to Corfu Town by a regular Blue bus line. 🚍 To view the bus timetable, please scroll down to the end of the page here and tap on the bus line number: 7 💡 Insider info: The sea water is shallow and usually warm.
Ermones (West cost)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 17 km - 10.6 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 30 minutes
Ideal for couples, families, budget + mid-range, nature, retreat
Ermones Beach is located near the village of Vatos, and it features a mix of gravel and coarse sand. The beach is well-organised and offers rental options for boats and kayaks. While only a few accommodation options are available, guests can choose various types. Nearby attractions include the Theotoky Estate of Organic Farming and Winery, the Corfu Golf Club, and the Kaisers Throne in the nearby village of Pelekas. The Poseidon Diving Center is also here if you're interested in diving lessons. Nearby is also Mirtiotissa nudist beach. Nearby is a secluded beach, Andipsos, that you can visit by kayaking!
🚍 To view the Intercity bus timetable, please visit their page here and open the pdf file. The bus line number you should check is: B16
💡 Insider info: The beach is relatively small, and if you don't choose to stay at the hotel resort, it has limited space available. The water is pretty deep, and it is not recommended to leave children unattended. The seawater temperature is colder than it is on other beaches. As you see the sea from the main road, on your right hand is a path leading to a small chapel at the top of the cove. Additionally, if you follow (on foot) the concrete and dirt road, it takes you to the far end corner of the cove to a rocky shore, ideal for snorkelling. Please be careful of the water currents in this area. Also, many lovely sea urchins are resident on the rocks! Last but not least, remember to watch the sunset when you are here!
Glyfada (West coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 17.3 km - 10.7 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 33 minutes
Ideal for: families, families with young children, couples, LGBTQIA-friendly, luxury + mid-range, nature, retreat
Glyfada is a well-known beach among the locals for its fine golden sand. Lush green hills covered with beautiful tall pine and cypress trees surround it. Glyfada has a well-organised beach part and an undeveloped part. A cosmopolitan beach club called Pazuzu is located here. You can also find a couple of tavernas and one mini-market. There are only a few accommodation options available here. Watersports experiences are available at the shore. Nearby attractions include the Theotoky Estate of Organic Farming and Winery, the Corfu Golf Club, and the Kaisers Throne in the nearby village of Pelekas. If you stay away from the beach club, Glyfada is ideal for a relaxing beach holiday experience!
🚍 To view the Intercity bus timetable, please visit their page here and open the pdf file. The bus line number you should check is: B17
💡 Insider info: Remember to watch at least one sunset when staying or visiting Glyfada! The long sandy beach is perfect for long barefoot walks at night.
You can find the beautiful white lily in Glyfadas beach dunes from July to October - "Pancratium maritimum", also known as sea daffodil. It is classified as a protected plant species.
Pelekas Village - Kondoyalos (West coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 13.6 km - 8.5 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 26 minutes
Ideal for: couples, LGBTQIA-friendly, budget+ mid-range, nightlife
Pelekas village is a relatively small local village located atop a hill. At the highest point of Pelekas Village is the Kaiser William II Observatory, also known as Kaisers Throne. From there, you can take in the breathtaking 360-degree views of Corfu Island. The sunset at this spot is particularly stunning and worth watching! Pelekas village has been a popular accommodation option for tourists since the beginning of tourism development in Corfu. It is only a 30-minute ride from Corfu town, and some of the most beautiful fine golden sand beaches are nearby! The village has a bakery, mini market, many cafes, bars, tavernas, grill rooms and restaurant options. Pelekas is also connected to Corfu Town by a regular Blue bus line. Ideally, if you stay in the village, you will need to hire a car or scooter.
🚍 To view the bus timetable, please scroll down to the end of the page here and tap on the bus line number: 11 💡Insider info: You might see that nearby is Pelekas beach or Kondoyalos beach, but the hill is too steep to walk daily to the beach under the heat.
Kondoyalos Beach or Pelekas Beach
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 15 km - 9.3 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 33 minutes
Ideal for: families, families with young children, couples, LGBTQIA-friendly, budget + mid-range
Kondoyalos Beach is another local's favourite beach for its fine golden sand. Please be aware that to arrive at the beach, you must drive down a narrow road and steep hill! Rocky cliffs and pine-tree forests surround the beach, and it is well organised with various accommodation options, bars and tavernas and mini markets. The water is relatively shallow, ideal for families with young children. Finding a parking spot might be challenging. Right next to the main sandy shore is a small harbour where local fishermen park their boats, and right next to it is an undeveloped virgin more rocky shore (gravel and sand) where, at the end of it, you can find some clay for a DIY mud spa session! Kondoyalos is ideal for snorkelling at the beach's far end, on the right or left side. The sunset is beautiful from here! 💡 Insider info: Three roads take you to the Kondoyalos beach. All are steep, but one is in better condition than the rest. A part of it is newly developed. Please find here the better road option (Is the one with the dark blue colour on Google Maps).
If you stay here, we don't recommend renting a 50cc scooter.
Agios Gordios (West coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 17.8 km - 11.6 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 36 minutes
Ideal for: families, couples, LGBTQIA-friendly, budget + mid-range, nature, retreat
Agios Gordios is a local community and a holiday resort village. Lush green vegetation hills embrace the shore and village area. The town offers many mini markets, a bakery, cafes, tavernas, car and scooter rental companies and various accommodation options. The beach is long, with fine golden sand and parts of gravel and pebbles. It has a well-organised part with plenty of beachfront family-run cafes, bars and tavernas. And virgin - unorganised shore parts. The water is relatively shallow, ideal for families with young children. Water sports and boat rental service is available. It is a perfect holiday destination for a relaxing beach holiday experience! Nearby are numerous traditional villages to explore; Pelekas village is only a 15-minute ride away. A Green Bus line connects Agios Gordios with Corfu town.
🚍 To view the Intercity bus timetable, please visit their page here and open the pdf file. The bus line number you should check is: B10
💡 Insider info: As you see the sea from the shoreline, at the far end of the beach, on your left-hand side, there is a small path that takes you to Pentati's traditional fish village! If you decide to follow the path, please wear closed, sturdy shoes and have water with you. On the other hand, you can find tranquil spots to swim at the far end on the right-hand side, but the shore has a pebble and sometimes nudists prefer this side. Again, remember to wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the far right side!
Nearby is a small island with a tiny church on the top, known to us locals as "Kiradikaia" .You can rent a boat to reach it or rent a sea pedalboat or a kayak! Please check the weather forecast before visiting this tiny island; it is located here! (⚠ Approach the tiny island from the side that is closer to the shore) It is better to start early in the morning if the sea is calm. The sea currents and wave height might change after 15:00.
If you stay here, we don't recommend renting a 50cc scooter if you plan to have a pillion because of the steep hill.
Northern Corfu Resort areas
Most Northern Corfu resort areas are ideal for a slow-paced, remote-location holiday experience. The Northern East and the Paliokastrisa areas are suitable for snorkelling experiences, and the Northern and Northern West are perfect for sunsets. ⚠ Remember to switch your mobile phone network to manual when heading to Northern Corfu. If not, your mobile will connect to Albanian networks, and it is usually pricey.
Barbati, Nissaki, Kassiopi, Acharavi, Roda, Sidari, Agios Stefanos Avlioton, Arillas, Agios Georgios Pagon, Paliokastritsa
Barbati (East Coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 19.6 km - 12.7 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 31 minutes
Ideal for: couples, LGBTQIA-friendly, budget + mid-range, nightlife
Barbati is a tourist area that has recently been developed (compared to other resort areas). It offers several accommodation options, many of which are self-catering and feature a pebble shore with crystal waters and a well-organised beach with many beach bars and restaurants. The shore is usually crowded during the high season, and it's not recommended for those who prefer seclusion while swimming. The water here is relatively deep, and the rocky area at the very left-hand side of the bay is ideal for snorkelling. Rental boats and various watersport facilities are also available. Finding a parking spot might be difficult during peak times. Above the Barbati shoreline is the higher mountain of Corfu, Pantokrator mountain.
🚍 To view the Intercity bus timetable, please visit their page here and open the pdf file. The bus line number you should check is: A5
💡 Insider info: The sea is getting deep fast; in our humble opinion, this beach is not for families with young children. Make sure that your hotel - accommodation provides you with a parking space if you plan to rent a car. Except for the beachfront accommodation options and the near-the-beach ones, we don't recommend this area to travellers with mobility issues because there is a hill after the main road that leads to the beach, and many accommodations are in nearby uphill locations.
Nissaki (East Cost)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 21.8 km - 13.6 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 34 minutes
Ideal for: couples, LGBTQIA-friendly, budget + mid-range, nature, retreat
The Nissaki area consists mainly of two coasts with a mixture of pebble, stone and gravel shores. Your main accommodation options are two. You will stay in an adults-only hotel built along one of the shores (the longest), or you will choose a self-catering accommodation option. You can find a couple of Tavernas, a restaurant and cocktail bar, a cafe snack bar in the area, and some mini markets on the main road. The smallest shore (it is small) is still organised with umbrella and sunbed rental options. It is an ideal location for snorkelling experiences. Additionally, boat rental services are available at Nissaki Beach. 🚍 To view the Intercity bus timetable, please visit their page here and open the pdf file. The bus line number you should check is: A4
💡 Insider info: Limited parking near the small beach. If you are not staying in the adults-only beach resort, you must come to the small beach as early as possible to reserve a spot.
🎥 📡: Live Cam - View of Nisaki Beach Corfu!
Kassiopi (North Coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 35.4 km - 22 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 56 minutes
Ideal for: families, couples, older travellers, LGBTQIA-friendly, luxury, mid-range, nightlife, retreat
Kassiopi is a charming fishing town that faces the Albanian shoreline. An array of rocky, pebbled, and sandy coves, perfect for snorkelling, surrounds the Kassiopi area. It's an ideal destination for those who want to experience a laid-back holiday. Nowadays, Kassiopi has become a cosmopolitan destination that features many luxury villas. Besides the luxurious villa and apartment accommodation options, holiday homes, budget-friendly rooms, and studios are also available. Visitors can find a variety of bars, restaurants, tavernas, and gift shops. After passing the small harbour of Kassiopi (where you can find boat rental services), the Kassiopi fortress, a small Byzantine castle, lies at the edge of the town. 🚍 To view the Intercity bus timetable, please visit their page here and open the pdf file. The bus line number you should check is: A4
Acharavi (North Coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 44 km - 27.3 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 1hr 5 minutes
Ideal for: young families, older travellers, LGBTQIA-friendly, budget + mid-range, nightlife
Acharavi is the capital town of the Northern part of Corfu! It is within a one-hour drive from Corfu town and faces the Albanian Coastline.
Acharavi Beach is approximately 7km long. The shore consists of a pebble, a gravel and a sandy part or a mixture of all three types. There are many beachfront bars, restaurants and tavernas to choose from. One can find many accommodation options here. The main road features many shops that are mainly for the local population. The Northern Corfu area is relatively flat compared to the rest of the island, so renting a bicycle while you are there is a good idea! Acharavi is ideal for a laid-back family holiday experience! 🚍 To view the Intercity bus timetable, please visit their page here and open the pdf file. The bus line number you should check is: A3
🎥 📡 : Live Cam - View of Acharavi Beach Corfu!
Roda (North Coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 37 km - 23 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 47 minutes
Ideal for: young families, older travellers, LGBTQIA-friendly, budget + mid-range, nightlife, retreat
Roda is a tourism-developed small town ideal for a laid-back family holiday experience. Here you can find many different accommodation options. The beach is, in reality, a continuation of Acharavi Beach with a soft sandy shore and shallow waters, which is ideal for families with young children! Water sports experiences and beach loungers and umbrellas are available. In the area, there are all kinds of shops. Because it is a flat area, renting a bicycle while you are there to ride short distances might be a great idea.
🚍 To view the Intercity bus timetable, please visit their page here and open the pdf file. The bus line number you should check is: A3
Sidari (North Coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 37.1 km - 23.1 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 49 minutes
Ideal for: young families, couples, LGBTQIA-friendly, budget, nightlife
Sidari is a popular, well-organised tourist area that used to attract mass tourism from Britain. It mainly consists of two beaches offering sunbeds and umbrellas for visitors. One of these beaches is well-organised, relatively long, and sandy, while the other is a small cove, the "Canal Damour". The Canal Damour (which translates to the Cove of Love) is a famous tourist attraction due to the formations of the lime cliff stones and the Tiffany blue waters. If you plan to visit Canal Damour, take advantage of the limestone cliffs and enjoy a DIY mud spa session. Lastly, the sunset view from this area is breathtaking, especially from the nearby Logas beach!
🚍 To view the Intercity bus timetable, please visit their page here and open the pdf file. The bus line number you should check is: A2 💡 Insider info: The area is relatively flat, but the resort area is quite extensive. Before booking your accommodation, check how far it is from the shore! If it is pretty far away and you don't plan to rent a bicycle, car or scooter to move around, then it might be necessary for your accommodation to have a swimming pool or one near your accommodation that you can use.
🎥 📡 : Live Cam - View of Sidari Beach in Corfu!
Agios Stefanos Avlioton (West coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 44.1 km - 27.4 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 1hr 7 minutes
Ideal for: young families, couples, LGBTQIA-friendly, budget + mid-range, retreat, nature
Agios Stefanos is a beach resort with a long, sandy, organised beach (sunbeds and umbrellas are available, but also a broad area umbrella and sunbed free)! As you watch the sea on the right-hand side, you can find clay cliffs for a DIY mud spa experience. This part of the beach is also the nudist-naturalist part. It is an ideal location for relaxing and tranquil holidays. Many accommodation options, restaurants, bars, cafes, gift shops, and mini-markets are available.
If you plan to stay here and explore the island, consider renting a car or a scooter or booking some organised excursions from the local travel agencies starting from Northern Corfu. Some must-see sights and landmarks are nearby (Angelokastro, Cape Drastis viewpoint, Logas Beach, Porto Timoni); however, it is still far away from other must-see sights and experiences.
🚍 To view the Intercity bus timetable, please visit their page here and open the pdf file. The bus line number you should check is: A1
🎥 📡 : Live Cam - Agios Stefanos Avliotes!
Arillas (West Coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 42 km - 26.1 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 52 minutes
Ideal for: young families, couples, LGBTQIA-friendly, budget + mid-range, retreat, nature
Arillas has a sandy beach with clear semi-shallow water, perfect for family holidays. There are plenty of sunbeds, paddleboards, and canoes for hire. A road strip separates the beach from the bars and tavernas. Nearby are some of Corfus's Must-See attractions (Angelokastro, Cape Drastis viewpoint, Logas Beach, Porto Timoni). However, it is still far from some other must-see sights, but it's perfect for a relaxing beach holiday experience and is tranquil even in the high season! If you plan to stay here and explore the island, consider renting a car or a scooter or booking some organised excursions from the local travel agencies starting from Northern Corfu. Arillas have a tranquil hippy vibe!
🚍 To view the Intercity bus timetable, please visit their page here and open the pdf file. The bus line number you should check is: A6
💡 Insider info: As you watch the sea from the shore, you can find clay cliffs on the far right-hand side for a DIY mud spa session! In the same direction, you can find a dirt road that leads you to the top of the hill, and at the edge of the cape, it's an ideal route for an early morning walk. Also, the sunset is fantastic!
Arillas is the hometown of the Corfu beer microbrewery. A beer tour and tasting session are a must when there!
Agios Georgios Pagon (West coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 30.6 km - 19 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 45 minutes
Ideal for: young families, couples, LGBTQIA-friendly, budget + mid-range, retreat, nature
Agios Georgios Pagon is near Arillas and Agios Stefanos Avlioton and has many similarities as a holiday accommodation resort area with them. It is a well-established, quiet location providing visitors with all the amenities needed during their holiday, such as bars, tavernas, restaurants, mini markets, supermarkets, and car and scooter rental companies. It has a long, sandy beach with some pebbles. The beach is well organised, with many sunbeds and umbrellas available. Families with young children prefer the southern part of the bay, where the water is shallow, as opposed to the northern part, where the water is deeper. A road strip separates a part of the beach and some bars, tavernas and mini markets. Boat rental and watersports services are available at the beach; nearby, you can also find a company providing snorkelling trips and diving lessons!
🚍 To view the Intercity bus timetable, please visit their page here and open the pdf file. The bus line number you should check is: A7
🎥 📡 : Live Cam - Afionas, panoramic Agios Georgios Northern Corfu beach view!
Palaioakstritsa (West coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 23.4 km - 14.5 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 29 minutes
Ideal for: young families, couples, LGBTQIA-friendly, budget + mid-range, adventure, nature
Paliokastritsa is considered one of the most beautiful resorts in Corfu. It is well-established with many different accommodation options (except luxury), restaurants, bars, mini markets, travel agencies, car and scooter rental companies, bakeries, pharmacies and sea-related experiences available!
The Paleokastritsa region comprises two peninsulas and six small bays with sand, gravel, pebble and rocky terrain. It is a popular location for its crystal clear, deep, cold waters, rocky cliffs and lush green landscape!
Here, you can enjoy various activities such as snorkelling, diving lessons and experiences, boat rental, and boat taxi services to the nearby blue caves and the secluded paradise beaches; you can visit a small aquarium and the small monastery nested at the top of the peninsula. On the top of Palaioakstritsa are the Lakones' traditional village and Angelokastro Byzantine castle, offering a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding area.
6 Beaches + 1 seafront Rock Build Bar in the Paliokastritsa region accessible from the road:
Agios Spyridon is the largest and sandiest beach and the most advertised one. It's next to the car park and bus stop, before the uphill road to the Palaioakstritsa monastery.
Agios Petros is a small pebble beach on the other side of the car park from Agios Spyridon.
Agia Triada is the second-largest beach in Paleokastritsa. Resort hotels and beach bars surround this pebble beach.
Alipa is less crowded than the others and is right next to the Marina.
Platakia and Verderosa (not a very scenic option because of the ruined beachfront building) are tiny, unorganised pebble beaches accessed via steps from the main road.
+ La Grotta is a famous seafront bar built into the rocks in the 60s. You must follow 142 steps down to reach it! You can enjoy a refreshment and a light snack, and why not jump and swim?
🚍 To view the Intercity bus timetable, please visit their page here and open the pdf file. The bus line number you should check is: A9
💡 Insider info: It might be overwhelmingly busy and touristy during high season.
The area is quite extensive and hilly. Before booking your accommodation, check how far it is from the shore! If it is pretty far away and you don't plan to rent a car or scooter to move around, then it might be necessary for your accommodation to have a swimming pool or one near your accommodation that you can use.
There is a path from Palaiokastritsa town to Lakones village. It is an approximately 6 km route (including your return to Palioakstritsa), considered moderately challenging. It takes an average of 2 h 11 min to complete (plus the time you will spend having a refreshment or a light snack). Your hike should start from here, the "Donkey Path trail to Lakones village ." When you arrive at the village, wander around and choose to have a refreshment at a traditional Kafeneion. In the area, you can find two small traditional cafes; one of the cafes is also a bakery, or you can visit a more touristy - commercialized establishment. At Dolce Caffe, you can find homemade ice cream flavours infused with signature Corfiot and Greek flavours such as "Sikomaida", "Koumquat", "Baklava", and many more! The two traditional cafes' names are Bakalokafeneio (Bakery and Cafe) and Eftychios Traditional Cafe.
🎥📡 : Live Cam - View over Palaiokastritsa Beach!
Southern Corfu Resort areas
The southwest part of Corfu is famous for its relaxing lay-down holiday experience, natural beauty, and long sandy beaches. Issos, a Natura area locates here. Travellers can enjoy walks in the olive groves and wander around the small traditional villages. If you plan to bring your Yoga mat in a short drive, you can find plenty of opportunities for a solo Yoga session isolated from the world and connected with mother nature. The southern and southeast parts are perfect for watching the sunrise! Kavos is a noisy party place, while Messonghi and Moraitika are busy yet much less loud than Kavos.
Agios Georgios South (West coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 31.9 km - 19.82 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 45 minutes
Ideal for: groups, young families, budget + mid-range, older travellers, nature
Agios Georgios Argiradon is a more remote resort with different accommodation options, excluding luxury ones. The beach is sandy and well organised with sunbeds and beach umbrellas; watersports experiences are also available by the beach. The water is relatively shallow. You can find various shops, restaurants, bars, gift shops, travel agencies and car and scooter rental companies. It is an ideal location for tranquil beach holidays! If you love nature and bird watching, Agios Georgios is located next to a lagoon called Lake Korission, a protected area by Natura 2000, ideal for bird watching and long relaxing (preferably early morning) walks in a relatively untouched mass tourism location! A Green bus line connects the area to Corfu town and other places, including Aqualand Corfu.
🚍 To view the Intercity bus timetable, please visit their page here and open the pdf file. The bus line number you should check is: Β5
💡 Insider info: Please avoid confusing this region with Agios Georgios Pagon (Northern Corfu). When taking a Taxi or a Green Bus or programming your navigation device, ensure you have chosen the correct location.
The area is relatively flat, so renting a bicycle to explore the nearby area and move around might be a good idea!
Close by is Korission Lagoon. The Natura 2000 treaty protects its environs. The protected area includes the nearby coastal regions! Please do not drive off the road on the dunes; it is not safe for you nor the protected plant and animal species that inhabit the area, and it is illegal.
Kavos (Southern coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 48 km - 29.83 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 45 minutes
Ideal for: clubbers, nightlife, groups, young families, budget
Kavos is the southernmost seaside village and resort area. It offers a variety of accommodation options but not luxury ones. Kavos was a tourism area developed to host mass tourism for young party people. It is a popular destination for its nightlife, fun, and party activities. Kavos offers all party traveller's amenities, such as travel agencies, mini markets, supermarkets, gift shops, restaurants, pool bars, tavernas, bars, nightclubs, and car and scooter rental companies. The local community tries to escape a little bit from this tourism model, and outside the village, one can find renovated accommodation options that offer a relatively quiet stay. Kavos Beach has shallow, calm waters with coarse sand. Many water activities are available, such as water inflatable parks, water sports, sea pedal boats, SUP and canoe rentals.
🚍 To view the Intercity bus timetable, please visit their page here and open the pdf file. The bus line number you should check is: Β1
💡 Insider tip: The area is relatively flat, so renting a bicycle to explore nearby and move around might be a good idea!
One of my favourite trails starts from the end of the Kavos building zone and leads you to the ruins of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where the view is breathtaking; you are reaching the edge of the cave. You can follow a circular trail route, continuously following the path and ending at Arkoudilas Beach. Then, from Arkoudilas Beach, follow the dirt road, and you will end up again at your starting point. Your starting point should be from here. If you are riding a scooter, an ATV, or a car, kindly park your vehicle in a safe area nearby instead of driving on this road. The road is risky and stressful and may lead to complications if you encounter another motorist who has decided to drive on it. Additional people are horseriding in this location.
As a final tip for one of my favourite trails in Corfu, please be careful and don't go at the edge of the cliffs. The ground underneath might be curved off.
Moraitika (East coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 21.4 km - 13.3 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 34 minutes
Ideal for: nightlife, groups, young families, budget + mid-range + luxury
Moraitika village is next to Messonghi, with a small river separating the two beach areas. Both places are prepared for hosting and accepting tourism amasses and offer various accommodation options, restaurants, bars and tavernas. The hotels are located mainly between the main road and the beach. Some hotels are beachfront and offer their guests private beach areas with sunbeds and umbrellas. Visitors can find most facilities, such as travel agencies, ATMs, mini markets, gift shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and pharmacies, along the main road connecting central and Southern Corfu, just a few hundred meters from the sea. The beach in Moraitika has coarse sand, with small pebbles scattered along the shore and shallow waters that gradually deepen. Visitors can enjoy water sports and boat trips during their stay. If you choose to stay here, remember to wake up early, even once, to watch the sunrise!
🚍 To view the Intercity bus timetable, please visit their page here and open the pdf file. The bus line number you should check is: Β7
💡 Insider info: The road to Moraitika is the main road that connects Corfu town with southern Corfu. During peak hours, especially in high season, if you want to visit Corfu town and vice versa, you must be patient because of traffic jams.
Messonghi (East coast)
📏 Distance from Corfu Town: 22.4 km - 13.9 miles
⏱️ Driving time: 35 minutes
Ideal for: nightlife, groups, young families, budget + mid-range
In Messsonghi, different accommodation options are available, from beachfront all-inclusive hotels to self-catering accommodation to small family-run pension -hotels.
The Messonghi beach has coarse sand, with small pebbles scattered along the shore and shallow waters that gradually deepen. On the beach, you can rent Pedaloes or enjoy water sports. The beach is far from the main road and well organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, snack bars, restaurants and children's areas.
If you choose to stay here, remember to wake up early, even once, to watch the sunrise!
🚍 To view the Intercity bus timetable, please visit their page here and open the pdf file. The bus line number you should check is: Β7
💡 Insider info: The road to Messonghi is the main road that connects Corfu town with southern Corfu. During peak hours, if you want to visit Corfu town and vice versa, especially in high season, you must be patient because of traffic jams.
Off-the-tourist-beaten-path accommodation options!
Between these popular resort areas and beaches are numerous more beautiful coves and beaches a traveller can swim in and many off-the-tourist-beaten-path accommodation options, especially in small traditional villages if you are seeking a slow life lodging experience!
In our post, we focused on the main resort areas and what they offer; if, on the other hand, you're seeking a lodging experience off the beaten tourist path, away from the shore and the tourist crowds, we highly recommend The Merchants House (Northern Corfu) in Old Perithia for a Mediterranean island luxury mountainous experience. For a signature Corfiot countryside slow-life lodging experience, we recommend Dr Kavadias's (Central Corfu) or Vioporo's (Southern West Corfu next to Lake Korission) organic farm stay.
Before choosing a place to stay in Corfu, it's important to consider three factors that could affect your decision. Here are some examples to think about before choosing.
1) Your holiday budget
Usually, resort and beachfront accommodation options are more expensive than those in non-touristic, non-resort areas. There are plenty of off-the-beaten tourist path accommodation options in Corfu, mostly in small local traditional villages! Additionally, accommodation options in more remote resort areas (Northern and Southern parts) are usually more affordable than those in central Corfu!
2) Your holiday main goals and needs
Suppose you plan to relax and move only a little from your preferred resort area. In that case, the beach type and the available entertainment options nearby are crucial elements for a pleasant holiday experience.
On the other hand, some travellers prefer to move around a lot and discover and savour as much of the beauty and flair of the island as they can during their holiday, while others choose to stay in different resort areas. In these cases, renting a car or a scooter is essential, and deciding where to stay will not affect your holiday experience that much as you plan to move a lot.
Choosing a flat location with closeby facilities is essential if you have mobility issues (some places to consider in central east Corfu are Kondokali, Ipsos, Dassia or in Northern Corfu, Sidari, Roda, Acharavi might be good options and in Southern Corfu, Agios Georgios, Kavos, Messonghi, Moraitika).
Please find some examples below:
Is eating local, fresh, seasonal food important? Some hotels, for example, have a "Greek Breakfast." certificate.
Is staying in a locally owned accommodation important, or do you not mind supporting a fund-operated resort hotel?
Do local traditions play a role in choosing the period of visiting the destination?
Thank you for taking the time to explore our post! We hope this article helped you decide where to stay in Corfu! Corfu Island offers a diverse range of landscapes to suit various preferences and a plethora of accommodation options. Whether you prefer sandy or pebbled beaches, well-organised hotels or self-catering lodging, enjoy adventurous and active holidays or prefer a laid-back and relaxing vacation, undoubtedly, in Corfu, you will find the Mediterranean holiday experience you dream of!
Don't hesitate to contact us or comment below and let us know if this article was helpful, or share your thoughts and accommodation experience in Corfu Island!
We wish you a fun, enjoyable and relaxing holiday experience in Corfu!
Kindest regards,
Katerina PS. This post took us over 40 hours to create; we did a lot of research, writing, and deleting. We promise to keep reviewing and updating the information shared until it is almost perfect and as helpful as possible! Thank you!
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