Best Beaches on Corfu

Discover the 10 best beaches on Corfu, from Paleokastritsa coves and Canal d’Amour to Glyfada, Issos and wild Halikounas—your ultimate Corfu beach guide.

The beach at Sidari on Corfu — One of the Best Beaches on Corfu: Sidari

Corfu, or Kerkyra, is often called the “Emerald Isle” of Greece, and for good reason. Between the rolling groves of silver-green olives and the dramatic cypress trees, the coastline unfolds into some of the most spectacular beaches in the Ionian Sea. Whether you are looking for a cosmopolitan beach club vibe, a family-friendly shallow bay, or a rugged, hidden cove accessible only by a goat path, Corfu has a stretch of sand (or pebble) for you.

To help you plan your Mediterranean getaway, we’ve rounded up ten of the absolute best beaches on the island. Pack your sunscreen, grab your snorkel, and let’s dive in!

1. Paleokastritsa

Location: Northwest Coast, approx. 25km from Corfu Town.

Paleokastritsa is arguably the most famous spot on the island. It isn’t just one beach, but a series of six beautiful coves surrounded by olive groves and limestone cliffs. The main beach, Agios Spyridon, is the busiest, known for its cold, crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Facilities: This is a fully organized resort. You’ll find plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, a large parking area, and numerous boat taxi operators.
Cafes & Sports: The village is packed with tavernas and cafes overlooking the water. Watersports are abundant, including pedalos, motorboat rentals, and several scuba diving centers exploring the nearby sea caves.

2. Canal d’Amour (Sidari)

Location: North Coast, near the town of Sidari.

Famous for its unique sandstone rock formations, the “Channel of Love” is a geological wonder. Legend has it that couples who swim through the channel together will stay in love forever. The water has carved narrow inlets and caves into the soft yellow rock, creating a stunning backdrop for photos.

Facilities: Sunbeds are perched on the flat rock plateaus and the small sandy beach. It is very close to the center of Sidari, so access is easy.
Cafes & Sports: Sidari is a major tourist hub, meaning you are steps away from countless bars, restaurants, and shops. While the canal itself is better for swimming and jumping off rocks, the main Sidari beach nearby offers paragliding and banana boat rides.

3. Porto Timoni

Location: Northwest Coast, near the village of Afionas.

Porto Timoni is a “double beach”—two narrow strips of land separated by a lush green peninsula, each facing a different bay. It is one of the most photographed spots on the island because of its “hourglass” shape when viewed from the hiking trail above.

Facilities: This is a wild, unorganized beach. There are no sunbeds, no toilets, and no shops. You must bring your own water and food.
Access: Reachable only by a 20-30 minute rocky hike down from Afionas or by taking a water taxi from nearby Agios Georgios Pagon.

4. Glyfada

Location: West Coast, below the village of Pelekas.

If you love wide, golden sandy beaches, Glyfada is your paradise. It is widely considered the best sandy beach on the island, framed by steep cliffs covered in pines. It has a youthful, cosmopolitan energy.

Facilities: Highly organized with premium sunbeds, showers, and changing cabins. There is also a beach volleyball court.
Cafes & Sports: Famous for its beach bars (like Pazuzu) that play music throughout the afternoon. You can find a full range of watersports here, from jet skis to inflatable sofa rides.

5. Issos Beach

Location: Southwest Coast, next to Lake Korission.

Issos is unique because of its vast sand dunes that look almost Saharan. It is part of a NATURA protected area, sitting right next to the Korission Lagoon, a haven for birdwatchers. The water is shallow and stays warm, making it perfect for families.

Facilities: There are organized sections with umbrellas near the main entry points, but because the beach is so long, you can easily find a private spot in the dunes.
Cafes & Sports: A few beach bars serve snacks and drinks. Due to the reliable cross-shore winds, this is the premier spot on Corfu for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

6.

Mirtioissa Beach, one of the best beaches on Corfu — Myrtiotissa Beach

Location: West Coast, between Glyfada and Ermones.

Once described by Lawrence Durrell as “the loveliest beach in the world,” Myrtiotissa is a small, pristine cove tucked beneath towering cliffs. It has a bohemian feel and has historically been the island’s most famous unofficial nudist beach (though the central part is used by everyone).

Facilities: Very limited. There is a small kiosk at the bottom of the steep access road selling drinks and snacks. A few sunbeds may be available in the peak of summer.
Cafes & Sports: No watersports here—the focus is entirely on the natural beauty and snorkeling around the rocks.

7. Agios Gordios

Location: Central West Coast.

Agios Gordios is famous for the “Ortholithi”—a massive, pointed rock rising straight out of the sea at the southern end of the bay. The beach is a long stretch of sand and shingle that caters to everyone from solo hikers to families.

Facilities: Well-organized with plenty of sunbeds. The village comes right down to the sand, making it very convenient.
Cafes & Sports: The beachfront is lined with excellent tavernas and bars. You can rent kayaks and pedalos to explore the coastline and get a closer look at the Ortholithi rock.

8. Bataria Beach (Kassiopi)

Location: Northeast Coast, in the village of Kassiopi.

Located on the “upmarket” northeast coast, Bataria is a small but breathtaking pebble beach. The water here is a vivid, translucent emerald color that looks almost like a swimming pool against the white pebbles.

Facilities: Small and cozy with sunbeds available. It is within walking distance of the charming Kassiopi harbor.
Cafes & Sports: While the beach is quiet, the harbor of Kassiopi is just five minutes away, offering high-quality seafood restaurants and chic cafes. Snorkeling is the main “sport” here due to the rocky seabed.

9. Marathias (Malta Beach)

Location: Southwest Coast.

Marathias (sometimes called Santa Barbara or Malta Beach) is a massive stretch of golden sand that seems to go on forever. It’s known for having some of the cleanest, clearest water on the island and a very relaxed, spacious atmosphere.

Facilities: Fully organized with several clusters of umbrellas and sunbeds. There are showers and ample parking.
Cafes & Sports: There are several high-quality beach bars and restaurants (like Wave and Karma) that serve everything from iced coffee to full Greek meals. Basic watersports and beach volleyball are often available.

10. Halikounas

Location: Southwest Coast.

Separating the Ionian Sea from Lake Korission, Halikounas is a 3km long “wild” beach. It is a narrow strip of golden sand with the sea on one side and the calm lagoon on the other. It feels rugged, windy, and wonderfully empty compared to the resort beaches.

Facilities: Mostly unorganized, though there is one famous beach bar (Taygeto) that provides a bit of life and music.
Cafes & Sports: This is the ultimate destination for windsurfers and kitesurfers. The local schools here take advantage of the steady thermal winds. Aside from the kitesurfing hub, there are no other facilities—just pure, raw nature.

Conclusion

Whether you want to dance at a beach club in Glyfada or find total solitude in the dunes of Halikounas, Corfu’s coastline is a gift that keeps on giving. The best way to see them all? Rent a car or a scooter and spend a week hopping from the rugged west to the calm, crystalline northeast. Happy swimming!