Corfu has beaches for every style. In the west, Paleokastritsa with its lush green bays, the long Glyfada and the striking Porto Timoni. In the north, the Canal d'Amour at Sidari. In the NE, pebble beaches with deep water (Barbati, Kassiopi). The top day trip is Paxos & Antipaxos by boat.
Corfu combines lush green bays, long sandy stretches and dramatic rocky coasts. Thanks to the greenery that runs right down to the sea, the island has some of the most striking scenery in the Ionian. Here are the top beaches by area, along with the most popular day trips.
Top beaches in Corfu
| Beach | Area | Best for | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paleokastritsa | West | Bays & boats | 25 km · car/bus |
| Glyfada | West | Long sandy beach | 16 km · car/bus |
| Porto Timoni | Afionas (West) | Twin bays, hiking | 38 km · car + walk |
| Canal d'Amour | Sidari (North) | Sandstone formations | 35 km · car/bus |
| Barbati | NE | Pebble, deep water | 17 km · car |
| Kassiopi | NE | Picturesque harbour | 37 km · car |
Western beaches
The west has some of the most famous beaches. Paleokastritsa is the island's signature — a string of lush green bays with clear water, the historic clifftop monastery, and small boats that take you to the sea caves. Further south, the long sandy Glyfada and Agios Gordios with its striking rock stacks are ideal for sunset. The spectacular Porto Timoni (twin bays) is reached by a short hike of about 20 minutes from Afionas — bring water and proper shoes, as there are no facilities.
Northern beaches
At Sidari, the Canal d'Amour stands out with its unusual sandstone formations that create little channels and hidden corners. Further east, Acharavi and Roda offer long, shallow, organised beaches — among the island's best for families with children, with tavernas and sunbeds.
North-east coast
The NE coast, where olive groves run down to the water, has pebble beaches with deep, clear, turquoise water: Barbati, Nissaki, Agni and the picturesque little harbour of Kassiopi with its fish tavernas. It is the quietest, most upmarket side, looking across to the mountains of Albania.
Best day trips
Paxos & Antipaxos by boat is the top day trip, for the turquoise water and sea caves — book ahead in peak season. On the island itself, don't miss the Achilleion, Empress Sisi's palace at Gastouri, Corfu's Old Town (a UNESCO site with two Venetian fortresses, the Liston arcade and the Spianada square) and Kanoni with the iconic Mouse Island (Pontikonisi). For the views, climb Mount Pantokrator, the island's highest peak (~906 m), with its summit monastery.
Practicalities & when to go
The western coasts are famous for their sunsets, while the NE side is best for calm swimming in deep water. Many large beaches are organised, but some small coves have no facilities — bring water, sunscreen and water shoes for the pebbly ones. Boat trips to the islands and caves are more reliable in the morning, before the wind picks up.
How to get there
For the western and northern beaches, a car rental or the green buses are handy. See all the options in getting around Corfu.
Frequently asked questions
Paleokastritsa and Porto Timoni are considered among the most striking, with lush green bays and clear water.
Paxos & Antipaxos by boat, for the turquoise water and sea caves. The Achilleion and the Old Town are also popular.
By the green (KTEL) buses to the resorts, and by small boats for some western beaches.