The 10 best beaches in Corfu

Agios Georgios Pagon is one of the best beaches in Corfu’s north. This seemingly endless stretch of golden sand is a haven for families, backed by hotels and eateries and with a blissfully calm, shallow sea. There’s a good mix of well-equipped stretches with all the amenities, including loungers and umbrellas, and relaxed spots where you can simply spread your towel on the sand. If you make your way up the hill to the nearby village of Afionas, you’ll find excellent tavernas and a fabulous view of the lush headland.

Loggas Beach boasts some of the most dramatic cliff scenery in Corfu. It’s also known as the Sunset Beach, so – spoiler alert – it’s the best beach in Corfu to catch a colourful lightshow. The narrow strip almost disappears at high tide and the water can be rough – although locals like to swim and sunbathe on the boulders in the shallows, you’re more likely to make the descent to marvel at the white, wind-smoothed cliffs or stop off at one of the several clifftop bars for an aperitif with a stunning panorama.

The colours alone of Agios Spiridon Beach – emerald hills, turquoise water and a white shore – scream paradise. It’s close to the impressive Paleokastritsa monastery, yet it remains pleasantly uncrowded compared to other Corfu beaches, despite easy access and good facilities. The sea is crystal-clear, so goggles or a snorkel are a must. The beach is a soft shingle-and-sand mix, with plenty of space to just sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and a few lounger and umbrella rentals too. Why not hire a pedalo or kayak to explore the rocky promontories?

Flanked by a stunning mountainous landscape, tucked between lush greenery and towering trees, you’ll find the small, idyllic beach of Liapades. We wouldn’t blame you if all you wanted to do on this gorgeous shingle-and-sand shore was pitch up on a sunbed and marvel at the scenery, with vegetation and boulders running right down to the waterline. Take a dip in the sheltered, shallow sea, though, and you’ll be rewarded with bath-like temperatures. The beach is backed by a few restaurants and bars with terraces and shade, and you’re not far from supermarkets and accommodation.

Agios Stefanos is an old fishing village that’s managed the tricky balancing act of attracting tourists while retaining its authentic charm. With its working harbour and bobbing fishing boats, it stubbornly refuses to get too built up. The village is surrounded by white, windswept cliffs, topped with swathes of green and home to a host of unfussy beachside eateries. Head to the spacious, golden-sand beach for hours of fun and fabulous swimming on calm days, or wave-jumping if it’s windy. There are sunbeds, shade and watersports on offer too.

Arillas is the charming, slightly smaller neighbour of Agios Stefanos, making a name for itself as an eco-tourism destination. It’s home to the local Corfu Beer craft brewery, as well as dozens of tucked-away tavernas, beachside fish restaurants and an artisan bakery. The beach itself is backed by low, greenery-clad cliffs and a long promenade – perfect for a sunset stroll. The sea is shallow and there are just enough sunbeds and umbrellas on the sand-and-pebble shore that you’ll always get one if you want, but it isn’t crowded.

In the resort town of the same name, Dassia Beach is one of the best family-friendly Corfu beaches, with plenty of sunbeds, shade and watersports – not to mention an inflatable obstacle course in high season. Its main attraction for families with children is the gentle slope down into the shallow sea, as well as crystal-clear water for snorkelling and the host of facilities lining the shore. Close by, you’ll find Ipsos and the village of Gouvia, both with equally nice beaches, restaurants and shops to explore.

As you near the coast in Roda, the quaint, taverna-lined promenade gives way to a long and narrow stretch of sandy beach with something for everyone. Some stretches of the shore have loungers and shade, others simply offer towel space, and some sections are home to volleyball nets and watersports. An old jetty separates the rustic shore on one side, dotted with tiny fishing boats, from the sandy tourist stretch with fantastic swimming. The bustling town behind is packed with family-friendly restaurants and cool bars open till late.

On Corfu’s north coast, Paralia Acharavi is a miles-long stretch of beach with enough space to satisfy hardcore seclusion-seekers. The beach varies along its length from soft sand to mixed shingle and large pebbles. Some spots are backed by hotels and beach bars, with loungers to rent, while in others, you can simply park by the side of a single-track road, hop out, and enjoy the calm, shallow sea. To max out your day here, pick a spot near a taverna so you can indulge in the local seafood.

Looking for a local experience unlike any other Corfu beach? Just below the pretty hillside town of Afionas, the two tiny coves of Porto Timoni sit either side of a spit connecting the headland to the mainland, promising an Eden-esque adventure. These semi-hidden gems, accessible only via winding footpaths over the hillside, are free from crowds. Once there, take your pick from the two pint-sized coves, both a mixture of pebbles, sand and driftwood. There are no facilities, but you can pack a picnic, a parasol and your goggles for peaceful swimming and sunbathing.