Best beaches in corfu: a 5-day mini guide

A trip to Corfu isn’t complete without a visit to the beach. The island is known for its stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters. From the tranquil beaches on the East to the dramatic landscapes in the West, in this 5-day mini beach guide we will show you the best beaches on Corfu.

Day 1: Paleokastritsa

How to Get There:

🚗 By Car: Paleokastritsa is about a 30-minute drive from Corfu Town.
🚍 By Bus: The Green Bus Line (Corfu-Paleokastritsa) runs regularly and takes about 40 minutes.

What to Do:

The beaches in Paleokastritsa are one of the most famous in Corfu, known for their dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and numerous coves and bays. We spent our time at Agios Spiridon, a sandy beach with beautiful views of the water and the rocks.

The only downside is that the strip of sand is pretty narrow and close to the road, causing the beach to get crowded quickly. Luckily there are two other neighboring beaches within walking distance: Agios Petros Beach and Alipa Beach.

You can also rent a boat to explore the hidden caves and secluded beaches that are only accessible by sea.

Done exploring the beaches? Head uphills for a visit to the Monastery of Paleokastritsa to catch some panoramic views of the area.!

💡 Tip: the last bus to Corfu Town departs at 19:00, so make sure you are at the bus stop in time.

Day 2: Porto Timoni

How to Get There:

🚗 By Car: Porto Timoni is about a 45-minute drive from Corfu Town. You have to park your car in Afionas, and then walk 30 minutes to the beach.

What to Do:

Porto Timoni is a stunning double beach located near the village of Afionas on the northwestern coast of Corfu, Greece. The beaches are separated by a narrow strip of land and each side you can enjoy the crystal-clear turquoise waters. Despite its growing popularity, Porto Timoni remains relatively untouched by commercial development. So, bring plenty of water and snacks, because there are no cafés or shops once you arrive at the beach.

In order to get to Porto Timoni you have to hike for 20 to 30 minutes from the village of Afionas. The path is rocky and uneven so be careful on your way down and wear good shoes. We were huffing and puffing in the 30 degrees weather, but the view was well worth the hike!

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by two beautiful coves with turquoise waters. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun. The beach is quite secluded and lacks facilities, so bring your own food, water, and beach gear.

When you head back, don’t forget to spend some time walking through the charming Afionas, or to enjoy a meal at one of the village’s traditional tavernas.

Day 3: North-West Coast

Sidari and Lovers Canal:

How to Get There:

🚗 By Car: The most convenient and flexible way to explore these spots is by car. From Corfu Town, the drive to Sidari takes about an hour.
🚍 By Bus: It’s doable, but inconvenient to take the bus. The Green Bus Line (Corfu-Sidari) takes about 1.5 hours, and you’ll have to transfer half-way to another bus.

What to Do:

Explore the famous Lovers Canal (Canal d’Amour), a natural wonder where legend says couples who swim through the narrow canal will stay together forever. Spend some time relaxing on the sandy beach and go for a swim in the clear waters.

Cape Drastis

How to Get There:

🚗 By Car: From Canal d’amour it’s about 10 minutes by car or scooter.

What to Do:

Cape Drastis is the most northwestern cape of Corfu. Enjoy a beautiful view of chalk stone cliffs with tiny sea caves and peculiar formations with a few sandy strips between them. You can walk all the way down to the beach to enjoy the waves!

💡Tip: The last part of the road to the viewpoint is steep and narrow. At the top there is only space for 5-10 cars, and it’s difficult to turn around when it’s crowded. Save yourself the hassle and park somewhere nearby!

Day 4: North-East Coast

Kalami

How to Get There:

🚗 By Car: From Corfu Town, the drive to Kalami takes about 50 minutes.

What to Do:

Nestled in a charming bay, this beach offers a peaceful retreat away from the busier tourist spots on the island. The rugged rocks of the beach frame its picturesque bay, adding a dramatic element. Kalami beach is surrounded by lush green hills and olive groves, providing a stunning backdrop and a sense of seclusion.

Agios Stefanos

How to Get There:

🚗 By Car: From Kalami, the drive to Agios Stefanos takes about 15 minutes.

What to Do:

Located just a short distance from Kalami Beach is the charming and inviting Agios Stefanos. This beach is known for its fine pebbles and sandy stretches, a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a relaxing day by the sea. From Agios Stefanos, you can walk all the way to Vromolimni Beach, but before you do so first have something for lunch at one of the tavernas near the beach.

Vromolimni Beach

How to get there:

🚶Walking: Head north on a scenic walk of approximately 3 kilometers. It will take you about 45 minutes to an hour to reach Vromolimni beach, depending on your pace and the number of stops you make to enjoy the views.

What to Do:

Vromolimni Beach is a hidden gem distinguished by its unique feature of having fresh water on one side and salt water on the other. The calm, clear waters are ideal for swimming, and the tranquil environment makes it a perfect spot for a peaceful retreat.

Day 5: Pontikonisi Beach

How to Get There:

🚗 By Car: From Corfu Town, the drive to Pontikonisi beach takes about 15 minutes.
🚍 By Bus: The Blue Bus Line takes you to ΚΑΝΟΝΙ E in 25 minutes, from here you have to cross a small bridge to get to the beach.

What to Do:

From this beach you can spot airplanes landing on the island. Sitting down at this beach may not be particularly relaxing, but it sure is worth a visit! The sound of the low overflying airplanes is quite loud, and frequent with about 2-3 airplanes landing an hour. Check flight radar to see when the next plane is coming, and prepare yourself to take a cool picture.