# The Best Beaches in Corfu, Coast by Coast > The best beaches in Corfu by coast: sandy west coast bays, clear northeast coves, Porto Timoni, the southern dunes and tips on wind, parking and access. URL: https://theauthenticgreece.com/best-beaches-in-corfu/ Last updated: 2026-10-20 --- The best beaches in Corfu depend on which coast you are on. The west coast has the long sandy beaches and the big sunsets, with Glyfada, Agios Gordios and Porto Timoni the stand outs. The northeast has small pebble coves with calm, very clear water under Mount Pantokrator, and the far south has wild dune beaches around Issos and the Korission lagoon. This guide goes round the island coast by coast, with honest notes on what each beach is like. ## Quick facts - **Best time to swim:** June to early October, with the warmest sea in August and September - **Calmest water:** the northeast and east coasts, sheltered from the prevailing northwest wind - **Sandy beaches:** mostly on the west, northwest and southwest coasts - **Getting around:** a hire car makes beach hopping far easier; buses reach the main resorts only - **Good for families:** Agios Georgios Pagon, Agios Stefanos Avliotes, Glyfada, Agios Georgios Argyrades ## How Corfu’s coasts differ Corfu is long and narrow, running roughly north to south, and its two sides behave very differently. The west coast faces the open Ionian and the summer northwesterly wind that tends to pick up after midday. That brings surf, cleaner sand and cooler water, and sometimes dangerous currents. The east coast faces the Greek and Albanian mainland across a narrow strait, so the sea is calmer and the beaches are mostly pebble and shingle. The north coast sits in between, with long, shallow sandy stretches that suit small children. A practical rule: if the wind is up on the west, drive to the east. If the east feels crowded and still, cross to the west for the afternoon and stay for sunset. ## Northeast coast: clear water and pebble coves The road north of Corfu Town towards Kassiopi follows a steep green coastline where [Mount Pantokrator](https://theauthenticgreece.com/mount-pantokrator/) drops straight into the sea. The beaches are small and mostly pebble, the water is some of the clearest on the island, and many coves have a single taverna at the back. This is the stretch for snorkelling, [licence-free boat hire](https://theauthenticgreece.com/boat-rental-corfu/) and anyone who dislikes sand. ### Barbati A long white pebble beach below the mountain, with sunbeds, water sports and a few tavernas. It is the most developed beach on this coast but still attractive, and it shelves quickly into deep, clear water. ### Kalami and Kouloura Kalami is a horseshoe bay of pebbles and cypresses, best known for the White House on its southern side, where the writer Lawrence Durrell lived in the 1930s. The bay is small and fills up in August. Kouloura next door is a tiny harbour rather than a beach, but its little harbour of moored boats is worth a stop for the view. ### Agni and Agios Stefanos Sinion Agni is a pebbly cove known mainly for its waterside tavernas, many of which are reached by boat as well as by a narrow road. Agios Stefanos Sinion (not to be confused with the west coast Agios Stefanos) is a quiet fishing harbour with a small beach and views across to Albania. ### Kassiopi The village has a ruined castle on its headland and several small coves around it, reached on foot along the coastal path. They are rocky, so water shoes help, but the water is excellent. ## North coast: long, shallow sand The north coast from Almyros through Acharavi and Roda to Sidari is flatter, with long beaches of sand and fine shingle and very shallow water close to shore. It is less dramatic than the northeast but [easy with small children](https://theauthenticgreece.com/corfu-with-kids/). ### Agios Spyridon The pick of the north coast. A sandy beach with shallow water, backed by the Antinioti lagoon, a wetland that is good for birdwatching. It has tavernas and sunbeds but feels quieter than the resorts further west. ### Almyros and Acharavi A long continuous strip with plenty of space, good for walking and for families staying in the resort hotels. The sea can be a little cloudy after wind because of the fine sand. Sidari and the Canal d’Amour sit at the western end of this coast. They are covered in our [guide to the Canal d’Amour](https://theauthenticgreece.com/canal-damour-sidari/); in short, the sandstone formations are striking but the area is busy and heavily developed. ## Northwest coast: big sandy bays ### Agios Stefanos Avliotes A wide sandy beach with gentle water and views to the small Diapontia islands of Mathraki, Othonoi and Ereikoussa offshore. It is one of the most relaxed family resorts on the island. ### Arillas A low key village with a long sand and shingle beach and an easygoing feel. It is also home to Corfu Beer, the island’s microbrewery, if you want a reason to stay for the evening. ### Agios Georgios Pagon A huge horseshoe bay of golden sand below steep green hills, with shallow water at the edges and room to spread out even in high season. It is also the starting point for water taxis to Porto Timoni. ### Porto Timoni The famous double beach on the headland below the village of Afionas, where two coves sit back to back on either side of a narrow neck of land. Getting there means a rocky footpath from Afionas of about 1 km, roughly 20 to 30 minutes down and a little longer back up, or a boat from Agios Georgios Pagon. There are no facilities at all, so bring water and shade. It is crowded by late morning in summer, and the pebbles and narrow beaches mean it looks better in photos than it feels at midday. Go early. ## West coast: sand, cliffs and sunsets Paleokastritsa, with its monastery and small coves, is the best known spot on the west coast and has [its own Paleokastritsa guide](https://theauthenticgreece.com/paleokastritsa/). South of it the coast becomes a line of sandy beaches at the foot of steep hills, most of them reached by winding roads. ### Rovinia and Liapades Rovinia is a beautiful cove near Liapades with white pebbles and turquoise water, reached by a steep path through olive groves or by boat. Liapades beach itself is small and pebbly, with a couple of tavernas. ### Myrtiotissa Lawrence Durrell called Myrtiotissa the most beautiful beach in the world, and the setting, a strip of sand under high cliffs with a small monastery above, still impresses. Access is by a steep path down, and the beach has long been one of the best known naturist beaches in Greece, mainly at its ends. There are no organised facilities beyond what a seasonal vendor may offer. ### Glyfada The best all round sandy beach on the west coast. Glyfada is long, golden and fully organised, with sunbeds, beach bars and a couple of large hotels. The road down is very steep. The surf can be strong on windy afternoons, so watch for flags and currents. ### Kontogialos (Pelekas beach) Below the hill village of Pelekas, Kontogialos is a sandy bay with more of a local feel than Glyfada. Combine it with sunset at the Kaiser’s Throne viewpoint above Pelekas. ### Agios Gordios A long sandy beach in a dramatic bay, closed at its southern end by the Ortholithos, a tall rock pillar standing in the sea. The resort is lively but the beach is wide enough to feel uncrowded. ## Southwest: dunes and empty sand South of Agios Gordios the hills flatten out into Corfu’s longest stretch of sand, with protected dunes and the Korission lagoon behind. ### Halikounas A long, wild beach on the strip of land between the Korission lagoon and the sea. It is popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers because of the reliable wind, and almost empty otherwise. The lagoon is part of the Natura 2000 network and home to around 120 recorded bird species. ### Issos Issos continues south from Halikounas, backed by high sand dunes and a small forest of juniper. It has a beach bar or two and plenty of empty sand. The wind that makes it popular with windsurfers also means rough water on some afternoons. ### Agios Georgios Argyrades A long sandy bay with a resort strip behind it and shallow water at its southern end, popular with families. Further south, Marathias continues the same long sandy line. ## Southeast: quiet coves near Kavos The southeast is best known for the party resort of Kavos, but just beyond it is **Arkoudilas**, a sandy beach below forested cliffs and the ruins of a monastery, reached by a track. It has a very different atmosphere from the town a few kilometres away. On the east side, small harbours such as Petriti and Boukari are better for [seafood lunches](https://theauthenticgreece.com/corfu-food/) than for swimming. ## Which beach for what | If you want | Go to | | --- | --- | | Long sand and full facilities | Glyfada, Agios Georgios Pagon | | Calm, clear water for snorkelling | Barbati, Kalami, Kassiopi coves | | Small children | Agios Spyridon, Agios Stefanos Avliotes, Acharavi | | Wild and empty | Halikounas, Issos | | The famous photo | Porto Timoni, early morning | | Sunset with a swim | Agios Gordios, Kontogialos | ## Practical tips - **Check the wind.** On days with a strong northwesterly, the west coast can have rough water and rip currents. The east coast will usually be calm. - **Arrive before 10:00 in July and August.** Car parks at small beaches fill quickly and roadside parking on narrow roads is risky. - **Sunbeds are paid.** On organised beaches, a pair of sunbeds and an umbrella usually comes at a charge or with a minimum spend at the beach bar. Prices vary by beach and season. You can always use the free public section of the sand. - **Bring water shoes** for the pebble and rock beaches of the northeast and around Kassiopi. - **Roads are steep and narrow.** Many west coast beaches sit at the bottom of long, winding descents. Drive slowly, use a small car, and avoid driving down after dark if you are unfamiliar with the road. - **Respect protected areas.** Keep off the dunes at Issos and around the Korission lagoon, and take all rubbish home from beaches without bins. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Which side of Corfu has the best beaches? The west coast has the best sandy beaches, including Glyfada, Agios Gordios and Agios Georgios Pagon, plus the best sunsets. The northeast has calmer and clearer water at smaller pebble coves. Many visitors base themselves on one side and drive to the other depending on the wind. ### Does Corfu have sandy beaches? Yes. Most of the sandy beaches are on the west, northwest and southwest coasts, as well as the long, shallow north coast between Almyros and Sidari. The northeast and east coasts are mainly pebble. ### What is the best beach in Corfu for families? Agios Spyridon, Acharavi, Agios Stefanos Avliotes and Agios Georgios Argyrades all have sand and shallow water close to shore. Glyfada is also good on calm days but can have strong surf when the wind is up. ### How do you get to Porto Timoni? Walk down from the village of Afionas on a rocky path of about 1 km, which takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes down and a little longer back up. Alternatively, take a water taxi from Agios Georgios Pagon beach. There are no facilities on the beach, so bring water and sun protection. ### When is the sea warm enough to swim in Corfu? Most people find the sea comfortable from June to early October. It is warmest in August and September. May and late October can be pleasant on calm, sunny days but the water is noticeably cooler. ## Frequently asked questions ### Which side of Corfu has the best beaches? The west coast has the best sandy beaches, including Glyfada, Agios Gordios and Agios Georgios Pagon, plus the best sunsets. The northeast has calmer and clearer water at smaller pebble coves. Many visitors base themselves on one side and drive to the other depending on the wind. ### Does Corfu have sandy beaches? Yes. Most of the sandy beaches are on the west, northwest and southwest coasts, as well as the long, shallow north coast between Almyros and Sidari. The northeast and east coasts are mainly pebble. ### What is the best beach in Corfu for families? Agios Spyridon, Acharavi, Agios Stefanos Avliotes and Agios Georgios Argyrades all have sand and shallow water close to shore. Glyfada is also good on calm days but can have strong surf when the wind is up. ### How do you get to Porto Timoni? Walk down from the village of Afionas on a rocky path of about 1 km, which takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes down and a little longer back up. Alternatively, take a water taxi from Agios Georgios Pagon beach. There are no facilities on the beach, so bring water and sun protection. ### When is the sea warm enough to swim in Corfu? Most people find the sea comfortable from June to early October. It is warmest in August and September. May and late October can be pleasant on calm, sunny days but the water is noticeably cooler.