Where to Stay: Best Areas in Corfu

The Greek island of Corfu is one of the Mediterranean’s most popular beach holiday destinations thanks to its stunning landscape, crystal clear waters, and warm, sunny weather. The island has a rich heritage and many fascinating historic sites to explore, making it a great place to visit for those who love to lounge on the beach and see the sights.

There’s no shortage of excellent accommodation options dotted all over Corfu, but with so many great towns and villages to choose from it can be difficult to decide which part of the island to stay in.

Let’s take a look at some of Corfu’s most popular destinations, outline their pros and cons, and highlight the types of vacationers they suit best.

Corfu Town (Kerkyra) for First-Time Visits

Highlights: Old Fortress, Palace of St. Michael and St. George, Spianada Square, French Liston Arcade, Archaeological Museum of Corfu, Holy Church of Pantokrator

Corfu Town is the capital of the island and is where many of the most popular tourist attractions can be found, such as the Old Fortress and the Palace of St. Michael and St. George. The historic Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it features important examples of Byzantium, Venetian, French, and British architecture that tells the story of the island’s long and complex history.

When you stay in Corfu Town you can expect charming cafes, romantic bistros, lively tavernas, and plenty of hidden gems tucked away in the winding cobbled streets. There are many hotels to choose from here and lots of shops and restaurants within a relatively small, walkable area. Plus, a central bus station allows easy day trips to other parts of the island.

If you want to focus on sightseeing when visiting Corfu, it makes sense to base yourself in Corfu Town.

Where to Stay in Corfu Town

These are two of the best hotels in Corfu Town:

• Corfu Palace Hotel is an elegant 5-star hotel with a spa, an outdoor pool, and WiFi available throughout. It has a range of dining options onsite and every room has Ionian Sea views.
• Mon Repos Palace Hotel is a charming 4-star boutique hotel beautifully finished with 18th-century antiques. It’s an adults-only hotel to ensure total peace and quiet for its guests.

Kanoni for Luxury Vacations

Highlights: Pontikonisi, Vlacherna, Korission Lagoon, Mon Repos Park, Roman Baths of Paleopolis, Museum of Palaipolis, Doric Temple of Kardaki

Kanoni is the peninsula that lies south of Corfu Town. It has some pretty sights to explore, such as the Korission Lagoon which is a great spot for admiring the sunset and watching planes coming into land at the airport. It’s a 40-minute walk from Old Town down to the tip of the peninsula where you can take a boat to the beautiful islet of Pontikonisi, also known as Mouse Island.

There are some very luxurious hotels in Kanoni, some of which have large grounds with multiple swimming pools, bars, and eateries. If you’re looking for an indulgent trip to Corfu, this is one of the best areas to stay. Just keep in mind that you won’t have many restaurants and bars right on your doorstep.

Gouvia for All-Rounder Getaways

Highlights: Gouvia Beach, Neorio Venetian Shipyards

Gouvia was once a demure fishing village but has since developed into one of the most popular beach resorts on the island’s east coast. It lies less than 5 miles away from Corfu Town and has plenty of good restaurants, tavernas, and shops. The main beach here has great amenities, including parasols and sunbeds, and you can try various water sports and take boat trips along the coast.

The atmosphere in Gouvia is very laid-back and quiet, although you can find karaoke and live music in some of the bars if you want a lively night out. You won’t find many sights here although there are a couple of hidden gems, such as the Venetian Shipyard. The area is an ideal spot for those who want plenty of beach time with easy access to the sights of Corfu Town.

Dassia for Family Trips

Highlights: Blue Flag beach, water sport rentals

Dassia is a classic resort town with a long, sandy beach that has Blue Flag status, which means it’s clean, safe, and suitable for kids. There are lots of restaurants, tavernas, shops, and water sports rentals positioned along the beachfront, and in high season there’s an inflatable assault course just off the beach for the kids to enjoy.

There are many family-friendly accommodation options available in Dassia, including apartment and villa rentals, resorts, and beach hotels with their own private beaches. Nightlife is very quiet, but that’s part of what makes this a great destination for family vacations.

Ipsos for Laid-Back Party Holidays

Highlights: Beach bars, clubs

Ipsos, which lies just north of Dassia, was once considered a prime party resort for the 18-30 crowd, but over recent years its atmosphere has mellowed. Now, it attracts couples, groups of older singles, and families with teenage kids looking for laid-back nightlife. It still has several English-style bars and some lively clubs such as Montecristo, but there are also small, quiet restaurants and tavernas that are great for couples looking for some romance.

There’s good accommodation to choose from in Ipsos, including both hotels and self-catered apartments. There aren’t any major attractions here, but it’s a beautiful area thanks to the rugged terrain behind the town which is home to olive groves and forests.

Barbati for Beach Breaks

Highlights: Mount Pantokrator

Barbati lies in the foothills of Mount Pantokrator, the largest mountain in Corfu. It’s a quiet and beautiful resort that centers around the pebble beach which is renowned for its crystal-clear water. If you feel adventurous you could take a hike around the mountain.

There are great facilities along the beachfront in Barbati despite it being a relatively small resort. The village has a good mix of hotels, apartment rentals, and villa rentals.

Kassiopi for Group Vacations

Highlights: Beautiful beaches, Kassiopi Castle, Church of the Panagia Kassopitra

Kassiopi is an attractive fishing village on the northeast coast that is renowned for its beautiful beaches and scenic harbor. If you’re planning a group vacation to Corfu, Kassiopi could be a great base because it suits a variety of ages and preferences.

There are multiple beaches for relaxing, plenty of tavernas for those who love a night out, and several historic attractions for sightseers to check out such as the imposing Byzantine-era Kassiopi Castle.

Acharavi for Authentic Corfiot Visits

Highlights: Nymfes Waterfall, Askitario Monastery

Acharavi is situated at the northernmost point of the island and it retains a traditional village feel that gives visitors a taste of authentic Corfiot life. Despite this, it’s well-equipped for tourists with water sports rentals and family-run tavernas, restaurants, and shops dotted along its beachfront.

There are few attractions in the town itself, but it’s a short drive to some scenic sights in the mountains to the south, such as Nymfes Waterfall and Askitario Monastery.

Roda for Romantic Getaways

Highlights: Albanian coast views, horseback riding

Roda is a very small resort on the north coast that is perfect for couples looking for a peaceful getaway. The pristine golden sand and pebble beach offers fantastic views of the rugged Albanian coast across the Ionian Sea. Inland you can go walking, cycling, or horseback riding through the hilly countryside.

There are luxurious and midrange hotels in Roda as well as self-catering apartment complexes.

Sidari for Budget Holidays

Highlights: Canal D’Amour, Mermaid’s Rock, Holy Monastery of Saint John

Sidari attracts young vacationers looking for great nightlife and affordable hotel rates. During the day there’s fun to be had jet skiing and parasailing, and at night there are some great restaurants and bars with lively atmospheres. The main beach gets very busy with sunbeds and parasols, but the nearby cove of Canal D’Amour (Tunnel of Love) is often a little quieter.

Agios Georgios Pagi for Restful Breaks

Highlights: Bay views, calm waters

Agios Georgios Pagi has a stunning curved bay with a sand and shingle beach, and its backdrop is comprised of lush forest on a volcanic hillside. It’s a very peaceful area that’s perfect for a relaxing break sunbathing, boating, and dining in the local restaurants.

Accommodation is limited to small hotels, guesthouses, and private villas and apartments rather than large resort hotels, but this adds to the village’s traditional charm.

Paleokastritsa for Energetic Adventures

Highlights: Corfu Aquarium, Blue Eye Cave, boat tours

Paleokastritsa has what many consider to be the best beaches in Corfu, and it attracts many people to its golden sands to sunbathe and try fun water sports. This is a very busy resort with several large hotels and apartment complexes, but the benefit is that there are excellent facilities.

There are some interesting attractions to check out, such as the Corfu Aquarium and the Blue Eye Cave, and in the main harbor, you can join boat tours or hire your own boat or canoe to explore the waters.

Plus, if you fancy a change from traditional Greek food you’ll be able to find a range of alternative cuisines here, including English, Italian, and Asian restaurants.

Glyfada for Beachfront Escapes

Highlights: Blue Flag beach, Monastery of Mirtidiotissa

Glyfada’s pristine Blue Flag beach has gorgeous golden sands and clear waters, and it feels somewhat secluded thanks to the steep, forest-covered volcanic cliffs that line the coast. This makes it the perfect destination for a relaxing escape.

When you want a break from sunbathing, take a walk on the hilly trails to admire Corfu’s flora and fauna, explore the historic monastery of Mirtidiotissa, or visit the nearby village of Pelekas for a glimpse of traditional Corfiot life.

Agios Gordios for Active Family Getaways

Highlights: Aqualand Water Park, hiking

Agios Gordios, known by locals as Ai Gordis, has a long sandy beach lined with lively tavernas, cocktail bars, and restaurants. There are lots of fun activities to try here, such as canoeing, swimming, and hiking, and the popular Aqualand Water Park is an easy 20-minute drive away. Nightlife here is good but tapers off at around midnight, which makes it a great place for families to stay, particularly those who like to keep active.

Benitses for Timeless Greek Vacays

Highlights: Achilleion Palace, Laopetra Rock, festivals

Benitses was one of Corfu’s original tourist resorts back in the 1960s when there was a push to welcome vacationers to the island. It continues to provide the quintessential Greek vacation experience, despite having expanded dramatically over the decades.

Hotels, apartment complexes, restaurants, and grocery stores have been built around Benitses’ original fishing village, which means the area retains some of its traditional charm while offering all the convenient facilities you could need for a comfortable vacation. There are some great tourist attractions in Benitses, such as the Achilleion Palace which served as the summer palace of Empress Elisabeth “Sisi” of Austria in the late 1800s.

Messonghi for Upscale Peaceful Escapes

Highlights: Luxury hotels, Fortress of Gardiki

Messonghi is a picturesque village on the east coast that is renowned for its luxurious properties. Some of the five-star hotels here have private beaches, gourmet restaurants, and spa facilities. Messonghi can feel a little disconnected from the main sights of Corfu but if you rent a car this shouldn’t be a problem.

There are some excellent beaches nearby and the Byzantine Fortress of Gardiki is a short drive away.

Kavos for Non-Stop Parties

Highlights: Bars, clubs, beach parties, Water Fun Park

Kavos is on the southernmost edge of Corfu and it has been the island’s leading party resort since the 1980s. It’s particularly popular with Brits aged between 18 and 30, but young people from all over Europe consider Kavos one of the best party vacation destinations in Greece.

Bars, restaurants, clubs, and shops line the white sandy beach, and there are ample opportunities to jetski, parasail, windsurf, and even play on a fun inflatable water park. Tavernas tend to be busy throughout the day and very late into the night, so if you love to party this is the place for you.

Choose Your Corfu Destination

Each of these fantastic Corfu resorts has its unique vibe and you’re sure to love your time on this lush Greek island. All that’s left to decide is which area best suits your pace of travel.