Corfu
Green, Wild, Venetian
Get to know Corfu
Corfu is one of those islands that’s hard to define in just one way. It has a historic Old Town with Venetian alleyways, restaurants and bars, small beaches tucked between green cliffs, villages that move at their own pace, and lively tourist areas alongside quieter corners that still feel distinctly local. A holiday in Corfu can be an entirely different experience depending on which part of the island you choose to stay in.
One of the things we love most about Corfu is how different each part of the island feels. The north is home to many of the bays and landscapes that have made Corfu famous. The centre is a convenient base for those who want to stay close to Corfu Town and explore somewhere new each day, while in the south, life moves at a slower pace and the local character is much more present. Even choosing between the east and west coasts can shape your holiday: the east is generally calmer and better suited to swimming, while the west feels wilder and more dramatic.
And perhaps that’s the best way to understand Corfu: there isn’t one area that’s simply “the best.” Different parts of the island suit different people. Someone who wants restaurants, town life and plenty happening nearby will probably choose somewhere very different from someone looking for a quiet week by the sea. That’s why, before choosing a villa or hotel, it’s worth understanding which part of Corfu is right for you.
The villas and hotels we chose in Corfu
Of every stay in Corfu, these are the ones we would book for ourselves.
where to stay in Corfu?
Choose the Right Area Before Choosing Your Stay
One of the questions we hear most often is where to stay in Corfu, and our answer almost always starts with the same word: it depends.
There really isn't one area that's best for everyone. A family with children doesn't necessarily need to stay somewhere simply because it's considered “family-friendly,” and a couple doesn't have to choose a particular area just because it's known as “romantic.” The more important question is: how do you like to spend your holidays?
To help you find the right fit, we like to divide Corfu into three broad regions: North Corfu, Central Corfu, and South Corfu. Within each, there's also a significant difference between the east and west coasts. Every area has its own character, advantages, and drawbacks, and where you choose to stay can completely change your holiday experience.
Central Corfu
Close to Corfu Town, convenient for exploring the island, and ideal for those who like to be out and about.
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Central Corfu is best suited to those who like to get out and explore. It's relatively close to Corfu Town and the airport, and its location in the middle of the island makes it a convenient base for heading in a different direction each day. It's also the area we'd recommend if exploring the Old Town, dining out, enjoying bars, and spending evenings beyond your villa or hotel are an important part of your holiday.
On the other hand, Central Corfu tends to be busier in summer, particularly along the east coast, and doesn't always offer the same sense of nature and seclusion you'll find elsewhere on the island. If your idea of a holiday is waking up beside a quiet beach and spending most of your day close to where you're staying, other parts of Corfu may offer that experience more easily.
But there are exceptions here, too. If you find a beachfront villa or hotel in Central Corfu with a beach you genuinely love, it could be a wonderful place to spend your entire holiday. There are a few properties here that offer exactly that: the pleasure of a seaside escape, combined with easy access to Corfu Town and a convenient starting point for exploring the island. For us, that's the best of both worlds.
North Corfu
Corfu’s most iconic bays, crystal-clear waters, coastal towns, and breathtaking scenery.
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North Corfu is the part of the island you'll recognise from the photos. Small bays, crystal-clear waters, green hillsides sloping down to the sea, and coastal towns like Kassiopi and Paleokastritsa. The north is also home to a wide selection of villas and hotels, along with restaurants, beach bars, and organised beaches.
But that popularity comes at a price. In July and August, some areas get extremely busy. Roads and access routes to the beaches can become congested, and finding parking near the most famous spots can be a challenge in itself. If you're looking for secluded beaches and complete tranquillity, this might not be the Corfu you have in mind.
The north is ideal for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, want to stay close to the places everyone talks about, and don't mind sharing them with other visitors. If you want to discover the bays and landscapes that have made Corfu so well known, you'll probably want to spend at least part of your holiday here.
South Corfu
Less rushing around, more staying put. Quiet beaches, nature, and a much slower pace of life.
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South Corfu feels different. Tourism is certainly present here, and in places like Kavos and Moraitika, it's particularly noticeable. But across much of the south, it's still easier to find quiet beaches, traditional villages, local tavernas, and a slower pace of life.
Most beaches in the south offer easier access to the water, traffic and parking are generally less of an issue, and in some places, you can still reach the sea without finding rows of sun loungers. On the other hand, there's less choice when it comes to restaurants and nightlife compared to the north and centre. If you like discovering a new attraction or popular spot every day, you might feel a little removed from the action.
We have a particular soft spot for the south. It's where we'd recommend staying if you're looking for peace, nature, and a slower kind of holiday. Not for those determined to tick off every must-see attraction in Corfu, but for those who want to slow down, experience the island's authentic side, and simply enjoy being there.
In fact, we chose to build our own home in the south of the island because it's the part of Corfu that feels most like us. For someone else, the north or centre might be exactly right. And that's one of the things we love most about Corfu.
Found the Right Part of Corfu for You?
Now Let's Find Exactly Where to Stay
Once you've decided which part of Corfu suits you best, it's time to narrow down the location. Even within the north, centre, and south, there are big differences between lively seaside towns, small villages, and quieter, more secluded areas.
Choose the region you're interested in and discover where we'd recommend staying, depending on the kind of holiday you're looking for.
Corfu Town
For couples and travellers who enjoy historic streets, museums and dinner in town
Corfu Town on the central east coast pairs historic lanes, the Liston and seafront fortresses for travellers who want culture and evenings in town.
Our tip
Choose a town address around the squares and Liston walks you want in your evenings. Ask where luggage can be dropped off and how you reach the entrance.
Gouvia
For couples and families who enjoy a marina setting, cafes and village evenings
Gouvia on central Corfu’s east coast combines a small bay beach, marina and Venetian shipyard ruins for travellers who want shore time and village dining.
Our tip
Decide whether the beach, marina or village restaurants should anchor your stay, then check the address against it. A boat view does not describe the route to dinner.
Dassia
For couples and families who enjoy a long beach, restaurants and cultural outings
Dassia on central Corfu’s east coast pairs a sand-and-pebble shore with restaurants and a gallery outing nearby, for travellers choosing a beach-led stay.
Our tip
Compare hotels in Dassia by the route to your chosen beach stretch and restaurants. Leave space for a visit to the gallery at Kato Korakiana if art interests you.
Kontokali
For couples and travellers combining a small beach with visits to Corfu Town
Kontokali on central Corfu’s east coast has a small sandy beach facing Lazaretto, for travellers combining time by the water with visits to Corfu Town.
Our tip
Ask about the route from the address to the beach and your return after dinner in town. Choose Kontokali by those daily connections, rather than by a sea view alone.
Benitses
For couples and travellers who enjoy a marina, seafood tavernas and beach time
Benitses, south of Corfu Town on the east coast, brings a marina, seafood tavernas and two different beach settings into a village-based holiday.
Our tip
Start with the route to the marina if that is where you want dinner. For beach time, compare the small sandy strip there with the pebbly shore north of the village.
Glyfada
For couples and families who enjoy a sandy beach and a choice of beach bars
Glyfada on central Corfu’s west coast combines fine sand and beach bars, for travellers who want their chosen stretch of shore to shape the holiday.
Our tip
Choose your preferred beach section before comparing rooms. Ask how you reach it and where the beach bars sit in relation to the accommodation.
Paleokastritsa
For couples and travellers who enjoy coves, a seaside monastery and boat outings
Paleokastritsa in northwestern Corfu brings coves, Alypa harbour and a headland monastery together for travellers planning beach days and coastal boat outings.
Our tip
Choose a bay first: Agios Spyridon and Alypa give you different reference points. Ask for the route to that shore rather than relying on a general Paleokastritsa view.
Kassiopi
For couples and friends who enjoy a harbour, castle and coastal village evenings
Kassiopi on Corfu’s northeast coast pairs a fishing harbour and castle with coastal coves, for travellers who want sea outings and a village evening base.
Our tip
For harbour dinners, compare each Kassiopi villa with the route back to the village. At a coastal house, ask whether sea access leads to pebbles, rocks or a beach.
Sidari
For couples and travellers drawn to a northern shore and sandstone coastal scenery
Sidari in northwestern Corfu is known for the sandstone channels of Canal d’Amour, for travellers comparing a northern beach base with coastal sightseeing.
Our tip
Separate a Canal d’Amour visit from the beach you want beside your stay. Compare Sidari villas against your daily route rather than the channel photograph alone.
Nisaki
For couples and travellers comparing a northeast coastal base with hillside sea views
Nisaki on northeast Corfu sits below Mount Pantokrator, for travellers comparing a small coastal base with accommodation higher on the hillside.
Our tip
Request the complete route from the house to the water, including the climb back. In Nisaki, a hillside view and a shore-level address serve different routines.
Barbati
For couples and travellers who enjoy a pebble beach, waterfront bars and mountain slopes
Barbati below Mount Pantokrator on northeast Corfu has a long pebble beach and waterfront bars, for travellers choosing accommodation around the shore.
Our tip
Check water entry and the route back to the house: Barbati’s beach deepens quickly. For a hillside address, request the complete approach rather than a sea-view label.
Acharavi
For couples and families who want a northern beach base and a choice of shoreline sections
Acharavi in northern Corfu pairs a resort settlement with an extended beachfront, for travellers who want to choose a shore section and return to one base.
Our tip
Pick the beach section where you want to spend time before choosing the accommodation. In Acharavi, compare the route to that stretch rather than the settlement name alone.
Molos Beach
For couples and travellers who enjoy a sandy shore and outings around Lefkimmi
Molos Beach in southern Corfu lies near Lefkimmi and the salt pans, for travellers combining a sandy shoreline with visits to the town and wetland surroundings.
Our tip
Choose the actual beach location and the route to Lefkimmi. Molos and nearby Alykes both appear in searches, so request an address and map before comparing stays.
Lefkimmi
For couples and travellers who enjoy a river setting, cafes and a southern town base
Lefkimmi in southern Corfu has a river, cafes and tavernas along its banks, for travellers who want town life alongside separately planned beach visits.
Our tip
Decide whether the river and cafes or a beach should begin your day. Compare central Lefkimmi, the ferry port and surrounding shores as different locations.
Moraitika
For couples and families who enjoy beach days, restaurants and an old-village outing
Moraitika on southeast Corfu combines a beach resort and an old village on the hill, for travellers comparing a waterfront routine with village outings.
Our tip
Choose whether the beach or old village should be closer to your room. Compare Moraitika hotels by the route between them and their position relative to the main road.
Chalikounas
For couples and travellers who enjoy an open sandy shore, dunes and a lagoon landscape
Chalikounas on southwest Corfu has a sandy shore beside Lake Korission and dunes, for travellers who want the beach and wetland landscape to lead the day.
Our tip
Compare the house-to-beach route with the route to dinner. At Chalikounas, plan those separately and request arrival instructions rather than relying on a lagoon view.
Issos
For couples and travellers who enjoy dunes, a sandy coast and a southern nature-led stay
Issos on southwest Corfu combines a sandy shore, dunes and the Lake Korission landscape, for travellers choosing a base around beach time and open scenery.
Our tip
Compare the approach to Issos with Chalikounas before choosing a house. Both belong to the lake landscape, but they are different locations and routes to the sand.
Corfu on the map
OpenFreeMap © OpenMapTiles Data from OpenStreetMap
All stays in Corfu
All our villas and hotels in Corfu, in one place.
Good to know before you go to Corfu
For your first visit to the island, we'd recommend 5-7 nights. That's enough time to enjoy the area you've chosen to stay in, while also taking a few day trips to other parts of the island and Corfu Old Town. If you prefer a slower pace, even 10 days or two weeks in Corfu won't feel like too much.
In our opinion, yes. You can manage without a car if you're planning to spend most of your time at your hotel or nearby, but if you really want to explore Corfu, having a car makes a big difference. Beaches, villages, and restaurants are spread across the island, and taxis aren't always convenient or readily available, especially during the high season.
Corfu might not look particularly big on the map, but journeys can take longer than you'd expect. Roads in some areas are narrow and winding, and summer traffic can slow things down, particularly in the north and around Corfu Town. That's why we wouldn't recommend planning every day around driving from one end of the island to the other.
Summer is naturally the main season, but there's a big difference between the months. July and August are the busiest, while June and September generally offer warm, summery weather with fewer crowds.
May and October can also be wonderful, although the weather is less predictable. They're better suited to travellers who want more than just a beach holiday. And Corfu is particularly good for that, with plenty to see and do beyond its beaches.
Absolutely. Even if you're staying far from the centre of the island, we wouldn't skip Corfu Old Town. It reveals a completely different side of Corfu, with its narrow streets, lively squares, restaurants, and bars, and it's well worth setting aside at least a few hours to explore.
We love arriving in the late afternoon and staying into the evening.
The Good Life
All articles about CorfuThe places, flavours and moments we collect along the way.
Corfu itinerary: five days of town, villages and sea
Five full days in Corfu, grouped by region: Old Town, Paleokastritsa, Kassiopi, Afionas and a southern day of olive oil and open landscapes.
A day in Paleokastritsa: monastery, boat trips and village food
From the monastery above Agios Spyridon to boat trips, La Grotta and a meal in Lakones: places to know and ways to plan your day in Paleokastritsa.
Best beaches in Corfu: 7 places to spend the day
From Glyfada and Paleokastritsa to Porto Timoni and the southern dunes: choose a beach by sand, access, services and the day you want, with maps and planning tips.
Corfu Old Town: sights, local shops and where to eat
Explore the Liston and Campiello, browse the central market and discover Corfiot cooking, with practical ideas for a day in the Old Town.
Questions about Corfu
es, Corfu can be a wonderful destination for families, but choosing the right location is more important than simply looking for a “family-friendly” area. The island has calm, shallow beaches, family-friendly hotels, and plenty to do beyond the beach. The key is choosing an area that suits the kind of holiday you're looking for.
Some of Corfu's most famous beaches and bays are in the north and west of the island, but in our experience, that doesn't necessarily mean they're the best beaches for spending an entire day. In the south, you'll find more sandy, quieter beaches, while the east coast generally has calmer waters. We'd always recommend choosing a beach based on the kind of day you want to have, rather than a list of the “most beautiful beaches.”
If you love restaurants, bars, evening strolls, and the atmosphere of a historic town, staying in Corfu Old Town or nearby can be an excellent choice. For a holiday focused mainly on the sea, a pool, and a slower pace, we'd generally recommend staying outside the town and visiting it instead.
Yes, especially if you're visiting for a week or longer and want to experience different parts of the island. However, for most 5-7-night holidays, we don't think it's necessary to change accommodation. Choosing a good base and renting a car allows you to explore other parts of Corfu during the day and return to the same place in the evening.
Corfu Town: Corfu venetian quarter overview bgiu.jpg - Bogdan Giuşcă. CC BY-SA 2.5. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Corfu Town: Corfu Town R01.jpg - Marc Ryckaert ( MJJR ). CC BY 3.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Gouvia: Corfu Gouvia Bay R02.jpg - Marc Ryckaert ( MJJR ). CC BY 3.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Gouvia: Corfu Gouvia Beach R01.jpg - Marc Ryckaert ( MJJR ). CC BY 3.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Gouvia: Corfu Gouvia Church R03.jpg - Marc Ryckaert ( MJJR ). CC BY 3.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Dassia: Dassia Kerkyra.jpg - Liilia Moroz. CC BY-SA 4.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Dassia: Pomost przy dassia beach hotel.jpg - Panek. CC BY-SA 4.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Benitses: Benitses.jpg - Kritzolina. CC BY-SA 4.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Benitses: Benitses 02.jpg - Kritzolina. CC BY-SA 4.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Benitses: Dwelling houses Benitses Corfu 3156.jpg - Art Grafix. CC BY-SA 4.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Glyfada: Aerial view of Glyfada Beach on the west coast of Corfu, Greece (53698024423).jpg - "dronepicr". CC BY 2.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
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Glyfada: Aerial view of Glyfada Beach in Corfu, Greece (53698024373).jpg - "dronepicr". CC BY 2.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
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Paleokastritsa: Paleokastritsa, Corfu - Greece.jpg - Jocelyn777. CC BY-SA 4.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Paleokastritsa: Korfu (GR), Paleokastritsa -- 2018 -- 1239.jpg - Dietmar Rabich. CC BY-SA 4.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
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Kassiopi: Hafen kassiopi korfu - 5.jpg - Z thomas. CC BY-SA 3.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Kassiopi: Korfu (GR), Kassiopi -- 2018 -- 1046-55.jpg - Dietmar Rabich. CC BY-SA 4.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
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Kassiopi: Korfu0096.JPG - Hedwig Storch. CC BY-SA 3.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Sidari: KanaliTouErotaSidariCorfuJuly112022 01.jpg - Hagai Agmon-Snir حچاي اچمون-سنير חגי אגמון-שניר. CC BY-SA 4.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Sidari: KanaliTouErotaSidariCorfuJuly112022 02.jpg - Hagai Agmon-Snir حچاي اچمون-سنير חגי אגמון-שניר. CC BY-SA 4.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Nisaki: Nisaki od morza.jpg - Panek. CC BY-SA 4.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Nisaki: Nissaki igera.jpg - Panek. CC BY-SA 4.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Barbati: Παραλία Μπαρμπάτι - panoramio.jpg - EntaXoyas. CC BY-SA 3.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Acharavi: Acharavi Beach.jpg - Nintentoad125. CC BY-SA 4.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Acharavi: Acharavi 3.jpg - Roquai. Public domain. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Lefkimmi: Lefkimi Kanal.JPG - ERWEH. CC BY-SA 2.0 de. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Lefkimmi: Lefkimmi 2006-09-23.jpg - Nord68. CC BY-SA 4.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Lefkimmi: Salt pansAlikes, Lefkimmi 20 57 15 309000.jpeg - Ahospers. CC0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Moraitika: Moraitika Corfu.jpg - Tero Vilkesalo. Public domain. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Moraitika: 2018-06-19 Messonghi Beach Holiday Resort, Moraitika, Corfu.jpg - Maksym Kozlenko. CC BY-SA 4.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Chalikounas: Chalikounas Beach in Corfu.jpg - Przemek Pietrak. CC BY-SA 3.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Chalikounas: Chalikounas Beach in Corfu (2).jpg - Przemek Pietrak. CC BY-SA 3.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
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Issos: Pláž Issos, Korfu.jpg - Ondřej Žváček. CC BY 2.5. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Issos: Lake Korission.jpg - Effrosyni Moschoudi. CC BY-SA 4.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Molos Beach: KER006 - Molos marsh coastal outlet - Nikos Georgiadis / WWF Greece (Νίκος Γεωργιάδης / WWF Ελλάς). CC BY-SA 4.0 (linked license; visible label says Attribution 4.0). Converted to WebP; no content edits.
North Corfu: Porto Timoni.jpg - Vlado Alin. CC BY 4.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
Kontokali: Kontokali durrells willa.jpg - Klarqa. CC BY-SA 4.0. Converted to WebP; no content edits.
