How many shades of blue are there? All you have to do is list them as you lay back on your sunbed and observe the waves breaking. Thirty beaches have been awarded a Blue Flag, adorning the 217km of Corfu’s coastline, set against a lush background of forest green. And there are many others, just as wonderful. There are myriad options all around the island, from long, off-the-beaten-track expanses of fine sand, to small picturesque pebbly bays and idyllic coves. Many are child-friendly with gently sloping beaches with shallow waters, others are paradises for watersports enthusiasts.
Agios Georgios
Where: the northernmost of the two Agios Georgios, on the west coast, just south of Agios Stephanos.
Description: a sweeping sand and shingle bay with clean, refreshing waters. It never gets too busy, even in the high season, and is popular with families and windsurfers. There are a few tavernas and organised beach facilities.
Access: relatively easy by car via a steep narrow road.
Agios Stephanos
Where: on the northwest coast looking out towards Mathraki island.
Description: a long, wide sandy beach that slopes gently into the sea. It’s a bit off the beaten track and so a great option if you want to avoid the crowds in Sidari. It has a relaxed, unpretentious feel and a few tavernas near the small harbour.
Access: easy, by car.
Longás (aka Perouládes)
Where: on the northwest tip of Corfu, just a few km west of Sidari.
Description: a beautiful spot with a lovely small sandy beach flanked by cliffs, which provide shade in the morning. It is particularly popular in the late afternoon when people come to watch the sunset into the sea. There is a taverna overlooking the beach, but no sun loungers or other facilities.
Access: easy, by car. Parking is at the top of the cliff and there is a fairly steep path with steps down to the beach.
Acharavi
Where: the northern tip of Corfu.
Description: an 8km stretch of sandy beach that is great for anyone staying near Kassiopi. The waters are shallow and child-friendly and there are plenty of watersports activities, facilities, and beachfront tavernas to choose from.
Access: easy, by car.
Agios Spiridon
Where: on the northernmost tip of Corfu.
Description: two bays offering shallow waters and soft sand for young children, sun loungers and umbrellas for hire and excellent swimming in the delightful turquoise sea. There are a few cafés and tavernas for when you get peckish, a children’s playground, and a good walk to be had around the small inland lake.
Access: easy, by car.
Kalamaki
Where: on the north coast about 5km northwest of Kassiopi
Description: a lovely sandy beach that shelves gently into shallow waters. There are a couple of seafront tavernas and bars and you can hire sun loungers and umbrellas. There’s also a long jetty if you come by boat.
Access: easy, by car or boat
Avlaki
Where: just a couple of km east of Kassiopi on the north coast.
Description: a gorgeous pebbly bay with crystal clear waters offering some of the best swimming anywhere on Corfu. It is child-friendly and relatively unfrequented by tourists and peaceful (though it is popular with the locals at the weekends). There are a couple of very good tavernas and it is possible to hire sun loungers and umbrellas right on the beach.
Access: easy, by car or boat.
Kerasia
Where: on the northeast coast, about 10mins drive south from Kassiopi.
Description: another delightful, generally quiet pebbly beach in a beautiful natural setting flanked by trees and a few very exclusive villas (such as that owned by the Rothschilds). There is a very good taverna, a café and plenty of facilities (showers, sun loungers, umbrellas, etc.).
Access: by car via winding roads or boat.
Nissaki
Where: on the south coast of the northeast peninsula.
Description: a small shingle beach with transparent waters in the unspoiled, pretty village of Nissaki. There are two tavernas on the water and a scuba diving school.
Access: easy, by car.
Barbati
Where: just 2.5km south of Nissaki on the east coast.
Description: a long stretch of pebble/shingle beach, lapped by gorgeous transparent waters that make swimming a true pleasure. In recent years it has become quite chic and, apart from offering lots of facilities (sun loungers, umbrellas, watersports, etc.) it also has several good seafront tavernas and stylish cocktail bars for an evening aperitif. It gets quite busy with locals and Greek holidaymakers in high season.
Access: easy, by car.
Gouvia
Where: on the east coast, 8km north of Corfu Town.
Description: Gouvia is home to Corfu’s premier yachting marina. Its sandy and pebbly beaches and shallow waters can get quite busy in the high season, but if you’re into your watersports, there is an embarrassment of choice. It has quite a cosmopolitan feel and plenty of choice when you get hungry.
Access: easy, by car.
Halikounas
Where: in the southwest of Corfu, by Lake Korisson.
Description: a long spit of sand dunes and beach separating the protected reserve of Lake Korisson from the sea. It is totally unspoiled and attracts sunbathers who like things au naturel and birdwatchers. There are no facilities.
Access: easy, by car.
Glyfada
Where: halfway up the west coast, almost due west of Corfu Town.
Description: wonderful scenery and a great sandy beach with plenty of facilities, bars and organised lidos. It is very popular with Greek tourists, who enjoy watching and participating in the beach volleyball tournaments there. It’s best in the late afternoon and early evening when, glass in hand, you can watch the sun melt into the western sea.
Access: easy, by car.
source: thinkingtraveller