Greece Beaches
Claim to Fame
The second largest of the Ionian Island chain that is part of Greece, Corfu boasts 135 miles (217 kilometers) of coastline, much of that dotted with beaches. This is the birthplace of Prince Philip of Greece, otherwise known as the Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth II.
- Where are they? in the Ionian Sea, off the west coast of mainland Greece, near the Albanian border
- Coordinates: latitude» 39.6167°
longitude» 19.9167° - Water Type: saltwater
- Climate: warm Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool damp winters
- Development: beach areas are located outside of the main city of Corfu and can be found on all sides of the island
- Length of Beach:
- Type: from deep, soft golden sand to rocky and rugged
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Sitting within the cradle of modern civilization, Corfu has a colorful past and a warm, sunny presence. With a seafaring and defense-oriented history, the island is home to harbors and coves, castles and ancient ruins. It is world-famous for its small monasteries, some of which are on tiny islands just off Corfu itself.
The main city, with a population of 28,000, is also called Corfu, and is home to Ionian University. It’s a pretty, small city with painted houses and two castles, and the old part of town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. But the city of Corfu is not a beach location; those are spread around other parts of the limestone island, between the two mountain ranges that divide the island into three districts and have been the seat of volcanic activity.
As you tour the island, en route to Corfu Beaches, you’ll pass very old houses and churches, many of them in the Italianate architectural style. Every corner turned reveals another beautiful vista of azure seas or farms bountiful with olives, pomegranates, kumquats, figs and grapes.
Corfu was the film shoot location for The Executioner, starring George Peppard and Joan Collins. When your day at the beach is done, there are numerous seaside resorts to enjoy or head back into the main town and take in a little culture at the Archaeological Museum and the Byzantine Museum, or listen to an opera or a concert by one of the islands three philharmonic orchestras.
Given its long coastline, Corfu is understandably littered with beaches, large and small. One prominent beach is eschewed by most visitors, and not even recommended by the island tourism professionals, so it should be avoided; it is Kavos Beach. But there are plenty of wonderful beaches to explore. Let’s tour the beautiful and varied Corfu Beaches:
Sidari Beach
A long beach with a unique natural underwater path and light blue water, this is a picture postcard location 20 miles (32 kilometers) from the town of Corfu at the northern end of the island, and the most famous beach in Corfu.
Paleokastritsa Beach
Named after the ship that took Ulysses home, this beach comprises six coves with deep bays, incredible turquoise to deep blue waters and high cliffs on the west side of the island.
Kassiopi Beach
Another north shore beach, this is based around the chic life of a town where the wealthy like to linger; most genuine beach-lovers find it too touristy.
Agios Gordios
Situated on the west coast, this is rated as one of the best beaches in Corfu, and is one of its most readily recognizable due to a unique rock formation just off shore.
Glyfada Beach
Part of the small town of Glyfada, this is a very popular tourist resort, with excellent facilities, but the road in is a frightening drive!
Messonghi Beach
A safe beach with a mild surf, there are some exceptional hotels and resorts right near the shoreline, and it’s a fine place to vacation with children.
Agios Georgios
This beach is famous for its deep, gold sand, but also for the crowds of twenty-somethings in party mode and jet-skiing around the waters.
Dassia Beach
Located on the east coast of the island, this beach lacks the luxury resorts common at other beach locations throughout Corfu, but does have excellent camping.