Where to Stay in Corfu – 11 Top Areas (with Map & Hotels)

Kalimera traveler, welcome to my guide on where to stay in Corfu! This island in the Ionian Sea has dozens of villages with stunning natural beauty, beaches, and points of interest. 

Since there are so many areas to choose from, I’ll tell you right away that the Northern part of the island is more popular and has the most beautiful beaches. The South is more peaceful, but also has nice beaches. And the roads on the island are pretty tight, so I definitely recommend a small car rental!

Now I’ve compared all the villages of Corfu, along with the hotels and resorts in them, and have come up with the list of 11 best areas! I also included hotels for each area so you can literally book your ideal stay in minutes!

Corfu Town is the best place to stay for first-timers since it’s loaded with attractions, close to the airport, and it’s easy to get around the island from it. 

Remember to book your stay in Corfu in advance as it’s quite a popular Greek island!

If you are in a hurry

Book the best hotels in Corfu now:

Here’s a map that illustrates the areas I’ll talk about in the post:

1. Corfu Town – where to stay in Corfu for the first time

Located on the East coast of the island, Corfu Town is the capital of Corfu and the largest town in the area! It’s a good place to stay if you are visiting Corfu for the first time, and even better if you have a short stay or are visiting without a car.

Corfu Town has an amazing Old Town with beautiful cobbled streets lined with impressive architecture, museums, beaches, nice shops, bars, and restaurants. There are also plenty of beach hotels in the area.

Start your day discovering the Old Town (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and then head to the seaside to chill on the beach. The top attractions around the Old Town include the magnificent Old Fortress (map), one of the city’s most recognizable symbols, as well as the Spianada Park and Square (map) where you can walk, relax, and people-watch just steps from the fortress. 

This is also where the island’s airport is located, meaning it’ll literally take minutes to get from the airport to your accommodation!

Did you know that the Corfu Old Town served as the filming location for Game of Thrones? Braavos, one of the Free Cities in Westeros, is actually here!

At night, have a feast of mouthwatering Greek foods you’ll find everywhere. I guarantee that you will have a great time in Corfu Town!

Other accommodation options in Corfu Town

Things to do in Corfu Town

2. Ipsos – where to stay on Corfu for nightlife + beach

Ipsos (or Ypsos, depending on how you transcribe the Greek writing) is a fun coastal village just 14 km (8.6 miles) North of Corfu Town. Over the years, it’s been a popular nightlife destination for young Greeks and foreigners, but now it’s much more. 

The village has a long beach stretch along which lies the main road and all the major nightlife spots, including late-night bars. The long (but narrow) beach has sunbeds and umbrellas (around €6 for the whole day, per person, at the time of writing), and the sea is pretty shallow, making it ideal for families with kids. 

I love how the Ipsos Beach (map) is pebbly, but once inside the water, it changes to sand! Whether you’re in for extensive swimming, water sports, or just chilling by the sea, this beach checks all the boxes. 

Just South of Ipsos, you’ll find another small village, Dassia, with a nice beach and a few restaurants and shops – perfect if you want to change the setting for a day!

You can use public transport to get around the island, but the buses stop too often and make the journey quite long. If you plan to explore Corfu the island, I definitely recommend renting a car!

Other accommodation options in Ipsos

Things to do in Ipsos

• Party till late in the many bars by the beach
• Try mouthwatering food at Taverna Kostas (map)
• Relax on the beach all-day
• Hire a boat (map) and embark on a sea adventure
• Go hiking or try river safari with Corfu Outdoor (map)

3. Barbati – a laid-back village by the sea

Barbati (or Mparmpati, again, depending on transcription) is a coastal village just North of Ipsos and around 20 km (12.4 miles) North from Corfu Town. 

Whether you’re a couple or a family looking for a quiet, relaxed vacation, you’ll love Barbati! It has just enough tavernas and shops to keep you entertained, but it’s not as active as Ipsos or Corfu Town. 

The long beach of Barbati (map) is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, much like the Ipsos one. This beach on the East coast of Corfu is renowned for its crystal clear waters, and you’ll be rewarded with a mountain backdrop which makes the bay all the more scenic. 

Mount Pantokrator is Corfu’s highest mountain with a peak of 906 meters (2973 feet)!

A major nearby attraction, the scenic Nymfes Waterfall (map), is a great place to visit, but don’t visit after summer as the water completely dries out, and you don’t want to be left disappointed! It’s best to go in spring (April, May)!

Other accommodation options in Barbati

Things to do in Barbati

• Spend a day at the Barbati beach 
• Have a fancy dinner at Bahia Mare (map, seasonal restaurant)
• Visit the Nymphes Waterfall 
• Drive to the Megas Gremos viewpoint for stunning sea views (map)
• Hike from the viewpoint to the Big Old Oak Tree (map)

4. Paleokastritsa – a beautiful beach resort

Paleokastritsa is one of Corfu’s most beautiful beach resorts, featuring 6 beaches, plenty of restaurants, shops, and hotels, and a charming atmosphere overall. It’s located 23 km (14 miles) to the Southwest of Corfu Town, and has plenty of attractions for tourists. 

You can explore the stunning Blue Eye cave (map) at the foot of sandstone cliffs, the Donkey Path hiking trail (map), and, of course, the legendary La Grotta Bar (map)!

You’ll find plenty of traditional and international restaurants here, as well as bars and cafés. It’s a lively place in the evening. Agios Spiridon (map) is one of the most popular beaches, with a beautiful monastery also waiting to be explored just a 15-minute walk South of the beach.

Finally, the kids will enjoy a trip to the Corfu Aquarium with more than 70 species of marine animals!

Other accommodation options in Paleokastritsa

Things to do in Paleokastritsa

• Explore the local beaches
• Go on a ride to Angelokastro (map), an ancient castle nearby
• Take the kids to the Corfu Aquarium
• Admire the beautiful Blue Eye cave
• Visit nearby villages, Liapades and Lakones 
• Take a short ride to the beautiful and secluded Porto Timoni beach (map)

5. Benitses – an ancient village of Corfu

Benitses is 14 km (8.6 miles) South from Corfu Town, and it’s a serene village that stretches along the coast. It has a long history that is visible by the ancient ruins and baths here. It’s also a popular choice among British travelers.

A must-visit attraction is The Achilleion Palace (map) just a 6-minute drive from Benitses. It’s a 19th-century palace that used to belong to the Austrian Empress Sisi! It has a stunning garden and a magnificent interior inspired by Achilles, Greek’s celebrated warrior during the Trojan War!

In terms of public transport, there are daily buses going to Corfu Town, and you can rent bikes, jeeps, and motorbikes across the village. Of course, there are shops, restaurants, and even a few pubs to keep you entertained, but most of the fun happens during the day here.

Other accommodation options in Benitses

Things to do in Benitses

• Visit the Achilleion Palace
• Chill at the beach 
• Eat the best seafood at Varvara’s Restaurant (map)
• Rent a yacht at Benitses Marina (map)
• Sip cocktails at night at Ether Cocktail Bar (map)

6. Agios Gordios – where to stay in Corfu on a budget

Agios Gordios is located on the Southwest coast of the island and half an hour drive from Corfu Town. It is a small fishing village and a less commercial area that offers more budget accommodation than other popular towns on the island. 

In this beautiful village, you will find gorgeous beaches and amazing landscapes with olive groves and lemon trees. 

Don’t mix Agios Gordios with Agios Georgios located further South! “Agios” means “Old” in Greek, so you’ll find plenty of villages having this word in their name!

You’ll find a laid-back vibe that’s ideal for families or anyone looking for a relaxing vacation. There are also many nice cafes, bars, and restaurants along the coast here with the typical Greek vibe I know you are looking for!

The only luxury place in the area, La Grotta Verde, isn’t available on Booking when I last checked, and it has a slightly lower rating than I normally wouldn’t approve of. But since it’s the only luxury option around, I figured I should at least mention it. It may become available by the time you plan to stay here!

Now here are other excellent options for you to stay:

Other accommodation options in Agios Gordios

Things to do in Agios Gordios

• Spend time at Agios Gordios beach
• Take a day trip to one of Corfu’s biggest water parks, Aqualand Corfu
• Have delicious Greek food at Sebastian’s Family Taverna (map)
• Sip drinks in the iconic Lemon Tree bar (map)
• Take a day trip to the Byzantine Fortress of Gardiki (map)
• Drive to the Kaiser’s Throne (map) for stunning views

7. Kassiopi – the coolest town on the island

Located on the Northeast coast of Corfu, Kassiopi is a charming village some 45 minute drive away from Corfu Town. It’s known as a serene fishing village perfect for couples, adorned with beautiful beaches with emerald waters.

Start your day by going to the pristine Avlaki (map) or Keresia (map) beaches and after spending quality time relaxing, go for a walk through the harbor and the labyrinth of streets in the village to see amazing landscapes dotted with olive groves.

The Kassiopi Castle (map) is a major attraction here, it’s filled with olive trees, and offers fabulous views of the village and the sea. 

Kassiopi is the largest village on the North coast and thanks to its cool atmosphere and nice beaches it is getting more popular every day among the travelers visiting Corfu! This is especially true during the season when tourists come from all over the world, and then moving around can get difficult, even finding a parking spot can be a nightmare!

If you want to explore this hidden gem of the island, I recommend visiting pre- or post-season to avoid the crowds.

Other accommodation options in Kassiopi

Things to do in Kassiopi

• Get a suntan at Avlaki Beach 
• Catch a dancing show with live music at Kostas Greek Dancing Bar (map)
• Swim in crystal clear waters at Kerasia Beach
• Have fresh seafood in the best taverna by the sea (map)
• Walk to Kassiopi Castle for incredible views
• Take a day trip to the Monastery of Pantokrator (map)

8. Sidari – a town with beautiful beaches

Situated on the Northwestern coast of the island, Sidari is 37 km (23 miles) away from Corfu Town, and it’s home to the most beautiful beaches in Corfu where you can enjoy swimming in crystal clear water and do a lot of watersports activities! 

Another main landmark is the gorgeous Canal D’Amour (map), a tunnel-like cove! You will be impressed with the color of the water and the amazing views here, don’t forget your camera as this is one of the most Instagrammable places in Corfu!

Sidari is one of the best villages in Corfu that offers a great selection of beachfront hotels and family-run apartments close to the golden sand beaches. It receives more than 20,000 tourists every year, especially those who travel on package deals, so you better book a spot on time to get the best price! 

PRO TIP: Explore the Sidari Bar Strip filled with bars and karaoke spots for a perfect night out!

There’s no luxury accommodation in Sidari yet, but you can choose from tons of apartments and holiday homes with a luxury feel!

Other accommodation options in Sidari

Things to do in Sidari

• Enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water at Sidari Beach (map)
• Visit the gorgeous Canal D’Amour
• Have fun at Sidari Water Park
• Get a suntan at Apotripiti Beach (map)
• Have a drink at Vintage Cocktail Bar (map)

9. Kavos – where to stay in Corfu for the best nightlife

Kavos is located on the Southern edge of the island, an hour’s drive from Corfu Town and the airport. It is the heart of nightlife in Corfu where you can party till the early hours of the morning.

Kavos is a beautiful village offering a very nice long sandy beach where you can swim in the turquoise water, and do watersports activities such as jet-skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and waterskiing. 

When it gets dark, get ready for the epic nightlife scene. You will find plenty of bars, colorful clubs, and lively restaurants here. 

NOTE: The beach here may have seaweed, so it’s something to be aware of if you’re looking for crystal-clear beaches! However, the seaweed that washes up on the coast of Corfu isn’t as bad as that green, stinky, fleshy type! It resembles a small ribbon and the local authorities usually clean them off the beach reasonably quickly.

Other accommodation options in Kavos

Things to do in Kavos

• Have delicious Greek food at Pavlos Taverna Steakout (map)
• Try some fun activities with Aspro Kavos Water Sports
• Spend time at Arkoudilas Beach (map)
• Go for karaoke at Maria’s Famous Karaoke Fun Pub (map)
• Hike to the Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary (map)

10. Gouvia – where to stay for convenience

Gouvia is a small village just 9 km (5.5 miles) from Corfu Town, and it’s the best place to stay near the beach to be connected to the rest of the island. It has a great public bus network and you can visit Corfu, Ipsos, and other places if you’re traveling without a car!

However, Gouvia is your typical Greek village with not much going on, so basically if you stay here, you’ll want to move around for sure. There is a small, cute beach, as well as a fishing charter where you can rent a boat to go fishing.

There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and even a dance club (map) so you’ll have something to do here during the day!

There are also plenty of luxury hotels and resorts here, with Dreams Corfu being my favorite one!

Other accommodation options in Gouvia

Things to do in Gouvia

• Visit the Church of the Hypapante (map)
• Stroll past the D-Marin Gouvia marina (map)
• Have dinner in Takis Taverna (map)
• Rent a yacht (map)
• Go on a sailing trip round the island
• Try watersports in the nearby Kommeno Bay (map)

11. Acharavi/Roda – where to stay in Corfu for families

Archaravi is located on the North coast of the island and an hour’s drive from Corfu Town. Thanks to its family-friendly hotels, attractions, and sandy beaches with shallow water, it is the best place to stay in Corfu for families. 

Apart from the beautiful beaches in Acharavi, there are amazing historical sites and hiking and cycling trails in the mountains where you can enjoy spending time in nature with your family. You will want to keep your camera with you all the time to capture amazing views! 

In this charming village, you will find a great selection of traditional restaurants, cafes, and shops as well as good accommodation options!

Other accommodation options in Acharavi

Things to do in Acharavi

• Build sandcastles with kids at Acharavi Beach
• Have iconic ice cream at Dolce Freddo (map)
• Visit The Folklore Museum of Acharavi
• Have delicious Greek snacks at the Pita Pita Grill Room (map)
• Go hiking in the mountains of the village

BONUS: Top 3 beaches in Corfu to put on your travel itinerary

I already talked about the best places to stay in Corfu and mentioned the beaches in each area, but there are some other beaches spread out around the island that totally stand out above the rest and I think you wouldn’t wanna miss them! 

These places I will talk about now can be easily seen with a day trip no matter where you stay on the island as it takes less than 2 hours to drive across the whole thing! Renting a car is the best way to reach them and will allow you the most freedom to explore at your own pace.

1. Issos Beach
Issos Beach (map) is located on the South coast of the island and 40 minutes drive from Corfu Town. It is a very interesting beach because of its sand dunes and amazing water color. 

At Issos Beach you can enjoy chilling on the unique golden sand and swimming in the crystal-clear water. Thanks to its constant wind, it is also a great area to try windsurfing and kitesurfing. A lifeguard and a place to rent sunbeds and buy snacks are available near the beach which means all your needs are covered!

2. Dassia Beach
Located on the East coast and 15 miles (10 km) away from Corfu Town and offers amazing mountain views and turquoise-colored water. The beach (map) is a mixture of sand and pebbles and sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent. 

Also unlike to other beaches in the area, here you can find plenty of restaurants and bars right on the beach! Dassia Beach is also a good spot for diving, enabling you to see many colorful fish. 

3. Liapades Beach
Liapades Beach (map) is located on the West coast of the island and just a half an hour drive from Corfu Town. It is a very picturesque beach surrounded by cliffs, vineyards and nice trees. I could say that it is one of the most Instagrammable beaches in Corfu so make sure to keep your camera with you all the time! 

On Liapades Beach you can swim in the crystal clear water and snorkel to see beautiful fish. You can also hire a boat here and discover some untouched areas of the island. So dreamy!

FAQs about where to stay in Corfu

🗺️ Where is the best part of Corfu to stay?

Corfu Town is the best area to stay in Corfu with its convenient proximity to the main attractions, restaurants, and beaches.

🛏️ Which resort in Corfu is best?

🏡 What is the prettiest village in Corfu?

With its picturesque look and beautiful beaches, Kassiopi is the prettiest village in Corfu.

🏖️ Where are the best sandy beaches in Corfu?

You can find the best sandy beaches in Sidari and Acharavi on the island of Corfu. 

💰 Where to stay in Corfu on a budget?

Offering affordable accommodation options, Agios Gordios is the best place to stay in Corfu on a budget.

👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 Best place to stay in Corfu for families?

With its family-friendly hotels and beaches, Acharavi is ideal for families and my recommendation for the best place to stay in Corfu.

⏱️ How many nights should you stay in Corfu, Greece?

I would suggest you stay at least 3 days in Corfu to discover many parts of the islands and the beaches.

🚘 Can you get around Corfu without a car?

Yes, if you stay in areas like Corfu Town that have good connections with the rest of the island. It’d be a bit complicated to move around a lot around the rest of Corfu without a car, but it’s doable, mostly using public transport. 

👍 Is Corfu Old Town worth visiting?

Corfu Old Town is definitely worth visiting! It’s so charming that it even served as a filming location for Game of Thrones!

❓ Is North or South Corfu better?

The North has more popular resorts and it’s more lively, while the South is quieter. Both parts have stunning nature and caves, so it mainly depends on your trip preferences.

🪩 What is the best area of Corfu for nightlife?

Kavos and Ipsos have the best nightlife on the island! They have tons of bars, clubs, and other late-night entertainment options. 

Conclusion

This is my time to say goodbye to you, dear traveler! Hopefully, you now know where to stay in Corfu! And if you’re still indecisive, these are my 2 favorite options:

Remember to book your hotel far in advance, as this is the only way you can secure the best prices! As you know, Corfu is one of the most popular Ionian islands!

If you have any suggestions or questions about Corfu, please leave a comment below. I’ll be happy to reply!

Enjoy Greece, 

Darija

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