Thinking of booking a trip to Roda on Corfu and wondering what it’s like? Here’s what to expect from this sandy beach resort.
Where is it?
Roda is in the middle of Corfu’s north coast, between Sidari and Acharavi.
What’s the vibe like?
Roda is a medium-sized beach resort known for its generous sandy beach and good range of amenities. It’s a former fishing village and has a small harbour with a few working vessels. The resort itself is low rise, walkable and flat.
Unlike neighbours Kassiopi and Sidari, Roda isn’t really on the day-trip circuit so the beach doesn’t get too overwhelmed.
It’s quiet and family-friendly but has a good range of amenities and gets lively enough in the evening with Greek nights, karaoke, quizzes, and live music.
Roda is popular with package tourists, returnees, expats and regulars. The crowd is mainly British with some Europeans, particularly young families and older couples looking for a good-value beach break.
There are plenty of beachside tavernas and cafes, and a few backstreets with tourist shops and travel agencies.
It’s one of the more commercialised resorts in Corfu but has a relaxed and unhurried air. You can keep walking east along the beach and you’ll eventually reach neighbouring Acharavi which gives you more options for Greek food and beachfront evening cocktails..
What’s the beach like?
Roda is a north-facing resort and home to one of the best sandy beaches on Corfu.
The sand on the main town beach is super soft and is lined with beach bars. The water is shallow and gently shelving, perfect for families with young children.
If you prefer an unorganised beach, keep walking west – the beach gets narrower but scenic.
And east past the harbour is a long 7km stretch of beach that is now home to the giant Unda luxury resort and eventually becomes Acharavi. The Roda end is narrow and pebbly though. You can walk to Acharavi this way.
The sea here is rougher than on the main beach but is crystal clear and spotlessly clean.
Activities and amenities
If you get bored of the beach, Roda has an excellent range of excursions and evening activities on offer.
There are several agencies in Roda who can arrange bus and bus trips around the island and beyond, including to the waterparks for the little ones.
Sidari and Kassiopi are an easy bus ride or short drive away.
There are a few streets with tourist shops selling clothes, souvenirs, inflatables, snorkelling gear, and mini-markets.
In the middle of the village is an old church and the small ruins of an ancient temple.
Roda has a few pharmacies but there are more amenities (including a large supermarket) a short distance up the road at Acharavi.
During the summer season, you may find some water-sports on offer however there’s a wider range at nearby Sidari.
Transport and accessibility
From the airport:
Roda is a 1 hour drive from Corfu Airport and Corfu Town.
A private transfer from the airport is around €60. Hoppa is available for shared transfers.
Public transport:
Roda is served by Corfu’s Green Bus system, route A3 . There are daily buses from the KTEL bus station just outside Corfu Town.
Sometimes during peak summer season there are extra bus routes available linking popular resorts (including neighbouring Acharavi, Roda, and Kassiopi) but do check before you go as these aren’t always operating.
The bus stop is right next to the beach.
For more information check out: How to Get Around Corfu By Bus.
Accessibility:
There are a few steps to the main beach from most access points. There are some sections of beach with a road or footpath running alongside but not all.
There’s plenty of parking right by the beach. To reach some of the quieter western beaches may require a dirt track.
There is no Seatrac for wheelchair access.
Prices
Roda is excellent value – there’s a wide range of traditional budget accommodation.
Sun-loungers are generally free to customers using the attached cafe. Food and drinks prices are below average for Corfu.
Where to stay
Most of the accommodation in Roda is in small family-run hotels and studios like Eleni Apartments. The minimalist makeover wave hasn’t hit Roda yet, although is new arrival 5-star Unda a sign of things to come?
There are a few spacious resorts to the west of Roda, like the Ibiscus Corfu Resort and the Roda Beach Resort – it’s worth keeping an eye out for deals and checking the tour operators, but for a better range of resorts much closer to the sea I’d look in Acharavi instead.
Read more:
Where to Stay on Corfu: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
Corfu – A Quick Island Overview
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