Thinking of booking a trip to Acharavi on Corfu and wondering what it’s like? Here’s what to expect from this spacious beach resort on the north coast.
Where is it?
Acharavi is in the middle of Corfu’s north coast, between Roda and Kassiopi.
What’s the vibe like?
Acharavi is a town of two halves.
On the one hand, it’s a small working town and one of the main population centres for Corfiots in northern Corfu. The focal point of the town is the wide main road which runs parallel to the beach. Here you’ll find plenty of businesses catering to the locals as well as a few to the tourists. It has a functional feel and is a bit scruffy.
On the other hand, it has a 7km long pebble beach graced by a string of excellent beach bars and tavernas and backed by spacious resort hotels.
These two halves can feel quite separate.
If you don’t need a sandy beach or all the bells and whistles of a typical tourist resort then Acharavi might be for you. It feels less commercialised than other resorts in northern Corfu, although it’s also less picturesque (the town itself anyway, the setting and beach are excellent). What it has in abundance is space and shoreline.
It’s ideal if you’re looking for a small-to-medium sized resort hotel within a short walk of a beach and restaurants. Hotel plots tend to be long and narrow, often right by the beach, and come with landscaped gardens. There are some lovely cocktail bars and restaurants on the waterfront, and the sunsets are hard to beat.
Family-friendly hotels and watersports are available, but overall it’s not as popular with families as neighbouring resorts Roda and Sidari.
Most visitors are couples who use it as a base for exploring the wider area by car, or who just want to relax in one of Acharavi’s resort hotels. It’s also popular with Corfu regulars.
It has a large year-round population so is one of the better places to go at the start or end of the season, or even in the winter.
What’s the beach like?
The main beach at Acharavi is 7km long and faces northwest, with excellent sunsets and views across to Albania on the horizon.
The southern half of the best consists of large round white pebbles which get progressively smaller and sandier as you head north.
The northern end is sandier. Quieter sections attract dog walkers and the clothing-optional crowd.
The sea shelves gently and the seabed varies – it’s sandy in parts.
If you fancy a walk away there are more sandy beaches within reach – head south to Roda, or north around the cape to Gailiskari and Agios Spiridon.
Activities and amenities
Acharavi sees less in the way of entertainment and activities than its fellow north coast resorts Sidari, Roda, and Kassiopi.
However, it has an excellent range of restaurants and beach bars, and a watersports centre. There are local travel agencies that can help you book excursions around the island; I recommend booking locally rather than online because Acharavi is outside the pickup area for some of the tours.
You might be interested to visit the town’s small Folklore Museum.
And there are hiking trails to be discovered up in the mountains which rise up behind the town.
For evening entertainment there are more options in nearby Roda, a 30-minute walk along the seafront.
Transport and accessibility
From the airport:
Acharavi 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:
Acharavi 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 the peak summer season, there are extra bus routes available linking popular resorts (including neighbouring Sidari, Roda, and Kassiopi) but check before you go as these aren’t always operating.
The bus stop is on the main road, it’s a 10-minute walk from the bus stop to the beach.
For more information check out: How to Get Around Corfu By Bus
Accessibility:
Access to the beach is down small side roads. There is plenty of parking on the main road but no dedicated car park by the beach, although it’s unlikely you’ll struggle to find a space as the beach never gets that busy. Many of the hotels have car parks.
Some parts of the beach have a paved promenade or a road running alongside, while others don’t. You can only walk the entire length of the beach on the sand.
Overall, it’s very flat (unless you’re staying in one of the hotels further back) and it’s possible to reach the beach without steps.
There is no Seatrac for wheelchair access.
Prices
Food, drink, and sun-loungers are average or below average for Corfu. There is accommodation at all price points and excellent value at the higher end.
Where to stay
You can find everything in Acharavi from traditional family-run guesthouses to stylish resorts. Several new big hotels have opened up in the area recently – Acharavi’s space, amenities, and big beach is becoming a draw for new resort development.
In between Acharavi and Roda is the huge new boho-luxe resort Unda with its tropical
At the other end of Acharavi, the all-inclusive LUXME Costa Botanica had rapidly become one of the most popular AI’s on the island and represents excellent value for its price point. It has 5 restaurants and water slides, but is still walkable to tavernas in town.
There are plenty of spacious hotels right behind the beach. Top picks include:
- Acharavi Beach Hotel
- Wyndham Corfu Resort
- Almyros Beach Resort & Spa
- Restia Suites
- Kyma Suites
- Satori Boutique Hotel
Read more:
Where to Stay on Corfu: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
Corfu – A Quick Island Overview
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