Acharavi, Corfu – What’s It Like?

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Thinking of booking a trip to Acharavi on Corfu? 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 beach cafe with promenade.

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. 

And it’s ideal if you’re looking for a small resort hotel within a short walk of a beach and restaurants.

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. 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.

Sun-loungers on a wooden platform in Acharavi.

Seafood menu in Acharavi.

What’s the beach like?

Pebbles on Acharavi beach.

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.

Sand with pebbles on Acharavi beach.

Sun-longers and boardwalk on Acharavi beach.

Activities and amenities

Sign advertising excursions on Acharavi beach.

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.

There are agencies organising excursions around the island and there is also a watersports centre offering rentals and boat trips along the coast.

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

Side street leading to Acharavi beach.

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. Tickets are €3.60 one way (may be more expensive if you purchase from the driver rather than from a shop or kiosk).

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 to the beach.

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.

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 and it’s possible to reach the beach without steps.

There is no Seatrac for wheelchair access.

Main road in Acharavi.

Prices

Food, drink, and sun-loungers are all below the Corfu average. There is accommodation at all price points and good value at the higher end.

Where to stay

Exterior of Satori Beach Hotel.

You can find everything in Acharavi from traditional family-run guesthouses to stylish resorts.

For chic whitewashed vibes head to the classy Mr & Mrs White (adults-only) up in the hills behind the main road.

There are several spacious hotels right behind the beach. Picks include:

For package deals to Acharavi check out the main operators:

On a budget? There are lots of family-run studios and apartments, check Booking.com for a wide selection.

Looking for a villa? Try VRBO.

Read more:

Where to Stay on Corfu: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Corfu – A Quick Island Overview

All images © The Mediterranean Traveller