Thinking of booking a trip to Barbati on Corfu? Here’s what to expect from this lovely beach resort.
Where is it?
Barbati is on Corfu’s east coast, located past the budget resort Ipsos but before Nissaki which is the proper start of the posh north-east.
What’s the vibe like?
Barbati is the first beach of decent size as you drive north from Corfu Town.
It’s an east-facing beach with Albania on the horizon. You can also see Corfu Town to the south.
Perhaps due to this location it’s often overlooked as a destination, and is all the better for it.
It does have an upmarket feel and most recent development has been high-end villas, but it’s not as pretentious (or as Brit-centric) as the resorts to its north.
Most of the restaurants and cheaper accommodations are along the main road which is separated from the beach by a brief but reasonably steep hill.
Mountains rise up behind the main road providing dramatic scenery and excellent views over the sea but also meaning early sunsets. The entire area is surrounded by olive groves.
Buildings are set back behind lots of large trees so the beach itself is pleasantly shady.
Barbati is small and natural but don’t expect it to be pin-drop quiet. There are a few beach bars spaced out along the water which attract city-dwellers during the summer. Expect to hear the thump of bass from one or two of the cafes as well as the drone of jetskis during the day.
That said, the beach is long and it’s not impossible to escape the noise by walking to a different part – Bahia Mare is the worst offender and it’s right at the northern end.
What’s the beach like?
The beach at Barbati is almost 2km and reasonably wide and spacious compared to others along this stretch of coast.
It consists of smooth flat pale pebbles which are surprisingly easy to walk on although some still prefer to use water shoes.
As you wade into the beautiful crystal clear water you’ll find a sandy bottom, meaning this beach has the best of both worlds. The water gets deep fairly quickly and is warmer than on the west and north coasts.
There are organised sections with sun-loungers attached to each beach bar but plenty of free space too, although some of it is taken up by boats.
There are a few hidden coves that you can swim to at the north end of the beach.
Activities and amenities
Don’t expect a plethora of activities and entertainment in Barbati. Lazy days are the name of the game here.
Private motorboat rentals will take you north around the coast or south to Corfu Town. Watersports including SUP and jetskis are available.
The energetic can hike up Pantokrator, the highest peak on Corfu.
Up on the main road you’ll find a few tourist shops and restaurants including mini-markets and bakeries. Most of the restaurants have incredible panoramas over the sea.
For more amenities head down the coast to Ipsos or Dassia.
Your accommodation provider should be able to help you book excursions around the island and beyond.
Transport and accessibility
From the airport:
Barbati is a 35-minute drive from Corfu Airport and 45 minutes on the bus from Corfu Town.
A private transfer from the airport is around €45. Hoppa is available for shared transfers.
There’s a main road which runs up the north east coast from Corfu Town to Kassiopi which can be used for easy exploration of the area, there are a few switchbacks or steep inclines down to some beaches but most of the road is straightforward.
Public transport:
Barbati is served by Corfu’s Green Bus system, route A4 (for Kassiopi) and A5. There are daily buses from the KTEL bus station just outside Corfu Town. Tickets are €2.20 one way (may be more expensive if you purchase from the driver rather than from a shop or kiosk).
There are several bus stops along the main road in Barbati. As it’s usually in the middle of a route you may find it difficult to get a seat in both directions.
You can walk along the main road to Ipsos (20 minutes) and Nissaki (40 minutes +) but there is no footpath or sidewalk. Most people staying in this area rent a car.
Accessibility:
There are several side roads that run from the main road down to Barbati beach. It’s a relatively steep 5-minute walk. Parking may fill up quickly in the summer. There may be a few steps to reach the beach.
Accommodation right behind the beach is available but it’s worth noting that the tavernas and mini-markets are up on the main road.
The beach does not have a Seatrac for wheelchair access.
There is no footpath or road running alongside the beach. There are only wooden boardwalks around the beach bars.
Prices
Barbati is not a budget resort, prices are average and slightly above. The accommodation is mostly upper mid-range.
A typical price for sun-loungers is 2 for €10.
Where to stay
If you want to be right behind the beach your two main options are:
- La Riviera Barbati Luxury Seaside Apartments & Villas (also available through TUI) on the north end of the beach which has several discrete streets of holiday homes. Some of the upper buildings have small private pools. There is a large seafront pool next to a snack bar and restaurant.
- Barbati Beach Apartments is in the centre and has bungalows with access to communal pools.
- Renata Rooms has traditional studios looking onto the middle of the beach.
- Verde Blu Beach Resort is a complex at the south end of the beach. There’s a beach bar and small communal pool.
It’s worth browsing Booking.com as there are plenty of individual lets around here.
On a budget? Look above or further along the main road for traditional Greek guesthouses and a few small resort hotels such as the Pantokrator Hotel and Golden Mare Resort (available through TUI).
Read more:
Where to Stay on Corfu: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
Corfu – A Quick Island Overview
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