Thinking of booking a trip to Barbati in Corfu and wondering what it’s like? Here’s what to expect from this lovely beach resort.
Where is it?
Barbati is on the east coast of Corfu, beyond the budget resort Ipsos but before Nissaki which is the proper start of the posh north-east coast.
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.
It’s a small beach with a handful of places to stay and eat. 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 early sunsets. The entire area is surrounded by olive groves. It’s gorgeously green and this is reflected in the colour of the sea – a vibrant emerald colour which is beautiful for swimming. There are some large trees on the beach itself providing shade. It’s one of my favourite beaches in Corfu and I’d stay here in a heartbeat.
Barbati is small and natural but don’t expect it to be pin-drop quiet. It’s close enough to Corfu Town to attract locals out to its beach bars Bahia Mare and Verde Blu). The vibe is breezy boho but expect to hear the thump of bass from one or two of the cafes as well as the drone of jetskis during the day. At night, you’ll probably want to wander up to the main road for dinner, where there are several tavernas with fantastic views overlooking the water.
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 a few hidden coves that you can swim to at the north end of the beach.
There are organised sections with sun-loungers attached to each beach bar but free areas too, although some of it is taken up by rental boats.
Activities and amenities
Barbati is pretty tiny, don’t come expecting all-day entertainment. 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 (including a wider range of watersports) head down the coast to Ipsos or Dassia, or up to Kassiopi.
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 €65. 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.
For more information check out How to Get Around Corfu By Bus
Accessibility:
There are several side roads that run from the main road down to Barbati beach. It’s a steep but short walk (5-minute). 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 €20.
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.
- Renata Rooms has traditional studios looking onto the middle of the beach.
- The Riviera Complex to the south of the beach has lots of individual lets including Barbati Bay Apartments and Akrogiali Apartment.
There are a few medium-sized hotels and aparthotels with pools up on the main road such as the Pantokrator Hotel, Crystal Blue , and the TUI Golden Mare Resort.
On a budget? Check out Stefanosplace.
Read more:
Where to Stay on Corfu: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
Corfu – A Quick Island Overview
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