Thinking of booking a trip to Liapades on Corfu? Here’s what to expect from this scenic beach resort.
Where is it?
Liapades is on Corfu’s north-west coast, just to the south of Paleokastritsa.
What’s the vibe like?
Liapades is one of Corfu’s smaller and quieter beach resorts. People usually discover it whilst visiting neighbouring Paleokastritsa which is just across the bay.
The village of Liapades itself is slightly inland and uphill. It’s a traditional agricultural village with a local Corfiot population.
There’s a cluster of tourist accommodation and facilities along the main road and also down by the sea around the main beach. This area is known as Gefyra. The old village is fairly separate from the tourist area.
Most visitors who stay here are looking to take advantage of its stunning natural surroundings which is green and lush, traditional feel and family-run accommodation.
The beaches do get busy though, as there are frequent water taxis bringing visitors over from Paleokastritsa.
What’s the beach like?
There are several beaches at Liapades.
The main beach (known as Liapades Beach or Gefyra Beach) is organised and consists of a mix of fine shingle and course sand. There are a couple of beach bars backing right onto the beach plus water-sports and water taxis available
South of Gefyra Beach is a string of beautiful unorganised coves and beaches:
- Glyko
- Polyos
- Rovinia
- Klimatia
- Limni
- Kolias
- Iliodoros
- Chomi (also known as Paradise)
- Stelari
- Krouza
- Plaka
Some of these beaches are accessible via footpaths of varying degrees of difficulty, but renting a small boat or taking a water taxi are a more popular way to visit them.
Rovinia and the small double-sided beach Limni in particular can get very busy with water taxis.
The southern beaches – Chomi onwards – are at the base of vast limestone cliffs. The seas are an impeccable shade of turquoise. A boat trip around these beaches is one of the best things to do in northern Corfu.
Activities and amenities
Liapades is small and the focus here is naturally on the beaches and landscapes. which you can discover by boat or on foot.
There are lots of footpaths south of Liapades but not all are well-maintained or signposted.
For a longer hike you can continue on to Giannades and Pelekas on the Corfu Trail.
There is a coastal footpath to Paleokastritsa which takes around 40 minutes. This path has a couple of sections which may be challenging for the less mobile including a steep ladder and a scramble across rocks.
You can also walk to Paleokastritsa along the roads but be aware there are no sidewalks and some roads are unlit, making it unsuitable to walk in for evening meals. If you don’t have a car, it’s easier to visit Paleokastritsa during the day by bus or boat.
For more walks in the area check out the Ciccerone book Walking & Trekking Corfu.
The Goulis Winery is a 20-minute walk from Liapades village.
It’s best to rent a car to explore the wider area:
- Donkey Rescue Centre
- the excellent tavernas in nearby village Doukades
- panoramic viewpoint Bella Vrista
- the hillside village of Lakones
- Paleokastritsa Monastery
- Byzantine castle Angelokastro
Transport and accessibility
From the airport:
Liapades is a 35-minute drive from Corfu Airport and 45 minutes on the bus from Corfu Town. The main road from the airport is good but there are lots of small narrow roads in the area, particularly in Liapades village itself.
A private transfer from the airport is around €30-40. Hoppa is available for shared transfers.
Public transport:
Liapades is served by Corfu’s Green Bus system, route A10. Some A9 buses to Paleokastritsa also call at Liapades village, you can use these to get in to Paleokastritsa and back.
There are daily buses from the KTEL bus station just outside Corfu Town. Tickets are €2.00 one way.
Sometimes during peak summer season there are extra bus routes available linking popular resorts but do check before you go as these aren’t always operating.
Accessibility:
Gefyra beach is at the bottom of a road with some space for parking. Some steps are required to reach the beach. There is some beachfront accommodation and a small store.
It’s a relatively steep 15-minute walk up the hill to the village.
There are more spaces at the larger Rovinia Beach Parking (ticket required). This is up in the hill behind Rovinia Beach and it’s a steep walk down to the sea, even from the nearest point of the car park.
The nearest Seatrac is at Paleokastritsa.
Prices
Prices are very reasonable for Corfu. You will pay a premium to be right by the beach but overall Liapades is cheaper and better value than nearby Paleokastritsa.
Where to stay
If you want to stay down by the beach, there are a few tavernas and cafes down as well as a small tourist shop.
- Rokamare – beachfront apartments.
- Blue Princess Hotel and Suites (small beachfront 4-star available through tour operators including Olympic)
If you don’t mind a few minutes’ walk up a hill:
- Shambala Apartments – apartments around a pool with an epic view.
- Villa Katerina – traditional apartments.
- Anna Pension – traditional apartments.
Towards the winery, Corfu Pearl has apartments around a lovely landscaped pool.
Read more:
Where to Stay on Corfu: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
Corfu – A Quick Island Overview
All images © The Mediterranean Traveller