North-west Corfu is home to some of the most stunning landscapes and beach resorts on the island. Here are 10 places not to miss when you’re in the area.
Sidari
Sidari is a popular beach resort on the island’s north coast. It has a big sandy beach but the star attraction is the famous sandstone rock formations and turquoise seas of the Canal D’Amour.
It attracts an international package tourism crowd and is small, lively and family-friendly. Sidari is also an easy and enjoyable day trip.
For its combination of beach bars, budget prices, and super sands it can’t beaten.
For more information read: Sidari – What’s It Like?
Cape Drastis
Keep going west of Sidari and you eventually each Cape Drastis, the most northerly point of Corfu. The rock formations here are something else.
It’s an incredibly scenic spot which makes an appearance in The Durrells and is popular with hikers.
The footpath to the beach – one of the most unusual in Greece – is closed to the public so the only way to visit is by boat.
But you can drive or even walk to the viewpoint from Sidari.
Alternatively, head south to the cliff beach at Loggas near Peroulades which is accessible by steps (or just check out the views from 7th Heaven).
San Stefanos
San Stefanos (or Agios Stefanos Avliotes) is the first beach resort on the west coast, south from Cape Drastis.
It has a large beach of bouncy golden sand with plenty of space to spread out. The cliffs start at the northern end of the resort and run on for miles. To the south is scenic Cape Kefali, and you can also take boat trips from the harbour to the secluded Diapontia islands.
San Stefanos is a compact tourist resort popular with Brits. It has good facilities for families including watersports, but it’s not too noisy and the beach isn’t completely covered in sun-loungers.
For more information read: San Stefanos – What’s It Like?
Arillas
Lovely Arillas is south of Cape Kefali and the cliff scenery here is similar to San Stefanos. The beach is sandy but slightly narrower.
Arillas is the place to come for boho vibes though. It has yoga and meditation centres, cocktail bars, and even a microbrewery. Sunsets over the uninhabited Gravia islands are special.
It’s very relaxed and has a road running alongside the beach with plenty of parking, beach cafes, and restaurants.
For more information read: Arillas – What’s It Like?
Afionas
Located up on the headland south of Arillas is the scenic hilltop village of Afionas, one of the most beautiful villages in Corfu.
It has a small cluster of charming old houses and a couple of restaurants with incredible views over Arillas and Agios Georgios Pagon which are ideal for a lazy lunch or sunset drink.
It’s also the start point of the hike down to Porto Timoni beach.
Agios Georgios Pagon (NW)
South of Afionas is Agios Georgios Pagon (NW) with its enticing long golden beach and verdant mountain scenery.
This laid-back beach resort is an excellent sport for fans of watersports. The beach itself has large unorganised sections and is ideal for those who don’t like their beaches too rowdy or crowded.
It’s quiet in the evening, with just a handful of tavernas. Don’t miss a walk to the eccentric Fisherman’s Cabin for lunch (bring cash).
For more information read: Agios Georgios Pagon – What’s It Like?
Angelokastro
Angelokastro is the Byzantine castle that gives its name to nearby Paleokastritsa (which means ‘old castle’).
It dates back to the 14th century (or perhaps more) and boasts unbeatable views over the surrounding coastline.
It’s possible to hike here from Paleokastritsa or Agios Georgios Pagon if you have the best part of a day.
Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa is the most well-known beach resort on the west coast.
An icon of Corfu tourism, it’s famous for its beautiful coastal scenery with dramatic cliffs and coves.
A day trip to Paleokastritsa is one of the most popular things to do on Corfu so don’t expect to have it to yourself, but you will have fun exploring the area’s bays by water taxi or taking in its many amazing views.
Beach bar La Grotta is a picturesque stop but a less bass-heavy alternative is Acapulco, tucked away in a lush area with views across to Liapades.
If you have a car then stop by the Donkey Rescue Centre a short drive inland.
For more information read: Paleokastritsa – What’s It Like?
Liapades
Little Liapades is the next village along from Paleokastritsa and is something of a hidden gem.
This quiet beach resort has a traditional feel and is surrounded by stunning landscapes.
There’s a string of unorganised cliff beaches to south which are best explored by boat. Some of these are also visited by water taxis from Paleokastritsa so they do get busy but there are more discoveries to be made (including nearby Goulis Winery).
For more information read: Liapades – What’s It Like?
Lakones
Lakones is a charming traditional village up in the hills behind Paleokastritsa and is well worth a visit for its jaw-dropping views over Paleokastritsa and Liapades..
If you enjoy a steep hike then look for the signs marked ‘Donkey Trail‘ near the Odysseus Hotel in Paleokastritsa.
There are a few lovely cafes in Lakones (don’t time your arrival for the afternoon siesta though), and if you keep walking along its main road you’ll reach the iconic viewpoints at Bella Vrista. To make a day of it, spend the afternoon poolside at the Golden Fox or continue on to Angelokastro.
Need to know
The main resorts in the north-west of Corfu have regular bus connections to Corfu Town but not necessarily to each other so you’ll need a car to visit all the highlights.
If you don’t plan to rent a car but still want to explore the area then Arillas is probably the best base. There are boat trips up and down the coast in the summer, especially to Porto Timoni and the beaches around Paleokastritsa.
There are lots of lovely walks in the area, a good starting point is the Ciccerone book Walking & Trekking Corfu.
Read more:
Where to Stay on Corfu: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
A Beginner’s Guide to Corfu Island
A Quick Guide to North-East Corfu
Image credits:
Angelokastro © proslgn / Adobe Stock
All other images © The Mediterranean Traveller