Roda, Corfu – What’s It Like?

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Thinking of booking a trip to Roda on Corfu? Here’s what to expect from this sandy beach resort.

Where is it?

Roda is in the middle of Corfu’s north coast, between Sidari and Acharavi.

What’s the vibe like?

Sign on a tree for Pirate Beach Bar.

Roda is a medium-small beach resort known for its generous sandy beach and good range of amenities.

The resort itself is walkable, low-rise and flat.

It’s a former fishing village and there’s a small harbour with a few working vessels.

Unlike neighbours Kassiopi and Sidari, Roda isn’t really on the day-trip circuit so the beach doesn’t get too crowded.

It’s quiet and family-friendly but has a good range of amenities and  gets lively enough in the evening with Greek nights, karaoke, quizzes, and live music.

Roda is popular with package tourists, returnees, expats and regulars. The crowd is mainly British with some Europeans, particularly young families and older couples looking for a good-value beach break.

There are plenty of beachside tavernas and cafes, and a few backstreets with tourist shops and travel agencies. 

It’s one of the more commercialised resorts in Corfu but has a relaxed and unhurried air.

Tourist shops in Roda.

Shallow seas in Roda.

Beachside cafe in Roda.

Beachside Restaurant in Roda.

Tourst shops and beach bar in Roda.

Tourist shops in Roda. Wide pavement in Roda. Palm tree in Roda. Wooden jetty in Roda. Tourist street in Roda.

Pub menus in Roda.

What’s the beach like?

Sand on Roda beach.

Roda is a north-facing resort and home to one of the best sandy beaches on Corfu.

The sand on the main town beach is super-soft and is lined with beach bars. The water is shallow and gently shelving, perfect for families with young children. There may be some seagrass towards the end of the season though.

If you prefer an unorganised beach then keep walking west – the beach gets narrower but scenic.

And east past the harbour is a long 7km stretch of beach that eventually becomes Acharavi. The Roda end is narrow and pebbly though, with a small quiet road running right behind it. You can walk to Acharavi this way.

The sea here is rougher than on the main beach but is crystal clear and spotlessly clean.

Crystal clear seas on Roda beach.

Roda main beach.

Roda main beach from the jetty.

Quiet end of Roda beach.

Activities and amenities

Signs advertising excursions around Corfu.

If you get bored of the beach, Roda has an excellent range of excursions and evening activities on offer.

There are are several agencies in Roda who can arrange bus and bus trips around the island and beyond, including to the waterparks for the little ones.

Sidari and Kassiopi are an easy bus ride or short drive away.

There are a few streets with tourist shops selling clothes, souvenirs, inflatables, snorkelling gear, and mini-markets.

In the middle of the village is an old church and the small ruins of an ancient temple.

Roda has are a few pharmacies but if you’re staying for a while there are more amenities (including a large supermarket) a short distance up the road at Acharavi.

During the summer season you may find some water-sports on offer however there’s a wider range at nearby Sidari.

Price list for Corfu excursions.

Transport and accessibility

Road behind Roda beach.

From the airport:

Roda 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:

Roda 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 peak summer season there are extra bus routes available linking popular resorts (including neighbouring Acharavi, Roda, and Kassiopi) but do check before you go as these aren’t always operating.

The bus stop is right next to the beach.

Accessibility:

There are a few steps to the main beach from most access points. There are some sections of beach with a road or footpath running alongside but not all.

There’s plenty of parking right by the beach.

To reach some of the quieter western beaches may require a dirt track.

There is no Seatrac for wheelchair access.

Prices

Taverna menu in Roda.

Roda is excellent value – there’s a wide range of traditional budget accommodation.

Sun-loungers are generally free to customers using the attached cafe. 

Food and drinks prices are below average for Corfu.

Where to stay

As Roda is flat and spacious there are plenty of small family-run hotels with a pool or garden for a good prices – check Booking.com for a wide selection.

For package deals to Roda check out the main operators:

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