Thinking of booking a trip to Sidari on Corfu? Here’s what to expect from this versatile beach resort.
Where is it?
Sidari is on the western side of Corfu’s north coast, west of Roda and Acharavi.
What’s the vibe like?
Sidari is a popular beach resort known for its dramatic rock formations, turquoise seas, and beautiful sandy beaches.
The main attraction here is the Canal d’Amour, a picturesque rocky inlet with a legend attached. They say you’ll meet your soulmate if you swim all the way to the end of the ‘channel of love’.
These days plenty flock to the unique landscape for its photo opportunities. It’s a popular day trip attraction and features on many excursion itineraries.
The resort itself is small, low-rise and flat, and spread out but still walkable. It’s lively but relaxed and popular with internationals, particularly Brits, young couples, young families, and older couples looking for somewhere with lots of entertainment options.
The hotels here are well-represented by package tour operators and prices are good value.
It’s divided into two sections, each with a cluster of beach bars and accommodation. The area around the Canal d’Amour is more compact and busy, whereas the main beach is large and family friendly with a wide selection of eateries, bars, and accommodation in the grid of streets behind (this is where you’ll find ‘the Strip’).
There are chilled-out beach bars and a mix of Greek and international restaurants. It’s one of the better resorts on Corfu for nightlife, it’s not exactly a party town but you will find plenty of bars including Greek nights, karaoke, live music and Elvis impersonators in the summer, but no clubs.
It’s one of the more commercialised resorts in Corfu but has an amiable and unpretentious air (as well as those amazing beaches). In the summer months it can get very crowded.
What’s the beach like?
Sidari has several beaches of golden sand.
The main beach occupies the eastern side of Sidari and is half a kilometre long. It has soft sand and shallow child-friendly waters. The beach is wide and roomy with plenty of cafes right on the beach with attached sun-lounger zones.
On the western side of Sidari you’ll find its iconic sandstone rock formations. There are actually several rocky inlets and you can swim off most of them when the seas are calm. Within this area are a few smaller sandy beaches. You can also sunbathe on the rocky platforms.
The seas in Sidari are Blue-Flag rated. The water is a vibrant colour where it meets the rock formations. As the beach is clay in parts the water can sometimes be a little murky and not quite as crystal-clear as other parts of Corfu.
Those who prefer a quieter dip may prefer to head east to the narrow strip of pebble beach at Megali.
Activities and amenities
There’s something for everyone in Sidari.
It has a good selection of watersports including the child-pleasing banana boats and donuts, paragliding, small boat rental, paddleboards, kayaks, and pedaloes.
There are many travel agencies offering organised excursions around the island by bus and by boat, as well as to neighbouring islands and to Albania.
You can pop in to The Vine Wine Bar on the main road to same some local Corfiot wines.
There’s a small waterpark hotel just outside town which offers day entry for non-residents.
For those who enjoy walking there are scenic hikes along the coast to the unique Cape Drastis area.
In the summer months there is usually a bus link to the other north coast resorts.
Transport and accessibility
From the airport:
Sidari is a 1 hour drive from Corfu Airport and Corfu Town.
A private transfer from the airport is around €50-60.
Hoppa is available for shared transfers.
Public transport:
Sidari is served by Corfu’s Green Bus system. There are daily buses from the KTEL bus station just outside Corfu Town. Buses are less frequent on Saturdays and don’t always run on Sundays. Tickets are around €4 one way. If your flight arrives later in the evening you’ll need to look at transfers rather than using the bus.
Sometimes during peak summer season there are extra bus routes available linking popular resorts (including neighbouring Roda, Acharavi, and Kassiopi) but check before you go as these aren’t always operating.
It’s a short walk (less than 5 minutes) from the bus station in Sidari to the main beach, and around 10 minutes to the Canal d’Amour.
Accessibility:
Sidari is flat and there’s a large free public car park just behind the beach. There are no steps to the main beach. There is no boardwalk or footpath running alongside the beach although several points are accessible by side roads.
There’s a dirt trail connecting the main beach to the rocky beaches or you can also take the main road which goes over the river. Steps are required to get down to the beaches but the roads are paved as far as the cafes/hotels overlooking them.
There is no Seatrac.
Prices
Prices in Sidari are on the cheaper side for Corfu. There are plenty of bargain accommodations to be had, and food and drink prices are also very reasonable.
As a bonus, many sun-loungers on Sidari Beach are free for customers of the attached beach bar.
Where to stay
For package deals to Sidari check out the main operators:
For stylish vibes in a central location close to Canal D’Amour check out Destino Blue Hotel (available through Jet2) which has swim-up rooms.
On a budget? There are lots of family-run studios and small hotels which are great value, check Booking.com for a wide selection.
Looking for a villa? Try VRBO.
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