Darija Stojanovic 
Kalimera traveler, welcome to my guide on where to stay in Corfu! This island in the Ionian Sea has dozens of villages with stunning natural beauty, beaches, and points of interest.
Since there are so many areas to choose from, I’ll tell you right away that the Northern part of the island is more popular and has the most beautiful beaches. The South is more peaceful, but also has nice beaches. And the roads on the island are pretty tight, so I definitely recommend a small car rental!
Now I’ve compared all the villages of Corfu, along with the hotels and resorts in them, and have come up with the list of 11 best areas! I also included hotels for each area so you can literally book your ideal stay in minutes!
Corfu Town is the best place to stay for first-timers since it’s loaded with attractions, close to the airport, and it’s easy to get around the island from it.
Remember to book your stay in Corfu in advance as it’s quite a popular Greek island!
If you are in a hurry
Book the best hotels in Corfu now:
Contents
- If you are in a hurry
- 1. Corfu Town – where to stay in Corfu for the first time
- 2. Ipsos – where to stay on Corfu for nightlife + beach
- 3. Barbati – a laid-back village by the sea
- 4. Paleokastritsa – a beautiful beach resort
- 5. Benitses – an ancient village of Corfu
- 6. Agios Gordios – where to stay in Corfu on a budget
- 7. Kassiopi – the coolest town on the island
- 8. Sidari – a town with beautiful beaches
- 9. Kavos – where to stay in Corfu for the best nightlife
- 10. Gouvia – where to stay for convenience
- 11. Acharavi/Roda – where to stay in Corfu for families
- BONUS: Top 3 beaches in Corfu to put on your travel itinerary
- FAQs about where to stay in Corfu
Here’s a map that illustrates the areas I’ll talk about in the post:
- CORFU TOWN: for first-timers
- IPSOS: for nightlife and beach
- BARBATI: a laid-back village
- PALEOKASTRITSA: stunning beach resort
- BENITSES: an ancient village
- AGIOS GORDIOS: for budget travelers
- KASSIOPI: the coolest town
- SIDARI: accessible beaches
- KAVOS: for nightlife
- GOUVIA: for convenience
- ACHARAVI: for families
1. Corfu Town – where to stay in Corfu for the first time
Located on the East coast of the island, Corfu Town is the capital of Corfu and the largest town in the area! It’s a good place to stay if you are visiting Corfu for the first time, and even better if you have a short stay or are visiting without a car.
Corfu Town has an amazing Old Town with beautiful cobbled streets lined with impressive architecture, museums, beaches, nice shops, bars, and restaurants. There are also plenty of beach hotels in the area.
Start your day discovering the Old Town (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and then head to the seaside to chill on the beach. The top attractions around the Old Town include the magnificent Old Fortress (map), one of the city’s most recognizable symbols, as well as the Spianada Park and Square (map) where you can walk, relax, and people-watch just steps from the fortress.
This is also where the island’s airport is located, meaning it’ll literally take minutes to get from the airport to your accommodation!
Did you know that the Corfu Old Town served as the filming location for Game of Thrones? Braavos, one of the Free Cities in Westeros, is actually here!
At night, have a feast of mouthwatering Greek foods you’ll find everywhere. I guarantee that you will have a great time in Corfu Town!
This adults-only luxury resort is located right on the beach and offers a large outdoor pool, spacious rooms with a private balcony with sea views, and a fabulous breakfast. You can enjoy relaxing on their private beach and swimming in the crystal clear water plus many traditional restaurants and bars that are just a short walk away.
Other accommodation options in Corfu Town
This resort has a central location in the Old Town and offers modern rooms with a beautiful town view
Centrally located apartment with bright rooms, free Wi-Fi, easy access to traditional restaurants and bars
This Airbnb sits in one of Corfu Town’s oldest streets and offers well-equipped modern rooms
Things to do in Corfu Town
- Take a guided walking tour with food tastings
- Go on a full-day cruise with lunch & swim stops
- See the Church of Saint Spiridon (map)
- Visit the Museum of Asian Art of Corfu and the Archaeological Museum of Corfu
- Take pictures in the beautiful Palace of St. Michael (map)
- Marvel at the New Venetian Fortress (map)
- Watch the planes land over your head at the nearby Pontikonisi Beach (map)
- Head to the Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna (map)
2. Ipsos – where to stay on Corfu for nightlife + beach
Ipsos (or Ypsos, depending on how you transcribe the Greek writing) is a fun coastal village just 14 km (8.6 miles) North of Corfu Town. Over the years, it’s been a popular nightlife destination for young Greeks and foreigners, but now it’s much more.
The village has a long beach stretch along which lies the main road and all the major nightlife spots, including late-night bars. The long (but narrow) beach has sunbeds and umbrellas (around €6 for the whole day, per person, at the time of writing), and the sea is pretty shallow, making it ideal for families with kids.
I love how the Ipsos Beach (map) is pebbly, but once inside the water, it changes to sand! Whether you’re in for extensive swimming, water sports, or just chilling by the sea, this beach checks all the boxes.
Just South of Ipsos, you’ll find another small village, Dassia, with a nice beach and a few restaurants and shops – perfect if you want to change the setting for a day!
You can use public transport to get around the island, but the buses stop too often and make the journey quite long. If you plan to explore Corfu the island, I definitely recommend renting a car!
This beautiful adult-only resort is just a short walk from Ipsos Beach. It offers free parking, an outdoor pool with sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as a bar and an airport shuttle!
Other accommodation options in Ipsos
A 3-star hotel overlooking the Ionian Sea, with a nice swimming pool and a lush green garden ideal for zen moments
Probably the best value-for-money hotel in Corfu with spacious rooms, and a pool near the beach
A guest-favorite, recently-renovated apartment with a garden, AC, and a convenient location
Things to do in Ipsos
- Party till late in the many bars by the beach
- Try mouthwatering food at Taverna Kostas (map)
- Relax on the beach all-day
- Hire a boat (map) and embark on a sea adventure
- Go hiking or try river safari with Corfu Outdoor (map)
3. Barbati – a laid-back village by the sea
Barbati (or Mparmpati, again, depending on transcription) is a coastal village just North of Ipsos and around 20 km (12.4 miles) North from Corfu Town.
Whether you’re a couple or a family looking for a quiet, relaxed vacation, you’ll love Barbati! It has just enough tavernas and shops to keep you entertained, but it’s not as active as Ipsos or Corfu Town.
The long beach of Barbati (map) is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, much like the Ipsos one. This beach on the East coast of Corfu is renowned for its crystal clear waters, and you’ll be rewarded with a mountain backdrop which makes the bay all the more scenic.
Mount Pantokrator is Corfu’s highest mountain with a peak of 906 meters (2973 feet)!
A major nearby attraction, the scenic Nymfes Waterfall (map), is a great place to visit, but don’t visit after summer as the water completely dries out, and you don’t want to be left disappointed! It’s best to go in spring (April, May)!
This luxury villa is ideal for a family of 4 looking to splurge on their stay! The décor here is just lovely, and you’ll have all the necessary amenities for an extended stay!
Other accommodation options in Barbati
A perfect Greek-style villa with a cozy pool overlooking the sea; a great deal when visiting pre-season
Adjacent to the beach, the apartments in this complex are clean and cozy, and there’s even a supermarket at the entrance
This spacious, luxurious villa is spacious enough to fit 6 people and has an outdoor pool with sea views
Things to do in Barbati
- Spend a day at the Barbati beach
- Have a fancy dinner at Bahia Mare (map, seasonal restaurant)
- Visit the Nymphes Waterfall
- Drive to the Megas Gremos viewpoint for stunning sea views (map)
- Hike from the viewpoint to the Big Old Oak Tree (map)
4. Paleokastritsa – a beautiful beach resort
Paleokastritsa is one of Corfu’s most beautiful beach resorts, featuring 6 beaches, plenty of restaurants, shops, and hotels, and a charming atmosphere overall. It’s located 23 km (14 miles) to the Southwest of Corfu Town, and has plenty of attractions for tourists.
You can explore the stunning Blue Eye cave (map) at the foot of sandstone cliffs, the Donkey Path hiking trail (map), and, of course, the legendary La Grotta Bar (map)!
You’ll find plenty of traditional and international restaurants here, as well as bars and cafés. It’s a lively place in the evening. Agios Spiridon (map) is one of the most popular beaches, with a beautiful monastery also waiting to be explored just a 15-minute walk South of the beach.
Finally, the kids will enjoy a trip to the Corfu Aquarium with more than 70 species of marine animals!
This 5-star resort has an idyllic location with modern, luxury amenities, and it’s suitable for couples and families of up to 4 people. Select rooms come with stunning bay views!
Other accommodation options in Paleokastritsa
What a charming outdoors with the patio – my go-to place if I end up going to Corfu
A lovely holiday home near the beach with a nice garden and all the basic amenities
A stunning condo situated on a hilltop overlooking the sea, with a beautiful garden
Things to do in Paleokastritsa
- Explore the local beaches
- Go on a ride to Angelokastro (map), an ancient castle nearby
- Take the kids to the Corfu Aquarium
- Admire the beautiful Blue Eye cave
- Visit nearby villages, Liapades and Lakones
- Take a short ride to the beautiful and secluded Porto Timoni beach (map)
5. Benitses – an ancient village of Corfu
Benitses is 14 km (8.6 miles) South from Corfu Town, and it’s a serene village that stretches along the coast. It has a long history that is visible by the ancient ruins and baths here. It’s also a popular choice among British travelers.
A must-visit attraction is The Achilleion Palace (map) just a 6-minute drive from Benitses. It’s a 19th-century palace that used to belong to the Austrian Empress Sisi! It has a stunning garden and a magnificent interior inspired by Achilles, Greek’s celebrated warrior during the Trojan War!
In terms of public transport, there are daily buses going to Corfu Town, and you can rent bikes, jeeps, and motorbikes across the village. Of course, there are shops, restaurants, and even a few pubs to keep you entertained, but most of the fun happens during the day here.
Spoil yourself in this 5-star resort with multiple swimming pools, 3 restaurants, a spa and wellness center, and your own private beach area!
Other accommodation options in Benitses
Olive Groove Poolside Apartments
What a scenic place surrounded by olive grooves, mountain views, and a swimming pool
A typical apartment you can find across Greece, suitable for families with kids or for couples
Comfortable accommodation for couples featuring sea view and spotlessly clean rooms
Things to do in Benitses
- Visit the Achilleion Palace
- Chill at the beach
- Eat the best seafood at Varvara’s Restaurant (map)
- Rent a yacht at Benitses Marina (map)
- Sip cocktails at night at Ether Cocktail Bar (map)
6. Agios Gordios – where to stay in Corfu on a budget
Agios Gordios is located on the Southwest coast of the island and half an hour drive from Corfu Town. It is a small fishing village and a less commercial area that offers more budget accommodation than other popular towns on the island.
In this beautiful village, you will find gorgeous beaches and amazing landscapes with olive groves and lemon trees.
Don’t mix Agios Gordios with Agios Georgios located further South! “Agios” means “Old” in Greek, so you’ll find plenty of villages having this word in their name!
You’ll find a laid-back vibe that’s ideal for families or anyone looking for a relaxing vacation. There are also many nice cafes, bars, and restaurants along the coast here with the typical Greek vibe I know you are looking for!
The only luxury place in the area, La Grotta Verde, isn’t available on Booking when I last checked, and it has a slightly lower rating than I normally wouldn’t approve of. But since it’s the only luxury option around, I figured I should at least mention it. It may become available by the time you plan to stay here!
Now here are other excellent options for you to stay:
Other accommodation options in Agios Gordios
This family-run hotel offers nice rooms and easy access to surrounding villages
Panorama Hotel is great value for money with its nice rooms with balcony, pool and easy access to the beach
This Airbnb features fully equipped modern rooms and the main beach is a short walk away
Things to do in Agios Gordios
- Spend time at Agios Gordios beach
- Take a day trip to one of Corfu’s biggest water parks, Aqualand Corfu
- Have delicious Greek food at Sebastian’s Family Taverna (map)
- Sip drinks in the iconic Lemon Tree bar (map)
- Take a day trip to the Byzantine Fortress of Gardiki (map)
- Drive to the Kaiser’s Throne (map) for stunning views
7. Kassiopi – the coolest town on the island
Located on the Northeast coast of Corfu, Kassiopi is a charming village some 45 minute drive away from Corfu Town. It’s known as a serene fishing village perfect for couples, adorned with beautiful beaches with emerald waters.
Start your day by going to the pristine Avlaki (map) or Keresia (map) beaches and after spending quality time relaxing, go for a walk through the harbor and the labyrinth of streets in the village to see amazing landscapes dotted with olive groves.
The Kassiopi Castle (map) is a major attraction here, it’s filled with olive trees, and offers fabulous views of the village and the sea.
Kassiopi is the largest village on the North coast and thanks to its cool atmosphere and nice beaches it is getting more popular every day among the travelers visiting Corfu! This is especially true during the season when tourists come from all over the world, and then moving around can get difficult, even finding a parking spot can be a nightmare!
If you want to explore this hidden gem of the island, I recommend visiting pre- or post-season to avoid the crowds.
Have a private villa all for yourself! Featuring a nice swimming pool, spacious rooms with a lovely terrace, and easy access to the main attractions of the village, it’s a great place to stay for families visiting Corfu!
Other accommodation options in Kassiopi
Featuring a pool, nice garden, and easy access to the beach, this is a great place to stay for couples and families
A boutique stay with a swimming pool, rooms with sea views, and easy access to the beach
A cozy Airbnb offering romantic spacious rooms with great amenities
Things to do in Kassiopi
- Get a suntan at Avlaki Beach
- Catch a dancing show with live music at Kostas Greek Dancing Bar (map)
- Swim in crystal clear waters at Kerasia Beach
- Have fresh seafood in the best taverna by the sea (map)
- Walk to Kassiopi Castle for incredible views
- Take a day trip to the Monastery of Pantokrator (map)
8. Sidari – a town with beautiful beaches
Situated on the Northwestern coast of the island, Sidari is 37 km (23 miles) away from Corfu Town, and it’s home to the most beautiful beaches in Corfu where you can enjoy swimming in crystal clear water and do a lot of watersports activities!
Another main landmark is the gorgeous Canal D’Amour (map), a tunnel-like cove! You will be impressed with the color of the water and the amazing views here, don’t forget your camera as this is one of the most Instagrammable places in Corfu!
Sidari is one of the best villages in Corfu that offers a great selection of beachfront hotels and family-run apartments close to the golden sand beaches. It receives more than 20,000 tourists every year, especially those who travel on package deals, so you better book a spot on time to get the best price!
PRO TIP: Explore the Sidari Bar Strip filled with bars and karaoke spots for a perfect night out!
There’s no luxury accommodation in Sidari yet, but you can choose from tons of apartments and holiday homes with a luxury feel!
Other accommodation options in Sidari
This beachfront hotel is a perfect place to stay for couples with its private beach, nice rooms, and air conditioning
Located near Sidari Beach, this hotel offers a nice swimming pool, rooms with a balcony and free Wi-Fi
This romantic Airbnb is located right on the beach and is perfect for couples with its ample garden and rooms
Things to do in Sidari
- Enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water at Sidari Beach (map)
- Visit the gorgeous Canal D’Amour
- Have fun at Sidari Water Park
- Get a suntan at Apotripiti Beach (map)
- Have a drink at Vintage Cocktail Bar (map)
9. Kavos – where to stay in Corfu for the best nightlife
Kavos is located on the Southern edge of the island, an hour’s drive from Corfu Town and the airport. It is the heart of nightlife in Corfu where you can party till the early hours of the morning.
Kavos is a beautiful village offering a very nice long sandy beach where you can swim in the turquoise water, and do watersports activities such as jet-skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and waterskiing.
When it gets dark, get ready for the epic nightlife scene. You will find plenty of bars, colorful clubs, and lively restaurants here.
NOTE: The beach here may have seaweed, so it’s something to be aware of if you’re looking for crystal-clear beaches! However, the seaweed that washes up on the coast of Corfu isn’t as bad as that green, stinky, fleshy type! It resembles a small ribbon and the local authorities usually clean them off the beach reasonably quickly.
This beautiful 5-star beachfront property offers a large swimming pool, private beach, rooms with a sea view, and a nice Mediterranean restaurant. You can do water sports or have a relaxing time on their beautiful beach plus bars and restaurants are within walking distance!
Other accommodation options in Kavos
A resort with a nice outdoor swimming pool, spacious rooms with a balcony, and easy access to the main beach
With its prime location close to bars and restaurants, this hotel is a great place to stay to enjoy the nightlife in Corfu
Located right next to a sandy beach, this Airbnb offers boutique accommodation with its private garden and spacious rooms
Things to do in Kavos
- Have delicious Greek food at Pavlos Taverna Steakout (map)
- Try some fun activities with Aspro Kavos Water Sports
- Spend time at Arkoudilas Beach (map)
- Go for karaoke at Maria’s Famous Karaoke Fun Pub (map)
- Hike to the Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary (map)
10. Gouvia – where to stay for convenience
Gouvia is a small village just 9 km (5.5 miles) from Corfu Town, and it’s the best place to stay near the beach to be connected to the rest of the island. It has a great public bus network and you can visit Corfu, Ipsos, and other places if you’re traveling without a car!
However, Gouvia is your typical Greek village with not much going on, so basically if you stay here, you’ll want to move around for sure. There is a small, cute beach, as well as a fishing charter where you can rent a boat to go fishing.
There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and even a dance club (map) so you’ll have something to do here during the day!
There are also plenty of luxury hotels and resorts here, with Dreams Corfu being my favorite one!
Enjoy this 5-star adults only hotel featuring 2 swimming pools, a spa, wellness, and fitness center, and the friendliest staff!
Other accommodation options in Gouvia
A lovely resort with a pool, palm trees, a Greek-style interior, and free parking
This compact and recently renovated studio can fit 2 guests, best for couples
Things to do in Gouvia
- Visit the Church of the Hypapante (map)
- Stroll past the D-Marin Gouvia marina (map)
- Have dinner in Takis Taverna (map)
- Rent a yacht (map)
- Go on a sailing trip round the island
- Try watersports in the nearby Kommeno Bay (map)
11. Acharavi/Roda – where to stay in Corfu for families
Archaravi is located on the North coast of the island and an hour’s drive from Corfu Town. Thanks to its family-friendly hotels, attractions, and sandy beaches with shallow water, it is the best place to stay in Corfu for families.
Apart from the beautiful beaches in Acharavi, there are amazing historical sites and hiking and cycling trails in the mountains where you can enjoy spending time in nature with your family. You will want to keep your camera with you all the time to capture amazing views!
In this charming village, you will find a great selection of traditional restaurants, cafes, and shops as well as good accommodation options!
Acharavil offers 4 swimming pools, spacious family rooms with sea views, and a private beach. You can rent a bike from the hotel and discover surrounding villages, have a nice Mediterranean meal in their beautiful restaurant.
Other accommodation options in Acharavi
This boutique hotel features nice spacious rooms, air conditioning, easy access to the beach, and free parking
Charming and colorful villas with a pool, a nice garden, and a bar on-site
This Airbnb is a great place to stay in Corfu for families and couples with its beautifully decorated rooms
Things to do in Acharavi
- Build sandcastles with kids at Acharavi Beach
- Have iconic ice cream at Dolce Freddo (map)
- Visit The Folklore Museum of Acharavi
- Have delicious Greek snacks at the Pita Pita Grill Room (map)
- Go hiking in the mountains of the village
| 👑 Luxury price: | €150 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | €100 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €60 |
| 📍 Best area: | Corfu Town |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Mayor Mon Repos |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Hotel Locandiera |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Panorama Hotel |
BONUS: Top 3 beaches in Corfu to put on your travel itinerary
I already talked about the best places to stay in Corfu and mentioned the beaches in each area, but there are some other beaches spread out around the island that totally stand out above the rest and I think you wouldn’t wanna miss them!
These places I will talk about now can be easily seen with a day trip no matter where you stay on the island as it takes less than 2 hours to drive across the whole thing! Renting a car is the best way to reach them and will allow you the most freedom to explore at your own pace.
1. Issos Beach
Issos Beach (map) is located on the South coast of the island and 40 minutes drive from Corfu Town. It is a very interesting beach because of its sand dunes and amazing water color.
At Issos Beach you can enjoy chilling on the unique golden sand and swimming in the crystal-clear water. Thanks to its constant wind, it is also a great area to try windsurfing and kitesurfing. A lifeguard and a place to rent sunbeds and buy snacks are available near the beach which means all your needs are covered!
2. Dassia Beach
Located on the East coast and 15 miles (10 km) away from Corfu Town and offers amazing mountain views and turquoise-colored water. The beach (map) is a mixture of sand and pebbles and sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent.
Also unlike to other beaches in the area, here you can find plenty of restaurants and bars right on the beach! Dassia Beach is also a good spot for diving, enabling you to see many colorful fish.
3. Liapades Beach
Liapades Beach (map) is located on the West coast of the island and just a half an hour drive from Corfu Town. It is a very picturesque beach surrounded by cliffs, vineyards and nice trees. I could say that it is one of the most Instagrammable beaches in Corfu so make sure to keep your camera with you all the time!
On Liapades Beach you can swim in the crystal clear water and snorkel to see beautiful fish. You can also hire a boat here and discover some untouched areas of the island. So dreamy!
FAQs about where to stay in Corfu
🗺️ Where is the best part of Corfu to stay?
Corfu Town is the best area to stay in Corfu with its convenient proximity to the main attractions, restaurants, and beaches.
🛏️ Which resort in Corfu is best?
Mayor Mon Repos and Mayor Capo Di Corfu are the best resorts to stay in Corfu.
🏡 What is the prettiest village in Corfu?
With its picturesque look and beautiful beaches, Kassiopi is the prettiest village in Corfu.
🏖️ Where are the best sandy beaches in Corfu?
You can find the best sandy beaches in Sidari and Acharavi on the island of Corfu.
💰 Where to stay in Corfu on a budget?
Offering affordable accommodation options, Agios Gordios is the best place to stay in Corfu on a budget.
👨👨👧👦 Best place to stay in Corfu for families?
With its family-friendly hotels and beaches, Acharavi is ideal for families and my recommendation for the best place to stay in Corfu.
⏱️ How many nights should you stay in Corfu, Greece?
I would suggest you stay at least 3 days in Corfu to discover many parts of the islands and the beaches.
🚘 Can you get around Corfu without a car?
Yes, if you stay in areas like Corfu Town that have good connections with the rest of the island. It’d be a bit complicated to move around a lot around the rest of Corfu without a car, but it’s doable, mostly using public transport.
👍 Is Corfu Old Town worth visiting?
Corfu Old Town is definitely worth visiting! It’s so charming that it even served as a filming location for Game of Thrones!
❓ Is North or South Corfu better?
The North has more popular resorts and it’s more lively, while the South is quieter. Both parts have stunning nature and caves, so it mainly depends on your trip preferences.
🪩 What is the best area of Corfu for nightlife?
Kavos and Ipsos have the best nightlife on the island! They have tons of bars, clubs, and other late-night entertainment options.
Conclusion
This is my time to say goodbye to you, dear traveler! Hopefully, you now know where to stay in Corfu! And if you’re still indecisive, these are my 2 favorite options:
- Mayor Mon Repos – One of the best places to stay on the island
- Villa Argo Feakia – A beautiful hotel with great facilities in Agios Gordios
Remember to book your hotel far in advance, as this is the only way you can secure the best prices! As you know, Corfu is one of the most popular Ionian islands!
If you have any suggestions or questions about Corfu, please leave a comment below. I’ll be happy to reply!
Enjoy Greece,
Darija
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I really enjoyed your article on Corfu, makes interesting reading. My husband and I are going in May, he suffers with minor heart problems so which resorts are fairly flat.. We love a sandy beach and a few restaurants/bars but nothing to lively.