Photo by Marbella Corfu

For guaranteed warmth - though occasional thunderstorms - from early spring until late September, plenty of beaches and direct flights from most regional airports, Corfu is hard to beat as a family holiday destination. Our guide to the best family hotels on Corfu will help you select the perfect destination and one that will suit all ages.

As one of the first islands to be developed for tourism, its visitors are well catered-for, from high-end luxury hotels to self-catering apartments. Admittedly, parts can feel over-developed, but there are more than enough beaches to go round. Plus many hotels are geared up with children’s clubs, children-only pools, evening entertainment and spas, so often there is little need to fight the crowds in the more touristy spots.

Having said that, it’s well worth venturing into Corfu Town to admire its Venetian-style architecture and pass the time of day in the cafes on the Esplanade, while Kassiopi, on the north-eastern coast, has a delightful harbour as well as charming shops, tavernas and pretty coves. The popular family beaches are around Ipsos and Dassia, north of Corfu town, while the best sandy beaches are on the west or south-western coasts.

It’s a popular island, particularly during school holidays, so make sure you book well ahead to get the pick of the best family hotels on Corfu.

The Best family hotels on Corfu

Best budget family hotels

• With interconnecting rooms, a pool, a relaxed atmosphere, great views down to the coast and a cosy, traditional atmosphere, the Levant Hotel, set in the hills near Pelekas, also makes a great choice for families looking for somewhere less tourist-packed.
• Under-fives stay free at the Melina Bay Hotel which overlooks the picturesque harbour of Kassiopi. Rooms are light and contemporary in neutral colours and there’s a lovely dining terrace overlooking the bay.
• On the west coast, beside the stunning Paleokastritsa bay, Zefiros Traditional Hotel belies its name, as rooms are light and modern - some with kitchenettes; ideal for families - with a shared terrace. Light snacks, as well as breakfasts are served in the café-bistro.
• With family suites, boats to hire, riding, diving, live entertainment, plus an outdoor pool, the bright and modern Sidari Beach Hotel should keep everyone happy.

Best mid-range family hotels

• With a children’s club, beach, pool, tennis courts, mountain-biking centre and snorkelling opportunities - plus large spa, decent restaurant and bar for grown-ups - the Kontokali Bay Resort & Spa makes a great family choice. Choose between suites and bungalows; contemporary-smart in style and all with private balconies or terraces.
• Equally, there’s plenty to entertain all the family at the Marbella Beach Hotel, a swish and sprawling, white affair with several restaurants and pools, spa, watersports and private beach. Rooms, including two-bedroom suites, are sleek white-on-white with beautiful view to the gardens or sea.
• With several interconnecting rooms, both the Bella Venezia and Siorra Vittoria offer a charming and traditional townhouse style and atmosphere; a good price if you want to be in Corfu town.

Best luxury family hotels

• With a great position overlooking the sea, and walking distance to Corfu Town, the Corfu Palace was one of the first ‘luxury’ hotels on the island. Rooms are large and comfortable, if a little dated, all with private balconies or terraces. Plus there’s a spa and lovely pool.
• With a children’s playground and pool, plus family-sized self-catering apartments, the Delfino Blu is a great choice if you want somewhere with a boutiquey feel. Rooms are chic and contemporary plus there’s a freeform pool for grown-ups. It’s also nicely tucked away on the north-west coast by the beautiful Agios Stefanos beach.
• With a large pool, family suites, babysitting services, plus a restaurant serving breakfast and brunch, and close to a riding centre as well as a beach, Pelecas Country Club is a good choice for families wanting to get away from typical beach-resort hotels. The former farmhouse, stables and olive press have been converted with rustic-chic style.
• The family will be spoilt for choice at the Corfu Imperial, one of the island’s top luxury hotels. With indoor and outdoor pools, tennis, volleyball, private beach, large spa, several restaurants (from fine-dining to casual), there’s no need to leave. Bungalows and villas (the latter with private pools) are ideal for families; some offer a private butler service, too.

Families are very well catered-for on the island, whether you want simple and hideaway or all-singing and all-dancing. We’ve carefully researched the range to pick out some of the best family hotels on Corfu.

Still nothing here that ticks all the boxes? Expand your search to include all our Corfu recommendations, or all the Ionian Islands, or contact a friendly guru for advice.

 

Written by Helen Pickles

posted Thursday, 4th March 2021