Flickr user Michael Gleave

With beaches on all coasts, safe swimming and guaranteed sunshine (with occasional brief thunderstorms) from spring until late autumn, Corfu is a safe bet for either a fly-and-flop holiday or one pottering around to explore the island’s many different beaches. But, as with all hotels on the island, if you are planning to visit in peak holiday season, it pays to book early to ensure you get the pick of the best beach hotels on Corfu.

While it’s true that the island has embraced the mass-market tourism industry, even the popular beaches to the north of Corfu Town - at Ipsos and Dassia, for example - are generally large enough to cope with the numbers. Further north, around the busy but attractive fishing port of Kassiopi, are numerous bays and beaches to discover. While some are pebbly, the seas are beautifully clear for snorkelling. Here you’ll find Kalamaki beach, a long and wide flat stretch of sand where you can lose the crowds.

The spectacular, horse-shoe-shaped cove of Paleokastritsa, in the north-west, is deservedly popular, and well worth the trip. It’s also a great spot for scuba-diving. But many Corfu aficionados would say the island's finest beaches are on the west and south-west coasts. Indeed, some would rate them as the finest in Greece. Ones to check out include the long, narrow Kondogialós below Pélekas, and nearby Glyfáda; the latter offers water sports.

Travel as far as the south-western tip and you’ll be rewarded with the beautiful, and peaceful, beaches around and south of the Korission lagoon, such as Marathiá, Agia Varvára, Gardénos and the dunes of Íssos - the latter used in the 1981 Bond film ‘For Your Eyes Only’.

Not surprisingly, the island's hotels are strategically placed to take advantage of its beaches - many run free shuttle buses - so there is plenty of choice to suit all budgets amongst the best beach hotels on Corfu.

Best beach hotels on Corfu

For great value

• On the west coast, beside the stunning Paleokastritsa bay, Zefiros Traditional Hotel belies its name, as rooms are light and modern - some with kitchenettes - with a shared terrace. Light snacks, as well as breakfasts are served in the café-bistro.
• A bright, modern hotel on the north coast, with light, airy rooms, the eponymously named Sidari Beach Hotel overlooks the beach. As well as having a pool, the hotel offers diving, riding and boat hire.
• Stepping distance from several beaches, the Melina Bay Hotel is in an enviable position overlooking the picturesque harbour of Kassiopi. Rooms are light and contemporary in neutral colours and there’s a lovely dining terrace overlooking the bay.

Best mid-range beach hotels

• Bella Mare enjoys a stunning location overlooking the sea at one end of a 1.5km long pebbly beach. And here it's all about "serious relaxing"! Accommodation is a range of elegant and stylish rooms and suites plus there's a lovely pool and pool bar for sundowners. There's no restaurant on site, but Kassiopi is a short taxi ride away or there's a couple of tavernas within stumbling distance.
• With its own private beach, tennis courts, pool, spa, children’s club, mountain-biking centre and snorkelling opportunities, some guests never leave the Kontokali Bay Resort & Spa. Rooms are contemporary-smart, all with private balconies or terraces.
• Equally, guests often find it hard to leave the Marbella Beach Hotel, a sprawling, white affair with several restaurants and pools, spa, watersports and private beach. Rooms are sleek white-on-white with beautiful garden or sea views.

Best luxury beach hotels

• With a great position overlooking the sea, and walking distance to Corfu Town, the Corfu Palace is the ‘grande dame’ of the island's hotels. Rooms are large and comfortable, if a little dated, all with private balconies or terraces. Plus there’s a spa and lovely pool.
• Tucked away on the north-west coast by the beautiful Agios Stefanos beach, the Delfino Blu is a great hideaway choice with chic, pale rooms - including some apartments - with flower-bedecked balconies. There’s a free-form pool and a well-regarded Greek restaurant, too.
• With a choice of rooms, suites and villas - the latter with private pools - the Corfu Imperial is one of the top choices on the island. There’s a glittering lobby, sea-view dining terrace, several restaurants, spa, diving courses as well, of course, as a private beach.

Still not sure which of the best beach hotels on Corfu to book?

• Expand your search to include all our Corfu recommendations,
• or all our selected hotels in the Ionian Islands.
• Alternatively, you could contact a friendly guru for advice.

  • Bella Mare Hotel Corfu 21 rooms from $127

    
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    Families  -  Suites can easily accommodate families of four and in peak season there are a wide range of kids activities

    Romantic Break  -  Two luxurious villas have a separate entrance, spacious gardens, a private pool and unbelieveable views

    Minimum Stay  -  Sunday changeover and minimum 3 night stay

    Kids Club  -  During peak summer season there are a range of supervised activities for children and teenagers

    

    "Serious Relaxing" is how Bella Mare describes itself. Offering a range of chic rooms and suites all with private balcony or terrace, some of which sleep up to four, it is ideal for families. Plus lovely gardens and pool, direct access to Avlaki beach, and two tavernas within stumbling distance! See More

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  • Zefiros Traditional Hotel Corfu 11 rooms from $83

    
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    Local exploring  -  In one of Corfu's most idyllic villages, ideally located close to restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, shops and small bars

    Back to Nature  -  In a beautiful setting where lush mountains meet crystal clear waters

    Beach Life  -  Located right on the beautiful Paleokastritsa beach

    Sights nearby  -  The 17th century monastery in Paleokastritsa is a popular tourist attraction

    

    Ultra hip hotel located at the beach with sea views from every room. Red brick walls, antique furniture evoke a traditional style with all modern facilities. A cafe-bistro at the ground floor serves breakfast and light snacks. Full of character. See More

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  • Sidari Beach Hotel Karousades, Corfu 31 rooms from $89

    
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    Beach Life  -  Located at the Sidari beach offering sun-terraces to lounge and sun bathe

    Value chic  -  Great value family holiday accommodation

    Local markets  -  Moments away from local supermarkets, cafes, souvenir shops, travel agencies and jewellers

    Diving  -  For beginners and experienced divers

    

    A stone's throw from both the village centre and nearby Sidari beach. Elegant and contemporary rooms offer fantastic views of the ocean. The restaurant, serving Greek and Italian dishes, is inspired by local cuisine and ingredients. Enjoy Corfu's landscapes from their pool with a snack bar. See More

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  • Melina Bay Hotel Kassiopi, Corfu 20 rooms from $100

    
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    Value chic  -  Chic suites for an inviting price - especially for this part of Corfu

    Local exploring  -  The hotel will pack you a picnic box and organise a car for the day

    Romantic Break  -  Whether a wedding, honeymoon or simply a romantic break

    Diving  -  Can be organised through the hotel

    

    Located under Kassiopi Castle, this beach side hotel has been recently refurbished in a contemporary style with neutral, calming colours. A terrace restaurant with views of the harbour serves classic Mediterranean dishes with a good wine list. Staff are happy to help with organising excursions. See More

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  • Kontokali Bay Resort & Spa Kontokali, Corfu 259 rooms from $159

    
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    Views  -  Wonderful views over the Ionian Sea

    On the beach  -  Private beach.

    Beach Life

    Romantic Break

    

    Contemporary chic hotel and spa resort with private beach. Rooms, suites and garden bungalows have creamy furnishings, wooden floors, modern gadgetry and sea views from private balconies. Extensive spa, salt water infinity pool and good restaurant and bar. Great for a beach holiday, family friendly. See More

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  • MarBella, Mar-Bella Collection Agios Ioannis Peristeron, Corfu 393 rooms from $345

    
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    Restaurant  -  4 restaurants; seafood, Mediterannean, Greek, Italian.

    Views  -  Incredible views across to mainland Greece

    Families  -  Two-bedroom suites.

    On the beach  -  Private beach.

    

    Five Star luxury on the beach. Contemporary chic rooms, suites, and apartments in creams and whites with all the mod cons and sea-facing balconies. Fabulous restaurants, extensive spa, gorgeous pool and lounge area, private beach. Romantic, family friendly, often good value. See More

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  • Corfu Palace Kerkira, Corfu 115 rooms from $133

    
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    Views  -  Great views over Garitsa Bay to the Greek mainland

    Sights nearby  -  10 minute walk from the centre of Corfu Town

    Restaurant  -  Scheria Restaurant for fine dining

    Spa  -  Thalassotherapy spa centre

    

    Recommended by  -  CN Traveller

    One of the first hotels to be built on Corfu. A large imposing building in a prime location. A mixture of contemporary and old-fashioned rooms with private balconies/terraces. Good spa, pool, restaurant. Well equipped, friendly staff, excellently positioned. See More

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  • Delfino blu Agios Stefanos, Corfu 15 rooms from $145

    
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    Foodies  -  Wonderful Greek restaurant.

    Beach Life

    Views  -  Great views from hotel

    Romantic Break

    

    Wonderful beach boutique hotel with contemporary chic suites and apartments. Fabulous Greek restaurant, champagne breakfasts, pool and beach bar. Very romantic, yet still family friendly (some apartments sleep 4). A great choice for a faultless beach holiday. See More

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  • Corfu Imperial Corfu 274 rooms from $307

    
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    Families  -  Villas and Bungalows designed to accommodate large families with a private dining and butler service

    Private Pool  -  Waterfront villas offer a private pool, other bungalows and suites share

    Swimming Pool  -  An outdoor and indoor pool as well as shared private pools

    Kids Club  -  Grecoland kids' club for children 3 – 13+

    

    The Corfu Imperial exudes old-school grandeur in the best possible way. With private beaches, a plethora of restaurants, and superb sports and leisure facilities for couples and families, it's a destination in its own right. Exclusive, and in our view the best on Corfu. See More

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Written by Helen Pickles

posted Tuesday, 9th June 2020