Where To Stay In Corfu: 9 Best Areas For Every Traveler

Don’t know where to stay in Corfu? Check out what we suggest to experience this Greek island to the fullest.

After 10 days of riding through Corfu on a motor scooter, we were amazed at how incredibly diverse this little Ionian gem truly is. Each part of Corfu seemed to have its own personality, and when we finally got home, we couldn’t decide which spot was our favorite.

So to fully capture what makes this island so unforgettable, we suggest:

Stay in different parts of Corfu to fully experience it. For instance, spend a night at the historical Corfu Town, head to one of the northeast bays near Kassiopi, stay in the proximity of Sidari for the famous northwest beaches, and book a place at one of the bays at Paleokastritsa.

Now, if moving from place to place isn’t your style—and I get it, sometimes you just want to pick a spot and relax without having to pack and repack—don’t worry. In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the best options for where to stay in Corfu, whether you want to hop around or just plant yourself at the perfect spot. So, are you ready to find out where in Corfu you will be staying? Let’s dive in!

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Where To Stay In Corfu

Corfu truly offers something for everyone: families seeking a soft sandy beach, couples after some peace and romance, partygoers in search of nightlife, and those of us who want to lose the crowd.

But let me tell you—choosing the right place to stay in Corfu is all about location, location, location. After all, waking up between teenagers who’ve been partying until dawn (hello, Sidari and Kavos!) probably isn’t what you had in mind if you were craving a relaxing holiday.

To make sure you land in the right spot, let’s break down Corfu’s top best areas to stay, what each place feels like, and who they’re best for.

1. North East & West  – Best Overall Area to Stay in Corfu

We fell in love with the northern part of Corfu, more specifically the Northeast and Northwest beaches. We couldn’t get enough of the clear turquoise waters, pebbled bays and hills covered with cypress trees.

The Northeast area, especially the cozy villages like Kassiopi, Avlaki, and Agios Stefanos, is all about laid-back luxury. We had a great time exploring these quiet beaches.

Whereas the Northwest is more impressive and the huge cliffs towering over the beaches make the scene more dramatic and stunning.

Accommodation in East & West Corfu

📍Budget Option: Escape to Kerasia Villas, where charming apartments and a cozy cottage provide serene garden and sea views from spacious balconies, all just a short stroll from Kerasia Beach—ideal for families or couples seeking tranquility.

📍Budget Option: Serenity Studios Arillas offers a peaceful retreat in beautifully styled studios with kitchenettes and shaded terraces overlooking olive trees, just a 20-minute walk from the beach and local tavernas.

📍Mid-Range Option: Enjoy the spacious Theophilos Ena Agios Stefanos apartment with stunning village and sea views from the balcony, perfectly situated near the harbor for easy access to nearby beaches and water taxi trips.

📍Mid-Range Option: Experience modern comfort at Noa Suites Arillas, featuring welcoming terraces and a peaceful location just a 10-minute walk from the beach, complemented by the owners’ warm hospitality and helpful local tips.

📍Luxury Option: Vistonia – Exceptional studios just 20 meters from Agios Georgios beach, complete with sea views, two-bedroom apartments, and a cozy beach view bar for a welcoming atmosphere.

2. Paleokastritsa – Where to Stay In Corfu for First-Timers

Paleokastritsa is that area you’ve probably seen a million photos of. Stunning cliffs, dreamy blue waters, and pebbly bays that are almost too picturesque to be real.

I recommend Paleokastritsa if you are in Corfu for the first time. It gives you the classic Corfu experience all in one. You’ve got the beaches (six bays to explore!), cliffside views, plenty of hiking trails, and even the historic 13th-century Theotokos Monastery.

A big plus, Corfu Town is easily accessible by bus (53 minutes) and only 25 minutes by motor scooter. So as you can tell first-timers will experience Corfu in various ways when staying in Paleokastritsa.

If you’re up for an adventure, renting a boat to explore the coastline is a must. Navigating through the bluest water I have seen and stopping at deserted beaches was the best thing we did in Corfu.

Just keep in mind, that Paleokastritsa and its surrounding beaches get pretty packed during July and August, so it’s best to come here in the shoulder seasons if you can. Or at least find a cozy stay and get out early before the day-trippers arrive.

Accommodation in Paleokastritsa

📍Budget Option Akis Apartments Paleokastritsa – Cute, comfy, and practically right close to Alipa Beach. Bonus: a pool with ocean views.

📍Mid-Range Option Thomas Beach Studios Paleokastritsa: Imagine waking up to your own private beach—only four studios, ocean views, and an all-around paradise

📍Luxury Tango Studios Paleokastritsa – It’s got mountain views, a hot tub, and sunbeds just begging for you to lounge in. Grab some breakfast here—you won’t regret it.

3. Dassia – Where to Stay In Corfu without a Car

If are not a fan of renting a car or motorscooter, Dassia is your sweet spot. Corfu’s public transportation is decent (you can catch buses all over the island), and Dassia is a hub of sorts—local buses leave for Corfu Town and other villages frequently.

Plus, Dassia itself is all about convenience: a compact village, a pebbly beach, and everything within walking distance.

The bus connections here are great, but don’t expect a super charming Greek village; this popular resort town is practical and buzzing but lacks that traditional touch. Still, it’s perfect for those who just want to make things easy.

Accommodation in Dassia

📍Budget The Red Dragon – This family-run hotel with a newly renovated bathroom is right near Dassia Beach, plus the family that owns it also runs the restaurant too, making it all feel pretty personal.

📍Mid-Range: Casita – A cozy two-bedroom retreat with a modern kitchen and a lovely patio surrounded by a well-kept garden —a fantastic option for couples or families.

📍Luxury: The Red House – This one’s a crowd-pleaser—pool, garden, and a perfect location if you want to escape the hustle without sacrificing proximity to the beach.

4. Kassiopi Area – Where to Stay for Couples

The northeast is seen as the Corfu upmarket area where large private villas are tucked away between the cypress and olive trees. 

We had fun driving through this part of the island, checking out the many bays, and exploring the roads through the olive grove hills. The calm and relaxing atmosphere is ideal for a couples get-away from the heavy crowd. 

Don’t forget to plan a day away on a private boat. Dropping your anker in one of the quiet bays, jumping in the water and having a pick-nick on your boat ticks all the boxes for a romantic day out.

If you want some more lively nightlife then head to Kassiopi, a charming village with enough choices in bars and restaurants. 

Many accommodations in this area, except for Kassiopi cater to 6 or more guests. However, with some digging, we found some excellent options.

Accommodation in Kassiopi Area

📍Budget Option: Lemontrees Apartment – A tranquil retreat surrounded by a lush garden with lemon trees, featuring just five cozy one-bedroom apartments and a refreshing pool, all within a short stroll to Avlaki and Kogevina beaches.

📍Mid-Range Option: Bella Mare Hotel – We usually do not recommend large hotels, but it is perfect for a romantic getaway, featuring sea-view suites, an adults-only pool, and a buffet breakfast area, all within walking distance of nearby taverns

📍Luxury Option: Villa Tatiana Stefanos – A luxurious pool villa with breathtaking ocean views and elegantly decorated spaces, ideal for groups but also perfect for couples seeking a stylish and private getaway in Corfu.

5. Glyfada – Where to Stay for Families

We promised our son who is crazy about swimming pools that we would at least stay at one hotel with a pool. In the end it became two: Acharive in the North and Moraitika in the South-East.

Would we recommend these villages? Not really. Both have calm waters ideal for smaller kids, but other than that there wasn’t much charm.

While Acharive is often suggested as one of the best places to stay for families in Corfu, we would consider Glyfada next time.

So if you are traveling with kids (or just want soft sand between your toes), Glyfada is where you’ll want to be. The Blue Flag beach is everything you could want—lifeguards, safe swimming, and plenty of space.

If you’ve got teens, they’ll also love Glyfada’s nightlife—it’s buzzing enough to keep them entertained, but not too crazy. And here’s a bonus: Aqualand water park is just 15 minutes away. If your kids are like mine, they will have the best time ever.

Accommodation in Glyfada

📍Budget: Corfu Glyfada Family Beach House – Imagine having a garden with your own sea view and dining outdoors while the little ones play safely—this great spot checks all the boxes.

📍Mid-Range: Aria, Maisonette in Glyfada Beach – A charming maisonette in town but with excellent sea views and easy access to the beach.

📍Luxury: Aqua Seafront Glyfada Corfu Beach House – Lovingly decorated, direct access to the garden, and steps away from the beach. The kind of place where the photos don’t even do it justice.

6. Arillas or Agios Georgios – Where to Stay for Beaches

Now, if you’re like us and beaches are your top priority on your trip to Corfu then Arillas and Agios Georgios Pagon should be on your radar. Located in northwest Corfu, these villages offer quieter stays without sacrificing stunning beaches.

I mean, these are some of the most beautiful in Corfu.

You’ve got Porto Timoni (breathtaking twin coves), Canal D’Amour, and Cape Drastis all within a 30-minute drive. The Green bus lines connect Arrillas with the villages along the north Coast and Corfu Town.

But the best part? Arillas and Agios Georgios aren’t overrun. It’s still that low-key Corfu feel, where you can enjoy a quiet glass of wine by the beach in the evening without having to elbow your way through the crowds.

Accommodation in Arillas or Agios Georgios Pagon

📍Budget Option: Evgenios Studios Agios Georgios – A charming beachside accommodation where every studio offers stunning views from the balcony, terrace, and garden—just a step across the street to the sand, making it ideal for couples.

📍 Mid-Range Option: The Mathraki Studios Arillas (Adults Only): A serene getaway with garden and pool view studios just outside Arillas, with an onsite restaurant and nearby dining and shopping options, beloved by returning guests year after year.

📍Luxury Option: Sun N Salt Private Villas in Agios Georgios Pagon – Three modern villas with private sea-view pools, nestled in a peaceful area just a short walk from the beach, restaurants, and shops—perfect for exploring the stunning nearby beaches and Corfu Old Town in style.

7. Beyond Mesongi – Where to Stay For Private Beaches

If you’re looking for hidden gems and a real sense of peace, Mesongi and beyond is where you’ll want to set your sights.

During our time in Moraitika, we set out to explore Corfu’s southern tip, stopping at the beaches of Marithias and Halikones. Halikones is unique for the nearby fresh lake ecosystem. But what really caught our attention were the little secluded bays just south of Mesongi—many of them deserted, even in mid-July.

Along the main coastal road, you’ll find plenty of shaded spots by the water, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The area offers several accommodations with private entrances to the water, which is ideal if your idea of bliss is waking up steps away from the ocean without another soul in sight.

Accommodation beyond Mesongi

Here are some of our favorite stays that deliver peace, beauty, and that little slice of privacy you’ve been dreaming about.

📍Budget Option: Nikos Seaside Apartment in Agia Pelagia Chlomou – A charming two-bedroom apartment right by the ocean, perfect for enjoying morning coffee on the terrace with direct water views before descending the stairs for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear sea.

📍Mid-Range Option: Akrogiali Rooms Boukari – A cozy accommodation offering double and triple rooms with stunning ocean views, where you can savor a delicious breakfast before crossing the street to the beach, all while enjoying eye-catching balcony vistas

📍 Luxury Option: Paul Seafront House Mesongi – A fantastic retreat with stunning views, nestled near restaurants and shops while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, featuring a private beach area at the end of the garden for ultimate relaxation.

8. Corfu Town – Where To Stay In The Low Season

Corfu Town is one of the prettiest towns we have seen so far in Greece. It’s got historic colorful buildings, narrow cobbled streets, bustling squares, and a charm that doesn’t fade, even during the off-season. It is no wonder it has been listed as a
Unesco World Heritage site

While most of Corfu starts closing shop in late October, Corfu Town is still open for business. You can wander through the streets, grab a coffee in Spianada Square, and marvel at The Liston—all with fewer crowds.

Its central location makes it perfect for day trips all over the beautiful island, and really, who wouldn’t want to stay in a town that lets you experience both history and modern culture?

Accommodation in Corfu Old Town

📍 Budget Option: Cortile Antico – Tucked away in Old Corfu Town with a surprisingly big shower (trust me, this can be a rare find!). Simple, clean, and spacious.

📍 Mid-Range Option: Bright, comfy, and perfect for groups who want to experience Corfu Town’s bustle but sleep in a quieter corner.

📍 Luxury Option: The modernized 1861 Liston Boutique flat is set in a charming 19th-century building. Just across from Spianada Square, this is the perfect mix of old-world style and modern comfort.

9. Mountain Villages: Where to stay for the local experience

I don’t know about you, but we pictured ourselves staying close to the stunning beaches in Corfu. But once driving past many Greek mountain villages, we knew that these are the spots that have the authentic, untouched charm.

The temperature is cooler in the summer months, the air is fresher, and the view is an extra bonus.

So if you want to get a sense of what makes Corfu unique, head up into the mountains and stay in picturesque village.

The locals are friendly, the food is great, and you get the added benefit of staying in historic stone homes and boutique villas. It’s a very different experience than being along the coast (which is often just a short drive away – so you can enjoy both worlds!)

Accommodation in the Mountains of Corfu

📍Budget: Dinateli House in Kastellánoi – A mix of traditional charm and modern comfort—panoramic Ionian Sea views, olive groves, and a great place to relax in their outdoor area. Conveniently located near picturesque villages and beaches, and an ideal base for exploring Corfu’s.

📍Budget Kapella Apartments in Vatos- a serene retreat providing a homely feel and balconies to enjoy the pleasant Corfu climate. With friendly owners, great value, and an ideal location near beautiful beaches and local amenities.

📍Mid-Range Traditional Detached Corfu House in Liapades – Located in the heart of the old town, this charming spot immerses you in the local atmosphere of the island. With many nearby restaurants serving traditional local cuisine, you’ll also find beautiful beaches just a short stroll away.

📍Mid-Range Papou Cottage in Pelekas is a charming stone retreat nestled in the hills, offering spectacular views of the countryside and distant sea. Cozy interior, a lovely garden, and a terrace for outdoor relaxation. Just a short drive from the best beaches making it perfect for an authentic, tranquil Corfu experience.

📍Luxury: The Merchants House in Peritheia is a beautifully restored boutique accommodation featuring charming stone architecture, lovely rooms, and stunning mountain views. The perfect escape yet close to local tavernas and hiking trails for those seeking a peaceful retreat immersed in authentic village life.

📍Luxury Petalia Sanctuary 1887 in Petalia village blends traditional charm with modern comfort, featuring spacious rooms and stunning views in a serene atmosphere. With lush gardens and inviting outdoor spaces, it’s the perfect retreat for those seeking relaxation and an authentic taste of Corfiot life.

Getting Around Corfu

Alright, let’s talk logistics for a minute. Corfu is a lot of things—but it’s not a one-stop shop. It’s an island best enjoyed by exploring different corners, whether that’s hopping beaches or discovering tiny tavernas off the beaten path. To do that, you’ll want wheels. Here are your options:

Car Rental

Corfu is made for road trips. Renting a car means the freedom to roam—and some of the best deals are available at the airport, especially for long-term rental. They also include pick-up and drop-off eliminating extras costs to get to your accommodaiton.

Parking skills are a must—some of those famous beaches have tight spots uphill. 

Motor Scooter

Personally, I love the fresh air and freedom of a motor scooter. It’s ideal for parking easily and seeing everything up close.

Luckily renting a motor scooter in Corfu is very popular so you can find rental companies in every village. Either rent one for your entire Corfu stay or go on day trips. Just make sure to rent a 125cc if you’re tackling the hills.

We were able to rent a 125cc motor scooter with our driving licence alone, however this is not at all rental companies. So contact several until you find one that allows it.

Public Transporation

Corfu’s bus system is solid, especially for major stops like Corfu Town and Paleokastritsa. Perfect if you don’t mind a bit of walking after the ride—just remember to pack light

The buses can be  divided into two main networks: the Blue Buses (Astiko KTEL) and the Green Buses (Yperastiko KTEL)

The Blue buses operate within Corfu Town and its nearby villages such as the airport, the port, and popular tourist destinations such as Gouvia, Dassiam, Ipsos and Pyrgi. They have a regular time table and is popular among locals and tourists.

The Green buses can be considered long-distance buses that connect Corfu town and/or airport with the rest of the island such as Paleokastritsa, Sidari, Kavos, and Agios Gordios. 

For both types of buses, you should buy your ticket at a kiosk beforehand to avoid paying a higher fee when boarding. 

Conclusion: Where to stay in Corfu?

Corfu isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of place. It’s diverse, and it’s wonderful in that diversity. Whether you’re looking for beaches, mountains, history, or quiet, Corfu has you covered—you just need to land in the right spot.

If you’re visiting during the off-season, definitely take advantage of the quiet beauty of Corfu Town and the hidden gems in the northeast and west. In peak summer, try for the quieter bays or stay just outside the popular areas and rent that motor scooter to explore.

Whatever your vibe, Corfu will have the place for you. You just need to find it—and I hope this guide helped get you that much closer. So what are you waiting for, time to pack those boots and sandals and head out…

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