Where to stay in Corfu? Guide To The Best Towns And Areas
Don’t know where to stay in Corfu? Check out where we suggest staying to experience this Greek island to the fullest.
We spent a whole week touring around the beautiful island of Corfu, located in the Ionian Sea off the coast of Albania and the Greek mainland.
It isn’t a big island. You can easily drive from the north coast to the south and back again within a day. Nevertheless, if you would ask us where you should stay in Corfu we highly suggest the following:
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 around Sidari to visit the famous beaches in the northwest, and book a place along the stunning beaches such as Paleokastritsa.
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From our visit to Corfu, we think that the north part has more to offer. However, if you plan to stay in Corfu longer than a week, check out the southern part of Corfu too.
We really liked the southeast part of the island. Just below Mesongi, a popular resort town, we saw many little beaches along the calm crystal-clear waters.
So what are the different places in Corfu like? And where to stay in Corfu to see the amazing beaches and highlights this island is known for?
Continue reading to find out…
How to find the perfect place to stay in Corfu
To avoid an avalanche of information online on places to stay and see in Corfu, we recommend taking a moment to ask yourself a couple of questions. These will help you pinpoint where you want to stay on the island and what type of accommodation you want to stay at.
When will you be in Corfu?
Like any destination in the world, the time of year will influence two things:
- the weather and
- the price
These factors will likely decide the things you will do and where you will stay.
Weather
The coldest months are December, January, February, and March with average temperatures of 10℃ (50℉).
April, May, September, and October can have temperatures ranging from 15℃ (59℉) to 19℃ (66℉).
The colder months are the ideal time to explore Corfu town to the fullest. You can hike along the Corfu trail and through little mountain villages and drive along the stunning beaches.
Staying along the beach is a wonderful option too. However, in the colder months, you might want to stay in a small picturesque village such as Pelekas or Lakones.
The hottest months in Corfu are July and August (also the peak season), with an average temperature of 25℃ (77℉). However, it can get much hotter.
When we were in Corfu, daily temperatures reached 40℃ (105℉). Since it was boiling, our main focus was on the beaches.
Additionally, we specifically chose our accommodation near the beach so we could take a quick swim after dinner.
Hiking was definitely not at the top of our list of things to do. However, we did see many hikers take on the challenge.
Price
You can tell by the variety of choices and beautiful interior design of the accommodation that Corfu has been on the tourist map for a while. So you will find nice places to stay.
This can range from large (package-deal) hotels, small-scale family-run hotels, places offering just a few suites, and 2 or 3-bedroom villas with private pools.
Obviously, you will pay more during the summer months. But we didn’t realize how popular Corfu is. We felt like we booked our stay too late because it was difficult to find good value-for-money accommodations. A lot were already fully booked.
So make sure you book way ahead…
Don’t be surprised if you find a nice accommodation but the bathroom looks outdated, especially if it has a small shower with a curtain. It seems common for many places to have this type of shower in Greece. You just have to accept that the shower curtain will stick to you whenever you are in the shower.
Additionally, location doesn’t always determine the price. In certain areas in Corfu, you can find a mix of price ranges.
For instance, Kavos mainly attracts teenagers who plan to party all night. While many accommodations cater to these travelers, if you look just outside town, you’ll find a wide selection of high-end options, some even offering direct access to a private beach.
How will you be traveling in Corfu?
An island like Corfu is ideal for a road trip. The best beaches and highlights are scattered around the island and the roads to get there are pretty good.
However, when planning our trip, we couldn’t figure out a perfect route for Corfu because our visit was cut in two (4 days before and 4 days after our trip to Albania).
Eventually, we chose two villages as a base to explore the island: Moraitika in the South and Acharavi in the North. Both villages were quiet and located within an hour’s drive from the things we wanted to see.
But would we stick to just two places again?
No, definitely not. We felt we missed out on experiencing other Greek villages.
Understandably a road trip is not everybody’s idea of a wonderful holiday. Luckily Corfu isn’t too big and if you wish to stick to one place, then you can easily reach everything within 1,5h drive by rental car or motor scooter.
If you are in Corfu for just a couple of days and don’t want to be on the road too much, we highly suggest choosing a village along the western coast. This is one of the best areas on the island to find the most stunning beaches and sights.
We also recommend this if you are traveling solely by public transportation. Stay a couple of days in Corfu Town and then grab one of the many local buses to the villages along the West Coast.
What type of place do you want to stay at in Corfu?
Corfu attracts all types of travelers from young budget party animals, and families with kids to those who prefer peace and quiet, preferably in their private villa.
For instance, Acharavi located in the north is known as a family destination while Kavos and Sidari are famous for their nightlife.
On the other hand, the northeast is considered posh. We enjoyed driving along the little roads towards the beach here. And yes, we saw many private villas so we can imagine it’s the place to lose the heavy crowd.
But surprisingly, we also saw pretty big accommodations with pools deep in the mountains of Corfu. If you have wheels then this is something you should consider too.
In the end, the place will determine the type of crowd and the type of holiday you aim for. So to avoid being stuck between teenagers partying till the morning hours, make sure you know what the atmosphere of a certain village is like.
And if you want to lose the crowd there are many great accommodations just outside these popular places offering a peaceful and unique experience.
Where to stay in Corfu
As you can imagine we could not visit all the places you can stay in Corfu. You can find Corfu hotels everywhere, even along the most deserted mountain roads and sleepy villages.
It’s pretty crazy, to be honest…
However, we drove a lot and came across many picturesque villages where we would have loved to stay. We have highlighted them so you know what to expect and can decide what fits you best.
Corfu Town
We all agreed that Corfu Town is one of the prettiest towns we have seen in Greece. It is gorgeous.
The beautiful squares are surrounded by colorful buildings and connected by narrow cobbled streets making it a treat to wander around aimlessly.
It is immediately evident that this town, a UNESCO world heritage site, has a rich history. In ancient times it was an important commercial center and in the centuries that followed it was conquered by the Normans, Venetians, Turks, Russians and English.
The influences of these different rulers are still evident in the architecture and historical sights of Corfu OldTown.
Besides admiring its architecture and a lot of possibilities to shop (which is probably the number 1 thing to do for many) there are many other things you should check out.
Related post: Guide to Corfu Old Town – Best Things to See and Do
And the great thing about Corfu Town is that it is located in the center of the island. From here you can reach almost any village in an hour.
That said, we do not recommend staying in Corfu Town your whole stay. Instead of a day trip, we encourage you to rent a car for a couple of days and stay at least 1 night somewhere on the island.
Where to stay in Corfu Town
Kâmara Old Town Studios $$$: Cosy studios with a balcony facing the narrow cobbled streets Corfu Town is known for. The interior provides a luxurious feel and the roof terrace is a great spot to wind down after a day of exploring. Ideal for couples.
Fotiadis Family Luxury Suites $$: Located in the northern part of town, this modern-styled accommodation offers wonderful views of the ocean and Albania. Easy parking and access to the city center. Various types of fully equipped units, so perfect for couples and families.
Liston Inn Suites (Piazza) $$: Located right near the famous Liston making it easy to explore the beautiful Old Town to the fullest. Clean and practical accommodation with comfortable beds and modern amenities. Perfect for couples
The Hidden Garden $$: An accommodation in the heart of the old town with a beautiful garden? Is it even possible? This one-bedroom apartment with a living area and patio to the garden is the ideal place to start or return to after discovering the historic town.
Semeli Old Town Corfu Retreat $$: Admire the stunning historical streets from the balcony of this accommodation set within an old building. It’s a place to immerse yourself in what this Corfu town has to offer. Ideal for couples
Ionian Pearl Apartments And Suites $$: Just outside Corfu, but easy accessible by bus from town and the airport. Clean spacious apartment with 2 bedrooms and a roof terrace. Perfect for families or friends traveling together.
The Northeast
Kassiopi, Agios Stefanos, Kerasia, Kalami, Nisaki, Mparmpati, Pyrgi, Ipsos, Dassia
While West Corfu often gets the most attention, we really enjoyed driving along the island’s northeastern coast and exploring its beaches.
The main road is pretty busy when leaving Corfu Town. The village Dassia is particularly known for its many beach clubs and bars.
We didn’t take the time to stop at Ipsos as the beach was along the main coastal road with hotels and restaurants found on the other side. In our opinion, it is not the most charming place.
However, the connecting little village at the end of Ipsos called Pyrgi is cute and has a nice piece of beach. The girl who helped us with drinks at a nice terrace in Pyrgi said that unlike Ipsos it is peacefully quiet here.
Towns until Pyrgi are pretty good to reach by local buses (blue buses) from Corfu Town. So definitely a bonus if you don’t want to travel by public transportation.
Kassiopi Area
There is less traffic once you pass Barbati and Nisaki. From Kalami all the way to Kassiopi you will find cute little bays. We like the villages along Avlaki Beach and Agios Stefanos.
They were located along small streets. When we drove to Agios Stafanos beach we saw many private villas while more towards the north it was a mix of private resorts and little places to stay.
Considering their size these beaches can get full during the high season. But if you would spend a night or two here you can enjoy them before the crowd arrives plus you can easily explore the many other bays.
Despite being all located in the northeast, each beach has its own character. And the great thing is that in this area you can still find wonderful accommodations directly at the beach.
Where to stay in Northeast Corfu
T’adelfia Kalami $: This accommodation is beautiful in and out. The fresh interior is welcoming while the ochre colors outside provide a warm summer feeling. A pool to cool down is available. Apartments come with 1 or 2 double rooms. Nearby beaches are Agni beach and Kalami beach.
Aris Studio Corfu Pyrgi $$: This tastefully decorated villa provides enough seating areas from where you can enjoy the view over the emerald-blue water of Pyrgi and Ipsos beach. The 2 bedrooms are big. Here you can open the window and admire the sea view from your bed.
Villa Tatiana Stefanos $$$: Looking to leave everything behind and enjoy a stay in Corfu in style? This luxury pool villa has spectacular views of the ocean and tastefully decorated rooms and seating areas. Ideal for groups, large families (max. 8 people), or couples seeking an ultimate and private stay.
Effie Apartment Stefanos $: This apartment is located right in Stefanos town, making it easy to reach the many restaurants, boat rentals, and the beach. A great place to explore the many bays this area is known for. Perfect for couples
Cochelli Lower Pool Walk Avlaki $: A colorful accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool is located up the hills of Avlaki Bay. Offering a 2-bedroom apartment, this place is ideal for families. The place to fully enjoy Avalki Beach.
Lemontree Apartments Avlaki $: This accommodation has five 1-bedroom apartments set within a nice garden with a view of their swimming pool. The nearby beaches are Avlaki Beach and Kogevina Beach.
Serenity House Kassiopi $: This small-scale accommodation with a swimming pool has the best location in Kassiopi: right at the beach and just a short walk from restaurants and the harbor. Various types of units to choose from: 1 to 2-bedroom apartments or a 1-bedroom studio.
Beach House Varvara $$: This cute 2-bedroom beach house is located right at the Kogevina beach. Walk through the gate and jump straight into the ocean. Fall asleep to the sound of the waves. The place for a peaceful holiday experience. Nearby Avlaki beach.
The Northwest
Sidari, Agios Stefanos, Agios Georgios, Arillas, Agios Georgios beach, Porto Timoni
Along the north strip of the island, you can mainly find long-stretched beaches, such as Roda, Acharive and Astrakeri beach.
Honestly, we think these villages are less charming than the many others we have visited. Everything is focused on hotels, restaurants and the usual souvenir shops.
This is the same for Sidari, known among the young travelers seeking exciting nightlife. While it attracts a young crowd, the Sidari area offers unique cliff beaches. So it is worth staying here.
However, we don’t recommend staying right in this tourist town. When driving towards Sidari we saw many nice accommodations along the main road. They were often charming, small-scale places, and we highly recommend checking them out instead.
You will need your own transportation for the short drive to town though. There are many car and motorscooter rental companies in Sidari.
Once away from Sidari area, you will find many luxury villas dotted here and there.
The must-see beach at Sidari is Canal d’Amour. It was extremely busy when we were there, but we bet it is quiet if you arrive early. Most people will probably still be sleeping after a night of partying
Other villages along the northwest coast, such as Peroulades, allow easy access to the famous Cape Drastis and Sunset Loggas Beach.
Further towards the west
Heading down the coast, you will find the beaches of Agios Stefanos in Avliotes, Arillas Beach, and Agios Georgios Beach. Their long sandy beach with calm shallow waters makes it ideal for families with children.
Arrillas is known for its many return visitors who enjoy the relaxing and welcoming local atmosphere.
Agios Georgios has a similar vibe but is less lively compared to its neighbor. It may not be for everyone, but it’s great if you’re looking for a place that’s not too busy in the summer. Plus you can still find accommodation right at the beach here.
Just between Arillas and Agios Georgios you can find one of the most popular beaches in Corfu: Porto Timoni. It is a stunning beach and worth the visit. To get to the beach you need to hike down. It is packed in the summer months.
To fully enjoy this unique beach find a place to stay nearby and get there early in the morning before the crowd arrives.
Both Arrillas and Agios Georgios are also the perfect places for boat trips. You can take the boat along the West Coast, including a visit to Porto Timoni.
Where to stay in NorthWest Corfu
Sunset and Sunrise Apartments “Goulakia” $$: Looking for a place to take in the view? These clean and comfortable apartments are ideal for families and are located in a quiet area up in the hills, just 15 minutes from Gialos Beach.
The Homey Sidari $: A home away from home, this cute house is surrounded by lush vegetation yet located outside Sidiri. This makes it possible to seek the action whenever you want. Perfect for families.
Christiana’s Cottage Sidari $: This cottage is stylish and fresh yet comfy. They offer a large double room or 2-bedroom apartment. It is ideal for any traveler who wants to be close to Sidari and wishes to explore the beautiful beaches nearby.
My Corfu Luxury Villa Sidari $$: The three villas at this complex all come with a private pool and two large bedrooms. Its quiet location just outside Sidari is perfect for getting away from the crowd and enjoying a luxurious stay. This villa has taken much care and love into the villa interior. You will feel like you have found a special place here. Lagos Sunset Beach is just minutes away.
Serenity Studios Arillas $: A colorful accommodation surrounded by a green garden houses four 2-bedroom studios with kitchenette. Located walking distance from Taverna’s. Perfect for couples.
The Mathraki Studios Arilla (Adults Only) $$: Enjoy a relaxing holiday at this accommodation with garden and pool view studios. It is located just outside Arilla but still close to the beach. They have an onsite restaurant, but you can find many restaurants and shops just around the corner too. This accommodation is known for its many return visitors who come back year after year. Well, that says enough…
Evgenios Studios Agios Georgios $: Everything at this lovely accommodation with studios is focused on the beach. Enjoy the views from the balcony, terrace, and garden. All you need to do is cross the street to reach it. Perfect for couples.
Diamantina’s comfort house Agios Georgios $$: This apartment has all the facilities you expect from a place full of comfort (including a washing machine and dryer!). Everything is beautifully maintained and up to standard. The beach is just a 5-minute walk away, as are the restaurants and shops. Ideal for couples and families.
The West
Lakones, Paleokastritsa, Liapedes,
This part of Corfu has the most stunning bay beaches. Naturally, it is one of the most popular place to visit and to stay.
Paleokastritsa village is blessed with 6 different bays, all more stunning than the other. Agios Spyridonas beach, Ambelaki beach, Agia Triada beach, Alipa beach, Agios Petros beach, Platakia beach.
Be aware that in the summer season, dozens of buses come here to drop off day visitors. The beaches will be very busy. Unless you don’t have a private beach at your accommodation or you don’t want to be in the crowd all the time, you might need to stay more in town.
As for the neighboring town Liapedes, the charming old town is a wonderful experience to stay. The local people are still very present here, providing an authentic atmosphere. A narrow road connects the old town with Liapades and Rovinia Beach.
Another good option is not to stay along the bays, but at the village more inland called Lakones. Like many typical Greek villages you will come across in Corfu, Lakones has one big road running through it. On both sides of the road, you can find colorful houses and shops.
It might not be located in one of the bays, but the views from here are spectacular.
When we were in this part of Corfu we rented a small boat and explored the coast for a whole day. We had a great time and highly recommend doing this too. The beaches and water are amazing.
Where to stay in West Corfu
Thomas Beach Studios Paleokastritsa $$: Considering the popularity you would think you can’t have a private beach in front of your doorstep. Well, at Thomas Studios you can. Wake up to the sound of the ocean and a view of Corfu’s most beautiful beach area.
Akis Apartments Paleokastritsa $: Cute apartments located almost right at Alipa Beach. Everything is around the corner, just as the bus stops. And the pool with a stunning view of the ocean is a extra bonus.
Tango Studios Paleokastritsa $$: This accommodation is located near Agios Triada beach and offers stunning views of the beach, ocean, and mountains. The studio is beautifully designed and the sunbeds on the terrace are a wonderful place to unwind. The studio is perfect for couples while the deluxe apartment is great for families or friends (includes a hot tub). Don’t forget to treat yourself to breakfast here!
Maria Studios Paleokastritsa $: Not only will you get a comfortable and clean room, a huge pool, and the beautiful Paleokastritsa beach 800m away at this family-run hotel. No, you will also get the warmest hosts who will make your stay unique and one to remember. Perfect for couples
Rokamare Liapades $$$: Located very close to Liapades Beach, the suites at this accommodation have the most modern interior we have seen so far. Check it out if you are seeking a getaway with your loved one. The deluxe suite comes with a spa-bath.
Traditional Detached Corfu House Liapades $$: Set in the center of the old town, this is the place if you want to feel the local atmosphere of the island. The terrace offers stunning views and is ideal for eating outdoors. Nearby restaurants offer delicious traditional Greek food. Beaches nearby.
La Maisonette House Liapades $$: This modern 1-bedroom house with a terrace is beautifully styled. It’s located along the narrow cobblestone streets in the old town of Liapades, ideal for those who want to lose the tourist feel. The small square located around the corner provides the best places to try out the local cuisine. Beaches are easily accessible from here.
Decavos House Liapades $$$: This beautiful property is spacious with 3 large bedrooms, all with a balcony and styled like from a magazine. The accommodation is surrounded by a large plot of land and offers the perfect relaxing outdoor area. Located just outside Liapades area.
New Studios Mazis Liapades $: The spacious studios have a terrace all facing the pretty and lush gardens. It is located in a quiet area making it ideal for those who plan to explore the area on wheels. Perfect for couples.
Courtyard Cottage Lakones $$: A stunningly designed house with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. This new accommodation is eye-catching and a treat to stay at. The balcony provides excellent views of the mountains and ocean, while the outdoor terrace is the best place to relax after a day of beach hopping.
Anemos Apartment $$: Beautifull well-maintained 1-bedroom apartment with panoramic views of the famous bay from the room and balcony. Their modern kitchen is fully equipped and perfect for preparing meals. The washing machine is very convenient.
Villa Magdalini $: The simple yet convenient apartment with a large balcony is located on Lakones main street. Parking area available just a delicious bakery around the corner. Ideal for those walking the Corfu Trail or who want to stay in a welcoming Greek village.
The South
Benitses, Moraitika, Mesongi, Petriti, Kavos, Gardenos beach, Marathias Beach, Agios Georgios, Agios Gordios, Pelekas
As you leave Corfu Town and drive toward the southeast coast of the island, you’ll soon pass many tourist villages along the main road.
We highly suggest not staying too close Corfu Town for several reasons:
- these hotels are built along the main road so all the traffic heading to the south will pass here. And the traffic is pretty busy
- you will need to walk along the main road to get to places such as restaurants
- airplanes fly parallel to this main road when they approach Corfu airport
Southeast
In our opinion, it’s better to head more south and stay in Benitses or the villages further away.
All these villages do look similar: restaurants and hotels on both sides of the main road. Some villages have beaches nearby, while in others (such as Moraitika) the beaches are located down the smaller side streets.
When we drove past Mesongi more towards the south we saw cute little bays where you can find a quiet spot in the shade of the trees along the water. There were a couple of accommodations along the waterfront too.
We would have loved to stay here if we knew about this area.
At the very south, you have Kavos. This village is pretty popular among young travelers but it is said that more accommodations are upscaling and therefore attracting a different crowd.
Southwest
Along the southwestern coast, you have villages along the main road, once you pass them and drive down the hill you will reach its beaches such as Mathias Beach and Agios Giorges. The soft sanded beaches are long stretched and the calm waters attract a crowd, but not as many as the north.
Other popular beaches are Halikones Beach with its nearby lake and Arkoudiles Beach on the southern tip of Corfu.
If you are looking for a somewhat central location within 30 minutes from Corfu Town then Pelekas beach (also known as Kontogialos beach) is a wonderful option. You can mainly find big resorts here.
Small-scale accommodations are more in the charming village of Pelekas. Visitors often head to the Kaiser’s Thrones ruins for stunning views.
Where to stay in South Corfu
Paul Seafront House Mesongi $$$: This fantastic place comes with a gorgeous view. It is located near restaurants and shops, but its surroundings remain quiet and peaceful. At the end of the garden you can find a private beach area.
Nikos Seaside Apartment in Agia Pelagia Chlomou $$: This adorable apartment with 2 double bedrooms is located at the ocean. Drink your morning coffee on their terrace with a direct view of the water and after breakfast walk down the stairs for a morning swim in the crystal clear ocean.
Beachfront Romantica in Agia Pelagia Chlomou $ has two studios, one with a sea view. It may not be the most stylish place, but the beach is literally just a stone’s throw away, making it a gem
Akrogiali Rooms Boukari $$: A small-scale accommodation with double and triple rooms, all facing the beautiful blue ocean. After enjoying their delicious breakfast, just cross the street to reach the beach. Views from the balcony are eye-catching.
Zervos Apartments Lefkimmi $$$: The spacious apartments have the little extras to make your stay more comfortable: a big garden with a playground, sunbeds, grill and outdoor kitchen. And best of all, a private beach. It is located along a quiet street, away from the crowd. Near Kavos town
The Gunnery House Papoutsíras $$$: A beautiful 3-bedroom villa has the most stunning infinity pool facing the ocean. The owner has not only taken much care of the interior of the house, but the outdoor areas make this a great place to just relax and enjoy the moment.
Sirocco Hotel Kavos $$$: The area is mainly known for teenagers enjoying the nightlife. That said, this is the place if you want to stay in Kavos but you are seeking a nice place to stay in a quiet area with clean and classy rooms with sea or garden views.
Archontiko Loukis Pentati $$: This special place is located off the beaten path, away from the busy tourist areas. Ideal for those who want to get away from it all after a day exploring the island. This small-scale accommodation has various types of rooms making it ideal for families, friends and couples.
Angela’s House by the Sea Marathias$$: This 2-bedroom apartment with a patio has fresh and clean decor providing a pleasant experience. The winning part is its perfect location: just a 2-minute walk from the beach. Recommended for families and couples.
Sweet Apricot Pelekas $$: This is the place if you are seeking quiet surroundings and the best views of Pelekas/Kontogialos Beach. The 2-bedroom apartments have large balconies with sunbeds from where you can enjoy the sunset. Ideal for those renting a car or motorbike and who want to explore the island.
Conclusion: Where to stay in Corfu
We hope we have given you more insight on where to stay in Corfu. It is surprising how diverse a small island like Corfu can be.
As we mentioned several times before, choosing the right location will influence your experience in Corfu.
If you are traveling in the shoulder months, then definitely stay at the many stunning bays on the Northeast and West Coast of Corfu. Also, choose a cute accommodation in the heart of Corfu Town so you can stroll through its colorful streets easily.
In the high season, we suggest otherwise…
If you really want to stay at the beach, go for the quiet villages such as the northeast of Corfu near Kasiopi or along the south coast such as Pelekas or South of Mesongi. Otherwise, find a cute accommodation just outside the tourist towns of Sidari and Paleokastritsa and rent a motorscooter for a day to explore the stunning beaches nearby.
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