The 8 Best Sandy Beaches in Corfu
Much of Corfu's coastline is pebbles and rock, so a proper sandy beach is worth planning a day around. We ranked every sandy beach on our map by its Google rating, counting only beaches with at least 300 reviews, and added what makes each one different.
Most of the winners are on the south and west coasts, where long bays of golden sand face the open Ionian Sea. Before you go, check the live map for today's crowd, parking and wind forecast.
1. Marathias
South Corfu · 4.7 Google (2,014 reviews)
Marathias is part of a long run of fine golden sand on the southwest coast, with clear, shallow water that makes it one of the easiest beaches on the island for small children. It has held a Blue Flag for water quality.
At its southern end it merges into Agia Varvara beach, also called Maltas, named after the small chapel of Saint Barbara on the hill above the road.
Good to know: The southern end is the place for watersports, including paragliding and diving.
Marathias: crowds, parking & wind today →2. Gardenos
South Corfu · 4.7 Google (2,002 reviews)
Gardenos is the beach of the village of Vitalades: almost 2 km of light golden sand, 15 to 40 metres wide, with calm, shallow water. It takes its name from the small Gardenos stream, which reaches the sea here and splits the beach in two.
It's popular with people who know the south, yet much quieter than Agios Gordios or Glyfada, and big enough never to feel crowded, even in August.
Good to know: Buses are sparse down here, so it's easiest by car: about 32 km from the airport.
Gardenos: crowds, parking & wind today →3. Arkoudilas
South Corfu · 4.7 Google (1,416 reviews)
Near Cape Asprokavos at Corfu's southern tip, Arkoudilas is a strip of golden sand below steep white cliffs, with turquoise water and wild hills behind.
The name means something like 'bear place', but there have never been bears on Corfu: it may come from a 'bear tree' mentioned in old local contracts, or from a corruption of the word Acrodilon. On the hill above stand the ruins of the Panagia Arkoudila monastery, built around 1700 by the Quartano family with a defensive tower, and a listed historic monument since 1986.
Good to know: Walk up to the monastery ruins for the view over the cape; there's a marked trail from the Lefkimmi side.
Arkoudilas: crowds, parking & wind today →4. Arillas
Northwest Corfu · 4.7 Google (1,336 reviews)
Arillas is a pale-golden arc of sand about 2 km long on the northwest coast, and the water stays shallow a long way out, which makes it one of the most child-friendly beaches on Corfu.
It faces west, so evenings are the highlight: the sun sets behind the Diapontia islands offshore, including Mathraki.
Good to know: Boats leave from here for the Diapontia islands and for the double beach of Porto Timoni.
Arillas: crowds, parking & wind today →5. Issos
Southwest Corfu · 4.6 Google (3,809 reviews)
Issos is a wide expanse of golden sand backed by rolling dunes, the only thing separating the Ionian Sea from Lake Korission, Corfu's largest lagoon.
The lagoon is a protected wetland where more than 120 bird species have been recorded, flamingos among them, and the dune coast around it appears in the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only.
Good to know: Keep to the paths through the dunes: the plants that hold them together are fragile.
Issos: crowds, parking & wind today →6. Myrtiotissa
West Corfu · 4.5 Google (1,605 reviews)
Lawrence Durrell, who lived on Corfu in the 1930s, called Myrtiotissa perhaps the loveliest beach in the world. Decades later it's still undeveloped: no hotels or bars around it, just green hills plunging to the sand.
The beach is named after the Myrtiotissa monastery on the slope above, dedicated to the Virgin Mary with a history going back to the 14th century. It has long been one of Corfu's best-known naturist beaches.
Good to know: The road down is steep; wear proper shoes and bring water, as there's little shade on the sand.
Myrtiotissa: crowds, parking & wind today →7. Loggas (Peroulades)
Northwest Corfu · 4.7 Google (397 reviews)
Below the village of Peroulades, Loggas is a narrow strip of fine golden sand, rare on this rocky coast, under sheer clay cliffs. How much beach there is depends on the sea: in stormy weather it can disappear completely.
It's one of Corfu's classic sunset spots, best watched from the bars on the clifftop.
Good to know: The clay cliffs are eroding, so keep away from their base and stay behind the railings at the top.
Loggas (Peroulades): crowds, parking & wind today →8. Halikounas
Southwest Corfu · 4.5 Google (841 reviews)
Halikounas is a seemingly endless sandy beach on the southwest coast, with the sea on one side and Lake Korission on the other. Steady afternoon winds make it Corfu's kitesurfing beach, and a licensed school rents gear and teaches beginners.
Nearby is Gardiki, a 13th-century Byzantine castle and the only medieval fortress left in the south of the island.
Good to know: Want calm water? Come in the morning, before the wind and the kites pick up.
Halikounas: crowds, parking & wind today →