Best Places to Stay in Corfu is a guide to the best areas of the island for first-timers, families, and couples. Each area offers something unique and special, and you should choose the one that best suits your needs.
Corfu Town is a great choice for first-timers and provides access to restaurants, bars, and cultural sites. It’s also convenient for shopping and a range of other activities.
Liapades
Located within 22 minutes’ drive of Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport, Paradise Inn Liapades Corfu is situated 2 miles from Chomi beach. It offers 19 rooms and provides guests with a swimming pool. It is also within easy reach of places of worship and entertainment options such as family owned Theotoky Estate Winery. There are also a variety of dining and drinking venues within walking distance, including the restaurant Aspros.
The main beach of Liapades (also known as Gefyra) is a sandy beach that mixes gravel and pebbles. It is well organized with beach bars, water sports and sunbeds for rent. The waters are clean and there are sea caves in the rocks. It is a good choice for families and those looking for peace and quiet.
There are also some small beaches to the east of Gefyra. These are a little harder to get to as they require some hiking. Some people also use the coastal footpath to Paleokastritsa. This is a walk that takes around 40 minutes and includes some sections that may be challenging for the less mobile. It is also possible to take a bus or boat taxi from Liapades to Paleokastritsa.
Bakery- There are a couple of bakeries in the village of Liapades. They are both cheap and serve good food. One is right after Costas Steak House and the other is in the square of the village. They both serve apple pies, cheese pies, spinach pies and bougatsa (cream pie).
Marineris Grill- This is a very nice place for dinner. They have a great selection of meats and fish. I have never had a bad meal there but the service can be a little slow.
Halikounas
Halikounas is one of the best beaches in Corfu and has a mixture of sand and shingle throughout its three-kilometre length. Sometimes known by the alternative name of Chalikounas, this beach is on the southwest coast of Corfu near the Korission lake and is the largest sandy beach on the island.
The water is a stunning blue colour and the beach itself is wide and quiet. There are a few tavernas dotted around the edge and in the middle of the beach but most of it is left empty so you can stretch out on your towel and relax. This is a great beach for kids as they can build sand castles without annoying anyone and the sea stays shallow for quite a long way so you can safely enjoy a swim.
There are also some great walking opportunities as part of the beach is included in the area protected by the Korission lake and a large ancient cedar forest so you can explore the coastline and see the wildlife. There are flamingos and pelicans to spot on the lake and you can even watch kite surfers.
There are some fantastic villas in Halikounas, such as Villa Afroditi, which has amazing views of the coast. This villa is ideal for families as it has a private children’s playground, while there are also bicycle rental services and a private beach area on site. The airport is 30 km from the property, and there is a paid airport shuttle service. The villa has a balcony with sea and mountain views, and the living areas have a fireplace and plush sofa beds that offer a luxurious night’s sleep.
Barbati
The beach resort of Barbati (or Mparmpati) is a good base for exploring Corfu’s east coast. It’s a little farther north than budget hotels like Ipsos or Nissaki and closer to the island capital Kerkyra, so it’s a bit easier to reach by car.
As the name suggests, most of the accommodation here is situated directly behind the gorgeous, pebble-filled beach. A few large olive trees provide limited natural shade and there are a handful of tavernas along the water’s edge for refreshments during the day. Water sports are also available for those wanting to get active and stay cool.
However, this is not a pin-drop quiet beach and you can expect to hear the thump of bass from a couple of beach bars that attract young partygoers in summer. If you want to avoid the noise and have a relaxed day on the beach, simply walk to another section of the shore.
There’s a decent selection of restaurants, many of which are family-run and have a traditional Greek feel to them. Some are a bit louder than others but there’s also plenty of more laid back eateries where you can enjoy a delicious meal and a glass of wine on the terrace while watching the world go by.
Agios Stefanos
Located on the north west coast of Corfu, Agios Stefanos is a traditional fishing village that fringes a spectacular 2km blue-flag beach. It’s a non-over commercialized resort with a range of hotels and villas that are beautifully designed and well maintained.
There are a number of restaurants, bars, cafes and shops in the small town. In the evening, the main square is a lively spot with live music and dancing. The locals are friendly and warm and many people visit year after year.
Most of the businesses are family run and take pride in making their guests feel at home. There’s a great sense of community and this is one of the reasons why the resort attracts so many repeat visitors. There isn’t a lot of nightlife here, so you won’t find wild English style bars and clubs but there is a great selection of tavernas that offer food and drink at a good price.
It’s easy to get around Agios Stefanos and it’s ideal for those who want a quiet, relaxed holiday. However, it’s worth hiring a car to get out and explore the island more fully. There are plenty of gorgeous beaches, stunning scenery and a variety of experiences to discover.
The best place to stay in Agios Stefanos is Thomas Bay Hotel in San Stefanos Avliotes. This hotel is in a quiet location just out of the center but only a short walk to all of the local amenities and a 10minute walk to the fantastic beach. There is also a large pool area with a children’s section and the hotel offers a bed and breakfast or half board basis. The staff are extremely helpful and friendly and the rooms are very clean and spacious.
Corfu Town
Corfu Town is a great place to stay in Corfu for a mix of culture, beaches, and nightlife. It’s a convenient location with dozens of direct flights each day from the UK and is the best choice for travellers seeking a luxury hotel experience or an adventure-focused trip with friends. There are a variety of hotels in Corfu to choose from, but it’s important to book well in advance.
Corfu City is a vibrant blend of Venetian, Byzantine, and Corfiot cultures. It’s also a major hub for tourism on the island, so there are plenty of places to stay and things to do. The city is filled with picturesque narrow streets, pristine beaches, and the Church of Panayia Kassopitra, which has some of the most impressive icons in Corfu. You can also visit Kassiopi Castle, which overlooks the city and played a key role in defending the island from invaders.
If you’re looking for a Corfu Town hotel with a bit of luxury, consider the Hilton Garden Inn. This hotel offers a range of different room types to suit your needs. Past guests have praised the hotel’s cleanliness and its central location. It’s a short walk to the center of town and is perfect for those who want to explore Corfu without having to rent a car.
Corfu’s inland towns are home to charming villages with gorgeous views and a sense of history. Skripero is known for its philharmonic society that dates back to the 18th century, and Ano Korakiana has ancient churches, stunning mansions, and a wealth of medieval culture.