Are you planning a trip to Corfu and unsure where to stay? My aim is that you’ll no longer be in doubt once you’ve read my guide here.
Corfu is a fantastic island with beautiful beaches, charming Venetian towns and lush green nature. In this guide, you’ll get an overview of the best areas to stay in, whether you’re into historic town centres, family-friendly beach holidays or authentic Greek villages.
For a first trip, choose Corfu Town for sightseeing and restaurants, Paleokastritsa for scenery, or Sidari for a resort with plenty of family facilities. Kassiopi suits a harbour-based holiday, Benitses a quieter east-coast base, and Agios Gordios a west-coast beach stay. Decide whether you want a beach outside your hotel or a town you can explore on foot before comparing room prices.
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Best Areas in Corfu
Here is a quick overview of the best areas to stay in Corfu:
- Corfu Town (Kerkyra) – Historic centre with Venetian charm 🏛️
- Paleokastritsa – Dramatic cliffs and beautiful bays 🏖️
- Kassiopi – Authentic fishing village with charm ⛵
- Sidari – Family-friendly with Canal d’Amour 👨👩👧👦
- Benitses – Relaxed coastal town with tradition 🌊
- Agios Gordios – Backpackers and young travellers 🎒
Click on the area’s name to see the best hotels in the area.
The guide on where to stay in Corfu continues below.
1. Corfu Town (Kerkyra) – best area for first-time visitors ⭐️
Corfu Town is the perfect base for your first Corfu experience. Here you get the island’s best cultural experiences, Venetian architecture and a wealth of dining options right on your doorstep.
Quick Info: Corfu Town 📍
Distance to centre: 0 km (you ARE in the centre!)
🚌 Transport: Check the departure point for your chosen town or island bus route
✈️ Approximate airport drive in light traffic: 10-15 minutes
🏪 Supermarket: Everywhere in town
Corfu Town (or Kerkyra as the locals call it) is simply magical. Imagine narrow streets with tall pastel-coloured buildings that remind you of Venice and Naples at the same time.
UNESCO has put the town on the World Heritage list for good reason! The two fortresses (the old and the new, although both are quite old…) tower over the town and provide fantastic views over the sea.
The great thing about staying in Corfu Town is that you wake up in the middle of history. You can take a morning walk on the Spianada (Greece’s largest square) whilst the locals play cricket (yes, cricket! It’s a remnant from the British occupation).
The old town is a labyrinth of alleyways where you suddenly find yourself in front of a small church or a cosy taverna that has been there for generations.
See the best hotels in Corfu Town here.
The Liston arcades along the Spianada are perfect for a morning coffee or an evening ouzo. Here you sit in the shade under the French arches (yes, Corfu has had many masters through time) and people-watch like a professional.
Speaking of food.. here you’ll find everything from Michelin level to authentic little tavernas where mama still makes pastitsada every day.
Corfu Town can be busy in high season, and parking and vehicle access deserve attention if you rent a car. It is a strong base for culture and restaurants, but winding roads and summer traffic mean that distant beaches can take longer to reach than their map distance suggests.
Places to stay in Corfu Town
Siora Vittoria occupies a restored townhouse in Corfu’s old town, with nine individually styled rooms and suites. Its garden is the place for breakfast or a drink, and Liston and the Old Fortress are within walking distance. Compare the room descriptions for views and space; the appeal here is a small historic hotel with a garden retreat.
See more photos and book here.
Bella Venezia is a historic boutique hotel near the Spianada, comprehensively renovated in 2024. Its garden breakfast setting is a good reason to shortlist it for a town stay. Compare the exact room category and current rate rather than treating it as a basic budget hotel.
See more photos and book here.
2. Paleokastritsa – best place for nature lovers 🌳
If you dream of turquoise water, dramatic cliffs and green hills, then Paleokastritsa is your paradise in Corfu.
Quick Info: Paleokastritsa 📍
Distance to centre: 25 km northwest of Corfu Town
🚌 Transport: Regular bus departures from Corfu Town
✈️ Approximate airport drive in light traffic: 35-40 minutes
🏪 Supermarket: Small local shops
Paleokastritsa is the area that graces all Corfu postcards. And with good reason.
Here, the green mountains meet the deep blue Ionian Sea in the most spectacular way. The coastline consists of six smaller bays, each with its own clear water. It’s like seeing different shades of blue you didn’t know existed.
See the best hotels in Paleokastritsa here.
The Theotokos Monastery sits on top of the cliff with a view that simply… I’m lost for words. The monks have lived here since the 1200s, and you can understand why.. The place is magical.
You can visit the monastery (remember to cover shoulders and knees), see the small museum and buy the monastery’s own olive oil.
The area is perfect for you who love activity. Snorkelling here is first-class. The water is so clear that you can see the seabed at several metres’ depth. There are several dive centres if you want to explore caves and underwater grottos. Kayak hire is popular, and you can row into the small, hidden beaches that are only accessible from the water.
The beach in the main bay can get quite crowded in high season (July-August), so I recommend taking a boat to one of the more secluded bays and boats depart all day.
Or come early in the morning, before the tourist buses arrive. The water temperature is a bit cooler than on the east coast, but on the other hand it’s refreshing and incredibly clear.
The food scene is cosy with tavernas along the beach. Try the local speciality bourdheto (spicy fish soup). Tt’s fantastic. Just be prepared that the prices are a bit higher than other places on the island due to the touristy location.
A little warning: the road here from Corfu Town is winding mountain roads. Beautiful? Absolutely. Easy to drive on? Not if you get carsick. But the view along the way is spectacular!
Places to stay in Paleokastritsa
Akrotiri Beach Resort & Spa occupies a peninsula in Paleokastritsa and describes itself as adults friendly. The room choice matters: east-facing rooms look towards the open sea and Liapades, while west-facing rooms overlook the bays. Private Deck rooms with a Jacuzzi are a specific category, so do not assume every room has one.
I would choose Akrotiri for its setting and sea views. Compare the room orientation and outdoor space in the booking details, and confirm the age policy if travelling with children.
See more photos and book here.
This budget-friendly hotel offers basic but clean rooms, many with balcony and sea view. The location is super, with just few minutes’ walk to the main beach. The pool area is simple but cosy, and the owners are incredibly hospitable. Perfect if you want to spend your money on experiences rather than fancy hotel facilities.
See more photos and book here.
3. Kassiopi – best place for authentic Greek atmosphere ⛵
Kassiopi is a charming old fishing village on Corfu’s northeast coast that has retained its authenticity despite its popularity amongst tourists.
Quick Info: Kassiopi 📍
Distance to centre: 36 km north of Corfu Town
🚌 Transport: Good bus connection to Corfu Town
✈️ Approximate airport drive in light traffic: 45 minutes
🏪 Supermarket: Several well-stocked supermarkets
Kassiopi has something that many other tourist areas in Corfu lack: genuine charm. Yes, there are tourists, but the town has retained its character as a working fishing village.
In the morning you can still see the fishermen coming in with the day’s catch, and the locals still meet in the square for a coffee and a chat.
See the best hotels in Kassiopi here.
The small harbour is the heart of the town. Here the tavernas sit side by side with views over the water and the colourful boats. In the evening, it’s the place to be. Just choose a restaurant, order fresh fish and enjoy the atmosphere.
The price is reasonable, and the quality is top. The atmosphere is relaxed.. no stress, no fancy dress code, just good food and pleasant company.
Kassiopi Castle (or the ruins of it) is worth visiting. It was built by the Byzantines and sits dramatically on a clifftop by the harbour. The view over Albania on the other side of the sea is impressive. On clear days you can almost see the mountains over there. It’s free to visit, and it takes about 20 minutes to walk around.
Beaches? There are several good options. Kassiopi Beach right by the town is a mixture of sand and pebbles with crystal-clear water. Bataria Beach on the other side of town is also great, less commercial and with cosy tavernas.
The area is perfect for day trips. You can easily explore the north coast, visit Mount Pantokrator (Corfu’s highest point) or take a boat to the small islands off the coast. There are also jet skis and kayaks to hire if you’re into that.
Kassiopi attracts many British families (it has done for decades), so you hear quite a bit of English. But compared to Kavos or Sidari, it’s much more sophisticated and relaxed.
This isn’t a party area. It’s a place to relax, eat well and enjoy the real Corfu.
- I don’t have any particular hotels in Kassiopi that I recommend, but check the best-rated hotels in the area here.
4. Sidari – best place to stay for families with children 👨👩👧👦
Sidari on Corfu’s north coast is the family area par excellence with shallow water, plenty of activities and the famous Canal d’Amour.
Quick Info: Sidari 📍
Distance to centre: 36 km northwest of Corfu Town
🚌 Transport: Good bus connection to Corfu Town
✈️ Approximate airport drive in light traffic: 40-45 minutes
🏪 Supermarket: Several large supermarkets
Sidari is the area where you see the most pushchairs and inflatable flamingos (and that’s meant as a compliment!) This is the family area in Corfu, where everything is arranged so that both children and parents have a good holiday.
Sidari’s sandy main beach is one reason families choose the resort. Sea depth and conditions vary along the shore and with the weather, so check the flags and supervise children rather than relying on a fixed depth or a promise of calm water.
See the best hotels in Sidari here.
Canal d’Amour is the area’s best-known sight, with sandstone formations and small coves. Come early if you want to see it before the busiest part of the day, and enjoy the view from a secure path rather than climbing or jumping from the eroding cliffs.
The town itself is quite touristy with restaurants, bars, mini-golf, go-kart tracks and various activities. It’s not authentically Greek, but it’s practical when you have small children.
- There’s a large Lidl, pharmacy, doctor; everything you need.
Many places have children’s menus and high chairs. It may sound boring, but trust me.. when your child spills juice everywhere for the third time, you appreciate that sort of thing.
Day trips? Sidari is a good base for exploring the north coast. Peroulades with its sunset spot is a 10-minute drive away. Roda and Acharavi beaches are close by. And if the children need even more entertainment, there’s Aqualand Waterpark about 30 minutes’ drive south.
Is it the most picturesque area in Corfu? No. Is it perfect for families with children under 12? Absolutely yes. You get practical, child-friendly and stress-free, which is worth gold when you’re travelling with kids.
Places to stay in Sidari
Sidari Beach Hotel is in the Agios Ioannis part of the resort, with a swimming pool, sea-facing terraces and a Greek buffet breakfast. It is worth comparing if you prefer to be away from the busiest central strip. Check the walk to the main beach and restaurants on the map, and select a sea-view category if that is a priority.
See more photos and book here.
5. Benitses – best place for relaxed coastal holiday 🌊
Benitses is a charming little coastal town on the east coast that has transformed itself from a party destination in the 80s to a relaxed family place.
Quick Info: Benitses 📍
Distance to centre: 12 km south of Corfu Town
🚌 Transport: Frequent bus departures to Corfu Town
✈️ Approximate airport drive in light traffic: 20 minutes
🏪 Supermarket: Several good supermarkets
Benitses has an interesting history. In the 80s and 90s it was one big party place filled with young Brits on the drink.
Now? It has developed into a cosy, authentic place with local charm and primarily families and couples. The old harbour with its traditional tavernas is really cosy, and the new promenade along the coast is perfect for an evening stroll.
See the best hotels in Benitses here.
The town is divided into two parts: the old fishing village by the harbour (super charming) and the more modern part along the main road (practical with shops and supermarkets).
- I recommend staying in the old part as this is where you find the authenticity. The harbour is small but beautiful with colourful boats and cats lying sleeping in the sun (standard Greece).
The beach is primarily pebbles with some sandy areas. The water is clear and perfect for snorkelling. There are both organised beaches with sun loungers and more natural areas. I like the flexibility. Some days you just want a sun lounger and an umbrella, other days you want to put your towel on the stones and have peace.
Benitses works well for visits to Corfu Town and the nearby Achilleion estate. Achilleion’s official visitor information currently limits access to the outdoor areas and Imperial Gardens during restoration, so check what is open before planning a palace visit.
Benitses isn’t glamorous, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s an honest, cosy Greek coastal place where you can relax, eat well and enjoy life without spending a fortune.
Places to stay in Benitses
Potamaki Beach Hotel is a resort hotel in Benitses with an outdoor pool and several room types, including family rooms and sea-view suites. Compare the standard rooms with the newer suite categories carefully: the photos and layout differ. I would consider it for a practical coastal stay with a pool, rather than describe it as an adults-only luxury retreat.
See more photos and book here.
6. Agios Gordios – best place for backpackers and young travellers 🎒
Agios Gordios on the west coast is a relaxed beach resort with a cool atmosphere, popular amongst younger travellers and backpackers.
Quick Info: Agios Gordios 📍
Distance to centre: 16 km west of Corfu Town
🚌 Transport: Regular bus departures to Corfu Town
✈️ Approximate airport drive in light traffic: 25-30 minutes
🏪 Supermarket: A couple of smaller supermarkets
Agios Gordios has a chill vibe that reminds me a bit of the small surfer places in Bali (just with a Greek twist of course). The beautiful sandy beach lies in a bay surrounded by green hills (including the impressive Theokolepado cliff).
The beach is long, the water is lovely, and there’s enough space for everyone.
See the best hotels in Agios Gordios here.
Pink Palace is the area’s legendary backpacker resort. If you’ve travelled in Greece, you’ve guaranteed to have heard about it. It’s… an experience. Pool parties, cheap drinks, communal dining and a mixed crowd of young people from all over the world.
Is it for everyone? Absolutely not. But if you’re in your early/mid-twenties and want to meet other travellers, then it’s the place to be. They also organise trips to other parts of the island.
But Agios Gordios is more than just Pink Palace. There are several other hostels and budget hotels with a more relaxed atmosphere. The area also attracts families, especially amongst Greek tourists, so it’s not ONLY backpackers (although they’re very visible in the evening…).
The tavernas along the beach serve standard Greek food at backpacker prices. It’s not gourmet, but it tastes good, and the portions are large. Sunset from one of the beach bars with a Mythos beer in hand is pretty perfect after a day in the sun.
The area is a bit isolated. There’s not much other than beach, tavernas and a couple of shops. That’s the charm, but it can also feel a bit limited after a few days. On the other hand, it’s easy to take the bus to Corfu Town or hire a scooter and explore the west coast.
Agios Gordios is perfect if you’re young (or young at heart), want to relax by the beach, meet other travellers and don’t expect luxury. It’s authentic, relaxed and budget-friendly.
Places to stay in Agios Gordios
Alexandros Apartments & Studios
Alexandros Apartments & Studios offers self-catering accommodation with gardens, balconies or porches, around 450 metres from Agios Gordios beach. The property describes a pool nearby, not a private hotel pool on site. It is a useful option if you want apartment space and nearby tavernas; check the exact unit and any pool-access arrangements before booking.
See more photos and book here.
The legendary backpacker resort. Simple rooms (or sleep in a dormitory if you’re really budget-minded), pool, bar, restaurant and daily activities. It’s more than a hotel. It’s an experience.
If you want to meet other young travellers, party and have fun, then this is where you should stay. If you want peace… well, then choose another place. You know what you’re getting, and it delivers exactly that.
See more photos and book here.
Where not to stay in Corfu? Areas you should avoid ❌
There are a couple of areas I’d recommend you think twice about before booking:
Kavos – The southern tip of the island has become synonymous with British party tourism. If you’re under 25 and want to party around the clock, then it’s perfect. But for everyone else? It’s noisy, cheap in the boring way, and far from all the beautiful things Corfu has to offer. There are much better beach areas elsewhere on the island. I’d recommend choosing Benitses or Agios Gordios instead. Here you get great beaches, good company and significantly better atmosphere.
Main road areas outside the towns – Some cheap hotels are located along the main road between towns without direct access to either beach or centre. It can look tempting because of the price, but you end up having to spend money on transport all the time, and it’s neither cosy nor practical. You get a better experience by staying in a proper town or coastal area.
The industrial area by the airport – Yes, there are cheap hotels here. No, it’s not a place to spend your holiday. It’s noisy, unattractive and without charm. Even if you’re flying in late, take the extra 15 minutes to Corfu Town or a coastal area.
Smaller beach resorts outside the main season: before booking in Arillas or another seasonal resort, confirm that your hotel, nearby restaurants and useful bus services operate on your dates. Corfu Town is the first base I would compare for a winter visit, when beach-resort facilities may be limited.
Still unsure where to stay in Corfu?
So… where should you actually stay? It really depends on what you’re looking for in your Corfu holiday.
Corfu Town is the obvious choice for first-time visitors. You get culture, history, fantastic food and can easily explore the rest of the island. Perfect if you only have a week and want to see as much as possible.
Paleokastritsa is your choice if you dream of the perfect postcard Corfu with dramatic nature and turquoise water. Perfect for couples and nature lovers, but be aware that it can get busy in high season.
Kassiopi gives you the authentic Greek coastal town experience with good food, charming harbour and beautiful beaches. Fantastic balance between tourist facilities and local atmosphere.
Sidari is worth comparing for families who want sandy beaches and plenty of restaurants and resort facilities. The exact hotel matters: check the children’s pool, sleeping arrangements and distance from evening entertainment.
Benitses works well for all age groups who want a relaxed coastal holiday without spending a fortune. Good location for day trips and authentic atmosphere.
Agios Gordios is perfect for backpackers and younger travellers who want beach, fun and social experiences for little money.
If time allows, split your stay between Corfu Town and a coastal base. That gives you time for the old town and a beach holiday without repeatedly crossing the island. Allow for winding roads, traffic and seasonal bus timetables when planning the move.
Wherever you choose to stay, you’re going to love Corfu. The island has a magical blend of Greek hospitality, beautiful nature and fascinating history. Just remember sun cream! the Greek sun is stronger than you think.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
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