Corfu has more than 60 named beaches scattered across 217 km of coastline. With public transport limited to a handful of buses, having a car turns the island into a different place: instead of returning to the same crowded resort beach every day, you can hop between bays, follow the wind to the calmer side, and reach the dramatic spots that day-trippers never see.
This is our local guide to the 12 beaches that, in our years driving guests around Corfu, deliver the best return on a day's drive. We have grouped them by region so you can plan a sensible loop.
North-east coast: The "Durrell" stretch
1. Kalami Bay
Made famous by Lawrence Durrell's Prospero's Cell, Kalami is a perfect horseshoe of clear water with a single tavern-lined road. Park in the village (free, but limited in August) and walk down. Best for: couples, brunch-and-swim mornings. Drive time from Corfu Airport: 50 min.
2. Agni Bay
Three legendary tavernas (Toula's, Nikolas, Agni Taverna) sit directly on the pebble. Reachable only by a steep one-lane road that ends at a small free car park. Arrive before 13:00 in summer or after 16:00. Best for: long lunch + swim. Drive time from Kassiopi: 12 min.
3. Kerasia Beach
The next bay north of Agni, quieter, with a single beach club (Kerasia Beach Club). Pebble bottom, very clear water. Drive time from Kassiopi: 8 min.
North-west coast: Sidari & the cliffs
4. Logas Beach (Sunset Beach), Peroulades
The most photographed sunset point in Corfu. Towering white cliffs, a tiny strip of sand below, accessible via a steep path. Park at the cliff-top café 7 Th Ouranou and walk down. Best for: sunset photos, late afternoon swim. Drive time from Sidari: 10 min.
5. Cape Drastis
Not a swimming beach but a series of dramatic rock formations and turquoise water inlets. Walking shoes recommended. Drive time from Sidari: 7 min.
6. Porto Timoni (via Afionas)
A double beach on a thin land bridge — one bay each side. Reached only by a 15-minute uphill walk from the village of Afionas (or by boat from Agios Georgios Pagon). Best for: hikers, photographers. Bring water. Drive time from Paleokastritsa: 25 min.
West coast: Paleokastritsa region
7. Liapades & Rovinia
Liapades is the village; Rovinia is the secret cove a 10-minute walk down a dirt path from the parking area at the end of the road. Crystal water, dramatic cliffs, very limited shade. Drive time from Paleokastritsa: 8 min.
8. Ampelaki Beach
One of Paleokastritsa's main coves, with a small beach club and easy access. Best for: families, easy parking, calm water. Drive time from Paleokastritsa centre: 3 min.
9. Glyfada Beach
Long sandy beach with full facilities, good for younger children. Paid parking adjacent. Drive time from Paleokastritsa: 25 min.
South coast: Family bays
10. Issos Beach
The longest stretch of sand on Corfu, backed by dunes. Strong wind sometimes — pleasant in heat. Drive time from Corfu Town: 40 min.
11. Halikounas Beach
Adjacent to Lake Korission nature reserve. Wild, undeveloped, often near-empty. Best for: solitude, sunset. Drive time from Corfu Town: 35 min.
12. Marathias Beach
Long sandy beach with a few tavernas at one end. Family-friendly, calm water. Drive time from Corfu Town: 45 min.
Practical tips for beach-hopping by car
- Fuel: The island has plenty of petrol stations on main roads, but if you are heading to remote north-west or south-west spots, top up in Corfu Town first.
- Parking: Most beaches have free parking. Paleokastritsa and Glyfada in peak August can be paid. Always lock the car and avoid leaving valuables visible.
- Driving times: Add 15-25% in July and August due to traffic and bus stops.
- Best time of day: Most beaches are at their best 09:00-12:00 (light wind) or after 16:00 (cooler, locals arriving).
- Wind direction: If the prevailing wind is northerly, head south (Issos, Halikounas, Marathias). If southerly, head north (Kalami, Agni, Kerasia).
Planning your beach route
The two most rewarding driving loops are:
- North-east loop: Corfu Town → Kalami → Agni → Kerasia → Acharavi → return. About 100 km round-trip, full day with lunch stops.
- West coast loop: Corfu Town → Paleokastritsa → Liapades/Rovinia → Glyfada → Pelekas sunset → return. About 70 km round-trip.
Renting a small compact car (like our Peugeot 208) is plenty for either. If you have full luggage and four people, a slightly larger compact-SUV like the Hyundai Bayon gives you more comfort on the longer drives.
For more on driving the island, see our complete driving guide.