Corfu was once one of the world’s hidden gems, but it has become quite the hot spot for tourists! If you’re not a fan of busy resorts and crowds, there are still some gorgeous hidden gems on the island. Here are some of my favourite spots on this beautiful island…
1. Kalami Beach
This place is seriously stunning! Kalami is where the famous Durrells lived from 1936 to 1939, in a house called the White House at the south end of the beach.
Despite the publicity, I love that the place has remained quiet and unspoiled! The pebble beach here is dominated by two small fishing taverns in its north part and the large white house (former residence of the Durrells) in its south part.
The house is renovated and white, although it had another colour during the Durrells era. The lovely beach here does get busy at times, but it remains a tranquil and low-key spot, which I personally loved!
My favorite highlights…
- Exploring the magnificent underwater world on a snorkelling trip.
- Kayaking along the crystal-clear turquoise waters.
- Cooling off with a dip in the picturesque ocean.
My Hotel Choice for Kalami Beach – San Antonio Corfu Resort
2. Liapades
This is a small, pretty, and traditional village on the west coast of Corfu. Although it has a lovely beach and gorgeous Greek beauty spot, it doesn’t attract many tourists.
Several restaurants and snack bars offer authentic Greek cuisine here. I highly recommend renting a boat (or even a canoe) and exploring the clear blue waters. Many small, hidden Corfu beaches in Liapades can only be reached by canoe or motorboat.
It has the vibe of an authentic Greek village, which I loved! My favourite highlights included driving along the roads with very little traffic, the lovely beaches, walking trails, beautiful views, and friendly locals.
My favorite highlights…
- Wandering along the beach and exploring the beautiful coves.
- Renting a boat and discovering the hidden gem, Paradise Beach.
- Enjoying a short walk to the petite Goulis Winery for locally produced wine tasting.
My Hotel Choice for Liapades – Rokamare
- To book, check prices or dates for Rokamare
3. Paleokastritsa 
Paleokastritsa is another tranquil spot near Liapades village. Rocks and mountains surround it, and it is about 25 km from Corfu town.
Paleokastritsa Beach is perfect for families and is also a place for snorkelling and scuba diving because of its clear blue waters.
You can also rent a canoe, pedal boat, or stand-up paddleboard or hire a boat and explore the caves close to the beach. I recommend seeking out the secluded and breathtaking Paradise Beach, which can be reached by boat.
My favorite highlights…
- Discovering one of the village’s iconic and stunning architectural landmarks, the Monastery of Paleokastritsa.
- Renting a car and admiring the picturesque landscapes.
My Hotel Choice for Paleokastritsa – Akrotiri Beach Resort Hotel
4. Rovinia Beach 
I personally think this is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island! It’s located on the west Corfu coast, just a mile from the main resort of Palaiokastritsa, but it has remained unspoiled because it is difficult to reach.
It can be reached via a small path with hundreds of steps, but primarily by boat from the nearby Palaiokastritsa. The trip is worth it, though, as the waters here are extraordinarily crystal clear!
The beach is white and made up of sand and fine white pebbles. There’s a cave on its south end, where a small boat usually sells water, refreshments, and sandwiches for the swimmers. Pure bliss!
My highlights…
- Photographing the exceptional landscapes surrounding the petal-shaped beach.
- Taking a stroll along the shore and grabbing an ice cream at the canteen boat (which visits daily).
- Enjoying the peace and tranquillity of this deserted, idyllic spot.
5. Porto Timoni 
Porto Timoni is an exotic double beach in a thin strip of land that connects Corfu with a piece of land that would otherwise be an island. It is located at the island’s northwestern tip, a few kilometres north of Paleokastritsa.
The beach isn’t easy to access, so it’s visited only by people determined to discover the island’s most mysterious parts. Hence, it’s on my list!
To reach it, you need to go to the ravines of the settlement of Afionas, located at an altitude of 130 meters, or you can take a boat from the port of Agios Georgios.
My highlights…
- Soaking up the Instagrammable landscapes surrounding the two beaches on the walk there.
- Hiking up to the viewpoint overlooking the lush vegetation and stunning sea.
- Going snorkelling.
6. Kouloura
The little settlement in the Sinies area of northeast Corfu looks like a painting. It has few houses and a cycle port where fishermen moor their boats.
There is no nightlife and no hassles, but there are some rooms to rent in guest houses. If you visit, I promise you won’t regret it—it’s a joy!
My highlights…
- Enjoying delicious Greek cuisine at Taverna Kouloura.
- Going for a walk to see the famous Villa Anieli, the mansion by the sea.
- Renting a deck chair at the beach and spending the afternoon relaxing along the shore.
7. Arkoudilas Beach 
If you’re a fan of deserted beaches, you will love this place! It is located on the southern tip of the island, and the huge sandy beach beneath is used only by some locals, but it is almost empty most of the time.
I think it’s a magical place with very dense vegetation up in the rocks, fine golden sand, and clear waters on the coast.
There are no sunbeds, bars, or restaurants on the beach; only nature and the rocks surround it!
My favorite highlights…
- Wandering along the trail surrounding the beach to view the wild beauty and breathtaking landscape.
- Making a stop, see the clay deposits, which are filled with minerals (and are reputed to be great for the skin).
- Enjoying a picnic whilst sunbathing along the sand-filled shores.
8. The Island of Vido 
This tiny, idyllic island, only 540 acres big, is located opposite the port of Corfu town and can easily be reached by boat.
It’s home to many trees, a Serbian war cemetery, camps for children, and the historic restored church of Saint Stefanos.
The island has no roads, only trails, a restaurant, and a bar. Its charming beach is popular among the locals but not many tourists.
My favorite highlights…
- Visiting the historic landmarks, the church of Agios Stefanos and the monument of the Serbian military.
- Checking out the live Greek music on an evening whilst indulging in traditional food dishes.
- Exploring the hiking trails which are spread over the island.
9. Arillas Agiou Georgiou
If you like unspoilt beaches, then, in my opinion, this is the place to go! Located in Arillas Agiou Georgiou in the north of the island, some beaches are surrounded by scenic cliffs.
While you can swim at the cape, there are smaller beaches nearby where people dive into the water from one of the cliffs.
The clear blue waters here allow sea animal enthusiasts to explore underwater by snorkelling. I would also recommend looking for sea stars, sea urchins, and seashells on the shoreline (but please don’t touch or take them)!
My personal highlights…
- Going snorkelling in the vibrant blue ocean to discover the underwater world.
- Taking a drive up to the road and seeing the Insta-worthy view of the cape and its turtle-like rock formations.
- Renting a boat to explore the coastline from a small cave between Cape Drastic and Sidari.
10. Roda Beach 
This is one of the most expansive beaches on the island! The shallow waters make it an excellent choice for families with younger children. You can also enjoy scuba diving and other water sports here.
The area is bustling between May and October when locals and tourists gather to enjoy the local cosmopolitan village, so this place is busier than some of the other places I’ve mentioned on this list, but it’s still far from a brash, overdeveloped resort.
Nearby the beach are bustling bars, restaurants, and other local shops.
My highlights…
- Enjoying a stroll across the shore while watching a spectacular and vibrant sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.
- Taking a boat trip to explore the coastline and other small islands which featured beautiful Caribbean-style beaches.
- Kicking back and sunbathing along the golden sands.
11. Barbati Beach
This idyllic spot stretches 1 km along the northeastern coast, and you can enjoy scenic views of the Pantokratoras mountain during your stay.
It’s a smooth pebble beach with a few sun loungers and not many crowds. The unbelievable crystal clear water here is why it’s made my list!
You can go scuba diving, jet skiing, or boating trips here. I would also recommend grabbing a drink at the local beach bar, Verde Blu Bar, and just sitting back and relaxing!
You can rent one of the fixed beds or set up your mats and umbrellas in the open area.
My highlights…
- Hiring a boat and spending time out on the beautiful waters.
- Trying out wakeboarding for the first time!
- Stopping for a drink at 7 Sins Bar and tasting a delicious handcrafted melon-based cocktail!
12. Stavros 
Stavros is a traditional mountain village at an altitude of 400 meters, almost in the island’s centre, without any tourist development. I love that the fife here flows slowly according to Greek manners and customs!
If you venture here, you will find some houses and rooms for rent besides the locals’ homes. There is also a traditional Greek cafe, a restaurant, fantastic views of central and southern Corfu, and paths to explore on the mountain slopes connecting the two villages.
I suggest spotting the hidden buildings and small churches that sit alongside the lush vegetation on the path, which is very close to the Corfu aqueduct.
My highlights…
- Taking a trip to see the second largest lake in Greece, Lake Volvi which is surrounded by great hiking trails.
- Checking out the famous rock on the beach which was used as a background for the film ‘Zorba the Greek’.
- Strolling along the peninsula and admiring the ruins from the historic Venetian quarry.
13. Boukari 
If you follow the coast road from Messonghi, after 3 miles, you will find the tranquil fishing village of Boukari. There is a small pier where fishing boats moor and two restaurants are on the other side. I love that this scene has remained almost unchanged for 50 years!
These restaurants are small fish tavernas; if you’re lucky, you might spot a dolphin at sea! This is not a busy resort with nightlife, but a spot where you can relax and forget your worries.
There is also a tiny beach here (a mix of rough sand and pebbles), and there are apartments and studios for visitors to stay near the beach.
My highlights…
- Dining on “Burdeto” from Kalami Taverna had incredible views overlooking the water.
- Enjoying the tranquil atmosphere along the pristine and quiet beach.
- Taking a walk to one of the most beautiful villages in Greece, the charming Chlomos.
14. Petriti
Petriti is a small village on the eastern coast of Corfu, close to Lefkimmi. Tourists don’t usually spend more than a few hours in Petriti, as it’s far from the main town and is only a tiny fishing village.
So, if you want to stay in an area away from the crowds, I highly recommend it!
I suggest just kicking back and watching the colourful boats come and go while enjoying a glass of local wine!
There is a small beach where you can relax on sunbeds, which are available for a price. There are also a few bars and restaurants, mainly serving fresh seafood.
It also makes a great base from which to explore nearby beaches, such as Halikounas Beach and Agios Georgios Beach, which are about half an hour away.
My personal highlights…
- Gazing at the array of unique fishing boats docked along the harbour with a glass of wine in hand.
- Dining on Neapolitan pasta at Stamatis Taverna.
- Hiring a sun lounger and lazing around on the beach whilst enjoying the sounds of the ocean.
15. Paralia Acharavi 
Paralia Acharavi offers clear crystal waters and uncrowded sands, probably because the beaches here are pebbly, which puts people off.
Also, be careful, as the waves here can be high. I’ve mentioned it because it’s an uncrowded spot, and you can enjoy views of the Albanian mountains.
When you have finished your beach day, I recommend grabbing a bite at Woody’s Restaurant for a British, European, and Greek twist on popular dishes, including tzatziki, vegetable meze, and stifado.
You can access the beach directly by booking your stay at the Almyros Beach Hotel.
My highlights…
- Taking a refreshing swim in the beautiful crystal-colored waters.
- Trying water skiing for the first time!
- Hiring an E-bike and taking an evening tour of the area, the natural landscapes are beautiful.
