Are there any decent beaches actually in Corfu Town, or do I need to travel?
Yes, there are beaches in Corfu Town, although they might not be as expansive or renowned as others on the island. Faliraki (also known as Alekos or Bania t' Alekou) is a small, sandy, and popular spot for swimming, offering views of the Old Fortress and a large pier. Kontra Fossa is a quieter, pebbly beach on the other side of the Old Fortress. You can also find a small swimming spot on the eastern side of the Old Fortress, near the Corfu Sailing Club. Anemomilos, known for its windmill, offers a place to swim by climbing down rock stairs from a cement strip. Mon Repos beach is a sandy option a short walk further from Anemomilos. While these offer convenience, many visitors choose to explore beaches further afield for a wider variety of options.
How do I get to the better beaches outside Corfu Town if I don't have a car?
Corfu has a public bus system with two types of buses: blue buses for Corfu Town and suburban areas, and green buses (KTEL) for intercity travel across the island. Both can take you to popular beaches. For example, green buses go to famous beaches like Paleokastritsa, Glyfada, Issos, and Marathias. Blue buses can take you to beaches in areas like Benitses, Dassia, and Ipsos. Bus schedules can be found at bus stations or online. Taxis are also available, though more expensive. Some popular beaches like Paleokastritsa also have boat tours or water taxis to explore nearby coves.
Is Corfu Town a good base for a beach holiday?
Corfu Town can be a good base, especially if you want to combine beach time with exploring the historic town, its culture, and restaurants. While the beaches directly in town are smaller, the town offers excellent bus connections to many of the island's best beaches. Staying in Corfu Town provides easy access to amenities and transport, allowing for day trips to various coastal areas. However, if your priority is to have a wide, sandy beach right on your doorstep, you might prefer staying in a dedicated beach resort outside of the town.
What's the water like for swimming around Corfu Town and nearby beaches? Is it warm?
The water around Corfu is generally clear and good for swimming. In Corfu Town itself, spots like Faliraki offer clear waters. The Ionian Sea around Corfu warms up through the spring and is most comfortable for swimming from June to September. Average water temperatures in August can reach around 24-26°C (75-79°F). In May, it might still be a bit cool for some, averaging around 19°C (66°F), while by October it starts to cool down again. Some beaches, particularly those in sheltered bays or with shallow waters, may feel warmer.
Are the beaches near Corfu Town sandy or pebbly?
Beaches in and around Corfu Town offer a mix. For instance, Faliraki in Corfu Town is described as a small sandy beach. Mon Repos is also sandy. Kontra Fossa is pebbly. Further out, Glyfada is known for its golden sand, while Paleokastritsa has a mix of sand and pebbles depending on the specific cove. Dassia Beach is mainly pebbly. It's common to find both types, so if you have a strong preference, it's good to check the specifics of the beach you plan to visit. Water shoes can be useful for pebbly beaches or areas with sea urchins.
Which beaches near Corfu Town are best for families with children?
Several beaches accessible from Corfu Town are family-friendly. Glyfada Beach, with its soft sand and shallow waters, is a popular choice. Dassia Beach, though pebbly, has calm, shallow waters suitable for younger children and offers various water sports. Agios Georgios South is another excellent option with expansive sandy shores and shallow waters. Issos Beach also has shallow, calm waters and sand dunes for playing. Many of these beaches have facilities like sunbed rentals and nearby tavernas.
Are there any quiet, less crowded beaches I can get to from Corfu Town?
Yes, while some popular beaches can get busy, you can find quieter spots. Kontra Fossa in Corfu Town itself is often less crowded. Chalikounas Beach, on the southwest coast, is known for its tranquility and natural sand dunes, though it's a bit further out. Rovinia Beach, accessible by a bit of a hike or by boat, is another beautiful and more secluded option. Exploring smaller coves around areas like Paleokastritsa by boat can also lead you to more peaceful spots.
What are the must-visit beaches if I'm staying in Corfu Town but want to see the island's best?
If you're based in Corfu Town and want to experience some of Corfu's most famous beaches, Paleokastritsa is a must-see with its stunning series of bays and crystal-clear waters. Glyfada is renowned for its long sandy stretch and lively atmosphere. Agios Gordios offers beautiful scenery with its sandy shore and rock formations. For vast sandy landscapes and dunes, consider Issos Beach. These are all accessible by bus or car from Corfu Town.
Are there beach clubs or organized beaches with sunbeds and umbrellas near Corfu Town?
Yes, many beaches accessible from Corfu Town are organized. Faliraki in town has facilities. Popular beaches like Glyfada, Paleokastritsa, Dassia, and Kontogialos offer sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, as well as beach bars or tavernas serving refreshments and food. Some, like Imabari at Faliraki, are well-known beach bars. Mon Repos beach also has a beach club.
Is it better to stay in Corfu Town or Paleokastritsa for beaches?
This depends on your priorities. Paleokastritsa is a renowned beach resort with multiple stunning coves, clear waters, and dramatic scenery, making it ideal if your main focus is beach relaxation and natural beauty. However, it's a smaller village. Corfu Town offers a vibrant historical center, more dining and shopping options, and acts as a central transport hub to explore the whole island, including Paleokastritsa (which is about a 30-45 minute bus ride away). If you want a mix of culture, town life, and easy access to various beaches (including those in Paleokastritsa via day trips), Corfu Town is a great base. If you want to wake up to immediate beach beauty and a quieter village atmosphere, Paleokastritsa might be preferred.
Can you swim at the beach near the Old Fortress in Corfu Town?
Yes, there are a couple of spots where you can swim near or even within the Old Fortress area. Faliraki beach is located near the Old Fortress. Kontra Fossa is a small pebbly beach on the other side of the Old Fortress. Additionally, there's a small, somewhat hidden swimming spot on the eastern side of the Old Fortress itself, next to the Corfu Sailing Club, offering views of Vidos Island.
What are some local quirks or tips for visiting beaches in Corfu Town area?
Locals in Corfu Town often frequent Faliraki for a quick swim and coffee due to its easy access. Anemomilos is another local spot. For some beaches, especially pebbly ones or those with rocky seabeds (like parts of Faliraki), bringing water shoes is highly recommended, also due to the occasional sea urchin. If you're relying on buses, check timetables in advance, especially for less frequent routes or during off-peak season. Some smaller coves or beaches might only be accessible by boat or a bit of a walk.
Are there any beaches near Corfu Town suitable for watersports?
Yes, several beaches accessible from Corfu Town offer watersports. Dassia Beach is well-known for a variety of activities including canoeing, pedal boats, and windsurfing. Glyfada Beach also provides facilities for water sports like jet-skiing and paddleboarding. Paleokastritsa offers boat rentals to explore caves, and some of its beaches have watersport facilities. Even closer to town, some organized beaches may offer basic rentals like pedalos.
What's the best time of year for a beach holiday in Corfu Town, considering weather and crowds?
For the best balance of warm sea temperatures and manageable crowds, consider late May, June, or September. July and August are the hottest months with the warmest water, but also the busiest and most crowded. During these peak months, popular beaches can get very full. Spring (April-May) offers pleasant weather for exploring, but the sea might still be a bit chilly for extended swimming for some. Autumn (September-October) can still have warm seas and fewer crowds, though there's a slightly higher chance of rain as the season progresses.
Are there any clothing-optional or nudist beaches accessible from Corfu Town?
Myrtiotissa beach, located on the west coast (south of Glyfada and Pelekas), is famously known as an unofficial nudist beach in Corfu. While not directly in Corfu Town, it is accessible by car or potentially a combination of bus and walking/taxi. It's a beautiful sandy beach surrounded by cliffs. It's advisable to confirm the current local customs and specific areas designated for naturism if you plan to visit.
