Corfu used to be a hidden gem, but it’s now a tourist favourite! Although, if you’re looking to escape the crowds, the island still has some stunning under-the-radar treasures. Here are my favourites…
1. Kalami Beach
I think the former home of the now TV famous family, the Durrells is a seriously dreamy spot! Despite the publicity, I love how tranquil it is and it has remained so due to its tucked-away location, far from the busy tourist hotspots – it honestly feels like my own little slice of paradise!
Located on the northeastern coast of the island, it has sparkling azure waters and a backdrop of gorgeous green hills. The beach itself is pebbly, lined with olive trees and cypresses. The beach is dotted with cosy tavernas up north and down south, I spotted the iconic “White House,” which was once where the famous author Lawrence Durrell lived.
On my trip, I kicked back on the pebbly shores, went snorkelling in the sparkling clear waters, kayaked along the beautiful coastline to explore the scenic coastline treat yourself to some delicious local eats at the charming tavernas, and visited the White House – I found it had turned into an upscale restaurant which offered overnight accommodation too!
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at San Antonio Corfu Resort – I absolutely loved the stunning trendy boho style modern decor, the onsite spa and joining the morning yoga classes in their zen-like garden while seeing fabulous views of the bay!
- Dining at the charming Kalami Beach Taverna – it was an awesome to sit on their outside covered patio and gaze at the Kalami Bay views while eating an aubergine-based moussaka made with locally grown herbs and washed down with a very aromatic Corfiot wine!
2. Paleokastritsa 
I always enjoy visiting this pretty and very serene coastal village! It’s tucked away in a peaceful little corner of the island, where the stunning natural beauty and traditional charm have been carefully preserved so I come here when I want an alternative to the busy tourist resorts.
Located on the northwestern coast, I discovered jagged emerald-green cliffs which tumbled into turquoise bays, charming whitewashed buildings and a mix of beaches, from the sandy Agios Spyridon and Agia Triada, to the part-sandy, part-pebbly Ampelaki, and the fully pebbly Platakia and La Grotta which had a rocky rugged terrain.
I come here to kick back and relax on the beautiful beaches, snorkel and go diving in the very clear waters, explore hidden sea caves by boat, dine at the mix of traditional Greek tavernas and modern eateries and visit the very photogenic Paleokastritsa Monastery.
My favorite highlights…
- Discovering one of the village’s iconic and stunning architectural landmarks, the Monastery of Paleokastritsa.
3. Rovinia Beach 
I personally think this is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island! It remains unspoiled because it’s not easy to reach – it’s accessible only by boat or a narrow hiking trail, which keeps the crowds at bay so the focus is more on nature instead.
It’s located on the west coast, just a mile from the resort Palaiokastritsa (which had accommodation), I personally think it’s breathtaking and worth the extra effort to get there, with gorgeous green cliffs, a beach with both sand and smooth pebbles and sparkling blue waters which made me feel I’d stepped into a secret paradise.
From Liapades village, I followed a marked trail which lead me through olive groves and lush vegetation then eventually narrowed and I followed a series of steps that descended directly to the crescent-shaped beach. I found an interesting cave at its south end, clear waters where I swam and snorkelled and a small boat which was anchored near the cave which sold drinks and sandwiches – to me it was pure bliss!
My highlights…
- Exploring the clear waters with my snorkelling gear and seeing a fascinating marine world of brightly coloured damselfish, large groupers, sea urchins and parrotfish darting around seagrass beds.
4. Liapades
This place has a vibe of an authentic Greek village, which I loved! It’s the place I visit to really unwind as it’s tucked away off the usual tourist trail, so I can soak in that old-world charm without the crowds!
It’s located on the west coast, I found picturesque mix of flourishing green olive groves and vineyards, charming stone houses, narrow cobbled streets, and Insta-worthy sea views! I found several beaches here; the pebbly Liapades Beach which had several handy amenities, the secluded pebbly Rovinia Beach which was accessible only by boat (or a hike), the tranquil, sandy Limni Beach and Iliodoros Beach, a remote sandy haven which I could only be reached by boat.
I stayed here for a blissful week and drove along deserted roads, explored secret coves by kayak, hiked scenic trails through olive groves, went snorkelling in the clear waters, got to know the friendly locals and dined at the local tavernas!
My favorite highlights…
- Enjoying a short walk to the petite Goulis Winery for locally produced wine tasting.
5. Porto Timoni 
I’m always wowed by this stunningly unique double bay which has two distinct beaches! It’s only accessible by a challenging hiking trail, so thankfully it’s deterred large crowds and preserved the pristine natural beauty and peaceful vibe!
It’s nestled near the village of Afionas on the northwestern coast, I thought the scenery was seriously dreamy with two gorgeous turquoise bays framed by steep, green hills, where the Mediterranean sun casts a perfect glow over the crystal-clear waters! The beaches were a mix of sand and small, smooth pebbles.
To reach it I started from the village of Afionas followed a well-marked but steep hiking trail for about 25 minutes and when here I relaxed and took in the dreamy scenery then went swimming and snorkelling before heading back.
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.
6. Kouloura
I personally think this quaint picturesque village looks like a painting! I also think it’s a joy because there is no nightlife and no hassles here due to its secluded location and minimal development. It’s beautifully preserved its natural beauty and traditional charm and I think it’s a idyllic peaceful retreat.
It’s tucked away northeastern coast, just a short drive from Kalami and I thought the scenery here was just dreamy – think sparkling turquoise waters, just a handful of traditional houses, olive trees, and a cosy little harbour that feels like it’s been frozen in time. It has secluded rocky coves instead of its own beach but the beautiful pebble Kalami Beach is just a short walk away.
I stayed for short summer break just five minutes away from here and just soaked up the simple pleasures it offered – strolling along the pretty harbour, swimming in the azure waters and enjoying a long, lazy lunch at the local taverna.
My highlights…
- Enjoying delicious Greek cuisine at Taverna Kouloura.
- Going for a walk to see the famous Villa Anieli, the mansion by the sea.
7. Arkoudilas Beach
I think this is a wonderfully secluded, unspoiled Greek beauty spot. I’m a fan of deserted beaches so I love this place – it remains like this due to its remote location, lack of commercial development, limited accessibility (I had to drive down a rough road to get to it), and local conservation efforts to preserve its natural beauty.
It’s located on the southern tip of the island, near the village of Kavos, and to me it feels like a secret paradise with a long stretch of sandy beach (around 1 kilometre long) mixed with fine-sized gravel, towering rugged cliffs and shimmering waves gently lapping at the shore.
I stayed in a boutique hotel nearby and came here to really chill out – there are no restaurants, cafes or bars here so I just soak up the natural beauty instead. On a few days I went swimming and snorkelling and went hiking to discover the historic ruins of the Monastery of Panagia Arkoudilas perched above. There were some locals here at times but many times I had the beach to myself!
My favorite highlights…
- Staying in the 4-star Ekati Mare Lifestyle Resort – I really liked the chic boutique boho styling, the buffet under the stars and the weekly sunset celebrations and movie nights under the stars!
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Finding unique clay deposits on the beach which are rich in minerals like silica and I found out it was very good for skin and felt very detoxifying effects!
8. The Island of Vido 
This is a unique and small, lush, and historically rich destination! I think it makes a great peaceful alternative to the crowded beach resorts on the main island. It has remained under-the-radar due to its small size (it’s only 540 acres), historical sanctity, and conservation efforts.
It’s nestled in the Ionian Sea located just off the northeastern coast of Corfu, Greece and I found it was accessible by a short boat ride from Corfu’s old port. It was covered with pine and palm trees, a mix of three main beaches which were a mix of pebbly and sandy beaches and dotted with a couple of historic attractions like the Serbian Mausoleum and the Church of St. Stephen (as a refuge for Serbian soldiers during World War I).
I came here on a day trip (there was no accommodation on the island) explored the historical sites, hiked the green trails (there were no roads here either), relaxed on the beaches, went swimming and snorkelling and enjoyed a unique dining experience at the local restaurant.
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.
9. Arillas Agiou Georgiou
This is a small coastal village with a low key beach resort vibe! Here it’s all about laid-back vibes- there are no big resorts, nightclubs or flashy developments, just a charming little village and a soft golden sand beach. I have to admit the beach isn’t the most beautiful on the island but it’s sandy rather than pebbly and still a great place to kick back for a while.
Located on the northwest coast of the island, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Corfu Town and the airport. As well as golden sands, there’s also cozy tavernas serving traditional Greek dishes, a few beach amenities like lots of sun beds, parasols and beachfront cafes.
I stayed here for a long weekend and as well as just relaxing, swimming and snorkelling and witnessing the magical sunsets that Arillas is famous I explored some seriously jaw-dropping parts of the island which located near the village.
The first was Cape Kefali which was surrounded by the smaller beaches and rocky spots I watched brave cliff divers jump into the sea and the second was the spectacular Cape Drastis (pictured above) which was five miles away and one of the picturesque spots on the island – featuring dramatic white cliffs, secluded beaches and hidden coves!
My personal highlights…
- 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! It’s a family-friendly resort and although there are tourists here it’s not a busy, high octane kind of place, it has a low key vibe and stretches 1.2 miles along the north coast so I also found there were plenty of space here too!
It’s located in the small village of Roda in on the north coast of the island and it’s the beach is filled with soft golden sands (not pebbles!), clear, shallow waters which made it a good choice for families with younger children and a backdrop of lush green hills.
When here I kicked back, strolled along the beachfront and discovered traditional whitewashed buildings, cosy tavernas with colourful outdoor seating, small boutique shops, and modern hotels. I also went jet skiing, paddle-boarding, and scuba diving and went on a boat trip to discover nearby hidden coves.
My highlights…
- Taking a boat trip to explore the coastline and other small islands which featured beautiful Caribbean-style beaches.
11. Barbati Beach
I thought which was such an idyllic and beautifully preserved spot! It’s unspoiled because it’s tucked away beneath olive-covered hills, far from the hustle and bustle.
Located on the northeastern coast, it’s a unique spot with an enchanting mix crystal-clear aquamarine waters, a pebbled shoreline with a sandy seabed, gorgeous olive groves, and the very dramatic backdrop of Mount Pantokrator, there were tourists here but it wasn’t overly crowded and it attracts a more discerning crowd than I saw elsewhere on the island.
When here I stayed nearby and completely de-stressed, went swimming, snorkelling, paddle-boarding, jet-skiing and on a scenic boat trip. I also had a great time discovering the surrounding tavernas and modern bars.
My highlights…
- Trying out wakeboarding for the first time!
- Drinking cocktails at the family-friendly Verde Blu Bar – I really liked the trendy white decor, the sea views and my divine strawberry daiquiri and my risotto which came with pumpkin cream and sautéed spinach!
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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 mezze, 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.
