Where to stay in Corfu

Accommodation › Where to stay in Corfu

Choosing where to stay in Corfu is crucial for your convenience when visiting the Greek island. The rather compact island has a wide range of excellent accommodation, many of which have been recently renovated and are housed in beautiful historic buildings with breathtaking views. Despite being small, there are many distinct areas throughout Corfu that each have their own, unique features. Corfu is pretty affordable, and you can likely get a nice place to stay for a deal.

Table of Contents

Where is Corfu located in Greece?

Corfu is one of the Ionian Islands and is located in the Mediterranean Sea off the north-western coast of Greece, just two kilometres from the mainland. The Albanian border is in close proximity and the ‘heel of the boot’ of Italy is located to the west.

Corfu has no large neighbouring islands in its immediate vicinity. Only the tiny islands of the Diapontian Islands (including Othoni) in the north and Paxos and Antipaxos in the south are accessible to island hoppers.

• Corfu – The ‘Green Island’: Due to its location, there is slightly more rainfall here in spring and autumn, making the island greener than other Greek islands.
• Cultural influences: The island shows both Italian and Greek influences, which are reflected in the architecture of Corfu Town, the capital.

How many days do I need for Corfu?

How long to stay? I spent ten days on the Ionian island and found this to be the perfect length of time to visit many of the beautiful places and still have enough time to relax. But I could have stayed longer – because there is so much to see on Corfu.

The most popular time to visit the island is between June and September. During this period, temperatures range between 28° C and 32° C, and it rarely rains. It is therefore the perfect time for a beach holiday. I was there myself at the beginning of September and can highly recommend this time of year. The temperatures were perfect, and the sea was still warm enough for swimming.

Quick overview of the best hotels in Corfu

You can find beautiful hotels for a relaxing holiday in Corfu in all price categories. You can choose between luxury hotels, family hotels, clubs, and resorts.

The resorts directly south and north of Corfu Town are located in the airport’s flight path. The noise level in Corfu Town is also very high in the evenings. Would you like to avoid aircraft noise and have a relaxing holiday in Corfu? Then you should definitely pay attention to the location when looking for accommodation.

Corfu hotel right by the sea

Here are my recommendations for beautiful hotels on Corfu:

Sea Breeze Hotel & Apartments (Agios Gordios): Popular hotel on Corfu located by the beach. Fantastically located, with a magnificent sunset view from your hotel room and great value for money. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Delfino Blu Boutique Hotel (Agios Stefanos): An oasis of well-being on the west coast of Corfu, directly above Agios Stefanos beach. The family run hotel of Costas and his family is greatly recommended, cosy rooms with sea views and very good food. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Eleals Boutique Hotel (Perama): A great modern hotel with a view of the sea – very good location – not far from Corfu town, 5 minutes to the nearest village. Beautiful beaches close by and friendly staff who took wonderful care of us. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Where to stay in Corfu: The best areas and hotels

In this guide, I will present you the best areas for a holiday in Corfu: from the elegant streets of Corfu Town and the nearby seaside resort of Dassia to the picturesque bays of Paleokastritsa and Kassiopi, family-friendly Sidari and the romantic sunsets in Pelekas to the lively nightlife of Kavos in the south.

Corfu Town (Kerkyra) – The Historic capital for culture & cosmopolitan flair

Corfu Town is the historical and cultural centre of the island – a colourful town from the Venetian era, located on the east coast between two ancient fortresses. A stroll through the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transports you to another era: winding cobbled streets, known as kantounia, lead to elegant squares, past pastel-coloured mansions with wrought-iron balconies and the famous Liston Promenade with its Parisian-style arcades lined with cafés. You will discover Venetian fortresses, French palaces such as the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, and the famous Church of St. Spyridon with its red dome, where the relics of the island’s patron saint are kept.

• Ideal for: Corfu Town is ideal for travellers who appreciate history, architecture and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Couples appreciate the romantic atmosphere and countless restaurants, while culture lovers can spend days visiting museums, fortresses, and galleries.

Where to stay in Corfu Town

The island’s capital offers a wide range of accommodation, from large traditional hotels to family-run guesthouses. Here is a selection:

Bella Venezia – A charming boutique hotel in a restored neoclassical mansion (formerly a consulate, bank and school), just a few minutes’ walk from the Liston. It is an oasis of calm with a beautiful garden where a highly acclaimed Greek breakfast is served. The rooms are decorated elegant yet cosy, the location is ideal for exploring the surrounding area. A first-class choice, appreciated for its warm atmosphere, romantic ambience and great service. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Arcadion Hotel – A 3-star hotel offering excellent value for money in the heart of the old town. This friendly hotel is located directly on the Spianada; some rooms have a balcony overlooking the Liston arcades and the fortress. Rooms are comfortable and modern. Staff were super helpful with booking us transfers, restaurant recommendations and even helping us rent a car. The hotel is located only a few steps away from the action (the location is unbeatable for this price), making the Arcadion ideal for a short break or for those who want to stay right in the centre. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Activities & Things to do:

• Old Fortress and Liston Promenade: The 15th-century Old Fortress offers sweeping views of the city and the sea. Have a coffee in one of the cafés on the Liston overlooking the sprawling Spianada Square, one of the largest in Greece. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a cricket match or a philharmonic concert there.
• Mon Repos and Achilleion: A short trip south of the city takes you to the Mon Repos estate, the birthplace of Prince Philip, which is set in a botanical garden on the ruins of ancient Corfu. About 10 km south, in Gastouri, is the Achilleion, which you can easily reach by taxi or bus.

Did you know? Easter is celebrated in a particularly impressive way on Corfu. On Holy Saturday, the locals in Corfu Town follow the tradition of ‘Botides’: they throw large clay pots from their balconies, which shatter loudly on the street below.

Paleokastritsa and the northwest – Lush nature & picturesque bays

Probably the most beautiful area on Corfu is Paleokastritsa on the northwest coast, known for its turquoise bays, wooded slopes and secluded beaches. For many, this is the epitome of Corfu’s natural beauty. Paleokastritsa is not a single beach, but consists of five main bays and smaller inlets. The water is crystal clear everywhere and shimmers in all shades from deep blue to emerald green.

Where To Stay in Paleokastritsa

Zefiros Traditional Hotel – A charming 3-star guesthouse right on the main beach of Paleokastritsa. The Zefiros has been welcoming guests since 1935, making it one of the oldest hotels in Corfu. It has only 11 rooms, each with its own balcony, many with sea views. Run by the same family for three generations, it is known for its warm hospitality and homemade breakfast. The right choice for those who appreciate a family-like, personal atmosphere and want to stay just a few steps from the water (you can hear the sound of the sea from the balcony). ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Platakia Blu – A solid mid-range hotel on a hillside with stunning views of Paleokastritsa Bay. Although larger, with around 60 rooms, it is still family-run and offers clean, comfortable rooms with balconies overlooking the sea, a beautiful pool and its own restaurant. The location is convenient, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach and the road to the monastery. Ideal for families or couples looking for a classic hotel experience with fantastic views at a fair price. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Activities & Things to do:

• High up on a peninsula sits the monastery of Paleokastritsa (dating from 1225), where a few monks still live today. It has a beautiful courtyard and a small museum. The view from there is fantastic.
• From bay to bay: There are several main beaches in Paleokastritsa: Agios Spiridon (the central beach on the main bay, with sun loungers and tavernas), Platakia, Alipa (at the small harbour), Ampelaki and Agios Petros. All have clear, cool water – the springs in the area make the sea a little cooler, a welcome relief on hot days.

Dassia and the resorts on the east coast – Pure relaxation by the beach

The Dassia–Ipsos–Kommeno stretch of coastline is located on the central east coast of Corfu, only about 15 to 20 minutes north of Corfu Town. The area is known for its easily accessible beaches and hotel complexes. The beach at Dassia itself is a long sandy and pebble beach lined with olive trees and pine trees in a quiet, sheltered bay. Modern comforts are a priority here: in Dassia and neighbouring Ipsos, there are numerous hotels – from boutique hotels to all-inclusive resorts – the infrastructure is also very good, with supermarkets, cash machines, car rental companies and regular bus connections to Corfu Town.

Where to stay in Dassia (Corfu east coast)

Here you will find some of the best-rated resorts on Corfu. A few special recommendations:

Corfu Imperial, A Grecotel Resort to Live – A 5-star resort located on its own peninsula in Kommeno, impressing guests with its stately ambience. Surrounded by Italian-style gardens and private bathing bays, it has hosted royalty and celebrities. The hotel offers elegantly furnished rooms and bungalow suites (many of which have been recently renovated), several private beaches and fine dining. The view over the Ionian Sea is unique: in one direction you can see Corfu Town and in the other the bay of Dassia. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Aloe Seaview Apartments by Konnect – The Apartment was exceptionally beautiful, views are amazing, especially while enjoying them in the Jacuzzi. The apartment is also ideal as a starting point for excursions (parking spaces are available). If you are looking for great value accommodation in a green and quiet location, from which the taverns of Gouvia are only a 10-minute walk away and the town is just a few minutes’ drive away, this an excellent choice. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Activities & Things to do:

• One option is a day cruise from Dassia or a nearby location: Some excursions take you along the north-east coast to secluded bays and the Blue Caves of Paleokastritsa, or even across to the mainland for a detour to the Blue Lagoon.
• Marina Gouvia and Venetian Arsenal: Take a short trip to Marina Gouvia, the largest marina in Corfu, if you are not already staying there. It’s nice to stroll along the yachts and perhaps eat at one of the waterfront restaurants. A little history tip: just a five-minute walk from the harbour are the ruins of an 18th-century Venetian arsenal (shipyard). The large stone arches once provided shelter for the ships of Venice.

Kassiopi and the north – Scenic Fishing village and vibrant holiday destination

Kassiopi is one of the most developed villages in the northern part of the island of Corfu. In ancient times, it was a fishing village, but today it offers all the tourist facilities you could wish for, including two beaches. In Roman times, Kassiopi was a prosperous village because it was located on the sea route, and today it has its own charm: it has a centre, a picturesque harbour, two bays with beaches separated by a promontory and a Byzantine castle.

Although Kassiopi offers accommodation, restaurants and pubs for holidaymakers, it was not created for tourist purposes, unlike Roda in the north or Kavos in the south. Kassiopi, with Mount Pantokratoras, is surrounded by vegetation and is the last village where you can admire the coasts of Albania and Greece. The harbour is still used by fishermen today, and here you can still experience the simplicity of Greek culture.

Where to stay in Kassiopi

If location and views are key then it doesn’t get any more central than the 3-star Melina Bay Boutique Hotel which is right on the waterfront and has a rooftop pool. Manessis Apartments Kassiopi Bay have simple rooms with great views of the harbour.

Thea Studios – Thea Studios are a good choice for self-caterers who value a beautiful view. The studios and apartments are located directly on Kalamionas Beach and offer direct access to the sea and a sweeping view of the bay from their terraces. The accommodation is simple but cosy and each unit has a small kitchenette. An ideal and inexpensive choice for holidaymakers who appreciate a quiet, beautiful location and don’t mind a short climb back from the town centre. ☑ Check prices and availability here.

Corfu has something to offer for every taste. When choosing the right place, it all depends on what kind of holiday you have in mind. Whether you opt for culturally rich Corfu Town, elegant seaside resorts such as Dassia, a charming village like Kassiopi or the lively nightlife of Kavos – everywhere you go, you can expect the island’s warm hospitality and impressive scenery. Each area has its own character, but all are unmistakably Corfu: an island where Venetian streets, olive-covered hills and azure blue sea come together in harmony.