14 Quiet Corfu Beach Resorts for Travel Snobs

I’ve explored Corfu many times, watching it grow from a hidden gem into one of Greece’s most popular islands. Yet on my trips I’ve still found plenty of peaceful, under‑the‑radar spots that feel far from the crowds. Here are my favourites…

1. Paleokastritsa

I loved visiting this pretty 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. It has a serene, upscale vibe which I just love!

Nestled 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. 

A breezy 45‑minute coastal drive north of Corfu Town led me to a dreamy week of beach‑hopping, snorkelling and diving in sparkling waters, exploring secret sea caves, savouring both rustic Greek fare and modern dishes, and visiting the breathtakingly pretty Paleokastritsa Monastery!

• Location: northwestern coast 
• Location Map

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the chic Akrotiri Beach Resort Hotel, I loved its upscale vibe, prime peninsula setting with access to two contrasting beaches, and superb wellness facilities – especially the outdoor sea‑view massages using locally harvested rosemary, sage, lavender, and thyme oils! 

2. Kalami Beach

I thought this former home of the now TV famous family, the Durrells was 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 felt like my own little slice of paradise!

I found it tucked away on the island’s northeastern coast, with a picturesque beach of sparkling azure waters framed by lush green hills. Olive trees and cypresses lined the pebbly shore, creating a serene atmosphere, while the north had cozy tavernas and the south featured the iconic “White House,” once home to author Lawrence Durrell.

After a scenic 45‑minute drive north from Corfu Town, I lazed on pebbly beaches, snorkeled and kayaked through glittering waters, indulged in delicious taverna fare, and was charmed to find the White House transformed into a stylish restaurant with rooms—a hidden gem I hadn’t expected!

• Location: northeastern coast 
• Location Map

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the 4‑star San Antonio Corfu Resort, I loved its stylish boho‑chic modern décor, the soothing onsite spa, and starting my day with morning Hatha yoga followed by lemon verbena tea in the serene garden while enjoying fabulous bay views.
• Dining on the covered patio at the charming Kalami Beach Taverna – I loved the Kalami Bay views and my dish of an aubergine‑based moussaka infused with locally grown oregano, thyme, and basil, all washed down with a very aromatic Corfiot wine!

3. Barbati Beach

I thought this was such an idyllic and beautifully preserved spot! I discovered it was a sought‑after spot yet remained unspoiled, tucked beneath olive‑covered hills and far from the hustle and bustle.

Tucked away on the northeastern coast, it felt unique with crystal‑clear aquamarine waters, a pebbled shore over a sandy seabed, olive groves, and Mount Pantokrator’s dramatic backdrop; I saw there were tourists, but it stayed uncrowded and drew a more discerning crowd than elsewhere on the island.

Just half an hour north of Corfu Town on the east coast, I settled in for a stress‑free escape – diving into swimming, snorkelling, paddle‑boarding, jet‑skiing, and a scenic boat trip – before discovering the area’s few charming tavernas and effortlessly cool bars.

• Location: northeastern coast
• Location Map

My highlights…

• Staying at the fine 4-star Corfu Luxury Villas – I really liked the chic modern decor (the local stone walls, hand‑crafted furniture, and art from Corfiot artists), the private swimming pool and the friendly personal concierge assistance!
• Drinking cocktails at the family‑friendly Verde Blu Bar, I loved the chic white décor, stunning sea views, my icy strawberry daiquiri, and my creamy risotto arriving topped with pumpkin cream and garlicky sautéed spinach while I sat on the breezy terrace! 

4. Rovinia Beach 

I personally thought that this was one of the most beautiful beaches on the island! I saw that it had remained unspoiled because it’s wasn’t easy to reach – it was accessible only by boat or a narrow hiking trail, which keeps the crowds at bay so the focus is more on nature instead.

I discovered it lying peacefully on the west coast, just a mile from the resort Palaiokastritsa (which had accommodation), I personally thought it was breathtaking and worth the bit of effort to get there, with its 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 little paradise! 

I drove 40 minutes from Corfu Town, then followed a marked trail through olive groves and thick greenery from Liapades village, which narrowed into stone steps leading straight to a stunning crescent‑shaped beach.

Down at the south end I stumbled on a secretive cave, spent hours swimming and snorkeling in glass‑clear waters, and loved buying cold drinks and snacks from a tiny boat moored close by—absolute heaven!

• Location: western coast
• Location Map

My highlights…

• Staying nearby in the nearby Odysseus Hotel for a long weekend break (it was just a 10 minute drive from Rovinia Beach) – I loved how olive and lemon trees dotted its manicured garden and it’s superb location overlooking the glistening bay! 
• Snorkelling the clear waters and seeing a fascinating marine world of brightly coloured damselfish, large groupers, sea urchins and parrotfish darting around seagrass beds! 

5. Roda Beach

This was one of the most expansive beaches on the island! It was a family-friendly resort and although I encountered other tourists here, it wasn’t a busy, high octane kind of place. It had a low key vibe and stretched 1.2 miles along the north coast so I also found there was plenty of space here too!

I unearthed this gem in the small village of Roda in on the north coast of the island and the beach was filled with soft golden sands (not pebbles!), clear, shallow waters which made it a great choice for families with younger children and a backdrop of lush green hills.

Just 50 minutes up the coastal highway from Corfu Town, I kicked back for five days and I relaxed by the beach, strolled past pretty whitewashed buildings, cute traditional tavernas, chic little shops and modern hotels, and amped things up with jet‑skiing, paddle‑boarding, scuba dives and a boat ride to hidden coves.

• Location: northern coast
• Location Map

My highlights…

• Staying at the upscale Ibiscus Corfu Hotel – I loved the boutique decor (there were lots of hand‑crafted wooden accents and soft linen textures), the fragrant gardens filled with bougainvillaea and lemon trees, and my incredible swim-up pool room which was worth paying every penny for the upgrade! 

6. 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 felt 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.

An hour’s drive south from Corfu Town took me to Kavos, then down a rugged track to a pristine, crowd‑free beach with nothing but nature. For five days I swam, snorkeled, explored the ruined Monastery of Panagia Arkoudilas above, and more often than not, had the place all to myself! 

• Location: southern tip 
• Location Map

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 Insta-worthy sunset celebrations and enjoying their Mamma Mia! movie night under the stars! 
• I came across unique silvery‑grey clay streaked with pale ochre layers on the beach, naturally rich in silica and trace minerals, and discovered it was wonderful for the skin – I could actually feel its deeply detoxifying effects!

7. Liapades

This place had a vibe of an authentic Greek village, which I couldn’t get enough of! It turned out to be a genuine retreat, hidden off the tourist radar, letting me bask in timeless charm without the bustle! 

It was tucked away on the west coast, and I found a picturesque mix of green olive groves and vineyards, charming stone houses, narrow cobbled streets, and Insta-worthy sea views!

I explored several beaches here: the pebbly Liapades Beach, which offered several handy amenities; the secluded Rovinia Beach, accessible only by boat or a hike; the tranquil, sandy Limni Beach; and Iliodoros Beach, a remote sandy haven reachable only by boat.

Just 40 minutes northwest of Corfu Town via winding, olive‑fringed backroads, I settled in for a dreamy week of deserted drives, secret‑cove kayaking, scenic olive‑grove hikes, clear‑water snorkeling, friendly local encounters, and long, lazy taverna dinners! 

• Location: western coast
• Location Map

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the tranquil, rustic-chic Anna Pension – I adored the gorgeous hillside location and views and the friendly welcome by the owners Anna and Kostas – they even surprised me with homemade kumquat liqueur and fresh figs from their garden! 
• Walking 20 minutes from the village to the family‑run Goulis Winery, I loved sampling their aromatic red Amorosos in a cozy rustic tasting room with stone walls, old oak barrels, and family photos lining the shelves.

8. Paralia Acharavi

10. Porto Timoni 

I was seriously wowed by this unique double bay which has two very distinct beaches! I found it was only accessible by a challenging hiking trail, which thankfully deterred large crowds, preserving its pristine natural beauty and peaceful vibe.

I drove 50 minutes to Afionas village and kicked back there for a long weekend at the peaceful 4-star Zeus Throne Suites (located on the northwestern coast) then hiked 25 minutes down a marked trail. I found the scenery seriously dreamy with two gorgeous turquoise bays framed by steep, green hills. The Mediterranean sun cast a perfect glow over the beautiful waters. The beaches were a mix of sand and small, smooth pebbles – utterly picturesque!

I soaked up the scenery, slipped in for a swim and a snorkel, went on a short hike and then made my way back! 

• Location: northwestern coast 
• Location Map

My highlights…

• I hiked the Afionas to Porto Timoni round‑trip trail in about an hour, starting in the pretty village of Afionas where jasmine and bougainvillea draped over stone walls, then tackled a few steep, uneven sections before reaching a high viewpoint with breathtaking panoramic views of the twin beaches below – it was definitely worth it!

11. Kouloura 

I thought this quaint picturesque village looked like a painting! I loved how peaceful it felt here, with no nightlife or hassles – I saw that its secluded setting and minimal development had help it keep its natural beauty and traditional charm.

I drove 50 minutes northeast from Corfu Town along the coastal road just past Kalami and spent a week’s summer break at the rustic‑chic 4‑star Sinium Luxury Villas, which were located just five minutes from Kalami Beach.

I just soaked up the simple pleasures, strolling along the picturesque harbour, swimming in the azure waters, walking to see the nearby famous Villa Anieli (a spectacular white mansion by the sea) and devouring long, lazy lunches at the local tavernas! 

• Location: northeastern coast
• Location Map

My highlights…

• Dining at rustic‑chic Taverna Kouloura – I loved its scenic spot on Kouloura harbour and my beautifully presented dish of stuffed zucchini flowers and baked eggplants with chickpeas.

12. Boukari 

This was a really charming and authentic traditional village! Tucked off the main trail, it had no sprawling resorts or noisy crowds, only a few tavernas and a quiet beach, and I was instantly smitten with its calm, old‑world feel! 

Nestled on the southeastern coast, I loved the scenery here – tiny fishing boats bobbed in the clear blue sea, a small beach of rough sand and pebbles stretched along the shore, and a handful of whitewashed buildings and cosy tavernas sat beneath tree‑covered hills.

Just 40 minutes south of Corfu Town via quiet village roads I check into the romantic boutique retreat Mythos Panorama and I relaxed on a tranquil beach, lingered over meals in cute waterfront restaurants, wandered the surrounding countryside, headed out by boat, and revelled in the laid‑back, untouched Greek charm.

• Location: southeastern coast 
• Location Map

My highlights…

• Taking a walk to one of the most beautiful villages in Greece, Chlomos – it was a steep walk and took me an hour but I loved wandering the narrow, winding lanes lined with pastel‑hued Venetian‑style houses, carved wooden balconies, and overhanging – and very crimson – bougainvillaea! 

13. Petriti

 

I discovered this was a very welcoming hidden gem! I found a traditional coastal village that had remained quiet and unspoiled, tucked away from the island’s bustling tourist hotspots.

With no big resorts or loud nightlife around, its charm lay in its simplicity – just a few family‑run tavernas, fishing boats swaying in the bay, and a quiet beach. The beach itself was a tranquil blend of sand and pebbles, with shallow, calm waters that were ideal for swimming and wading.

Set on the southeastern coast, just four miles from the busier resort of Messonghi, it felt refreshingly different – I personally thought that its focus on sustainable, small‑scale tourism made it a wonderful choice for an eco‑conscious getaway.

A 45‑minute drive south from Corfu Town brought me through Messonghi and Petriti to the family-friendly Egrypos Hotel, where I spent a long weekend embracing the laid‑back beach life, watching boats in a picture‑perfect harbour, hiking through olive groves, and discovering Issos Beach (6.3 km) and Gardenos Beach (7.4 km).

• Location: southeastern coast
• Location Map

My personal highlights…

• Dining at the laid‑back, rustic Stamatis Taverna, I sat on the lantern‑lit outdoor patio surrounded by olive trees while savouring perfectly cooked Neapolitan linguine and a flavorful potato salad drizzled with local olive oil and fresh herbs!

14. The Island of Vido 

This was a unique, small and historically rich destination! I found it to be a wonderfully peaceful alternative to the crowded beach resorts on the main island, and it’s stayed under the radar thanks to its small size (just 540 acres), its historical sanctity, and ongoing conservation efforts.

Nestled in the Ionian Sea, just off the northeastern coast of Corfu, Greece, I found it was easily accessible by a short boat ride from Corfu’s old port (my photo is above). The island was beautifully covered with pine and palm trees and featured three main beaches, which were a a mix of pebbly and sandy shores. Dotted among its natural beauty were a few historic attractions, including the Serbian Mausoleum and the Church of St. Stephen, which served as a refuge for Serbian soldiers during World War I.

With no roads or places to stay, I explored this island on a day trip from my fine Corfu Town base the 4-star Siora Vittoria Boutique Hotel – and spent it hiking leafy trails, discovering historic spots, swimming and snorkelling off secluded beaches, and enjoying a one‑of‑a‑kind lunch at its only restaurant! 

• Location: just off the coast of Corfu Town
• Location Map

My favorite highlights…

• Hiking the two mile circular path around which took me two hours to complete – I passed secluded coves with smooth pebbles and shimmering clear shallows, and paused a lot to take in views of Corfu Town’s pastel skyline across the water!