14 Quiet Corfu Beach Resorts for Travel Snobs

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 felt like my own little slice of paradise!

Located on the northeastern coast of the island, this picturesque beach boasts sparkling azure waters framed by lush green hills. The pebbly shoreline is lined with olive trees and cypresses, creating a serene and natural atmosphere. Up north, the beach is dotted with cozy tavernas, while down south, I came across the iconic “White House,” once the home of the renowned author Lawrence Durrell.

On my trip, I relaxed on the pebbly shores, dove into snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters, and kayaked along the stunning coastline. I treated myself to some delicious local eats at charming tavernas and visited the White House, which I discovered had transformed into an upscale restaurant offering overnight accommodation too! What a delightful surprise!

• Location: northeastern coast 
• Location Map

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, washed down with a very aromatic Corfiot wine!

2. Paleokastritsa

I always enjoy visiting this very pretty and 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! 

• Location: northwestern coast 
• Location Map

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the Akrotiri Beach Resort Hotel – I loved the upscale vibe, its location on the peninsula where we had access to two very different beaches and the superb wellness facilities, especially the outdoor massage services overlooking the sea! 

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 winding through olive groves and lush vegetation until it narrowed into a series of steps descending directly to a crescent-shaped beach. At the south end, I discovered an intriguing cave, and the clear waters were perfect for swimming and snorkeling. A small boat anchored near the cave sold drinks and sandwiches – I truly thought it was pure bliss!

• Location: western coast
• Location Map

My highlights…

• Staying nearby in the Paleo ArtNouveau Hotel – I was charmed by its hillside setting and panoramic views and the unique Art Nouveau-inspired interiors and adult’s only policy which made it very peaceful! 
• 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 my go-to spot for true relaxation, hidden away from the usual tourist paths. I really like this little gem allows me to soak in the old-world charm without the hustle and bustle of crowds.

It’s located on the west coast, I found 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.

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! 

• Location: western coast
• Location Map

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at an apartment Anna Pension – I absolutely loved the tranquil vibe, the gorgeous hillside location and views, the rustic-chic decor and the friendly welcome by the owners Anna and Kostas!
• Walking to the family-run Goulis Winery which took 20 minutes from village – I really enjoyed sampling the aromatic red Amorosos wine in their rustic onsite tasting room!

5. Porto Timoni

I’m always wowed by this unique double bay which has two very distinct beaches! It’s only accessible by a challenging hiking trail, which thankfully deters large crowds, preserving its pristine natural beauty and peaceful vibe.

Nestled near the village of Afionas on the northwestern coast, 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!

To reach it, I started from the village of Afionas, following a well-marked but steep hiking trail for about 25 minutes. Once there, I relaxed, gazed at the beautiful surroundings, and enjoyed some swimming and snorkeling before heading back!

• Location: northwestern coast 
• Location Map

My highlights…

• Hiking the Afionas to Porto Timoni round trip trail which took me a hour’s walk. I started in the picturesque village of Afionas and then onto the beaches – there were a couple of steep and uneven sections along the way but when I reached the breathtaking panoramic views of the twin beaches from a high up viewpoint it made it all worth it! 

6. Kouloura

I personally think this quaint picturesque village looks like a painting! I also think it’s a joy because there’s no nightlife and no hassles here, thanks to its secluded location and minimal development. It’s also preserved its natural beauty and traditional charm! 

During my short summer break, I stayed just five minutes away from Kalami Beach. I just soaked up in simple pleasures: strolling along the picturesque harbour, swimming in the azure waters, and savouring long, lazy lunches at a local taverna. 

• Location: northeastern coast
• Location Map

My highlights…

• Enjoying delicious Greek cuisine at Taverna Kouloura – I was completely charmed by its scenic position on Kouloura harbour, the rustic-chic decor and the lush dishes of stuffed zucchini flowers and baked eggplants with chick-peas which came beautifully presented!
• Going for a walk to see the famous Villa Anieli, the spectacular white mansion by the sea which was built by the Venetians as a fortress against pirate raids – I loved how it had hosted numerous European aristocrats and dignitaries over the years and seeing the impressive white building against its sparkling sea backdrop! 

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 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.

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 soaked 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! 

• 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 weekly sunset celebrations and movie nights under the stars! 
• 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. 

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. The island was beautifully covered with pine and palm trees and featured three main beaches, offering 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.

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.

• 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 – it was great to see the lush pine forests, scenic coastline, and tranquil beaches along the way! 

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 for, 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 where 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! 

• Location: northwestern coast 
• Location Map

My personal highlights…

• Driving up a narrow, unpaved road that begins in the village of Peroulades which eventually lead to the epic, Insta-worthy view of Cape Drastis – they were very Insta-worthy turtle-shaped rock formations!
• Renting a boat and exploring the coastline between Cape Drastis and Sidari and stopping to explore a secret hidden cave tucked into the cliffs! 

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 was plenty of space here too!

It’s located in the small village of Roda in on the north coast of the island and 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 unwound, 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.

• Location: northern coast
• Location Map

My highlights…

• Staying at the gorgeous Ibiscus Corfu Hotel – I loved the upscale, boutique decor, the pretty gardens and my incredible swim-up pool room which was worth paying every penny for the upgrade! 

11. Barbati Beach

I thought which was such an idyllic and beautifully preserved spot! It’s a sought after spot but its 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 handful of surrounding tavernas and chic modern bars.

• Location: northeastern coast
• Location Map

My highlights…

• Staying at the beautiful Corfu Luxury Villas – I really liked the chic modern decor, private swimming pool and the personal concierge assistance!
• Drinking cocktails at the family-friendly Verde Blu Bar – I really liked the trendy white decor, the gorgeous sea views and my divine strawberry daiquiri and my risotto which came with pumpkin cream and sautéed spinach! 

12. Boukari

This really is a charming and authentic traditional village! It’s a little off the beaten path, with no big resorts or bustling tourist crowds, just a few tavernas and a very low key beach – I was totally won over by the timeless, tranquil vibe it has! 

Located on the southeastern coast, I loved the scenery here – there were tiny fishing boats bobbing in the clear blue sea, a small beach which was a mix of rough sand and pebbles and a handful of whitewashed buildings and cosy tavernas lining the shore surrounded by tree-covered hills.

I unwound on the peaceful beach, dined in the super-cute waterfront restaurants, explored the nearby countryside on scenic walks, took a boat trip and soaked up the blissful unspoilt Greek village vibe! 

• 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 thought the village which featured traditional Venetian-style houses and narrow, winding streets was completely charming! 

13. Petriti

This is a very welcoming hidden gem! It’s a traditional coastal village that has stayed quiet and unspoiled, tucked away from the island’s bustling tourist hotspots. With no large resorts or noisy nightlife nearby, the charm lies in its simplicity—just a handful of family-run tavernas, gently bobbing fishing boats, and a peaceful beach. The beach itself was a serene mix of sand and pebbles, with shallow, calm waters that I found perfect for swimming and wading.

It’s located on the southeastern coast, four miles away from the busier resort of Messonghi. I love Petriti focuses much more on being sustainable with small-scale tourism so I thought it was a great choice for an eco-conscious getaway.

I stayed in a rented villa and spent a long weekend here just enjoying the tranquil vibe and more natural beach life here, watched the boats come in at the postcard-pretty harbour, took scenic walks through the surrounding olive groves and explored the nearby beautiful sandy beaches of Issos Beach (6.3 km away) and Gardenos Beach (7.4 km away).

• Location: southeastern coast
• Location Map

My personal highlights…

• Dining on Neapolitan linguine and a heavenly potato salad on the outdoor patio at the laid back rustic Stamatis Taverna! 

14. Paralia Acharavi

This is actually one of the longest beaches on the island! It does attract tourists but it’s definitely not a huge party resort and it remains like that thanks to its long, spacious beach and laid-back vibe, where I found nature and charm outshine any signs of over-tourism! 

It’s located on the northern coast of the island and it’s home to a wide sandy beach which has a mix of sand, shingle and pebbles, clear shallow waters, charming beachfront tavernas, bars, and low-rise holiday apartments. 

I stayed for a short break and tried the water sports such as paddle-boarding, water-skiing and jet-skiing, gazing at the stunning views of the Albanian mountains, and explored the nearby village of Acharavi which was filled with interesting shops, cafes, and historic attractions such as the Roman Baths and Church of Saint Charalambos.

• Location: northern coast 
• Location Map

My highlights…

• Staying at Paralia Acharavi – I was really won over by the chic and trendy design, the boutique vibe and all the activities on offer such as the tennis and table tennis! 
• Grabbing a bite at the laid back Woody’s Restaurant – they served up a mix of dishes with European and Greek twists on popular dishes and I really like my Woody’s salad with came with tasty green apples and dried figs!