BENITSES CORFU: A SHORT GUIDE.
We were exploring Corfu on foot via the Corfu Trail when we arrived in Benitses. It’s safe to say it wasn’t the place we were most excited about visiting – we’d imagined it to be overly touristy – but it turned out to be one of our favourite stops on the island.
It has a mix of easy coastal charm, good food, and an old village that still feels lived-in rather than too polished for visitors. Compared to some of the more well known resorts, like Palaiokastritsa, which felt too hectic for us, we really liked the laid back vibe of Benitses.
Is Benitses worth visiting?
Absolutely, and it’s more than you might expect. Benitses has two sides: the modern seafront, lined with bars, tavernas, and small hotels, and the older village tucked just behind it, where narrow lanes take you past pastel houses draped in bougainvillaea.
We really enjoyed the contrast. The seafront is lively enough to keep you entertained in the evening, but the old village and quieter corners provide pockets of peace where you can slow down.
As a resort, Benitses has everything you might need. Supermarkets, reliable restaurants, bars, and some excellent bakeries make it convenient without feeling overdeveloped.
We particularly loved how low-key the beach felt. It’s gravel rather than sand, but the water is incredibly clear, and it was fantastic to escape the crowds. I spent an afternoon with a towel on a quiet stretch, reading a book and dipping in and out of the sea. No hectic sun lounger fests, no crowds, no loud music. Completely undisturbed relaxation.
And when the sun dipped, we could pop to a nearby grocery store to pick up some cold beers to enjoy by the side of the water.
There is one thing to keep in mind if you do visit – the road that runs through town is busy at certain times of the day and not pedestrianised the whole way along. This didn’t put us off the town fully, but it’s something to consider, especially when it comes to choosing your accommodation location.
Where is Benitses?
Benitses is on Corfu’s east coast, about 12 kilometres south of Corfu Town. It’s one of the most accessible resort areas on the island, making it a popular base for travellers who want easy access to the capital but prefer to stay somewhere quieter and more affordable.
How to get to Benitses
Getting to Benitses is straightforward. From Corfu Town, it’s a 20-minute drive or taxi ride along the coastal road.
There are regular buses from the Green Bus Station in Corfu Town – look for the southbound routes – normally number 6. The ride takes around 30 minutes. For bus timetables, we foundthis website very helpful.
If you’re exploring by foot on the Corfu Trail (as we were), Benitses makes a convenient overnight stop between the central and northern stages. We arrived to Benitses on day four of the Corfu Trail.
Best things to do in Bentises
Benitses is mostly about taking it easy by the sea, rather than chasing strenuous activities. That said, there are a few things worth doing if you want to mix things up a little and make the most of your visit.
1/ Explore the Old Village
The old part of Benitses sits just behind the main road and feels a world away from the seafront. It’s actually quite tucked away, so much so that many people miss it.
If you visit in early morning, you visit this bakery, which offers a few seats outside. We loved walking by as the village was opening up. Whilst it’s a bit of a cliché, I’m always enthralled to discover a quiet corner for coffee where locals actually visit.
By evening, Paxinos restaurant is a bit of an institution and is extremely popular. If you’d rather somewhere quieter, head to Argo Family Restaurant, a little deeper into the village.
2/ Settle in for some evening drinks
Benitses has plenty of options for a relaxed drink by the sea.
We tried a few bars along the promenade and on the beach. If you want a sea view and a cocktail, consider Ether.
Lotza Café, on the edge of the village, was our favourite spot. It’s a great place for people-watching, especially in the evening when the promenade fills with families and holidaymakers heading out for dinner.
A testament to how unpretentious this resort is, we ended up striking up conversations with various groups of locals and tourists as we sipped our ouzo.
3/ Walk the promenade
The coastal promenade runs the length of the beach, and it’s lovely at sunset. You can stroll along the waterfront, stop for ice cream or a drink, and watch the boats out on the water. It’s flat and easy to walk, so ideal if you fancy a gentle evening wander.
4/ Find a quiet swimming spot
The beaches at Benitses are pebbly, but the water is clear and calm. There are plenty of places to swim – some stretches are organised with sunbeds and umbrellas, while others are quieter and free to access.
We found that the further you walk away from the main cluster of cafés and marina, the more peaceful it becomes.
5/ Greek Dancing or Karaoke
Now, stay with me here. There’s a large hotel in Benitses, called the Potamaki Beach Hotel. They host Greek Dancing nights as well as karaoke sessions.
This is not our usual style, we would tend to avoid this sort of thing. But, in a long conversation with locals, we learnt that apparently these evenings can be really fun and aren’t total tourist traps.
So there we go! A bit of an old school holiday feel. Perhaps one to consider after a few cocktails.
6/ Grab a souvlaki
Benitses has no shortage of places to eat, but sometimes the simplest meals are the best. We had excellent souvlaki from a small grill (Gyroleague gyros & souvlaki house) near the main square – freshly cooked, cheap, and delicious.
There’s something really satisfying about having a few drinks, then finding a spot by the ocean to enjoy a salty souvlaki.
7/ Climb up for a view
Benitses has loads of great walks to explore, whether you want a short stroll or more of a full on hike.
If you fancy stretching your legs properly and seeking out a view point, we recommend taking one of the many footpaths leading up the hill to Stavros. Here you can find a bar serving walkers – Kostas Bar Walkers Point – and the all important views.
8/ Take a boat trip
There are lots of great options if you fancy exploring by boat.
You could hop on a cruise tour to the nearby Blue Lagoon and Papanikolis cave. Prices for this are very reasonable, at around €40 for a full day out.
If you’d rather a little more adventure, take a boat tour to the nearby islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. This tour is around €40 and there’s an onboard bar too.
Where to stay in Benitses
Be mindful that the main coastal road runs straight through Benitses, dividing the beach from the village. Traffic can be noisy, especially in summer, so it’s best to choose accommodation either right on the beach or slightly uphill in the old village, where it’s quieter.
BUDGET: Flora Studios is set back from the main road, but with a view to the beach. We loved how spacious the studios were, with everything we needed to cook.
MID-RANGE: Fiorado is located near to the beach and offers spacious rooms.
LUXURY: Galatia Studios and Apartments is a beachfront accommodation close to the old village in Benitses.
Not sure about Bentises? You can find our full guide to where to stay in Corfu here.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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