WHERE TO STAY IN CORFU FOR DIFFERENT BUDGETS & TRAVEL STYLES.
Corfu is one of those islands that feels endlessly varied. There are quiet hilltop villages, bustling resort towns, secluded beaches, and lively nightlife spots.
We were lucky enough to walk the Corfu Trail recently, which took us on journey to nearly every corner of the island.
Through the Corfu Trail and previous visits to the island, we’ve tried to experience a bit of everything, and I’ve pulled together this guide to help you pick the right base for your holiday – whether you’re travelling with family, looking for luxury, or just want to be close to the beach.
Top Picks – where to stay in Corfu
Corfu top picks 😍
Short on time? Here are our top picks for accommodation in Corfu.
For families: Kassiopi (Porto Kassiopi Apartments)
For quiet luxury: Kalami (San Antonio Corfu Resort)
For budget travellers: Agios Georgios Pagon (Kostas studios)
For beaches & swimming: Kontogialos (Villa Takis)
For exploring the island: Corfu Town (The Calliston)
Where to stay in Corfu for families
Corfu is such a family friendly island and there’s no shortage of resorts with calm waters, a few tavernas and quiet charm. Ideal for a no-stress family getaway.
Kassiopi – This northern village is a favourite with families thanks to its calm, shallow beaches and small harbour. We found it easy to wander as the small town is quite compact, and there are plenty of tavernas that welcome little ones.
One thing to be mindful of, is that many hotels are away from the centre. So it’s best to pick something close to the action, like Porto Kassiopi Apartments which offers spacious accommodation close to all amenities.
Agios Georgios Pagon – The long sandy beach is ideal for kids. We loved how gentle the waves were here, and there’s enough space for everyone to spread out without feeling crowded. Sun loungers are inexpensive too – expect to pay around €10 for two with umbrellas.
You can find our full guide to the best things to do in Agios Georgios Pagon here.
For accommodation, there are lots of self-catered apartments which would suit family stays. If on a budget, consider Kostas studios Alternatively, Katoi Studios is closer to the beach.
North East Coast – Villages along the northeast coast, like Kouloura or Nissaki, are generally quiet and safe, with family-friendly beaches and cafés. Staying here gives you a bit of space while still being within easy reach of Corfu Town.
For self-catered apartments right on the beachfront, consider Nissaki Bay (which offers family rooms) or Krouzeri Beach Apartments.
Alternative: If you’d rather keep things all inclusive, with a pool and family facilities on site, consider Iolida Corfu Resort & Spa or Grecotel LUXME Daphnila Bay – both in family friendly resort Dassia.
Where to stay in Corfu for quiet luxury
If quiet luxury is the aim of your hotel – undisturbed relaxation, with a hint of decadence – here are a few options.
Kalami – This is a peaceful spot on the northeast coast with boutique hotels, villas, and excellent sea views. The water is so clear that a swim feels quite life changing (no exaggeration.) And, there are lots of little coves, one after another, that you can walk to if you crave a change of scene.
Consider San Antonio Corfu Resort, an immaculate hotel with beach views.
Pelekas – Perched on a hilltop, Pelekas offers elegant boutique accommodation and spectacular sunset views. It’s quieter than the resorts and has a timeless, Corfiot charm. You can get to the nearby beaches, like Kontogialos and Glyfada Beach, easily. Both are spectacular, wide beaches with sand and calm water.
Levant Hotel is on a hill just outside of the village with an incredible outlook.
If you’d rather be near to the coast (or indeed right on the beach), but close to Pelekas – consider Alkyna Lifestyle Beach Resort, a few miles away.
Sokraki – Tucked into the mountains, Sokraki is perfect if you want tranquillity. Guesthouses are restored traditional homes with character, and the surrounding olive groves and hills make it a scenic base for exploring inland Corfu.
Consider Corfu Sokraki Villas, which has a pool with incredible views and an excellent taverna.
Tip: These areas are best suited for couples or small groups seeking a calm escape away from touristy hotspots.
Where to stay in Corfu for budget travellers
Corfu can offer good value accommodation, but picking the right resort is key. Here are a few suggestions.
Agios Georgios (South) – Simple apartments and tavernas along the beach make this a very affordable option. We loved exploring the different beaches here – small sandy stretches all the way through to sweeping bays that went on for miles.
We stayed at Villa Kaloudis, a lowkey hotel with a friendly owner and location in the centre of town.
Agios Georgios Pagon – during our latest visit to Corfu, we were blown away by this town. It has a massive beach – 2km long. With lots of reasonably priced sun beds and umbrellas (€10 for a set) and relaxed tavernas. It’s well connected by bus to other parts of the island, so you can explore a little without a car.
In addition to family-friendly options, there are some good-value studios and self-catering apartments for solo travellers or couples on a budget.
We opted for Kostas studios, and had such a wonderful stay. The beds are SO comfortable and we had everything we needed here.
Lefkimmi – A larger town in the south, Lefkimmi has budget hotels, small guesthouses, and supermarkets, which is helpful if you’re self-catering. It’s a more local feel than some of the tourist-heavy resorts. And, we found that tavernas here were less expensive than elsewhere on the island.
Alexandra Studio 8 is a handy budget option on the outskirts of Lefkimmi close to the beach. Just note, it’s a bit of a walk to the main town but if you want to self-cater, this may suit you.
Ipsos – A little more geared to younger travellers, Ipsos offers good value accommodation and easy transport links. It might be a bit lively for some, but if you want cocktail bars and the chance to let loose a bit, this is a good option.
In Ipsos, consider self-catering options. There are some great value apartments, like the Golden Mile studio.
Tip: Book early in summer, the budget options fill up quickly, especially beachfront accommodation. And consider travelling outside of peak months – June and September can offer great deals.
Where to stay in Corfu for swimming & beaches
Let’s be clear, Corfu has no shortage of beautiful beaches. During our latest visit, I was never far from a stretch of sand or clear, calm ocean. But there were a few areas that stand out in my memory for the beaches and swimming.
Kalami & the North East Coast – We spent time exploring the endless, quiet coves around Kalami, where the water is calm and clear. The villages here are small, and you rarely feel crowded.
Consider Villa Natalia which is a few minutes walk from the beach and offers sea views. Or, for a more luxurious option – San Antonio Corfu Resort.
If you prefer all-inclusive facilities, consider Atlantica Nissaki Beach, a little further along the coast towards the gorgeous Agni Bay.
Agios Georgios Pagon – The long, shallow beach makes it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just paddling with kids. We loved how much space there was here, it’s such a big beach that I can’t imagine it ever feels crowded.
There are some great beachfront properties in this town. Consider Vistonia or Limosa Beach House Corfu.
Kontogialos – A quieter, less touristy beach with pebbles and shallow waters. We appreciated how peaceful it felt, especially compared with the larger resort beaches. There’s something quite special about being cocooned by the mountains.
The beach bars and loungers are perhaps a tad on the pricey side here, but that’s the only drawback.
If you hire a scooter or car, you can get to more stunning beaches nearby, like Glyfada Beach. Quieter bays, like this one, are within walking distance.
Consider Villa Takis or Tolis apartments, both have excellent sea views and easy access to the beach.
Where to stay in Corfu for exploring the island
Corfu is a small island, but it can take a surprisingly long time to get from one side to the other. For that reason, it’s best to pick a base from which you can explore a section of the island. The three towns below have great public transport links, so you can still explore, even if you don’t plan to hire a car.
Kassiopi – Being in the north, Kassiopi gives you easy access to mountain villages, the northeast coast, and some hidden bays like Sidari. Buses run all along the coast, and also to Corfu Town.
Budget options include Sunflower Apartments & Studios (close to the beach), if you want to spend a little more, consider Porto Kassiopi Apartments or Melina Bay Boutique hotel.
Corfu Town – Staying here puts you in the middle of everything: museums, restaurants, and buses or ferries to other parts of the island. If you want to explore as much of the island as possible by bus, then Corfu Town is a great base.
In Corfu Town, boutique hotels in the heart of the city are great, especially for a romantic getaway. Consider Siora Vittoria, which is near to the old fort. Or, The Calliston, in the heart of the old town.
Bentises – Less central than Corfu Town but still a good base for short trips inland or to the north coast.
Benitses is a less expensive resort, but you can still get to the pretty bays on the North East coast (where accommodation rates are higher) and to Corfu Town for a day trip. It’s also a lovely town in it’s own right, with plenty of options for drinks and dinner in the evening.
Consider staying in Flora Studios (set back from the road, lovely studios), or Fiorado (closer to the beach.)
You can find our guide to visiting Benitses here.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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