Land activities and best beaches in the island of Corfu for passengers to the cruise port of Corfu (Kerkyra)
For those cruise travelers not interested in heritage, cultural or historical sites, the island of Corfu has a lot more to offer. After all, Corfu is well known for its spectacular beaches and mountainous scenery.
These can be a great way to enjoy the day in port, in particular, for those traveling with young ones. Below, the cruise traveler will find reviews of top beaches closer to the cruise port.
Most of these beaches offer lots of water related activities - be it jet skiing, canoing or surfing. Equipment and training are available at most beaches. Corfu is also a major destination for scuba divers thanks to its gulfs, reefs, and warm waters. Last but not least, the Corfu Aqualand Waterpark is internationally renowned as one of the best in Europe.
Land Activities - Horse Riding and Golf
For those that prefer land activities, hiking, horse riding and golf are available in exquisite locations. Trailriders a horse riding center close to Ano Korakiana village, Arena Horse Riding Stables and Silvaland Centre are some of the best places in Corfu for cruise travelers to enjoy a memorable equestrian day in port.
The Corfu's Golf and Country Club is ranked in the top 100 courses worldwide and is considered one of the best in Europe. Designed by Donald Harradine, it has 18 holes and a magnificent setting.
Corfu Beaches Closest to the Cruise Port
The beaches below are ordered by proximity to the cruise port. Considering that the port is on the east coast of Corfu, the closest beaches are either north or south of the cruise port on the same side of the island. However, the cruise traveler should not ignore the beaches on the west coast of Corfu as many are really not much farther away. You should be aware that beaches in Corfu can be sandy, pebbled or a mix of both.
Kontokali (Gouvia) - Pebbles
Photo: Public Domain
Adjacent to Gouvia Marina, Kontokali is only a short distance from Corfu Town, this beautiful beach that is perfect for swimming and has everything the cruise visor could want. Where: 5 km from Corfu Cruise Port - North-East Coast | Services: Beach-umbrellas and deck-chairs | Food: Restaurants and Coffee Shops in the Gouvia Marina | Activities: Water sports and Boat Tours
Benitses - Sand and Pebbles
Photo: Public Domain
Benitses was the favorite beach of the Kaiser Wilhelm II, and his stone bridge is located close by. Here you can visit the Roman baths, stroll tiled pathways in the village, and enjoy the pebbled beach. Close by you will find some smaller and secluded bays. Where: 12 km from Corfu Cruise Port - South-East Coast | Services: beach-umbrellas and deck-chairs | Food: Snack-bars and Fast Food | Activities: Water sports, jet ski, boats.
Dassia Beach - Sand and Pebbles
Photo: Public Domain
The water here is warm and calm, making it popular with families traveling with children. It is a long but narrow beach easily accessible by bus or car from Corfu Town. Where: 13 km from Corfu Cruise Port - North-East Coast | Services: Beach-umbrellas and deck-chairs | Food: Snack bars and also restaurants in the village next to the beach | Activities: Water sports and boats. Platform for diving.
Ipsos - Sandy
Photo: Public Domain
Situated on the main road to the northeast, Ipsos is known for its nightlife and caters to a young crowd, but during the day is very much family friendly as the sea is not deep and water is crystal clear. It is a short distance from both Corfu Town and the Cruise Port. Where: 14 km from Corfu Cruise Port - North-East Coast | Services: Beach-umbrellas, deck-chairs and showers. | Food: Snack bars and restaurants along the beach | Activities: Water sports, motor boats and diving.
Glyfada Beach - Sand
Photo: Public Domain
Glyfada is one of the most popular beaches in Corfu. Dramatic rock formations in the sea, a large, wide and fine sand strip, surrounding cliffs covered in olive and pine trees characterize this wonderful beach. The sea is shallow in some areas, which is ideal for cruise travelers with children. Where: 16 km from Corfu Cruise Port - South-West Coast | Services: Beach-umbrellas, deck-chairs, public toilets and showers | Food: Snack bars and also restaurants on the beach | Activities: Water sports, motor boats and kayaks.
Mirtiotissas Beach - Sand (Nudist)
Photo: Public Domain
Mirtiotissas is an unspoiled beach that writer Lawrence Durrell called the “loveliest beach in the world.” This is a popular beach despite its remote location. To get there you must descend a bumpy road (by car) and still endure a long walk to the beach. Cruise travelers should be aware that nudism is acceptable on this beach and therefore may not be appropriate for families. Where: 17 km west from Corfu Cruise Port - North-West Coast | Services: No facilities whatsoever. | Food: A few traditional restaurants in the village of Pelekas close by. | Activities: None worth mention. But great for snorkeling if you bring your own gear.
Barbati Beach - Sand and Pebbles
Photo: Public Domain
Barbati is characterized by a mile of beach, but not very wide, with fine pebbles mixed with sand and incredible views, not to mention crystal clear water. Barbati tends to be less crowded than most popular beaches in Corfu. Where: 18 km from Corfu Cruise Port - North-East Coast. | Services: Beach-umbrellas, deck-chairs, changing rooms and showers | Food: Snack bars and restaurants on the beach and also on the village close by. | Activities: Water sports, motor boats and a banana ride.
Agios Gordios - Sand
Photo: Public Domain
Agios Gordios is a quaint coastal village best known for the Calypso Corfu Diving Center, which was opened by spear fisher Andreas Dukakis. The scenery is spectacular, defined by cliffs, olive groves and 1.5 km of sandy beach. Sea is not very deep. Where: 19 km from Corfu Cruise Port - South-West Coast | Services: Beach-umbrellas, deck-chairs, public toilets and showers | Food: Snack bars and restaurants on the beach and also in the village nearby. | Activities: Water sports, motor boats, kayaks and diving center.
Messonghi - Sand and Pebbles
Photo: Public Domain
Messonghi is an old fishing village and one of Corfu's first beach resorts. It boasts a long sandy and pebbled beach. South of Messonghi, there are several villages known for their fresh fish restaurants. Where: 20km from Corfu Cruise Port - South-East Coast. | Services: Beach-umbrellas, deck-chairs and showers | Food: Snack bars and also restaurants on the villages near the beach.| Activities: Basic water sports.
Nissaki Beach - Pebbles
Photo: Public Domain
Nissaki Beach is picturesque with dramatic rock formations, small pebbles, calm and clear waters. It is a small beach and tends to be quiet. It is ideal for snorkeling but you have to bring your own gear. Where: 22km Corfu Cruise Port - North-East Coast. | Services: No facilities or services offered. | Food: Bar and restaurant on the beach.| Activities: Water sports and boat rental.
Paleokastritsa Beach
Bay of Paleokastritsa in Corfu
Photo by Tasoskessaris CC-By-SA
Though the primary beach in Paleokastritsa is not very large, there are a few other bays (even smaller) close by and the village itself is a delight. The beach is also relatively close to the famous Paleokastritsa Monastery, which is a highlight of the island. Pebbled beaches surrounded by olive groves, beautiful bays and some popular tavernas create a wonderful setting for the cruise traveler to enjoy a day in the port of Corfu. Where: 23 km from Corfu Cruise Port - North-West Coast. | Services: Beach-umbrellas and deck-chairs on the smaller bays but also public toilet and showers on the larger one. | Food: Snack bars and also restaurants in the village close by. | Activities: Water sports, motor boats and diving center.
Issos Beach - Sand
Photo: Public Domain
Issos is a picturesque beach located on the southwest side of Corfu. A varied landscape of hills, wetlands, the Korissio Lake, forest, and the sea make it a unique destination. Long and wide, the water is not very deep on this beach but may have strong winds (and tides) that can be ideal for windsurfing. Where: 32km from Corfu Cruise Port | Services: Beach-umbrellas and deck-chairs. | Food: Restaurants on the south end of the beach. | Activities: Water sports.
Avlaki Beach - Pebbles
Photo: Public Domain
If a quiet beach is what you are looking for, Avlaki is a good choice. There are only a few hotels close to Avlaki and this long and wide pebbled beach doesn't see much tourist activity, even in July and August. Where: 35km from Corfu Cruise Port - North-East Coast | Services: Public toilets, beach-umbrellas and deck-chairs. | Food: Restaurants and a snack bar near the beach. | Activities: Water sports, kayak, small boats and sailing school.
Sidari and Canal d'Amour - Sand
Canal D'Amour
Photo by Tasoskessaris CC-By-SA
Close to Sidari Village there are two main beaches: a long sandy beach on the east side and the famous “Canal d'Amour” (Love Chanel) - a tunnel through rock formations that you can swim through. As legend has it, you will meet the love of your life on the other side. There is also a small bay close by. Where: 36 km from Corfu Cruise Port - North-West Coast | Services: Beach-umbrellas and deck-chairs on all beaches. | Food: Restaurants and Bars close to all beaches. | Activities: Water sports, kayaks, motor boats and diving center on the larger beach.
