The 10 Best Family Beaches in Corfu
With small children, the perfect beach is easy to describe: sand to dig in, water that stays shallow for a long way, and a taverna and toilets close by. We took every beach on our map tagged as family-friendly, kept the sandy ones you can drive right up to with sunbeds and a taverna, and ranked them by Google rating, counting only beaches with at least 400 reviews.
Most are on the long sandy bays of the north, the northwest and the southwest. On windy days the west-facing beaches can get waves, so check the live map before you pack the car: it shows today's wind exposure for every beach.
1. Marathias
South Corfu · 4.7 Google (2,014 reviews)
Marathias is a long, gently sloping sweep of fine golden sand on the southwest coast, with clear water that stays shallow well out from the shore. It has held a Blue Flag for its water quality.
There's plenty of room even in August, sunbeds and tavernas along the back of the beach, and watersports at the southern end for older children.
Good to know: Afternoon breezes can bring small waves; mornings are usually calmest for toddlers.
Marathias: crowds, parking & wind today →2. Arillas
Northwest Corfu · 4.7 Google (1,336 reviews)
Arillas is a relaxed resort in the far northwest with a 2 km arc of pale sand. The sea bed shelves so gently that children can paddle a long way out and still stand.
Tavernas line the beach road, and because the bay faces west you can stay for dinner and watch the sun go down behind the Diapontia islands.
Good to know: It's quieter than the big resorts, which suits families who want space rather than nightlife.
Arillas: crowds, parking & wind today →3. Santa Barbara
South Corfu · 4.7 Google (486 reviews)
Santa Barbara (Agia Varvara) sits at the southern end of the long Marathias stretch, named after the little chapel of Saint Barbara on the hill above the road.
It shares the same soft sand and shallow, clear water as its neighbour, but it's usually a little quieter, with sunbeds and a taverna right on the beach.
Good to know: Combine it with Marathias: you can walk along the sand between the two.
Santa Barbara: crowds, parking & wind today →4. Agios Georgios Pagon
Northwest Corfu · 4.6 Google (3,522 reviews)
Agios Georgios Pagon is a big horseshoe bay of golden sand on the northwest coast, sheltered by the headland of Afionas. The long beach means there's always space to spread out.
Sunbeds, tavernas and watersports are spread along the bay, and boats leave from here for Porto Timoni and the coast beyond.
Good to know: The water deepens a little faster at the northern end; the centre of the bay is best for small children.
Agios Georgios Pagon: crowds, parking & wind today →5. Agios Spyridon (North)
North Corfu · 4.5 Google (2,092 reviews)
Agios Spyridon is a small sandy beach on the north coast near Perithia, with clear, shallow water and the mountains of Albania on the horizon. A little chapel of Saint Spyridon stands by the beach.
Right behind it lies the Antinioti lagoon, a protected wetland that's lovely for a short nature walk with children. The beach has sunbeds, showers, toilets and tavernas.
Good to know: The beach is split in two by a rocky patch; the western part is the bigger and sandier one.
Agios Spyridon (North): crowds, parking & wind today →6. Moraitika
East Corfu · 4.5 Google (1,662 reviews)
Moraitika is a family resort on the southeast coast with a long beach of sand and fine pebbles. The water is calm and shallow and deepens gradually, ideal for young children.
At the southern end, the Messonghi river reaches the sea, lined with fishing boats and fish tavernas, and the beach carries on to neighbouring Messonghi.
Good to know: The east coast is sheltered from the prevailing northwest wind, so it's a good choice on breezy days.
Moraitika: crowds, parking & wind today →7. Agios Stefanos (Avliotes)
Northwest Corfu · 4.5 Google (1,655 reviews)
Agios Stefanos in the northwest is a big sandy bay next to a small harbour, sheltered between high cliffs to the north and Cape Kefali to the south.
Its calm, shallow water suits all ages, and there's a mix of organised sections with sunbeds and open sand where you can set up your own spot.
Good to know: Boat trips to the Diapontia islands leave from the harbour – a fun day out with older children.
Agios Stefanos (Avliotes): crowds, parking & wind today →8. Acharavi
North Corfu · 4.5 Google (480 reviews)
Acharavi's beach on the north coast is one of the longest on Corfu: kilometres of sand mixed with shingle, with clear water that deepens gradually.
Because it's so long, it never feels crowded, and tavernas, sunbeds and watersports are dotted along the shore. In the village you can visit the remains of Roman baths.
Good to know: Water shoes help where the sand turns to shingle at the water's edge.
Acharavi: crowds, parking & wind today →9. Glyfada
West Corfu · 4.4 Google (5,666 reviews)
Glyfada is a wide horseshoe of soft golden sand on the west coast, framed by pine-covered cliffs. The shape of the bay keeps the waves moderate on most days, and the water is Blue Flag.
It's one of Corfu's busiest beaches, with plenty of tavernas, beach bars, showers and toilets, and it's only 16 km from Corfu Town.
Good to know: On windy afternoons the surf can build up here; the lifeguard flags tell you when to stay in the shallows.
Glyfada: crowds, parking & wind today →10. Paleokastritsa
West Corfu · 4.4 Google (4,359 reviews)
Paleokastritsa is not one beach but a cluster of small, sheltered coves around green headlands, with the Theotokos monastery on the hill above.
The coves are calm, but the water here is noticeably cooler and clearer than elsewhere. Glass-bottom and cave boat trips leave from the harbour, which children usually love.
Good to know: Parking fills up by late morning in summer, so arrive early or take the bus from Corfu Town.
Paleokastritsa: crowds, parking & wind today →