Corfu (Kerkyra) is a beautiful island in the Ionian island group. It is a lush, green island with many wonderful beaches. It has long been a popular holiday destination with many well-known bustling resorts. However, as a family you may be looking for somewhere quieter. I know I am always searching for that elusive sandy cove surrounded by green trees and mountains. Yet not too remote to access with little ones. And ideally with an excellent taverna on hand. These are my five favourite family-friendly beaches in Corfu.
Family-Friendly Beaches in Corfu:
1. Messonghi Beach
Messonghi beach is on the east coast of Corfu, around 25km south of Corfu Town and the airport. The beach is long, narrow and for the most part stony. However, towards the southern end between the water sports and the jetty, there is a little sandy patch. The sand here makes it easier for little ones to run in and out of the sea.
The water is clear and turquoise. The sea shelves gently and is calm, so perfect for paddling. Elsewhere along the beach, I think that aqua shoes are needed to avoid hurting your feet on the stones. As the beach faces east, if you are an early riser, you can catch the sunrise.
Every taverna along the beach has sun beds and umbrellas to rent. There are also showers available.
The surrounding village is small and quiet. However, it has a good selection of tavernas along the beach. And there are enough supermarkets and tourist shops for your beach essentials. It is flat, so no steep hills to negotiate carrying all your kids’ beach paraphernalia on hot summer days.
2. Lakkiess Beach
This long stretch of sandy beach is found to the south of the village Agios Georgios South. It is in the south west of Corfu, south of Lake Korission. The sea is shallow and sandy, so perfect for paddling. Although be aware that the current can drift you along the beach when it is windy.
This is a quiet stretch of beach, good for families. There are a couple of places from where you can rent sun beds and umbrellas. But these are widely spaced, not packed in the whole length of the beach like in some areas.
There is a supermarket near the northern end of the beach to pick up beach essentials. Further along the beach is the great Malibu taverna, with massive portions of Greek food and gorgeous sunset views.
3. Yaliskari Beach
This is a beautiful, quiet sandy cove backed by trees instead of hotels. I’m not even sure I should be telling you about it! There is crystal clear water that is shallow a long way out for little ones. There is a little taverna at the beach for lunch. Along with sun beds, umbrellas and a shower. Everything you could need for a family day at the beach. The only downside is the steep access and rather hairy drive to get there.
4. Arillas Beach
If I were to pick one all-round family beach holiday spot on Corfu, I would pick Arillas. It is situated in the north west of the island. The beach is ideal for families, as children can play on the 2km of golden sand or swim in its calm, clear shallow waters. There are sun beds and umbrellas to rent at decent intervals along the beach. And showers for washing off all the sand at the end of the day.
The village of Arillas is quiet and safe. There is a variety of tavernas and shops, some of which are open all year. It is around 35.5 km from Corfu Town and the airport. The buses are infrequent, so I recommend hiring a car to get about.
5. Agios Stefanos Beach
The fifth of my family-friendly beaches in Corfu is Agios Stefanos beach. It is just round the corner from Arillas. It is a similarly sandy beach, but feels slightly busier, with more closely packed sun beds. There is again 2 km of golden sand and calm, clear, shallow water. Making it a good choice for families with young children.
If you enjoyed reading this post, I would be absolutely delighted if you choose to show your appreciation by buying me a coffee!