10 Mar, 2026
GR. (+30) 6981 824 550
GR. (+30) 6981 824 550
Corfu has over 50 beaches scattered along its 217 km coastline, but the most stunning ones are often the hardest to reach. Public buses only cover the main resort areas, leaving the island’s hidden gems accessible only to those with their own wheels.
If you are planning a beach holiday in Corfu, renting a car is not just convenient – it is essential for discovering the coastline that most tourists never see. Here are the best beaches in Corfu that you can only reach by car, with driving directions and insider tips for each one.
Location: Near Afionas village, northwest Corfu
Drive from Corfu Town: 35 km (45 minutes)
Porto Timoni is arguably the most photographed beach in Corfu, and for good reason. This double bay features two crescent-shaped beaches separated by a narrow peninsula, with turquoise water on both sides. The views from the hilltop trail before you descend are breathtaking.
How to get there: Drive to Afionas village and park in the small car park at the edge of the village. From there, it is a 20-minute downhill hike on a rocky path. Bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water.
Tip: Arrive before 10:00 to get a good spot and avoid the midday heat on the walk down. There are no facilities on the beach, so bring everything you need. A compact car from our fleet is perfect for the narrow roads to Afionas.
Location: South of Paleokastritsa, west coast
Drive from Corfu Town: 28 km (40 minutes)
Tucked between two green headlands just south of Paleokastritsa, Rovinia is a pebble beach with crystal-clear water that changes colour from emerald to deep blue throughout the day. It feels like a private paradise, even in high season.
How to get there: Drive towards Liapades village. Just before the village, take the signposted dirt road towards Rovinia. Park at the end of the road and walk down the path for about 10 minutes. The road is unpaved but manageable with any car in dry weather.
Tip: Bring snorkelling gear – the underwater visibility here is among the best on the island. There is a small cantina that operates during summer months.
Location: Southwest Corfu, next to Lake Korission
Drive from Corfu Town: 30 km (40 minutes)
Halikounas is a long, sandy beach backed by sand dunes and the Korission Lagoon – a protected Natura 2000 wetland. Unlike Corfu’s busy resort beaches, Halikounas feels untouched and wild. The beach stretches for nearly 3 km, so you can always find your own space.
How to get there: Drive south through Agios Mattheos and follow signs to Halikounas. The road ends at a small car park behind the dunes. No bus service reaches this beach.
Tip: This beach can be windy, which makes it popular with kitesurfers. On calm days, it is one of the best swimming spots on the island. After your swim, drive around to Lake Korission for birdwatching – flamingos have been spotted here in spring and autumn.
Location: West coast, below Pelekas
Drive from Corfu Town: 18 km (30 minutes)
Named after the small monastery perched on the cliff above, Myrtiotissa is a narrow golden-sand beach surrounded by dramatic green cliffs. Lawrence Durrell called it “perhaps the loveliest beach in the world” in his book about Corfu. Part of the beach is clothing-optional.
How to get there: From Pelekas or Vatos village, follow the narrow road downhill towards the coast. The road is steep and winding with a small car park at the bottom. During peak season, arrive early as parking is limited.
Tip: The sunset from this beach is spectacular. Combine your visit with a stop at the Kaiser’s Throne viewpoint in Pelekas, just 5 minutes away by car.
Location: Southwest coast, near Agios Georgios Argyrades
Drive from Corfu Town: 35 km (45 minutes)
While nearby Agios Georgios Argyrades gets the tourist crowds, Gardenos remains a peaceful alternative. This long sandy beach has shallow, warm water that is perfect for families with young children. Local tavernas line the road behind the beach, serving fresh fish at reasonable prices.
How to get there: Drive to Agios Georgios South and continue past the main beach area towards Gardenos. The road follows the coast and the beach is well signposted.
Tip: If you are visiting with children, this is one of the safest swimming beaches on the island due to the gradually deepening water. Check our family activities guide for more kid-friendly spots.
Location: South coast, near Petriti
Drive from Corfu Town: 32 km (40 minutes)
Alonaki sits in a small inlet surrounded by cypress-covered hills, giving it a fjord-like appearance. The beach is a mix of sand and fine pebbles with remarkably calm, clear water. It is one of those places where you feel like you have discovered something special.
How to get there: From Petriti, follow the coastal road south. Alonaki is signposted but easy to miss. Look for the small turning off the main road. There is free parking in the olive grove above the beach.
Tip: There is an excellent taverna right on the beach serving grilled octopus and fresh calamari. Perfect for a long lunch between swims.
Location: Northwest tip of Corfu
Drive from Corfu Town: 40 km (50 minutes)
Loggas is a narrow strip of sand at the base of towering clay cliffs that glow orange and gold during sunset. It is one of the most dramatic beach settings in all of Greece. Access is via a steep staircase cut into the cliff face.
How to get there: Drive to Peroulades village near Sidari. Park in the village and walk to the cliff edge, where you will find the staircase down to the beach. The cliff-top bar “7th Heaven” offers spectacular views if you prefer to admire from above.
Tip: The beach is only fully exposed at low tide and narrows significantly in the afternoon. Visit in the morning for swimming and return for sunset drinks at the cliff-top bar.
Location: South coast, near Boukari
Drive from Corfu Town: 28 km (35 minutes)
The south coast road from Benitses to Boukari is one of the most scenic drives in Corfu, and Prasoudi is one of the reward beaches along the way. Small, quiet, and surrounded by olive trees, it is the kind of place where you hear nothing but the sea.
How to get there: Follow the coastal road from Benitses towards Boukari. Prasoudi is signposted between Petriti and Boukari. The road is narrow but paved.
Tip: Continue driving to Boukari for dinner – this tiny fishing hamlet has some of the best seafood tavernas on the island, right at the water’s edge.
Location: Southern tip of Corfu
Drive from Corfu Town: 45 km (55 minutes)
Arkoudilas is one of the most remote and unspoiled beaches on the island. Set below the abandoned Arkoudilas monastery, this wide sandy beach is backed by dense forest and rarely has more than a handful of visitors, even in August.
How to get there: Drive to Spartera village in the far south. From there, follow the dirt road towards the coast and park near the monastery ruins. A forest path leads down to the beach (about 15 minutes walk).
Tip: This is a completely wild beach with no facilities, shade, or lifeguard. Bring water, food, sun protection, and take all rubbish with you. The reward is having one of Greece’s most beautiful beaches almost to yourself.
Location: Southwest Corfu, south end of Lake Korission
Drive from Corfu Town: 32 km (40 minutes)
Issos is Halikounas’s neighbour but has a completely different character. The beach is backed by impressive sand dunes covered in cedar trees – a landscape unique in Corfu. The water is shallow and warm, and the beach is popular with windsurfers when the afternoon breeze picks up.
How to get there: Drive towards Agios Georgios South and follow signs to Issos. The beach is accessible from the southern end of the Korission lagoon area.
Tip: Walk through the cedar forest behind the beach – it is a magical landscape, especially in the golden light of late afternoon. Combine with a visit to nearby attractions.
With so many incredible beaches to explore, here is a suggested 3-day beach itinerary:
Paleokastritsa → Rovinia → Myrtiotissa → Glyfada → Pelekas sunset
Sidari → Canal d’Amour → Loggas → Porto Timoni → Dinner in Afionas
Halikounas → Lake Korission → Issos → Alonaki → Boukari dinner
For longer itineraries, check our complete Corfu itinerary guide for 3, 5, or 7 days.
Ready to discover Corfu’s hidden beaches? Book your rental car with Royal Cars Rental and explore the coastline that most tourists never see. Free airport delivery, no credit card required, and 24/7 support.
Need help planning your beach road trip? Contact us – we know every hidden cove on the island.
