Where To Stay In Corfu – Best Areas For Every Type Of Holiday
Corfu is one of those Greek islands where choosing the right area to stay can completely change your experience. Unlike some smaller islands where everything is close together, Corfu is quite spread out, so the best place to stay really depends on what kind of holiday you’re looking for.
If you want historic streets, restaurants and easy access to sightseeing, Corfu Old Town could be the best option. If you’re looking for quiet mornings, beautiful beaches and somewhere to completely switch off, a smaller coastal village might suit you better. In this guide I’ll share the best areas to stay in Corfu, who each area is best for, what you can expect and the things I’d keep in mind before booking.
Corfu Essentials
My top hotels in Corfu –
Mythos Palace Resort | Akrotiri Beach Resort & Spa | Hyatt Ziva Corfu
Must do activities in Corfu –
Corfu Boat Cruise | Corfu Old Town Food Tasting | Paxos Boat Tour
Book Corfu car hire here – Discover Cars
Book eSim here – Holafly – use my discount code THEGIRLSTRIPTO
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Quick Guide: Where To Stay In Corfu
|
Area |
Best for |
Hotel Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
|
Corfu Old Town |
First-time visitors & sightseeing |
|
|
Gouvia |
Exploring the Island |
|
|
Boukari |
Quiet escapes & couples |
|
|
Benitses |
Exploring Corfu Town and the south coast |
|
|
Paleokastritsa |
Beaches & scenery |
|
|
Agios Gordios |
A mix of beach and restaurants |
Best Areas To Stay In Corfu
Corfu Old Town – Best Place To Stay In Corfu For First Time Visitors

If it’s your first time visiting Corfu and you want to experience the history, restaurants and atmosphere of the island, I’d consider staying in Corfu Old Town. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most beautiful parts of the island, with Venetian architecture, colourful buildings, small streets to explore and plenty of cafés and restaurants.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is that you can walk almost everywhere. You can start your morning with coffee in one of the squares, explore the Old Fortress, browse the shops and enjoy dinner without worrying about driving back to your hotel.
It’s also the best option if you’re visiting Corfu without hiring a car because buses, taxis and day trips are much easier to access from here. The main thing to know is that this isn’t where you’ll find the classic beach holiday experience. The best beaches are outside the town, so if spending every day by the sea is your priority, I’d look at other areas.
Best for
First-time visitors, couples, short trips, travellers without a car
Location
Corfu Town, East Coast
My Favourite Hotels in Corfu Old Town
Bella Venezia
If you want to stay right in the heart of Corfu Town, Bella Venezia is one of the hotels I’d recommend looking at. It’s set inside a beautifully restored historic mansion and combines traditional Corfu charm with modern comforts and is only a few minutes’ walk from Spianada Square, making it easy to explore the Old Town on foot. One of the things that stands out about this hotel is its peaceful garden, which feels like a quiet escape after spending the day wandering through Corfu’s busy streets.
New York Luxury Suites
If you’re looking for something a little more boutique, New York Luxury Suites is a great option. The property is set inside a beautifully restored historic building overlooking Corfu’s Old Port and the New Fortress, so the location couldn’t be much better for exploring the Old Town. With just 9 suites, it has a much more exclusive feel than a larger hotel, and the spacious apartment-style accommodation makes it a good choice if you’re planning a longer stay or simply want more room.
Mon Repos Palace – Adults Only
If you’d rather stay just outside the centre but still be within walking distance of Corfu Old Town, Mon Repos Palace is worth considering. This adults-only hotel sits along the seafront promenade with views across the Ionian Sea and the Old Venetian Fortress, and you can walk into the Old Town in around 20 to 25 minutes.
There’s also a small beach just across the road if you fancy a swim before or after a day of sightseeing, which isn’t something many hotels this close to the centre can offer. I’d recommend this hotel if you’re looking for a quieter stay whilst still having easy access to everything Corfu Town has to offer.
Gouvia – Best Area For Exploring The Island

Gouvia is one of the most convenient places to stay in Corfu if you want to explore different parts of the island without spending hours driving each day. It’s located on the east coast and around a 15 minute drive from Corfu Town, with one of the island’s largest marinas. You’ll find plenty of hotels, restaurants, cafés and supermarkets, so everything you need is within easy reach.
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Gouvia is its location. It’s well placed for visiting Corfu Old Town, the north-east coast and many of the island’s best beaches, making it a great base if you’re planning to hire a car. There are also regular buses into Corfu Town if you don’t want to drive every day. In the
evenings, you can choose from traditional Greek tavernas, waterfront restaurants and cocktail bars without needing to travel far.
Best for
First-time visitors, couples, exploring the island
Location
East Coast
My Favourite Hotels in Gouvia
Hyatt Ziva Corfu
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort in Corfu, Hyatt Ziva Corfu is one of the best luxury options on the island. It’s right on the beachfront in Gouvia Bay and has everything you need for a relaxing holiday without having to leave the property. Your stay includes all meals, snacks, premium drinks, a daily replenished minibar and 24-hour room service, making it a great choice if you want to switch off and not worry about any extra costs during your trip. It’s ideal if you’re planning a resort-style holiday but still want to be within easy reach of Corfu Town and other parts of the island.
Cook’s Club Corfu
Cook’s Club Corfu is a great choice if you’re looking for a more stylish adults-only hotel with a social atmosphere. The hotel has a modern, boho-inspired design with multiple pools, regular DJ sets throughout the day and live music in the evenings, making it popular with couples and groups of friends. It’s located in Gouvia, around a 10 to 15-minute drive from Corfu Town, so you can easily spend a day exploring the Old Town before heading back to the hotel. If you like boutique-style hotels with a lively atmosphere, good food and plenty going on around the pool, this is one I’d definitely consider.
Boukari – Best Quiet Place To Stay In Corfu

If you’re looking for a quieter side of Corfu where you can slow down and spend your days relaxing, Boukari could be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s located on the south-east coast of the island and is a small fishing village known for its peaceful atmosphere, clear waters and seafood restaurants overlooking the sea.
This is where I stayed during my trip to Corfu and I’d recommend it if your idea of a holiday is having a slower pace. It’s not an area where you’ll find lots of bars, nightlife or attractions within walking distance, but that’s also what makes it appealing. You can spend your mornings by the water, enjoy a long lunch overlooking the coast and use your hotel as a base to explore other parts of the island.
I would recommend hiring a car if you stay here because it gives you the freedom to explore Corfu’s beaches, villages and restaurants without relying on taxis (although be warned the roads are very narrow in some parts of Corfu).
Best for
Couples, relaxing holidays, longer stays, people who want somewhere
peaceful
Location
South-east Corfu
My Favourite Hotels in Boukari
Mythos Palace Resort
I stayed at Mythos Palace Resort during my trip to Corfu and absolutely loved it. If you’re looking for a hotel where you can completely switch off for a few days, this is the one I’d recommend. The resort is steps away from the beach with beautiful views across the Ionian Sea, and with multiple pools, several restaurants and everything you need on-site, there’s very little reason to leave once you’ve checked in. It’s around a 50 minute drive from Corfu Town, so it’s better suited to travellers who want a relaxing resort holiday rather than spending every day sightseeing. If you’re thinking about booking, you can read my full Mythos Palace Resort review here.
Benitses – Best Area For Exploring Corfu Town And The South Coast

Benitses is a great option if you want a quieter base but still want restaurants, shops and easy access to Corfu Town. It’s located on the south east coast and is one of the island’s older fishing villages, and has a long waterfront promenade lined with restaurants and cafés.
The location is one of the biggest reasons people choose Benitses. It’s only around 20 minutes from Corfu Town, making it easier to visit the Old Town, explore historic sites and enjoy evenings out without staying directly in the city. It also works well as a base for exploring the south and east coast of the island.
Compared to Boukari, Benitses feels much more lively and developed, with more accommodation options and facilities nearby. I’d recommend it if you want a mix of relaxing by the sea but still having plenty of options for food, day trips and things to do nearby.
Best for
First-time visitors, couples, travellers without a car
Location
South-east Corfu
My Favourite Hotels in Benitses
Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel with incredible views, Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa is one of the best places to stay near Benitses. It’s set on a hillside overlooking the Ionian Sea and the hotel has one of the largest infinity pools on the island, a private beach that you can reach by complimentary shuttle and an impressive spa offering a range of treatments. There’s also a heated indoor pool, several restaurants and plenty of space to relax, making it a great choice if you want a five star stay whilst still being only a short drive from Corfu Town.
Canvas by Mitsis Belvedere
Canvas by Mitsis Belvedere is a great option if you’re looking for an all-inclusive hotel in a quieter part of Corfu without paying five star prices. It’s set on a hillside overlooking the Ionian Sea and the hotel offers beautiful sea views from many of its rooms, all of which have a private balcony or terrace. There’s a small pebbly beach just across the road with complimentary sunbeds and umbrellas for guests, making it easy to spend your days by the water. I’d recommend this hotel if you’re looking for a relaxed all-inclusive stay on Corfu’s south-east coast, with easy access to Benitses and Corfu Town by car.
Paleokastritsa – Best Area To Stay In Corfu For Beaches

Paleokastritsa is often considered one of the most beautiful areas in Corfu thanks to its dramatic coastline, green hills and clear blue water. If your main reason for visiting Corfu is spending time at beautiful beaches, swimming in the sea and enjoying incredible views, this is one of the areas I’d look at first.
There are several small beaches around Paleokastritsa, along with boat trips that take you to nearby caves and hidden beaches. The area also has some lovely restaurants where you can enjoy dinner overlooking the water. The downside is that it’s quite spread out and hilly, so having a car makes exploring much easier.
Best for
Beach lovers, couples, nature lovers
Location
North-west Corfu
My Favourite Hotels in Paleokastritsa
Akrotiri Beach Resort & Spa
Akrotiri Beach Resort & Spa is one of the hotels I’d choose if I was visiting Corfu again. It’s located on a cliffside peninsula in Paleokastritsa, and has some incredible views across the Ionian Sea, with rooms featuring private balconies overlooking the water, surrounding bays or Alipa Marina. The hotel also has direct access to Agia Triada Beach, making it easy to spend your days swimming in the crystal-clear water or relaxing by the sea. If you’re looking for a more luxurious stay in one of Corfu’s most beautiful areas, this would be at the top of my list.
Paleokastritsa Palace
Paleokastritsa Palace is a great option if you want to stay in one of Corfu’s most scenic areas and wake up to incredible sea views. This adults-only four-star hotel is set on a hillside overlooking Paleokastritsa, with panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding coastline. The hotel is around a short walk from nearby beaches, making it easy to spend your days exploring the famous bays and swimming spots that this part of the island is known for. I’d recommend it if you want a quieter stay with beautiful views and easy access to the beaches of Paleokastritsa.
Agios Gordios – Best All-Rounder

Agios Gordios is one of the best areas to stay in Corfu if you’re visiting for the first time and want a mix of beach, restaurants and beautiful scenery. It’s located on the west coast and the area is known for its long sandy beach surrounded by green hills and dramatic views. It’s a great place to slow down, spend your days swimming and enjoy sunset dinners overlooking the sea.
The village has plenty of restaurants, cafés and small shops, so you don’t need to travel every day if you just want a relaxing beach holiday. It’s also well positioned for exploring other parts of Corfu, including Corfu Town and some of the island’s famous viewpoints.
Best for
Couples, first-time visitors, beach holidays
Location
West Corfu
My Favourite Hotels in Agios Gordios
Ella Alkyna
Ella Alkyna is one of the most luxurious places to stay in Agios Gordios and is a great choice if you’re looking for a more relaxing, adults-only escape. It’s set on a cliffside above Agios Gordios beach on Corfu’s west coast, with incredible views across the Ionian Sea and private balconies in every room overlooking the water. There are also several restaurants serving Greek, Mediterranean and international cuisine, including speciality menus created by Michelin-starred chef Alex Tsiotinis. I’d recommend this hotel if you want a luxury stay where you can spend your days enjoying the views, relaxing by the pool and making the most of the hotel facilities
Little Crab Suites
Little Crab Suites is a great option if you like smaller boutique-style accommodation with a more homely feel. It’s located just a six-minute walk from Agios Gordios beach and has beautiful modern interiors with soft natural tones and a relaxed island inspired design. I personally love hotels that feel thoughtfully designed rather than just functional, and this one has a really calming style throughout. The suites also include a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, toaster, coffee machine and kettle, which is useful if you want the option to make breakfast or prepare something simple during your stay. I’d recommend it for couples looking for a comfortable base close to one of Corfu’s best beaches
FAQs: Where to Stay in Corfu
Which is the best area to stay in Corfu for first-time visitors?
If it’s your first trip to Corfu, Corfu Old Town is one of the best places to stay. It’s full of history, colourful streets, restaurants and shops, and makes a great base if you want to explore the island whilst still being close to the airport.
Where should I stay in Corfu for beaches?
If you’re looking for beautiful beaches, I’d recommend Paleokastritsa or Agios Gordios. Paleokastritsa is known for its crystal-clear bays and dramatic scenery, whilst Agios Gordios has a long sandy beach that’s perfect for relaxing and watching the sunset.
Which part of Corfu is best for couples?
For a more relaxed and romantic stay, Boukari is a great choice. This quiet fishing village is ideal if you’re looking for waterfront tavernas, peaceful surroundings and a slower pace of travel.
Is Corfu Old Town a good place to stay?
Yes. Corfu Old Town is perfect if you enjoy sightseeing, walking everywhere and experiencing the island’s culture. You’ll find plenty of cafés, bars, restaurants and historic landmarks right on your doorstep.
Where should I stay in Corfu for nightlife?
If you’d like somewhere with easy access to bars and restaurants without staying somewhere overly busy, Gouvia is a great option. It has a lively marina, plenty of places to eat and drink, and is only a short drive from Corfu Town.
Which area in Corfu is best for a relaxing holiday?
If you’re looking to completely switch off, I’d recommend Boukari or Agios Gordios. Both offer a much quieter atmosphere than Corfu Town and are ideal for slow mornings, beach days and relaxed evenings.
Where should I stay in Corfu with a sea view?
For some of the best coastal scenery, look at hotels in Paleokastritsa, Agios Gordios or Boukari. All three offer beautiful sea views, with many hotels overlooking the Ionian coastline.
What is the prettiest place to stay in Corfu?
Paleokastritsa is often considered one of the prettiest parts of Corfu thanks to its turquoise water, hidden coves and lush green cliffs. If stunning scenery is your priority, it’s hard to beat.
I hope this guide on where to stay in Corfu useful and helps with your planning! Don’t forget to check out the rest of my Corfu blog posts and guides below.


