The sum of Corfu’s beaches is a great deal more than the famous beaches of Glyfada, Kontogialos, Dasia and Aghios Gordis. After all, its 217km coastline is dotted with countless coves and small bays waiting to be discovered, as well as wonderful sandy beaches in the southern part of the island, which are practically empty, even in August.

The northeastern part of Corfu, also known as “Kensington-on-Sea” due to its super-luxurious villas and mansions, features lush green slopes that lead to small pebble beaches such as Nissaki, Kaminaki and Krouzeri. Take the path from Kaminaki towards Kassiopi (4 hours) and pass through all the small bays — note the sign for the chapel of Aghios Arsenios, where Nancy and Lawrence Durrell used to swim naked. Make a stop at beaches such as Agni, with its famous tavernas, Kalami Beach, where the white house of the Durrells is located, and Kouloura, surrounded by olive and eucalyptus trees. At the end of the dead-end road, you’ll come across Houhoulio, a small and tranquil cove.

It’s worth exploring the unspoiled ecosystem of Erimitis, untouched by tourism or development, with the exotic Akoli and Vromolimni Beaches. These are accessible either via a 15-minute hike along a footpath, or via tourist excursion boats that depart daily from Kassiopi.

Next to Avlaki Beach there’s a hidden pebble beach with plenty of shade, Mylokefalos, ideal for rock diving. In the village of Kassiopi, Bataria Beach captivates with its picturesque setting of white pebbles, framed by undulating rocks on one side and the mountains of southern Albania on the other.

Apraos, a sandy beach ideal even for toddlers, has the shallowest waters on the island and a long wooden platform for diving. A little further north, Aghios Spiridon is another sandy beach with calm waters, next to Lake Antinioti.

Cape Drastis is a sharp peninsula with vertical cliffs and impressive rock formations, shaped by the sea and the wind. If you approach from the land, take the downhill path to the right of the viewpoint to arrive at a beach that resembles a swimming pool. If you feel like arriving from the sea, approach by moving from rock to rock until you reach the caves and a small islet, where you will enjoy the best swimming and diving experience of your life.

The same impressive scenery awaits at Loggas Beach. It would be best to visit on a calm day without wind so as to enjoy the beach’s shallow, turquoise green waters. In the early evening, take a seat at the cosmopolitan beach bar and gaze out as the sun disappears into the sea.

Before you reach Paleokastritsa, La Grotta Beach (which means “the cave” in Italian) is hidden in a bay and features a beach bar, a popular hangout. The island’s youth enjoy diving from the wooden platform into the sea.

Paradise Beach at Paleokastritsa is only accessible by boat.

Issos, otherwise known as the “Sahara of Corfu,” is an endless virgin expanse in the southwest of the island, boasting golden sand dunes. The famous cedar forest begins from the northern part of the beach, forming a narrow strip of land between Lake Korission and the sea.

Santa Barbara enchants with its wild, untouched beauty. The endless sandy beach is usually empty, even in mid-August. In certain parts, the clay from the rocks is ideal for smearing on your skin, a natural treatment for the face and body.

Megas Horos, with its golden sand and crystalline waters, offers peace and tranquility. The route through the dirt road, amidst the olive groves and the vineyards with the cicadas, is also wonderful.

Isolation, tranquility, and unspoiled nature can be found at Megali Lakka with its emerald waters. This is the natural continuation of Gardenos, a serviced beach accessible through the village of Kritika via a smooth dirt road. The tiny beach bar on the sand offers sun loungers, snacks, drinks, and is the perfect place to enjoy incredible sunset views.

You will play games in the sand at Aghios Gordis in the south, with the Mikro Nisi beach bar offering the ideal setting for enjoying wonderful sunsets, live music, exceptional cocktails and the liveliest vibes on the island.

From the center of Lefkimmi, taking the road by the canal will lead you to Bouka Beach – bouka is the spot where the river meets the sea – which is mainly preferred by families with young children.

Next is Skaloma, next to the small port of Lefkimmi, with its shallow and very warm waters, set in a pristine landscape.

Finally, nestled among towering rocks is the golden sandy beach of Arkoudilas, at the southwestern tip of the island. Walking for about 10 minutes, along the shady footpath that leads to the sea, is also a wonderful experience.