10+1 ΄secret beaches΄ in Paleokastritsa
Photo: EN the Magazine
Accessible only (or almost only) by sea, offering an alternative, unspoilt and “quiet” way to enjoy the Corfiot summer.
Stone and greenery create a rugged, almost wild charm — the product of two basic factors.
First, the extensive and impressive Molasse formations of the steep mountainous terrain surrounding the area. These are sedimentary rock formations dating back to the period of orogeny which, as the mountains eroded, were deposited in the coastal basins. They include sandstone, evaporites, conglomerates, marls, limestones and other types of rock.
Second, and as an extension of this, there was the Venetians’ long-ago “refusal” to clear the area of central-western Corfu in order to plant olive groves.
Along this stretch of coastline, almost cut off from the mainland by an imaginary thread, the very concept of the organised beach fades away, falling asleep. So does the idea of easy, mainstream access. No roads, no paths, no cars. Access is only — or almost only — from the sea, by boat or traditional caique.
These are the “hidden beaches” of Corfu’s western coastline. Less well known, even among locals. Yet they are a point of reference for beach-hopping enthusiasts — those who like to visit several different beaches in a single day — and for anyone looking for a different “version” of the Corfiot summer.
Beyond the noise, the glamour and the modern facilities.
Raw. Untamed. Peaceful and silent.
The eternal blue, nature, the gentle breeze — and you.
ΕΝ traced the coastline on the map, moving from north to south. Circling, with a fluorescent yellow marker, 10+1 spots.
Bon plaisir…
The panoramic views of the blue-green bays of Paleokastritsa on one side of the resort, combined with the silvery olive trees on the other, create an idyllic atmosphere.
Paleokastritsa, 49080, Corfu, Greece
T. (+30) 26630 41209 | (+30) 26630 22280
Access by sea — whether by private boat, rental boat or as part of a day trip or excursion — is by sea taxi or boat from Alipa Port or the main beach at Liapades (Gefyra). For the more southerly locations (e.g. Giali), access is also possible from Ermones Beach.
GLYKO | A small, secluded cove between Liapades Beach (Gefyra) and Rovinia, paired with its neighbouring — and busier — beach/cove, Polyos.
Although the easiest way to reach it is by sea, it can also be accessed on foot via trails from Liapades. And while it is not entirely “undeveloped” in terms of facilities — the organisation is fairly low-key — most of the beach remains untouched, hence its place on this list.
Pebbles, white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters and dense, lush vegetation all around create a combination that will recur regularly throughout this... journey.
In any case, Glyko stands out as a particularly appealing “introductory” alternative for those seeking peace and relaxation amid the wonderful landscapes of Corfu’s natural surroundings.
The hotel combines stunning views with the opportunity to swim in the area’s crystal-clear waters.
Paleokastritsa, Corfu – Tel. +30 26630 41207 and +30 26630 42121
EMAILS: [email protected] - [email protected]
LIMNI | About 2 km further down from Liapades. An exquisite natural setting and distinctive views towards Paleokastritsa and its famous caves. The beach has a unique isthmus-like shape: a narrow strip of white pebbles connects the shore to a lush, rocky outcrop in the sea, essentially creating two beaches/coves — a small... Porto Timoni (Afionas)!
It can be reached by sea, but the more adventurous can also approach it overland via a steep trail. Take the road towards Liapades, then turn left onto the uphill path (after the “Athena” supermarket) and continue straight, ignoring the turn-off to the right towards Rovinia.
This is as far as you can go by vehicle. From there, continue on foot. After about 1.5 km, turn right onto a downhill dirt track. Almost immediately, turn left onto a path through the olive grove, and after about 15 minutes you will arrive, descending several old stone steps.
Mini-cruises and excursions around Paleokastritsa, showcasing the local marine life and the underwater beauty of Corfu.
Paleokastritsa, Corfu, 490 83, Greece – Tel. +30 2663 041 339 –
Photo: travelplanner.ro
ILIODOROS | Also known as Agios Iliodoros, Liodoros, Linodoros or Liniodoros. Located north of the cape of the same name, and south and west of the village of Liapades.
A magical sliver of land jutting into the sea, whether viewed up close or from above: pristine, deserted, with white pebbles, turquoise waters and lush olive groves stretching all the way down to the shore. Above, tall, sheer cliffs rise from the coastline, their tops covered in vegetation.
The easiest and safest way to reach it is by boat. The overland route, meanwhile — a 1–1½-hour walk from Liapades through semi-mountainous trails, olive trees and the scent of wild fennel — is considered time-consuming and fairly challenging. The route initially shares part of the trail to Limni; vehicles can manage only part of the way, and only 4x4s, due to the rugged terrain.
AKROTIRI BEACH RESORT AND SPA - HOTEL
The combination of the bright blue sea and emerald-green hills, together with the relaxing atmosphere and friendly service from our staff, creates the perfect setting for an unforgettable holiday.
Contact Us
Paleokastritsa, 49100, Corfu, Greece
T: +30 26630 41237 - E: [email protected]
KOLIAS | One of the more... off-the-beaten-track spots. An isolated, untouched cove, accessible only by sea, south of Limni and just a little north of Cape Iliodoros (or 1.7 km from the centre of Liapades).
A natural “tongue” of pebbles and sand, soft underfoot, no more than 130–140 metres long (with an average width of just 10 metres), nestled at the foot of a tall, striated white cliff, its upper slopes covered in lush, shady vegetation.
The rocky seabed is worth noting, making sea shoes advisable. Combined with the gentle, gradual slope into deeper water and the unique rock formations amid its rich, vibrant underwater world, these features make Kolias an ideal spot for devoted snorkelling enthusiasts.
Acapulco Seaside Pool Bar & Apartments Corfu
Overlooking the crystal-clear sea, our welcoming bar is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing drink by the pool and the sea.
Paleokastritsa, Corfu, Greece – [email protected] – (+30) 26630 41911
CHOMOI | Also known as “Paradise Beach” — and the reasons are obvious: a small earthly paradise.
Beautiful and wild, it is “hidden” at the foot of enormous, otherworldly cliffs, with imposing sheer rock faces rising dramatically behind it. Depending on the time of day, they seem to change colour — from white to yellow and, at sunset, almost orange.
The holes and tiny caves carved into the rock formations offer a wonderful opportunity for exploration, whether swimming around them (snorkelling is a must) or... on foot.
The pebble beach is accessible only by sea and, despite its secluded location, from July to September it has a small number of sun loungers and umbrellas available for rent. There is also, as at Rovinia, a floating canteen (a boat bar) that regularly visits, providing the absolute essentials.
But don’t count on it! Come prepared...
The view of the mythical sea of Paleokastritsa unfolds before every room, with a different perspective depending on its location.
Tel. (+30) 26630 41244
Paleokastritsa, Corfu
KAMARI | On one side, above, lies Chomoi. On the other, below, Stelari (see below). And in between, like a... connecting piece between the two, almost right along their rocky boundary, lies Kamari.
The name supposedly comes from the natural arches that form along the coastline.
A small, untouched beach/cove, 2.5 km from Liapades, secluded and covered in white pebbles (mixed with beige sand), with beautiful, relatively shallow waters. Completely enclosed by the rocky coastline and olive trees, it is accessible only by boat.
In that sense, it could be considered the... little sibling of a series of beaches of the same name scattered across Greece — from Santorini (the most famous and highly... cosmopolitan) and Kos (Kefalos), to Kefalonia (also untouched), Pelion and Corinth.
Elia traditional Greek taverna
The taverna has a peaceful and intimate atmosphere, infused with the unique aromas and flavours of every dish.
Paleokastritsa, Corfu – Tel. 26630-41911
STELARI | A natural continuation of Paradise... “Stelari”, derived from the Italian word stella — meaning “star”. Because at night, it is illuminated only by their light (okay, and by the lights of Paleokastritsa, 1.5 km to the north), creating an incredibly idyllic landscape in the absence of light pollution.
A unique choreography of stars beneath the shade of white, densely vegetated cliffs — which also explains the not-infrequent visits from wild goats, making their way down the slopes and trails which, as the locals say, they have carved out themselves!
True to the familiar combination of pebbles and turquoise waters, Stelari is accessible by sea.
Special tips? In the distance on the water’s horizon lies the islet of Kolyvri (also known as Kolyviri or Kolovri), a popular fishing spot for local fishermen, while a little further south is “Little Stelari” — its beach sibling. It shares many of the same characteristics, but is smaller...
Paleo Sea Travel - Boat trips and boat rentals in Corfu, Paleokastritsa
With over 25 years of experience in boat trips and sea excursions, the friendly and professional team at Paleo Sea Travel will guarantee you a safe and unforgettable experience.
Paleokastritsa – opposite Akrotiri Hotel, Corfu, Greece, 49083
Tel.: 698 008 1780 – email: [email protected]
Get ready for the ultimate boating experience! Rent one of our boats and explore the beautiful waterways like never before.
Boat Rentals – Alipa, Paleokastritsa, Corfu
Tel.: 697 303 7804 - [email protected]
KROUZA | The next stop — and the southernmost cove — along the Chomoi–Kamari–Stelari stretch of coastline, now reaching roughly the level of Giannades (1.8 km away, or 4.5 km from the increasingly distant Liapades).
Difficult to reach by land but easily accessible from the sea, it broadly follows the same pattern as the other coves: secluded, pristine and semi-wild, with rocks to the east, vegetation reaching down to the water, a mix of sand and pebbles, and enchanting turquoise waters ideal for snorkelling and small-scale exploration.
Limited in size, it is approximately 200–230 metres long and just 5 metres wide on average. Its seabed is rocky with a gentle slope. Although less popular than the other beaches in the... neighbourhood, Krouza delivers exactly what it promises: peace and relaxation, far removed from the standard “urban” way of enjoying the sea.
Spiros & Thomas Boats For Rent
PLAKA | The southern continuation of Krouza, near Giannades and Kanakades. Another hidden gem, sharing the same general characteristics as the others, but with more pronounced rocky geological formations.
A special feature is the particularly interesting natural sea cave at one end of the beach, which is well worth exploring by swimming or snorkelling.
Around 180–200 metres long and approximately 20 metres wide, with a moderate increase in the rocky seabed depth, water shoes are recommended. Although arriving by sea is generally advised, the more... adventurous can also reach Plaka on foot from Giannades, via a picturesque trail — a distance of about 2 km.
Note: Some people, for reasons unknown, confuse it with Stelari. Just remember: it’s not...
GYALI | Now south of Giannades, towards Ermones. Access is by sea, although the overland route is possible — but only for the... more adventurous few. It is the most difficult of all the beaches offering a hiking approach.
The route starts in Giannades, with parking by the little chapel of Agios Ilias. From there, climb to the top of the rock and then comes the hardest part: descending the steep slope, using ropes for assistance (when they are actually in place) and wooden ladders...
“Gyali” or “Giali” takes its name from its crystal-clear waters. White fine pebbles cover both the shore and seabed, set against the striking rocky mass of the crescent-shaped cove. Behind it are Molasse formations of sandstone and marl, while evaporite formations appear higher up.
These are geological features dating from the Late Miocene period, between 5 and 11 million years ago.
ANTYPSOS | Along with Gyali, the southernmost entry on the list.
Little known, with views over Ermones Bay and lying slightly north of the village’s main beach, this cove has somewhat warmer waters than the others. Lush vegetation and rocky terrain dominate the landscape above, while sand and pebbles cover the approximately 180-metre-long stretch of beach (up to 15 metres wide).
It is accessible by sea, as the paths along the cliffs above can be hazardous.
A secret for the... initiated? From nearby Ermones Beach, a path leads to the picturesque 17th-century chapel of Panagia Apelistra, with its white outdoor cross.
Stop there. And look down.
Perhaps this is the most beautiful vantage point from which to admire, from a distance, the unspoilt beauty of the magnificent — and largely unexplored — Antypsos...
ELIAS ALEXOPOULOS
