Glyfada, Myrtiotissa & the Best West Coast Beaches in Corfu
When people picture Corfu's golden sand and fiery sunsets, they're picturing the west coast. This is where the island's sandiest beaches line up beneath green cliffs facing the open Ionian – which means the best sand, the clearest big-beach swimming and, every evening, the best sunsets on Corfu. Here's a full guide to the west coast beaches, from buzzy Glyfada to secluded Myrtiotissa. For the island-wide ranking, see our best beaches in Corfu guide.
Glyfada
The west coast's star: a long, wide stretch of golden Blue Flag sand backed by dramatic green cliffs. Glyfada has it all – sunbeds, beach bars, tavernas, watersports – yet still feels spacious. The gently shelving sand makes it a great family choice, while the open aspect delivers superb sunsets. It's the most developed west-coast beach, and the easiest to enjoy with kids in tow; see our Corfu with kids guide for more.
Myrtiotissa
Just north of Glyfada lies its complete opposite: Myrtiotissa, a secluded ribbon of pale sand beneath steep, wooded cliffs that author Lawrence Durrell famously called "the loveliest beach in the world." Access is via a steep path (or a rough track), which keeps it quiet; part of the beach is traditionally clothing-optional. There's a small canteen but few facilities – come for the wild, end-of-the-world beauty.
Kontogialos (Pelekas Beach)
Below the hilltop village of Pelekas, Kontogialos is a broad sandy beach popular for paragliding (you'll see canopies drifting down from the cliffs) and for sunsets watched from the Kaiser's Throne viewpoint above. Relaxed, scenic and well equipped, it's a favourite all-rounder.
Agios Gordios
A striking Blue Flag beach framed by huge offshore rock formations and green hills. Agios Gordios has a long, sandy bay, a relaxed and slightly bohemian vibe, tavernas, watersports and memorable sunsets – a great pick if you want scenery with your sand.
Agios Georgios Pagon
On the northwest, Agios Georgios Pagon (not to be confused with the southern Agios Georgios) is a five-kilometre sweep of sand with shallow, gently shelving water – one of the best family beaches on the island, with watersports and a string of tavernas.
Ermones
A smaller pebble-and-sand cove in a green valley, Ermones is mythologically said to be where Odysseus washed ashore. It has a couple of resorts and a funicular down the cliff, plus easy access to the Corfu Golf Club inland.
Halikounas & Issos
At the southern end of the west coast, beside Lake Korission, the dune-backed sands of Halikounas and Issos are wild, wide and uncrowded – and, because they're exposed, a top spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Beautiful for long walks and big skies.
Best for sunset – and a windy-day warning
Because it faces west into the open sea, this coast delivers Corfu's best sunsets – Glyfada, Agios Gordios, Kontogialos and the Kaiser's Throne above Pelekas are all superb. That same open aspect means the west coast can get windy and the surf choppy when a westerly blows; on those days the sheltered northeast coves are calmer. Check the forecast and keep an eye on young swimmers when there's a swell.
Getting to the west coast beaches
The west-coast beaches are spread out and most are best reached by car – the bus service is limited compared with the resort-heavy north. Hire a car or arrange a transfer to hop between Glyfada, Pelekas and Agios Gordios in a day; see our getting around Corfu guide and the car hire & transfers directory. If you're near Agios Ioannis, the giant Aqualand water park is close by for a family day out. To pick your base, see where to stay in Corfu, and for the cliffs and bays just north, our Paleokastritsa guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best beach on Corfu's west coast?
Glyfada is the best all-rounder – long golden sand, full facilities and great sunsets. For seclusion, Myrtiotissa is the most beautiful; for families, Agios Georgios Pagon has the shallowest, calmest water; and Agios Gordios wins on dramatic scenery.
Why are the west coast beaches the best for sunset?
The west coast faces directly into the open Ionian Sea, so the sun sets over the water. Beaches like Glyfada, Agios Gordios and Kontogialos, and viewpoints like the Kaiser's Throne above Pelekas, all enjoy unobstructed sunset views.
Are the west coast beaches sandy?
Mostly yes – this is the sandiest coast on Corfu, with Glyfada, Kontogialos, Agios Gordios and Agios Georgios Pagon all offering golden sand. Ermones is more pebble-and-sand, and the southern Halikounas/Issos beaches are wide dune-backed sand.
Can you reach the west coast beaches by bus?
Some are served by green buses, but the service is limited and the beaches are spread out. A hire car or transfer is the most practical way to explore the west coast and combine several beaches in one day.
Is the west coast good for families?
Yes, especially Glyfada and Agios Georgios Pagon, which have shallow water and full facilities. Be aware the open coast can get windy, making the surf choppy on some days – check conditions before letting young children swim.
