Best Family Beaches in Corfu: Shallow Water and Facilities
The best beaches in Corfu for families and young children, compared by sand, shallow water and facilities, with which bus reaches each one and which beaches to avoid.
The best family beaches in Corfu are Agios Georgios Pagon, Sidari, Glyfada, Dassia, Issos and Marathias. They have shallow, gently shelving water, and most have sunbeds and tavernas close by. For the youngest children, choose Agios Georgios Pagon or Sidari. Avoid Myrtiotissa and Porto Timoni, which are reached on steep paths.
Family beaches compared
| Beach | Coast | Sea and shore | Facilities | By bus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agios Georgios Pagon | North-west | Five kilometres of sand, shallow and gently shelving | Watersports and a string of tavernas | Green bus A7 |
| Sidari | North | Sandy, with shallow and warmer water | Full resort services | Green bus A2 |
| Glyfada | West | Long golden sand | Sunbeds, beach bars, watersports | Green bus B17 |
| Dassia | North-east | Calm, well-equipped resort beach | Full resort services, short drive from the airport | Blue bus line 7 |
| Issos | South-west | Vast, sandy, shallow, with dunes and room to run | Quieter and uncrowded, so bring what you need | Green bus B6 |
| Marathias and Santa Barbara | South | Wide, sandy, gently shelving | Sunbeds and tavernas | Easiest by car |
| Barbati | North-east | Long pebble beach with very clear water | Watersports, pack water shoes | Green bus A5 |
Sea conditions change with the wind and the season. West-coast beaches can have waves on a windy day, so check conditions and follow any flags or lifeguard advice on the beach.
Which beach for which family?
- Toddlers and first swimmers: Agios Georgios Pagon, Sidari.
- Older children who like watersports: Glyfada, Agios Georgios Pagon, Dassia.
- Plenty of space away from crowds: Issos, Marathias.
- No car: Sidari, Dassia or Glyfada, which are simple to reach by bus. See getting around Corfu.
Beaches to skip with small children
Myrtiotissa and Porto Timoni are beautiful but need a steep walk with everything you carry, and Porto Timoni has no facilities. Many north-east and Paleokastritsa beaches are pebble or mixed, so water shoes help. Kavos is a young party resort and is not a good family base.
Family days beyond the beach
Aqualand near Agios Ioannis fills a whole day, and green bus B15 goes there. Our Corfu with kids guide covers the aquarium, gentle boat trips and more, family hotels lists places to stay, and the 15 best beaches in Corfu covers the rest of the coast.
Frequently asked questions
Which beach in Corfu is best for toddlers?
Agios Georgios Pagon and Sidari are the best choices for toddlers. Both have sand and shallow water, and tavernas are close by.
Are Corfu beaches safe for children?
Many are, especially Agios Georgios Pagon, Sidari, Glyfada, Dassia, Issos and Marathias. Conditions depend on the wind, so check the sea on the day and follow any flags or lifeguard advice.
Where should a family stay in Corfu to be near a good beach?
Sidari, Roda and Acharavi on the north coast have sandy beaches, while Dassia is a central base with a short trip from the airport. Avoid Kavos, which is a party resort.
Which side of Corfu has the sandiest family beaches?
The west and south. Glyfada and Agios Georgios Pagon lie on the west and north-west, while Issos and Marathias lie in the south. Many north-east beaches are pebble.
Do I need a car to reach family beaches in Corfu?
Not for Sidari, Dassia, Glyfada or Agios Georgios Pagon, which all have bus routes. A car makes Marathias and the quieter south much easier, particularly with young children.
