If you’re about to head to Corfu with your family, you may now wonder where to stay to make the most of your trip. This relatively small island has plenty of different areas and small towns to choose from, so picking one can sometimes be overwhelming.
Luckily, we are here to help. Below is a list of the best places to stay in Corfu for families. But first, let’s explore why Corfu is an excellent choice for you and your kids.
Why Corfu is a Perfect Destination for Families
Here are some reasons why Corfu is a perfect destination for families.
Safe Beaches
Corfu is home to a variety of beaches with shallow waters. Swimming here is usually considered safe as there are no strong currents or massive waves, which may be problematic for kids and beginner swimmers.
Plenty of animals
From donkey sanctuaries to aquariums and horse riding experiences, this island offers various animal-related activities for kids and adults alike. You can spend your morning visiting Corfu Aquarium, head to Corfu Donkey Rescue in the afternoon to spend time with these often underrated animals, and then horseback riding on the beach during sunset.
Delicious food
Corfu’s delicious restaurants offer a variety of simple yet yummy dishes that will satisfy even the pickiest of kids. Unlike other European countries, such as France, the food here is not only healthy but also characterized by fresh and simple flavors, meaning that it will be easier for your kids to find something to their liking.
Best Family-Friendly Areas in Corfu
Here is a list of all the best family-friendly areas in Corfu where to book your accommodation.
Palaiokastritsa
The unpronounceable Palaiokastritsa is a small village on the west coast of Corfu. This is considered by many the best place to stay in Corfu for families, but why?
Palaiokastritsa is home to a long stretch of sandy beach, which is among the safest on the island. This means that even young kids who still need to learn how to swim can enjoy the water here with the supervision of an adult.
But swimming is only one of the many family-friendly activities this Palaiokastritsa can offer. You and your family can spend the afternoon visiting the Corfu Aquarium. Here, you will find a variety of local fish, and the Reptile House is home to ‘an exciting collection of exotic reptiles and amphibians from around the world!’
This town is also within a 20-minute drive of two other exciting destinations for kids and adults: Corfu Donkey Rescue and Aqualand.
The former is a sanctuary for donkeys that were abused by their previous owners. As the official website states, ‘Our greatest concern is the well-being of our donkeys. At Corfu Donkey Rescue, we do everything possible to give the donkeys a peaceful life and a retirement in dignity.’ Founded by Judy Quinn in 2004, this piece of land on the Corfu mountains surrounded by olive trees has welcomed over a hundred donkeys since its opening, allowing these beautiful animals to live a peaceful life.
Lastly, as the name suggests, Aqualand is an amusement water park with many attractions for kids and adults. Relax in the Jacuzzi as your children enjoy one of the many water slides, or book a family treatment at the on-site spa.
What To Do:
- See donkeys at the Corfu Donkey Rescue
- Head to Aqualand for tons of fun
- Enjoy Palaiokastritsa’s safe beaches
- Marvel at local fish at Corfu Aquarium
Sidari
Located in Corfu’s northern area, Sidari is vastly renowned for its breathtaking white cliffs. However, there are also sandy beaches where you can enjoy the Mediterranean Sea with your kids. The most popular are Paralia Sidari and Canal d’Amour. Sidari also allows you to try water sports and rent all sorts of equipment, including small boats, to explore the area with your family.
Sidari is also a great choice if you like hiking. In particular, the Cape Drastis Loop could be a good idea for a day trip. This trail starts and ends in the small town of Peroulades and takes hikers all the way to Cape Drastis, renowned for its breathtaking white cliffs. The loop is 4.2 miles long and takes about two hours to complete.
This city also has a waterpark, Sidari Waterpark. While not as well-equipped as Aqualand, you can still enjoy a nice day here with your family, making the most of the park’s pools and slides.
What To Do:
- Enjoy the sea at Paralia Sidari and Canal d’Amour
- Try water sports or rent a boat
- Hike the Cape Drastis Loop
- Have fun at Sidari Waterpark
Kavos
We now head to the south of the island to visit Kavos. Similarly to other locations in Corfu, here you will find a variety of safe beaches where you can relax with your kids. Paralia Kavos is the most popular beach in the town, but if you have time, we suggest you head to Arkoudilas Beach.
You can reach this place by taking a nice hike, starting in Kavos or by car if you prefer to avoid the long walk. This beach is renowned for its beautiful cliffs serving as a backdrop and has a few basic services, such as a drink kiosk and sunbeds, that can be rented for a cheap fee.
This is also the perfect option if you love horses. Horseland Kavos allows tourists to experience horseback riding from 10 minutes to two hours, depending on your chosen route. This site is the home of six horses, most of which were rescued. You can head to Arkoudilas Beach, visit a local lake, or the Arkoudilas Monastery while riding these majestic animals.
What To Do:
- Enjoy the sea at Arkoudilas Beach and Paralia Kavos
- Hike to Arkoudilas Beach
- Horseback riding
Roda
Mostly designed for summer tourism, the village of Roda is another excellent choice for families. Located in the island’s northern area, this place is a short ride from Acharavi and Ag. Stefanos. You can even walk to these two small towns simply following the beach.
Here, you can spend your days simply enjoying the sea and making the most of the local delicious restaurant with amazing views over the beach.
Also, thanks to Katreena Horse Riding, you can go horseback riding on the beach. This site even offers unique ‘swimming with the horses in the sunset’ packages, a unique experience your kids will surely love.
The nearby village of Ag. Stefanos is home to a Folklore Museum where you and your family can learn more about the population that inhabited these lands in the past. Some restaurants in the area also offer traditional Greek nights with plate smashing and dancing.
What To Do:
- Enjoy the beach
- Visit the Folklore Museum Of Acharavi
- Take part in a traditional Greek night
- Swim with the horses
Corfu Town
Last on our list is Corfu Town. As the main city on the island, this place offers all kinds of activities for tourists. For instance, you can take your kids to climb the town’s fortress and enjoy a meal or drink at the restaurant on top.
Alternatively, you can catch a ferry and head to Mouse Island, an island with the shape of a mouse but where no rodent can be found, so there is no need to worry. You can also head to Vido Island to escape the crowds of tourists and enjoy a day at the beach.
Corfu Town is also home to an Archaeological Museum of Corfu, an old windmill perfect for a family photo, the Sanctuary of Hera Akraia, and plenty of other ancient sites worth visiting.
What To Do:
- Visit nearby islands, such as Mouse Island and Vido Island
- Explore the local fortress
- Explore museums and ancient ruins, including the local windmill
Final Tips for Planning a Family Trip to Corfu
Now that you know the best places to stay in Corfu for families, here are a few additional tips to ensure you make the most of your trip.
Reconsider the season
While you may be tempted to head to Corfu in spring or autumn to avoid massive crowds, you need to consider that most places shut down during this period of the year. Most restaurants, resorts, and even entertainment sites, such as amusement parks, close from November to April. So, keep this in mind when booking your trip.
Consider Where To Stay
Corfu is home to a variety of hotels and resorts. However, if you’re heading here with your family, you may consider renting one of the many Corfu luxury villas available on the island for the best comfort. Renting a villa will give you access to plenty of space and privacy as well as a fully equipped kitchen, which will allow you to cook delicious meals at home instead of always having to eat outside, which can sometimes be quite challenging with kids.
Shall you rent a car?
While Corfu has a good public transportation system, renting a car will give you that much-needed peace of mind we all need when going on holiday with our families. Many tourist sites are not accessible by public transportation, and having your own car will ensure you won’t have to rely on the bus schedule during your visits. Keep in mind that Corfu is quite tiny, so you’ll be able to drive almost everywhere within two hours.
How Many Days Shall You Stay In Corfu?
Five to eight days are ideal for a family vacation. However, how long you should spend in Corfu depends on what you plan to do on the island. If you prefer to dive into this topic, you can check out our full guide on how many days to spend in Corfu.
Learn A Few Basic Words
While most people dealing with tourists on the island speak English, if you’re heading to remote locations, there’s a good chance not everyone will know the language. Memorizing a few Greek words will help you a great deal.
Bring Cash
While most tourist sites accept credit and debit cards, this is not always the case for local tavernas and souvenir shops. Try to withdraw euros whenever you can to ensure you will always be able to pay for everything, no matter where you are.