Envisioning a surfing holiday? The Mediterranean isn’t necessarily your first thought; Atlantic-facing Portugal is often preferred in Europe. Yet Corfu is a dark horse. With the right conditions, its surf quickly swells, creating a historic backdrop to test skill and prowess in the waves. Considering when and where to go surfing in Corfu is a smart first step — and vital for securing the best experiences.
Surfing might not be what Corfu is immediately known for, but leverage this knowledge, and you’ll have everything you need to tap into a legendary unsung surf spot. This guide contains all the insights you need to thrive surfing in Corfu.
To successfully surf Corfu’s shores, it’s essential to understand which sections of the coastline are most exposed. Wind is a necessary component here, and since Corfu is relatively sheltered compared to island groups like the Cyclades, beach positioning matters. Generally speaking, the north and western shores are the windiest bets.
With that said, windsurfing is a popular alternative if the waves aren’t playing ball. Try these best beaches out for size, but keep an open mind if conditions dip on the day.
Chalikounas
Chalikounas Beach sits on a narrow strip separating Korission Lagoon and the Ionian Sea. Common complaints amongst beach-goers are that it’s “too windy” — music to a surfer’s ears. Surf Center Corfu sits at its western end, with tutor-led sessions and equipment rentals. In terms of conditions and amenities, it really steals that top spot.
Almiros Beach
Almiros is another beach that regularly receives “waves too big” or “too windy” complaints. These are telltale signs that it’s better suited to surfers than casual swimmers; add it to your surfing itinerary.
Almiros sits on the island’s northern end, exposed to the breeze of the North Strait of Corfu. Peaceful and quiet, the coastline has plenty of room to enjoy the sand and shore without bumping into other tourists.
Kontogialos Beach
On Corfu’s mid-eastern coastline, Kontogialos Beach is the most visually rewarding; its leafy headland juts out into the water with distinctive rock formations. It’s a beautiful Corfu surfing spot with calm waters that pick up on windy days to create beginner-friendly waves. The low-lying yet weather-predictable waves have made it popular for activities like bodyboarding.
Corfu Surf Clubs & Surf Centers
Not everyone wants to tackle surfing alone. In Corfu, where understanding the island’s conditions is so pivotal, it’s wise to seek surf clubs and centers for additional support. These are the main options — including a mixture of windsurfing, kite surfing, and traditional surfing.
Surf Center Corfu
On the edge of Chalikounas Beach, Surf Center Corfu is perhaps the most famous on the island. It primarily caters to wind and kite surfing, but it’s possible to rent gear or book a session. Regardless, you benefit from the center’s location on Corfu’s windiest beach.
Corfu Surf Club
Situated just outside Corfu Town, Corfu Surf Club specializes in rentals and experiences like parasailing. It’s worth checking what boards they stock, but it’s best for those who have hired surfboard-friendly car rentals; you’ll need to transport gear elsewhere.
Kite Club Corfu
To kite surf Corfu, this is the best location. The club is located just a bit further south than Chalikounas Beach, situated on that same strip between the lagoon and the ocean. A total wind trap, Kite Club Corfu could be a backup option if conditions at Chalikounas aren’t good enough for traditional surfing.
Corfu Extreme Sports
Corfu Extreme Sports are contactable online, rather than having a set physical location. Give them a Google and browse their surf lessons on Glyfada Beach. It could be a good option to prebook traditional surfing.
When is The Best Time to Surf in Corfu?
Winter is generally the windiest time in Corfu, with swells of up to four meters. However, that doesn’t necessarily translate to being a “better” time to surf. Many surf schools operate strictly over the peak season or at least between shoulder seasons.
Why is that a big deal? For those looking to surf independently, it’s easy to shrug off club closures. However, these seasonal openings can throw a spanner in the works when organizing equipment rentals. May until October is the standard opening window to expect — with September offering minimal crowds, decent wind levels, and respectable sea temperatures of 24.5°C.
If you decide to embrace the wetter weather and larger waves in winter, clarify whether boards and wetsuits will be available before booking. Bringing your surfboard from home will make for expensive cargo. Once you arrive in Corfu, picking the time of day matters, too. Corfu’s waves typically peak in size just after midday; notably, tides are no factor in surf quality.
Surfing Lessons & Schools in Corfu
Many of the surf schools in Corfu operate around adapted versions of the sport, like wind or kite surfing. Bear this in mind when browsing through potential matches. The reason behind this is simply flexibility; wind and kite surfing can be enjoyed without massive waves, just a steady breeze. Corfu’s swells are a little unreliable, remember?
Despite that, lots of the schools still advertise surfing opportunities. Be it rentals or lessons, it’s worth enquiring directly — experts on the ground will provide the best insights into conditions.
Corfu Extreme Sports is one option, but other points of contact include:
- Kalami Watersports
- Tropical Windsurfing Gardenos Watersports
- Corfielos Watersports
- Frosh Windsurfing Center
Surf Equipment Rentals in Corfu
For experienced and intermediate surfers, skipping straight to rentals might be preferable. You don’t necessarily want the expense of a private lesson; besides, not much beats that liberating feeling of testing your limits independently. Fall into that category? Enquire at your accommodation for local recommendations or any of the aforementioned centers and schools.
Surfing Safety Tips & Guidelines
In general, Corfu is remarkably safe. As a swimmer, most of the beaches have calm waters that are easy to enjoy year-round. As a surfer, there shouldn’t be swells that anyone with intermediate experience cannot confidently navigate.
With that said, accidents can (and do) occur. In 2024, there was a tragic incident resulting in the deaths of two Ukrainian tourists who had been swimming along Corfu’s northern coastline. Historically, there have been other similar incidents.
There are surfing guidelines to keep in mind — plus additional tips for general ocean safety.
- Be aware of potential drop-offs and currents. It never hurts to brush up on your knowledge of rip currents; always paddle parallel to the shore rather than fighting directly against it. The danger of being dragged out to sea is one reason it’s ill-advised to surf alone.
- Surf at supervised beaches. Many beaches, Chalikounas included, have lifeguards and a designated rescue service. It’s smarter to choose these spots than isolated beaches with little-to-no supervision. Think of it as a safety net.
- Hydrate and apply sunscreen. It’s easy to forget, especially when buffered by a cooling breeze. However, water amplifies the power of UV rays, and if you don’t apply sunscreen, there’s a severe risk of burning. The same goes for heat stroke; hydration is key.
- Consider transport. Some of Corfu’s beaches are far-flung from major tourist areas. How will you leave in an emergency? Do you have the necessary contact numbers? 112 is the main emergency line in Corfu, and it’s entirely free to call.
- Be careful leaving belongings unattended. Unfortunately, Corfu does have a pinching problem, so avoid leaving anything of value unattended.
- Wear water shoes, as sea urchins are rife. Nobody wants to deal with the painful aftermath of a trodden-on sea urchin. These prickly critters are residents of many Corfu beaches, so take care and opt for water shoes for added protection.
Where to Stay for the Best Surfing Experience in Corfu
Transportation is oftentimes tricky in Corfu. However, it is considerably more tricky with a large surfboard in tow and even worse should you dabble in kite or windsurfing. In short, the location of your accommodation matters. Is surfing central to your Corfu escape? Factor that into your booking process; the shorter the travel time, the better.
It’s not just the quality of your accommodation (although Corfu luxury villas have the benefit of total privacy after busy beach days). What activities does its area give you access to? How close is it to a rental shop? Here are the leading destinations for surfers traveling to Corfu.
Chalikounas
Why: Access to Corfu’s windiest beach and a beautiful lagoon with flamingos.
Aside from being stunning, Chalikounas is an ideal location for surfers. The village itself is set slightly back from the beach, around a 20-minute walk or a few minutes drive. However, you get the benefit of being situated next to what’s arguably Corfu’s biggest windtrap.
Chalikounas has authentic tavernas, great beach access, and — for nature lovers — a serene observation point overlooking a flock of flamingos on Korission Lagoon. There are plenty of luxury villa rental options, too.
Acharavi
Why: Windy conditions on the north coast and beautiful sunsets with Albania views.
Beautiful Acharavi is on Corfu’s northern coastline and is another top contender for surfers. The friendly town is larger than Chalikounas, with more commercial amenities and a bigger selection of hotels, not just villas.
On windy days, surf neighboring Almiros Beach and spend evenings jumping between Acharavi’s bars. The sunsets in Acharavi are beautiful, with views across the Northern Strait to Albania.
Kontogialos
Why: Good surf on windy days and the chance for cultured day trips.
You wouldn’t guess it now, but Kontogialos was a raging hippie town in the 70s. The town overlooks a fine-sanded beach, which occasionally sees swells large enough to tempt a surfer or two.
It has a community-style appeal with convenient and fun amenities, like beach bars and supermarkets. Think touched by tourism rather than a full-blown resort town. On a windless day, venture inland to sightsee historic Pelekas and catch the views from the Kaiser William II Observatory.
Surfing in Corfu isn’t just about planning for the days in the water. With such temperamental conditions, scheduling land-based activities is also important. Corfu surfing is all about strategy.