Plan a romantic stay in a five-star resort on a secluded peninsula or a fun-filled weekend at a hotel with its own nightclub. For a family holiday, try an all-inclusive facility that has lots of outdoor activities such as water sports and horse riding.
Or, stay near Corfu Town, where you can wander the cobblestone streets, popping into bars and coffee shops to sample local treats. These are our top Corfu resorts beside the famously clear, sparking Ionian sea.
Explore Corfu from your base at Kontokali Bay Resort and Spa. The hotel offers a host of activities, such as hiking through nearby olive groves, horse riding and yoga – or you can get out on the turquoise waters with waterskiing, boat rentals, pedalos or diving trips and lessons. If you’d prefer a slower pace, book in at the spa for a session in the Jacuzzi or hammam. There, you can find your zen with an olive oil and sea salt body treatment, which softens the skin using Cretan oil.
Dinner is served at Parea, where you can look out at the golden sands of the hotel’s private beach while dining on fresh shrimp and oysters – live music sets a cosy ambience as the sun sets over the water. Upstairs, rooms have views of the luscious gardens or out to the sea. Snuggle into your bathrobe, pour a glass of complimentary wine and take in the view on your balcony – yes, all rooms have them.
Tucked away on the east coast, Corfu Imperial Grecotel Exclusive Resort sits on a private peninsula. For sea views aplenty, head up to your room – floor-to-ceiling windows flood your space with natural light, while a palette of beige and white tones elevate the calming atmosphere. Slip into your marble tub for a relaxing soak before heading down to watch the evening’s music show. These happen daily in the summer season and are themed around local folklore and legend.
Make the most of the secluded location and hop between the hotel’s three beaches, made even more picture-perfect with their backdrop of green Cyprus trees. The Ionian Sea stretches out in front of you – try the catch of the day from those crystal-clear waves in the Yali Seafood Restaurant. Floating on the water, this eatery serves up sea views, fresh fish and champagne as you dine al fresco.
With its sweeping coastline and Cyprus-strewn hills, Corfu is a peaceful spot for a romantic getaway, and the Grecotel Eva Palace takes this one step further with the Elixir Rooftop Love Spa. Designed for couples, treatments are inspired by Aphrodite and use rose and myrtle plants, which were sacred to the goddess. Unwind together with the Passion Ritual, a full-body massage using warm candle oil to nourish the skin.
Your journey of relaxation continues on the sands of the resort’s private beach. Lie on a lounger with a book, or dive into the seawater pool. Cocktails and juices are served at the swim-up bar, so you can sit in the shallows with a mojito. Upstairs, guest rooms heighten the romance with canopies over the beds and fresh flowers adding a touch of colour to the white décor. Throw open the doors to your balcony or terrace and let the sea air in.
Combine relaxation with sightseeing at Domes Miramare. This adults-only resort sits right by the waterfront in Moraitika, just a 25-minute drive from Corfu’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Pick up trinkets at the bazaar and dip into a traditional tavern before heading to your hotel to unwind on the 400 metre-long beach. If you’re in the mood to explore more, get out on the water in a glass-bottomed canoe. Or, take a slow walk around the hotel’s Fine Art & Auctions gallery, where works by international and Greek artists are displayed and sold.
Find a sunny spot by the window at the resort’s Makris restaurant. Dished like grilled prawn and aioli yogurt treat you to a taste of tradition. Décor is reminiscent of the sea outside with a mixed palette of greys, whites and blues. Meanwhile, guest rooms are sophisticated, decorated with white tones and dark wood furniture. Dip into your marble bathtub and pamper yourself with complimentary Swedish Byredo skincare products.
Suites at the Olive Grove Resort take inspiration from island life with bare wood and stone shades. Touches like soft throws and crochet hanging art bring a homely touch, while huge bathtubs heighten the luxury. Wake up to a view of the swaying trees in the gardens or the turquoise pool – guest rooms have a choice of either. With Messonghi beach just a five-minute walk away, you can be on the sands in seconds too.
Unwind with a full-body massage at the Kavos Beauty and Wellness Centre. The menu also includes hair, make-up and nail treatments so you can prep for a night out on Kavos’ famous waterfront party strip. You don’t have to stray too far for a taste of the island’s nightlife. The hotel is home to the Atlantis nightclub, which welcomes DJs from around the globe each summer. In the morning, you can recover with a steaming Americano, fresh-squeezed orange juice and buttery croissants at the continental buffet breakfast
Breathe in the scent of the pine trees in the gardens at Lux.Me Grecotel Bay Dassia. Located on the hillside above the bay, this all-inclusive hotel treats you to sweeping views of the coast and surrounding pine groves, as well as the opportunity to get active, or simply unwind. Contact the concierge instantly via WhatsApp to organise mountain biking, golfing or horse riding in the surrounding hillside. The fitness room offers complimentary yoga and Pilates classes.
For more space, book into a bungalow. Neutral colours and floral patterns bring an Ionian touch to the décor, while scatter cushions and winged armchairs help you feel snug. When it comes to dining, satisfy your sweet tooth at the Patisserie & Chocolaterie, serving up fresh macarons, pastry and bread all day. Or, dine on the beach at the Tavernaki. Indulge in simple but delicious Greek classics like olive oil and warm bread.
Look out from your balcony at Roda Beach and watch the grounds meet the sea. The hotel has 10 hectares of gardens to unwind in so you can lie back on the grass with a good book or stroll along it to the pebble beach. Feeling active? The resort organises water sports, so get the clan together out on the water with some paddleboarding or snorkel in the shallows. Little ones are kept entertained in a dedicated pool, where they can whizz down slides and make a big splash.
The hotel has several restaurants dedicated to your favourite cuisines from around the world. Watch a chef spin the dough of your stonebaked pizza at the Italian Restaurant, which welcomes you to witness your meal prep with a show cooking station. For dessert, head to the Creperie for a sweet pancake filled with fruit, chocolate or ice cream – there are tempting savoury options too.
Bring the family together for a night of traditional Greek music and dancing at Corfu Senses. Each evening, there are shows that bring a lively atmosphere to the buffet restaurant, with performers regaling guests with typical local dances. You’ll find quaint villages like Benitses within a 15-minute drive too, so you can easily immerse yourself in island life and local food and drink. Visit the Achilleion Palace, once the home of the Empress of Austria, just a 10-minute drive away, for your fill of history. Then, get a taste of nature in the hotel’s orange garden.
Your authentic Greek break continues upstairs, where guest rooms are decorated in traditional terracotta tones. Refresh under your rainfall shower and slip on your complimentary robe before taking in the vistas. Sea View rooms are just 150 metres from the beach, while Mountain View rooms look out over the leafy foothills of Mount Stavros.