Where to stay on the most beautiful Ionian island this summer
Dreaming of a sun-soaked beach holiday in Europe for summer? Our pick of the best hotels in Corfu offers all the holiday inspiration you need right now.
There’s a lot of competition for everybody’s favourite Greek island (special thanks to the best hotels in Crete and Santorini hotels with private pools), but cypress-studded, mountainous Corfu is definitely a contender. To the north of the Ionian Sea, Corfu has glamorous resorts strung along its shoreline, pretty mountain villages and a heritage that displays its eras under Venetian, French, British and, of course, Greek rule.
The golden beaches and sparkling pools may be calling, but don’t miss a trip to cosmopolitan Corfu Town to see the Venetian fortresses, cobblestoned alleys and grand palaces. The UNESCO-listed old town has a lot of history – but if you want to soak it all up from an outdoor wine bar or a flower-draped restaurant terrace, that’s fine, too.
An Onassis family estate on its own several-centuries-old olive grove, Domes Miramare has hosted royalty of both the literal and music kind over the years. Or try the ‘Infinite Lifestyle’ concept on offer at all-inclusive resort Ikos Dassia; buffets will never be the same again.
The Olivar Suites is one of the most stylish five-star hotels on the island: earthy toned, super stylish and eco-friendly to boot.
The Durrells loved it and so do we. Here are the best hotels in Corfu…
Ikos Dassia
The term ‘all-inclusive’ may usually have you reeling, but if anyone knows how to do it stylishly, it’s the Greeks – whose cherished value of ‘philoxenia’ (which translates as ‘love of the foreign’ or 'friend to the stranger') really comes alive in this context.
Ikos Dassia is a case in point: here, tepid buffets are out and an unlimited concept is in, making it undoubtedly one of the best all-inclusive hotels in Greece. This means guests will have the run of a 600-metre beach, an endless activities list that includes pedalos, tennis and volleyball, and eight restaurants spanning Asia to Provence. For those inclined to cabin fever, the Dine Out experience means that your resort credit can be used at the very best local restaurants as well. It's the perfect way to combine resort relaxation with seeing some of the local culture and nightlife.
Nido, Mar-Bella Collection
Cascading down a fragrant hillside (and nowhere near its namesake Spanish counterpart), Nido, Mar-Bella Collection is set out as a traditional village, and one that leads down to a beach where you can drift out to sea on a paddleboard. Other watersports on offer include sailing, and there's regular live music at the resort, too. It’s on the island’s south-east coast, with a view of the sea served straight to every suite.
Unsurprisingly, the romantic hotel is favoured by honeymooners, who especially love the candlelit suppers for two and sunset cruises. This adults-only Corfu hotel has rooms with private pools and spacious terraces, gorgeous gardens to stroll through and a wine cellar stocked with some of the finest wines from all over Greece. Cobblestoned Corfu Town is less than half an hour away, but you’re probably going to want to stay put.
Domes Miramare
For anyone in search of a Corfu hotel with a hallowed history, look no further than this fabled former family home. Set in a Venetian olive grove and in a lush green foothill, Domes Miramare is one of the most romantic spots on the island, with sweeping views of the coast afforded by its lofty position. The estate was built by the Onassis clan in the late 1960s and has unsurprisingly hosted its fair share of jet-set visitors ever since, including British musicians on breaks between tour dates and the King of Greece putting on parties for his fellow royals.
It’s a short drive to palaces and pretty villages, but there’s plenty to keep guests entertained at the resort first, including an art collection, a raw bar dispensing sushi and sundowners with a DJ-supplied soundtack, orchestral performances over dinner and a sea-facing spa.
Corfu Imperial
On a private peninsula and with some especially attractive Italianate gardens, Corfu Imperial is as refined as its name suggests, and not just because of its series of porcelain snow leopards. The Kommeno Peninsula is located between the towns of Dassia and Gouvia, with coves, sandy shores and easy access for yachts (we said it was fancy).
Accommodation options include family-friendly suites in olive groves, bungalows, elaborate villas and seafront rooms with a view. The hotel has its own promenade for gelato-enhanced evening strolls or cocktails on a terrace as you struggle to decide on where to have dinner. An ideal spot is Yali Seafood, which is set on its own deck above the sea – the limited (there are only eight) series of sunloungers laid out right by the water's edge are sure to be sought-after spots from dawn until dusk.
The Olivar Suites
As with much of the landscape in Greece, olive trees dot the grounds of the Olivar Suites on Messonghi Beach – so many, in fact, that there is an olive mill on-site. The buildings of the hotel have sprung up around the ancient trees and their nectar is put to good use in treatments at the spa.
The series of standalone whitewashed and stone suites – each earthy-toned and with either a private pool and garden, or its own deck – give the resort a village feel, one where the sunny climate is maximised with indoor-outdoor living (especially thrilling for guests emerging from Britain after a long winter). The lengthy main pool is just steps from the shore, with sunloungers arranged on the lawn and a beautiful backdrop of the bay and nearby mountains. Helpfully for those reluctant to leave this sublime setting, the poolside restaurant Flya will despatch seasonal Mediterranean snacks (made with ingredients sourced from local producers) straight to your sunlounger.
Palms & Spas Villas Retreat
If you're looking for a self-catering hotel in Corfu, try this sea-edge stay in Messonghi Beach, where you can choose from villas with their own pools and suites with Jacuzzis. The hotel is in the quieter part of town, but it’s only a five-minute walk to the heart of the fishing village, which has plenty of restaurants and traditional seafood taverns to choose from. Palms & Spas Villas Retreat is also close to various bars and beach clubs, but the most lively of these can be found in nearby village Moraitika.
Luckily for guests hoping to see more of the island and with no faff, hire cars and bikes can be rented from reception. As the name hints at, spa therapists can be called to your veranda for facials and massages with a sea view. And staff can also have your cupboards stocked with wine from a small local producer, for sundowner ease.
MarBella, Mar-Bella Collection
Sister property to Nido (and just as stylish), the Mar-Bella Collection's MarBella is on the shores of Agios Ioannis Peristeron, on the island’s south-east. It's handily just a half hour's drive from Corfu Town. Landscaped gardens are set on the edge of the Ionian Sea, the hotel has its own beach and water park, and there are enough restaurants and bars to keep you busy for weeks. These include fine-dining French restaurant Celeste and pan-Asian spot Kum Kuat.
Paddleboarding may still be everyone’s watersport of choice, but here they compete for attention with pedalos and banana boats. Other activities on offer include windsurfing, snorkelling, tennis, waterskiing and tubing – though if you’ve come solely to keep the cocktails flowing to your sunlounger, no-one’s judging. Keeping both the big kids and actual children happy are water slides for all ages and free ice-creams.
Domes of Corfu
More glimpses of the sparkling Ionian await at Domes of Corfu, a seaside resort that manages to simultaneously be family-friendly and super-stylish (you never knew how much you loved terracotta as a colourway until you see it used so liberally here).
Along with a stretch of sand on its doorstep, the hotel has a few swimming pools, an Elemis spa and various eating and drinking spots, including a colonnaded cocktail bar and a restaurant on the beach. For those pained by the thought of leaving the confines of the resort, its gourmet food court, stretching along the seafront, brings trucks and market stalls straight to you. Guests will also be able to set off for excursions ranging from hiking, diving and horse-riding to sailing. And with a kids’ club with a long list of watersports and other activities on offer too, the children will love it as well.
Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa
Close to the palace of Achilleion and overlooking Benitses Bay, Angsana is on a hilltop a short drive south of Corfu Town. The elevated estate predictably has far-reaching views of the Ionian Sea and out over the island to neighbouring olive groves and gardens – all of which can be glimpsed as you enjoy sushi, classic Corfiot dishes and cocktails.
Guests can ward off the effects of over-indulgence with swims in the stand-out infinity pool, yoga at the pavilion or a trip to the fancy gym. Extra tranquillity awaits at the spa, with its peaceful gardens, bay-facing indoor pool and magical sea views. For families and groups, there are villa options with up to four bedrooms – and there’s a kids’ club to keep the children entertained as well.
The Merchant’s House
One of the more traditional hotel offerings on the island, the Merchant’s House is a Corfu hotel where you can experience life like a local. This heritage hideaway in a 14th-century Venetian village may be a few hundred years old, but all modern comforts are now present and correct following an extensive renovation of the various buildings a decade or so ago.
The mountain retreat shows a different side of the island and its traditions (though the coast is just a quick drive away when you need it) – the village has several tavernas where you can try Corfiot specialities, there are local honey farms to visit and, along with other hiking and cycling trails, guests can trek to the highest point on Corfu, Mount Pantokrator, for amazing views across the island.
Aeolos Beach Resort
In the island’s south-east and surrounded by gorgeous gardens, Aeolos Beach Resort has a brilliant blue backdrop helpfully supplied by the Ionian Sea. The resort is great for families, since it’s right by the beach and has easy dining options to appease rapidly distracted children – including a sweet station on the shore, handily dispensing crepes and waffles.
For the grown-ups, private seaside dining can be arranged, with seven-course menus of organic, locally grown food served under the stars. There are three restaurants and four bars in total, and activities on offer to while away your days include tennis (alongside the ever-growing in popularity padel), aqua aerobics, beach volleyball, bocce, darts and water polo. There's also a spa in case you need further relaxation.
Rodostamo Hotel & Spa
This hotel and spa is in Corfu’s north-east – the 28-acre estate is in Kommeno Bay. Rodostamo Hotel & Spa is a great choice for families or groups of friends – there are bungalows and villas in the coastal grounds that sleep up to six, including some with outdoor Jacuzzis and others with heated pools. At the spa, guests can sign up for Elemis treatments that include hot-stone massages and facials using the brand’s signature collagen-rich formulas.
There are more casual options, but for fine dining with a view out to sea, head to the formal Rodostamo Restaurant; or enjoy salads and smoothies served straight to your sun lounger at the Rodo pool bar. There's also a buffet-style restaurant and a bistro within the grounds.
Mon Repos Palace
Less than a kilometre from the centre of Corfu Town and steps from the sea, Mon Repos Palace lets guests enjoy both sides of the island, whether they want to visit the Venetian fortress and historic old town, or just bask in all of that glorious Greek sunshine. Both can technically be enjoyed from your balcony, some of which overlook the famous fortress. Others have a view of Garitsa Bay. The cream palette is designed to ensure you feel calm, though the sea views are sure to take care of that.
Along with the more formal Passaggio Bistrot, there’s a casual café for snacks with view of the Ionian – but the inventive staff can arrange for private dining anywhere you’d like it.
Siora Vittoria
For something a little different to the island’s sprawling seaside resorts, look no further than Siora Vittoria, a small-scale stay in an old-town mansion. The building dates back to 1823 and was once the home of an aristocratic family, the descendants of which have decided to open it as a charming boutique hotel, following some careful renovations.
Some of the rooms have the original beamed ceilings intact, with chaises longues for guests to recline on and keep the nobility theme going. Some have views of the famous fortress and the sparkling sea – and families will love the two-bedroom suite with a private terrace.
V Luxury Suites
These clean-lined, contemporary suites are in the village of Perama, on the east coast of the island and eight kilometres south of Corfu Town. The local landscape includes olive groves and pebble beaches. At V Luxury Suites, the star of the show is the pool, with its sleek decking, sunloungers, bar service and lawns.
The 21 rooms are more like compact apartments, with a kitchen, television and breakfast counter making them cosy homes-away-from-home. The simple but stylish decor includes pastel cushions, hanging bedside lamps and velvet beds. The staff can arrange everything from bicycles to borrow and pampering massages to yacht charters for coast-cruising sailing trips.
Grecotel Eva Palace
As the name suggests, Grecotel specialises in Greek hotels. Its Eva Palace outpost in Corfu is centred around a colonial-style building on the viridescent Kommeno Peninsula in the east of the island. The stretch of land is home to three hotels by the brand, including Corfu Imperial.
The grounds feature olive groves, a cypress garden and a beach – you’d never know it, but Corfu Town is just a 10-minute drive away. Here, you’ll be able to visit the Unesco-listed old quarter (the rooftops of which are visible from some vantage points at the resort, along with the sparkling sea).
Ikos Odisia
Sister stay to neighbouring Ikos Dassia, Ikos Odisia is located near Corfu Town. As with its older sibling, it’s an ideal family-friendly hotel in Corfu, with lots to keep all kids of all ages entertained and the same ‘Unconditional Luxury’ concept ensuring no one has to worry about signing bills or tiring of the dining scene. Families can book two-bedroom bungalow suites with their own pool.
Down at the water’s edge is the resort’s Ouzo restaurant, where you can dine on the sea-facing terrace. There are siesta-ready sunloungers set up along the shore and a jetty to launch off for post-lunch swims. The estate has 60 lush acres of citrus groves, pine forests and olive trees to stroll around, too.
Kastraki Epavlis
Technically a villa rather than a hotel, Kastraki Epavlis is nonetheless an ideal place to stay on Corfu and is perfect for two families or a group of friends (it sleeps 10, with five bedrooms and six bathrooms). The architecture may be impressive from the outside, but that’s just the start – the interiors feature walls of windows, stone walls, patterned rugs and purple sofas.
Guests will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the coast, served straight to the sleek pool. It’s close to the traditional village of Spartilas and minutes from Barbati Beach. There’s a shaded dining area out in the grounds, along with a billiards room and gym for those rare rainy days.
More European holiday ideas:
- The best hotels in Kefalonia
- Sicily's most stylish hotels
You Might Also Like
