Corfu with Kids
Greece's Emerald Isle for Families
Corfu, the greenest of the Greek islands, offers families an irresistible combination of calm turquoise waters, welcoming tavernas, and genuine Greek hospitality. Unlike the busier Aegean islands, Corfu maintains a relaxed pace perfect for family holidays. The island's Venetian heritage, lush landscapes, and consistently excellent weather make it a standout choice for families seeking a Mediterranean escape with easy flight connections and excellent infrastructure.
Why Choose Corfu for Families
Corfu stands apart from other Greek islands for several family-friendly reasons. The lush, green landscape (unusual for Greece) creates cooler microclimates, the northeast coast offers exceptionally calm swimming, and the island's mix of cultures means food options extend well beyond traditional Greek fare.
- Calm beaches - Northeast coast has sheltered bays with shallow, warm water
- Green and scenic - Olive groves, cypress trees, and mountains provide beautiful variety
- Easy access - Direct flights from UK take under 3 hours
- Authentic Greece - Traditional villages, friendly tavernas, Greek island atmosphere
- Good infrastructure - Reliable ferries, decent roads, and helpful tourist services
Best for Ages
Corfu suits families with children of all ages, but particularly shines for those with under-10s who will appreciate the calm beaches and relaxed pace.
Best Time to Visit
Corfu's season runs from late April to late October, with peak summer bringing the warmest sea temperatures:
- May-June - Lovely weather (24-28C), green landscapes after spring rain, quiet beaches. Sea still warming up
- July-August - Peak season with warmest sea (25-27C). Busiest and most expensive, but best swimming
- September - Excellent choice: warm sea, fewer crowds, lower prices, many facilities still open
- October - Variable weather, some afternoon storms, but often beautiful. Many places close mid-month
Sweet Spot
For the best balance of warm swimming, lower prices, and thinner crowds, book the first two weeks of September.
Best Areas for Families
Corfu's east coast is generally calmer and more developed, while the west offers wilder scenery and better sunsets:
- Kalami and Agni - Northeast coast. Sheltered bays, crystal water, upmarket tavernas. Famously beautiful
- Kassiopi - Northeast corner. Small harbour town with beaches, restaurants, and water sports. Excellent family base
- Sidari - North coast. Sandier beaches, canal d'amour rock formations, more facilities. Budget-friendly
- Gouvia and Dassia - Near Corfu Town. Convenient for day trips, good beaches, busier feel
- Paleokastritsa - West coast. Stunning scenery, monastery, boat trips. Steeper access may challenge small children
Top Recommendation
Kassiopi offers the best balance for families: beautiful calm beaches, excellent restaurants, boat trips to Albania, and enough facilities without feeling crowded.
Best Beaches for Children
Corfu's beaches range from sandy stretches to pebbly coves. Here are the best for families:
- Bataria Beach, Kassiopi - Small pebble beach with shallow water and stunning views. Tavernas nearby
- Kalami Beach - White pebbles, turquoise water, gentle entry. The Durrell family's favourite spot
- Agios Georgios (South) - Long sandy beach with very shallow water. Perfect for toddlers
- Sidari - Sandy beach with interesting rock formations (Canal d'Amour) children love exploring
- Glyfada - West coast sandy beach with beach bars and umbrellas. Good waves for older children
- Issos Beach - Long sandy beach backed by dunes and Lake Korission nature reserve
Snorkelling Paradise
Northeast coast beaches are pebbly but the water clarity is exceptional. Pack water shoes and snorkelling gear - children will be amazed by what they can see.
Family Activities
Beyond beaches, Corfu offers plenty of family entertainment:
- Aqualand Water Park - Large water park with slides for all ages, wave pools, and toddler areas. Full day out
- Boat trips - Glass-bottom boats from Kassiopi, trips to Albania, coastal cruises
- Corfu Old Town - UNESCO-listed Venetian architecture, ice cream shops, and fortress exploration
- Achilleion Palace - Empress Sisi's former palace with beautiful gardens and sea views
- Water sports - Kayaking, paddleboarding, and pedalos available at most resorts
- Donkey rides - Several rescue centres offer donkey walks for children
Water Park Strategy
Aqualand makes an excellent mid-week break from beaches. Go early, bring your own food (expensive inside), and leave by 3pm before it gets too busy.
Eating Out with Children
Greek tavernas are wonderfully welcoming to families. Children can run around, eat late, and sample meze plates:
- Family-friendly dishes - Souvlaki (meat skewers), moussaka, grilled fish, chips (found everywhere)
- Meze style - Order lots of small plates to share. Tzatziki, grilled halloumi, and olives appeal to children
- Fresh fish - Tavernas often display the catch. Let children choose their fish
- Timing - Greeks eat late (9pm+), but tourist tavernas serve from 6pm
- Atmosphere - Children playing is normal and welcomed. Tables by the sea are magical at sunset
Special Meal
For a special family meal, book Taverna Agni in Agni Bay - waterside tables, exceptional food, and a setting children will remember forever.
Day Trips and Excursions
Corfu's compact size means you can explore much of the island on day trips:
- Albania - 30-minute boat from Kassiopi. Fascinating half-day trip to another country (bring passports)
- Corfu Town - Wander the UNESCO old town, visit the fortress, eat ice cream in the Liston arcade
- Paxos and Antipaxos - Day boat trips to these smaller islands with beautiful swimming coves
- Mountain villages - Old Perithia (ghost village) and Lakones offer cooler temperatures and traditional atmosphere
- Paleokastritsa - Boat trips into caves and grottos. Children love the adventure
Unique Experience
The Albania boat trip from Kassiopi is a genuine adventure - another country in 30 minutes. Even young children find the cultural differences fascinating.
Where to Stay
Corfu offers accommodation from simple apartments to luxury resorts:
- Apartments and villas - Best for families wanting space and self-catering. Pool villas excellent value in groups
- Family hotels - Several good options with pools and kids clubs in Sidari, Gouvia, and Dassia
- Boutique stays - The White House in Kalami (Durrell connection) offers memorable stays
- All-inclusive - MarBella, Domes Miramare, and others offer full-service family holidays
Best Choice
A villa with a pool offers the best family experience. Children can swim safely at any time, you can eat when you want, and the space reduces holiday stress.
Practical Tips
- Getting there - Direct flights from most UK airports, under 3 hours
- Car hire - Highly recommended to explore. Roads good but mountain routes narrow
- Language - Greek spoken, but English excellent in tourist areas
- Money - Euros. Cards accepted in most places, cash useful for small tavernas
- Health - Pharmacies well-stocked. Bring GHIC card. Mosquito repellent essential
- Safety - Very safe island. Main concerns are sun protection and road safety
Planning what to pack? Generate a personalised packing list for your Corfu family holiday.
Build My Packing ListBudget Guide
Corfu offers excellent value for a Greek island holiday:
- Flights - 100-350 GBP return per person depending on season
- Accommodation - 70-130 GBP/night for apartments, 150-250 GBP for villa with pool (shared)
- Car hire - 25-45 GBP/day including insurance
- Meals out - 50-80 GBP/day for family of four at tavernas
- Water park - 30-35 euros per person
- Boat trips - 15-40 euros per person depending on destination
Save Money
Eat at local tavernas rather than resort restaurants for authentic food at half the price. The village tavernas often serve the best meals.
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