A Short Guide to Acharavi in Corfu, Greece (Updated 2025)

Last Updated on February 19, 2025 by Oliver

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—Corfu is hands down one of the best summer destinations in Europe this year. Honestly, I’m so over the overcrowded and overpriced spots like Mykonos and Santorini, and I bet you feel the same. Corfu is the perfect alternative—it’s big enough to have tons of variety, with charming beach towns, beautiful sandy beaches, fascinating history, and some of the best Mediterranean food. And the best part? It’s way more affordable.

One of our favorite little beach towns is Acharavi in Corfu. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a laid-back European summer without spending a fortune or dealing with overwhelming crowds. We visited in early August—peak season—and it still felt super chill.

This guide is for families who want a quieter getaway or couples looking for a romantic trip on a budget. I’ve put together everything you need to know, from how to get to Acharavi from Corfu Airport to the best places to stay and my favorite restaurants.

What is Acharavi in Corfu like?

Acharavi is easily one of the quietest beach towns we’ve stayed in on Corfu. We visited in August, spent a full week there, and it almost felt like the off-season. The weather was perfect, the ocean was incredible, but there were surprisingly few people around—though that might change depending on when European schools are on summer break.

The town itself is small, with a long stretch of beachfront restaurants and small hotels. We found some amazing little Greek tavernas and beach bars, but honestly, it was almost too quiet at times. A little more energy wouldn’t have hurt. There aren’t any big resorts here either—just family-run hotels, boutique stays, and apartments, which definitely adds to the laid-back vibe.

In terms of price, Acharavi is one of the more affordable areas in Corfu. If you have a rental car, it’s a great base—you can spend your days exploring different beaches, viewpoints, and hiking trails, then come back to a peaceful little beach town for dinner. Personally, I’d much rather do that than stay in Corfu Town or Kassiopi, where it’s way busier and more expensive.

Where is Acharavi in Corfu?

Acharavi sits on the north coast of Corfu, which in general feels a bit quieter—probably because it’s more of a hassle to get to (I’ll cover that later in How to Get to Acharavi Beach). Corfu Town and the northern part of the island are separated by… well, I don’t know if I’d call it a full-on mountain range, but it’s definitely a stretch of hills that makes driving up here take a little more effort.

Beaches on the north coast, including Acharavi Beach, also tend to be a bit pebbly compared to the softer, sandier beaches on the south or west coast. If your plan is to explore all of Corfu, Acharavi might not be the most central base since driving to the far south takes a few hours. But if you have the time, it’s worth splitting your stay—spend a couple of nights in Corfu Town to explore the sights, check out some of the spots further south, and then head up to northern Corfu for a more relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

Where to Stay in Acharavi in Corfu

Acharavi Beach Hotel

If you’re looking for a resort experience, this beach hotel is a great option. They offer plenty of sunbeds on the beach, a huge pool, spacious rooms and apartments, and two on-site restaurants serving both international and Greek dishes, along with a generous breakfast buffet.

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Ilena Hotel

One of the cutest little boutique hotels is Ilena Hotel. It’s located close to the beach and has a beautiful little garden with a pool, which I thought was stunning. It’s definitely easy to hang out there all day. The rooms are spacious and clean. Definitely a big recommendation from me.

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Feeloxenia Corfu Apartments

The best affordable accommodation at Acharavi Beach is definitely Feelocenia Corfu. We stayed here for a few nights before moving to Ilena Hotel, and it was the best value for money. The balconies offer ocean views, and the apartments are spacious, beautifully decorated, and come with a kitchenette. On top of that, it’s only a 3-minute walk from the beach—all for less than $50 a night!

►Click here for more information & bookings

The Best Things to Do in Acharavi in Corfu

Relax on Acharavi Beach

Acharavi Beach is a long, pebbly stretch with calm, shallow water—great for swimming or just floating around. It’s not the most picture-perfect beach in Corfu, but it’s quiet and never feels overcrowded, even in peak season. There are plenty of beachfront tavernas where you can grab a drink or lunch with a sea view.

Hike to Nymfes Waterfalls

A 20-minute drive from Acharavi, the Nymfes Waterfalls are a great little nature escape. It’s a short walk or hike through the forest to reach them, and while they’re not massive, they’re a nice break from the beach—especially if you visit in spring when the water flow is stronger.

Take a Day Trip to Porto Timoni Beach

One of the most stunning beaches in Corfu, Porto Timoni is actually two beaches in one, separated by a narrow strip of land. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Acharavi to the village of Agios Georgios Beach, where you’ll need to hike down to the beach (about 20-30 minutes). The hike is worth it—the water is crystal clear, and the views from the top are unreal. Bring water and snacks because there are no facilities down there.

Explore Old Perithia

About a 25-minute drive from Acharavi, Old Perithia is a well-preserved abandoned village in the mountains. It’s a cool place to wander around, with crumbling stone houses and a few family-run tavernas serving homemade Greek food. It’s kind of half-abandoned and half not; it seems like the locals are trying to rebuild it. We were happy to support them by having lunch at one of the local spots.

Take a Day Trip to Sidari

Sidari is a popular spot just a short drive from Acharavi, about 25 minutes away. It’s best known for Canal d’Amour, a gorgeous stretch of coast with unique rock formations and clear, inviting waters. Sidari also has some amazing restaurants that we really enjoyed. One of our favorites was a place called The Hive. It seemed a little upscale, but the food was delicious.

Enjoy Sunset at One of Acharavi’s Beachfront Bars

Instead of heading to a remote beach, grab a front-row seat for the sunset at one of Acharavi’s many beachfront bars and restaurants. Eretrico is my personal favorite—it’s right on the beach, has a great cocktail menu, and the view as the sun sets over the water is unbeatable.

How to Get to Acharavi Beach

Getting to Acharavi is pretty straightforward, but public transport isn’t great, so you’ve really got three options:

Renting a Car – The Best Option

This is what I’d recommend. The drive up is actually really nice, with winding roads, little Greek villages, and some gorgeous hilltop views. Also, Corfu is a pretty cool island to explore, and I strongly recommend doing so. Having your own car really helps a lot.

Taxi from the Airport

If you don’t feel like driving, grabbing a taxi is the easiest way to get there. It takes about 50 minutes from Corfu Airport and costs around $50–$60. It’s a great option if you just want to get to the beach without any hassle, even though I think it’s quite pricey. Make sure to agree on a price before you get in the taxi.

Airport Shuttle/Hotel Transfer

Some hotels and private companies offer shuttles, which are usually a bit cheaper than taxis. However, these shuttles are often shared with multiple passengers, so it might take a bit longer if you have to wait for others.

Best Bars & Restaurants in Acharavi

Café Sti Roda – Best Coffee Shop

Acharavi is pretty quiet and less touristy than other spots in Corfu, so while the selection of Acharavi restaurants and cafés isn’t huge, there are still some great finds. Café Sti Roda was our favorite coffee spot. It’s a little off the main road, but totally worth it for a solid coffee and a tasty panini. Definitely the best we found in the area.

Eretrico – Best Bar in Acharavi

For sunset drinks, Eretrico was our go-to. It feels a little nicer than a lot of the other spots around—part beach bar, part restaurant, with sunbeds right by the water. Their cocktails are top-notch (the bartenders actually know what they’re doing), and the food is just as good. They even do a breakfast spread with cheeses, croissants, and other bits that looked amazing, though we didn’t get around to trying it.

Fuego Beach Bar – Great Greek Food

We ate at Fuego Beach Bar a couple of times and loved it. It’s a laid-back, family-run place with cheap drinks, a great beachfront setup, and some seriously good traditional Greek food. The moussaka here was hands down one of the best we had, and the views just made it even better. Later at night, this becomes one of the best spots for nightlife in Acharavi, Corfu. Enjoy cheap drinks and loud music!

FAQs About Acharavi in Corfu

What to do in Acharavi Corfu?

Acharavi is all about a laid-back beach vibe, but there’s still plenty to do. Relax on Acharavi Beach, explore nearby hiking trails, visit the Folklore Museum, or take a day trip to Porto Timoni or Sidari. I recommend staying near the beach area because there are actually some great bars and restaurants.

Is Acharavi Corfu lively?

Acharavi is for sure one of the quieter towns in Corfu. While it’s not as lively as places like Sidari or Corfu Town, it still has a decent selection of bars, restaurants, and beach clubs. The main road of the town doesn’t offer much, with only a few shops, a post office, and a supermarket, but the beach area is definitely much livelier.

How long is the transfer from Corfu Airport to Acharavi Beach?

The drive from Corfu Airport to Acharavi Beach takes about 50-60 minutes by car. Taxis cost around $50-$60, and airport shuttles are a slightly cheaper option. Renting a car is definitely the way to go because the drive itself is scenic, and it also gives you the flexibility to explore more of Corfu Island.

Final Words on Acharavi Corfu

Overall, I think Acharavi is a great little spot in Corfu, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly Greek getaway. We stayed in the cutest little apartment with an ocean view, just a three-minute walk from the beach, and it only cost us $50 a night between the two of us.

The town has everything you need—bars, restaurants, supermarkets—but I’d still recommend renting a car so you can explore more of the island.

Hope this short guide on Acharavi in Corfu helps you plan your trip to Greece. Happy travels!

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