Glyfada Beach is, with no doubt, one of the most popular resorts in Corfu. Located on the centre-west coast between Pelekas and Ermones, it's very easy to reach and has room enough for hundreds of bathers. Locals adore this place, and visitors cannot skip spending at least one day in this beautiful spot, awarded with the Blue Flag for the cleanliness of its waters and the beauty of its surroundings, beautiful hills and cliffs covered with olive trees forests and flowers all around.
Glyfada Beach is also one of the safest places on the whole island, and bathers of all ages can enjoy a dip in shallow crystal clear waters with no hassle. See all the things that Glyfada Beach has to offer.
How to go to Glyfada Beach
Getting to Glyfada is easy, either if you're driving or if you prefer using the public bus. The road is a piece of cake if we compare it with the rest of the island's network. It's very well signposted and all you have to do is follow the signs leading to Pelekas and/or Glyfada, less than 20 kilometres far from Corfu Town.
If you prefer to be driven privately, book a private transfer and avoid parking or using public transportation. Get your best quote here.
Driving to Glyfada Beach
Coming from the north area, go south toward Corfu Town and turn right at Temploni crossroad traffic lights (Diellas green supermarket). You will then go through a beautiful area full of olive trees and fields, and even a forest with a narrow bridge (be careful here, it's actually narrow and you should watch for vehicles coming before crossing). Once you reach Agios Ioannis and Aqualand Water Park, continue to drive right and take the small detour to your left after Kokkini. Only 4 kilometres more, and you will be there!
From the south or Corfu Town, take the road to Pelekas right after the airport, continue to drive after Kokkini, and do the same.
Parking in Glyfada Beach
There's public parking at the main access of the seashore. If you are an early bird you will find a place for three or four euros for the whole day; otherwise, it's better if you just park your vehicle on the road nearby.
Another option is using the private parking of one of the taverns. They're reserved for their customers, so if you book a table for later or have a drink there they will let you will park for free. In my opinion, it's worth it.
Bus to Glyfada Beach
The Green Buses operate regularly during the whole summer season. On weekdays, six times per day Corfu-Glyfada and twice for the return. On weekends there are two rides per route, and this schedule remains from April until October.
Departures are from KTEL in Corfu Town, the ticket price is 2,20 euro per way (2021 prices) and the trip takes 45 minutes. The tickets can be purchased onboard and children under 6 travel for free.
The bus will drop you off at the main road bus stop, 250 meters from the beach. On the way back, take into account that this will be an uphill walk under the summer sun. ;)
You can see the bus routes and more information here: greenbuses.gr
What to do in Glyfada Beach?
This beach has room for everybody, locals and holidaymakers. Even on the busiest days of summer, you will find a free spot in the sand to lay your towel and relax. Here, youngsters gather in groups, as well as families, friends, couples, and in the early morning or evening, dog walkers.
Would you rather stay in a quiet place far from the crowds? If you walk past the sunbed area to the left, you will reach the quietest part of the beach and, near the rocks that close the seaside, there's a nudist spot.
Beach bars and taverns in Glyfada
There are at least five taverns and beach bars at the seaside. All of them have parking and offer sunbed and umbrella rental, as I mentioned before. Their menus are different depending on the place you will choose: from delicious and creative Greek plates to enjoy in Akti Glyfada (the first one on the right side as you look towards the sea), more traditional Greek food in Gorgona (in the central access to the beach), Golden Beach, just before the hotel, and Moreno Caffe.
If you're looking for a less traditional atmosphere your choice is Pazuzu Beach Club, a charming Mediterranean-style place with excellent gourmet dishes made by prestigious chefs, but also sandwiches and burgers, snacks, fresh beers and very good cocktails during the high summer season. It's open until late at night and there are parties with DJs and plenty of entertainment in the purest Ibizan style.
Leisure activities in Glyfada
My favourite activity is the long walks along the strand. I can't recall how long the beach is, but it takes you almost one hour to walk until the end, and back. You will see many walkers, and even runners, going up and down on the soft wet sand.
Are you looking for some watersports? Waterski, pedal boat, paddle, parasail... are some of the options you will be able to book for some extra fun in the sea waters. There's also a volleyball net on the sand, where you can play until the sunset. An inflatable castle is also a good choice for the youngest members of the family, but if you really want to live something really exciting, join a tandem flight to experience the thrill of paragliding above the Ionian Sea with an expert team of professionals.
A paragliding session can be booked online, and it starts from Pelekas Hill.
Nature
The green hills and cliffs are covered with olive tree forests, Corfu's trademark, and they surround this beautiful beach. The area is not too developed and the small apartment buildings emerge from the greenness, which provides a beautiful background everywhere you look.
On your way to the beach, you will also find prickly pear and huge blue agave plants, whose flowers can be up to 3 metres high. Not as big but very abundant, the sour fig (Carpobrotus edulis) covers the main part of the coast with its purple and yellow flowers, which grow mainly on sandy areas.
Let's not forget the sea daffodil (Pancratium maritimum), a unique flower that blossoms on many Corfu beaches from July to October and grows only on the dunes facing the sunset. Its name comes from Greek and means "all strength" This beautiful bulb plant is protected by the Greek Law and can be found in some protected areas along the seaside.
Accommodation in Glyfada
Renting an apartment or a small house is a perfect option if you want to enjoy a quiet holiday near this excellent beach. Most of the bars and taverns close before midnight, and only the beach club has nightlife during the high season, from June to early September.
There's a small 3-star hotel at the end of the beach and also a complex of apartments, all of them with a tavern or restaurant and operating under a B&B, HB or FB basis.
The big hotel, recently renovated and turned into a beautiful 5-star resort, respects the natural surroundings and emerges from the forest in a harmonic style, a few meters from the littoral, as well as the small blocks of apartments.
Have you already been to Glyfada Beach, or do you need more information? You can contact us here. We're looking forward to hearing from you in the comments below.
In the meanwhile, we wish you a happy holiday plan!