The best hotels in Corfu: seven places to stay, old town to west coast

A mansion with a garden

Siorra Vittoria Boutique Hotel occupies an old mansion in the old town, with few rooms, antique furniture and a garden where breakfast is served beneath the trees.

It gets our vote as the design pick and a place for anyone who wants to stay quietly in the heart of the old town. It is well suited to couples and lovers of small hotels with history. There is no pool or beach, so you will take a taxi or bus to swim, but the kantounia restaurants and coffee on the Liston are around the corner.

Villas on the Kommeno peninsula

Grecotel Corfu Imperial sits at the tip of the Kommeno peninsula, with beaches, gardens and villas, many with a private pool. Views stretch across the bay to the town and the mainland mountains.

It is a good fit for couples and families who want luxury and space, with town a fifteen-minute drive away, and it works well for longer stays. Rates are high and the resort is large, but the villas give privacy, and the restaurants are good enough that you rarely need to leave.

A peninsula of beaches

Kontokali Bay Resort & Spa sits on a small peninsula north of town, with beaches on several sides, a pool and spa. Rooms and bungalows are scattered through shady gardens.

It works best for families and anyone who wants a beach and a short hop to town. It is calm and green. The style is more classic than modern, but the location and space make up for it, and Gouvia marina nearby has restaurants and boat trips along the coast.

All-inclusive with good food

Ikos Dassia stands on the beach at Dassia, north of town, with large pools, a beach and an all-inclusive offer in which several restaurants hold a high standard. There are separate areas for families and adults.

It earns our family pick, because children have plenty to do and the food is better than at most resorts. It also suits couples who would rather not think about the bill. It is large and popular, so book early. Boats and buses run from Dassia into town.

An old villa by the sea

Domes Miramare sits by the sea at Moraitika, south of town, built around an old villa with gardens and rooms and suites, many with a private pool. The style is elegant and relaxed.

It is our romantic pick, with calm, polished service and the sea right outside. It is made for couples who want luxury without a huge resort, with beach, pool and spa together. Town is about half an hour by car, and Moraitika village has tavernas for dinner by the water.

White terraces above the sea

MarBella Corfu sits on a hillside by the sea south of town, with white terraced buildings, a pool and a small beach. Many rooms have sea views.

It is ideal for couples and families who want a modern resort with good standards, combining swimming with trips into town. There are slopes and steps between the rooms and the beach, so it suits those with limited mobility less well.

On the cliffs at Paleokastritsa

Akrotiri Beach Hotel sits on the cliffs above one of the coves at Paleokastritsa, with views over the water and a swimming spot right below. Rooms are simple, but the view is the point.

It is right for travellers who want the west coast coves and sunsets and like a calm, classic hotel. It is a good choice for couples and older travellers. Town is far and you will need a car. The monastery on the hill above Paleokastritsa is worth visiting early, before the coaches arrive.