Agios Ioannis Holidays

Agios Ioannis sits on Corfu's lush southeast coast, and it's basically the antidote to anything remotely hectic. This is old-school Greece – think shingle-and-sand beach, family-run tavernas serving up proper Greek grub, and evenings spent watching the sunset with a cold Mythos in hand rather than queuing for a nightclub. The village stretches along the coast between Benitses (a 10-minute stroll north) and Moraitika, with the emerald hills of Corfu rising behind you and the Greek mainland shimmering across the Ionian Sea.

The beach here has Blue Flag status and the kind of calm, shallow waters that means even younger swimmers should be fine. It's pebbly in places, sandy in others, and backed by olive groves that give the whole area that green-and-blue colour palette that makes the vibe so relaxing.

Good to Know

• ☀️ Weather – Summer temps hit 30-32°C with 11+ hours of sunshine daily. Sea temps peak at a bath-warm 25-26°C in July and August.

• 💶 Prices – A pint at a beachfront taverna is around €4-5. A slap-up meal for two with wine? Budget €30-50.

• 🍊 Fun fact – Corfu is famous for kumquats (the only place in Greece that grows them), so you absolutely must try the local kumquat liqueur. Sweet, sharp, and dangerously drinkable.

Top Reasons to Visit Agios Ioannis

• 🏡 Traditional Greek vibes without the tourist circus This isn't a resort that's been built for package holidays – it's a proper Greek village that happens to have a lovely beach. The tavernas are family-run, the pace is slow, and you'll probably end up on first-name terms with the local cat population.

• 🏖️ A Blue Flag beach that's actually peaceful The beach here is clean, the waters are calm and shallow (brilliant for little ones), and you won't have to stake your claim at 7am to get a decent spot. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available if you fancy them, or just plonk your towel on the sand and crack on.

• 🏛️ Achilleion Palace is literally down the road Built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria (the original sad girl royal), this palace is packed with Greek myth, incredible gardens, and views across the Ionian Sea that'll have you reaching for your camera. It's only 3km away – you could walk if you're feeling keen.

• 🗺️ Easy access to Corfu's greatest hits Corfu Town is 20 minutes by bus, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town, Venetian architecture, and the famous Liston promenade. Lake Korission nature reserve is south of here, Aqualand waterpark is nearby, and boat trips to Paxos leave from the area. You're perfectly positioned without being in the thick of it.

• 🍽️ The food is properly good Corfu's cuisine has Venetian influences you won't find elsewhere in Greece – try sofrito (veal in white wine and garlic sauce) or pastitsada (slow-cooked meat in spiced tomato sauce). The local olive oil is exceptional, and the seafood comes straight off the boats.

Where to Stay in Agios Ioannis

The accommodation here ranges from family-friendly resorts to proper luxury – there's something for most budgets, and the quality is generally excellent.

• MarBella Corfu This five-star resort is the big-hitter – multiple restaurants (including Pan-Asian and French options), gorgeous pools, and direct beach access. It's the kind of place where you could happily not leave for a week.

• Avali, Mar-Bella Collection The newer five-star sister property, sleek and stylish with a rooftop restaurant and infinity pool. It's for families with kids aged 6+, so you get the luxury without the chaos of a kids' club at breakfast.

• Mitsis Belvedere This popular four-star offers all-inclusive comfort with a saltwater pool and regular evening entertainment. It's just 50m from the beach and a hit with families who want everything sorted.

• Corfu Village A solid three-star option with sea views from every bungalow and a beach that's practically on your doorstep – literally 20 metres away.

• Aqualand Resort This three-star is the one for waterpark enthusiasts. Guests get free access to Aqualand Waterpark next door, which has enough slides and splash zones to keep kids entertained for days. The beach is 9km away, but honestly, the kids won't care.

• Corfu Senses Resort Hotel A friendly three-star with a pool, volleyball court, and easy access to both Benitses and Moraitika if you fancy exploring the neighbouring villages.

Things to Do in Agios Ioannis

Families

• 🏖️ Beach days at Agios Ioannis – The shallow, calm waters are ideal for paddling and swimming with little ones. Rent a pedalo or just build sandcastles in peace.

• 🎢 Aqualand Waterpark – One of Greece's biggest waterparks, with slides for all ages and splash pools for the tinies. It's about 9km away, or stay at the Aqualand Resort and you're right next door.

• 🐚 Corfu Shell Museum in Benitses – A quirky little museum stuffed with shells, fossils, and marine oddities collected by a local diver. Kids love it, and it's a good rainy-day backup (not that you'll need one).

• 🏛️ Mouse Island boat trip – Pontikonisi (Mouse Island) is Corfu's most photographed spot – a tiny islet with a Byzantine chapel, reached by boat from Kanoni. Legend says it's a petrified ship from the Odyssey. The kids can decide if they believe that.

Couples

• 🏛️ Achilleion Palace – Wander through the neoclassical halls and gardens built for Empress Sisi, with statues of Greek gods, incredible sea views, and more romantic photo opportunities than you can shake a selfie stick at.

• 🍷 Sunset drinks in Benitses – The fishing village of Benitses is a 10-minute walk north and has some lovely waterfront tavernas for evening drinks. Watch the boats bob, eat some mezze, feel smug about your life choices.

• 🚤 Day trip to Paxos and Antipaxos – Catch a boat to these tiny islands south of Corfu for turquoise swimming coves, olive groves, and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. Antipaxos has a couple of beaches that genuinely look Caribbean.

• 🌿 Lake Korission nature reserve – A protected lagoon on Corfu's southwest coast where flamingos visit during migration. The sand dunes and wild beaches here feel properly remote – perfect for a peaceful afternoon.

Groups

• 🍻 Corfu Town evening out – The UNESCO-listed Old Town has plenty of bars and restaurants around Liston and Spianada Square. Start with cocktails, move to dinner, finish wherever the evening takes you.

• 🚙 Island road trip – Hire a car and explore the mountain villages of central Corfu, stop at Paleokastritsa for the views and monastery, then loop back via Glyfada beach for a swim. The roads are winding but the scenery is spectacular.

• 🎉 Phaex Festival – If you're here in August, this electronic music festival at Corfu Golf Club brings in big-name DJs and a proper party atmosphere. It's a few days of beach stages, pool parties, and dancing until sunrise.

• ⛵ Blue Lagoon boat trip – Cruise out to Corfu's Blue Lagoon for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring sea caves. Most trips include lunch and plenty of photo stops.

Culture Seekers

• 🏰 Corfu Old Town – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Venetian, French, and British architectural influences all jumbled together. Don't miss the Old Fortress, the Palace of St Michael and St George (now home to the Museum of Asian Art), and the Church of Saint Spyridon.

• 🏛️ Achilleion Palace – Built in 1890 for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who was obsessed with Greek mythology and particularly the hero Achilles. The palace is now a museum with original furnishings, murals, and gardens full of classical statues.

• 🏠 Mon Repos Palace – The birthplace of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, this 19th-century villa is now a museum surrounded by botanical gardens. It's a peaceful spot with views across to the mainland.

• 🎭 Local festivals – Corfu has more religious festivals than anywhere else in Greece. The celebrations for Saint Spyridon (Corfu's patron saint) are particularly spectacular, with processions, brass bands, and proper community spirit.

When to Visit Agios Ioannis

☀️ Spring (April-May)

Temperatures climb to 20-25°C and the island is carpeted in wildflowers. This is when Corfu is at its greenest and most fragrant – perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and exploring without the summer crowds. Orthodox Easter (April 20, 2025) is a massive deal here – Corfu's celebrations are famous throughout Greece, with philharmonic bands parading through the streets, red eggs, and the spectacular tradition of throwing clay pots from balconies on Holy Saturday (it's supposed to ward off evil, but mostly it's just brilliantly chaotic). May 21 brings the Unification of the Ionian Islands parade, celebrating Corfu's union with Greece in 1864.

🌞 Summer (June-August)

Peak season with temperatures of 30-32°C, 11+ hours of daily sunshine, and sea temps hitting 25-26°C. This is when everything's open and buzzing. The Feast of Agia Marina (July 17) is celebrated in nearby Benitses with music, dancing, and food – it's the village's patron saint so they go all out. August 10 brings the Varkarola Festival in Corfu Town – decorated boats, music, and fireworks over the water. August 11 sees the spectacular Saint Spyridon procession through Corfu Town, and August 15 is the Feast of the Assumption, celebrated in villages across the island. The Phaex Festival (August 8-10, 2025) brings electronic music heavyweights to Corfu Golf Club for a three-day party.

🍂 Autumn (September-October)

Temperatures of 24-27°C, warm sea, and far fewer tourists. September still feels like summer, with the grape and olive harvest adding local flavour to the food scene. The island's beaches are quieter but still swimmable, and you'll find better deals on accommodation. This is arguably the sweet spot – all the good weather, none of the August crowds.

Nearby Resorts

Benitses – A 10-minute walk north. Former fishing village with a laid-back vibe, waterfront tavernas, and the quirky Shell Museum.

Moraitika – Just south along the coast. A bit livelier with more bars and restaurants, plus the traditional old village of Ano Moraitika up the hill.

Messonghi – 5km south. Another relaxed beach resort with a long pebble beach and plenty of watersports.

Perama – North towards Corfu Town. Quieter still, with views across to Mouse Island and the Kanoni peninsula.