Benitses Holidays

Benitses is a slice of old-school Corfu – a traditional fishing village that's traded its 80s party reputation for something far more charming. These days it's all about fresh fish tavernas, crystal-clear water and wandering cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses. If you want authentic Greek vibes without the crowds, this is your spot. There's a pretty little marina, Roman ruins tucked behind the village, and some of the cleanest swimming water on the island.

Good to Know

• ☀️ Summer highs of 28-32°C with gorgeous swimming weather from May to October – proper Ionian sunshine

• 💰 Budget-friendly by Corfu standards – meals for two around €20-30 and the famous fish tavernas are excellent value

• 🐟 Former fishing village with some of the best seafood on the island – locals still fish from the little marina

Highlights

• 🏖️ Crystal-clear beaches with a mix of sand and fine pebble – Contrakia beach is well-organised with sunbeds and watersports

• 🏛️ Roman Baths ruins hidden in the village – ancient mosaics still visible, just 50m from the main road

• 🏰 Achilleion Palace just 3km uphill – Empress Sissy's stunning summer retreat with incredible views

• 🐚 Corfu Sea Shell Museum at Potamaki Hotel – one of Europe's biggest collections with 10,000+ exhibits

• 🍽️ Waterfront tavernas famous for fresh fish – this village knows how to cook seafood

• ⛰️ Mountain walking trails leading to traditional villages and tiny chapels hidden in the greenery

Hotels in Benitses

There are loads of hotels in Benitses, but here are a few of our favourites.

For Couples

• Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa – Five-star luxury overlooking the bay with an award-winning spa, stunning infinity pool and rooftop bar with the best views on the island. Private beach access via buggy, multiple restaurants including Asian and Greek cuisine. Properly special.

• Bella Vista Hotel & Studios – Charming family-run spot right on the beachfront with traditional Greek character. Cosy rooms, sea views from the balconies and that home-from-home feel. Great value for money.

• Casa Dei Venti – Self-catering apartments with kitchenettes, perfect if you want independence. Access to a nearby pool and beach, and you're close to all the village tavernas.

For Families

• Potamaki – A proper family hotel right in the heart of the village overlooking the sea. 167 rooms, outdoor pool, kids' pool and home to the famous Sea Shell Museum in the lobby. Buffet restaurant and snack bar keep everyone fed.

• Corfu Maris Bellos – Set on the hillside about 3km from Benitses with stunning sea views from the terrace. 60 rooms, outdoor pool and on-site restaurant serving Greek and Mediterranean dishes.

• 9 Muses Sea View Studios – Self-catering studios with kitchenettes, surrounded by lovely gardens overlooking the sea. Great for families who want flexibility and space.

What to Do in Benitses

For Families

• 🏖️ Contrakia beach – the main beach with sunbeds, showers and watersports including pedalos and boat hire

• 🐚 Sea Shell Museum – over 10,000 shells, corals and sharks from around the world; kids love it

• 🏰 Achilleion Palace – Empress Sissy's fairytale palace with gardens, statues and amazing views

• 🛥️ Boat hire – explore the coastline and find your own hidden cove for the day

For Couples

• 🍷 Sunset drinks at a waterfront taverna – watch the fishing boats come in while you sip local wine

• 🏛️ Roman Baths – wander through 2,000-year-old ruins with original mosaic floors

• ⛰️ Walk to Kaiser's Bridge – built for Kaiser Wilhelm II to reach his morning swim spot

• 🏙️ Evening in Corfu Town – just 20 minutes for dinner in the UNESCO-listed Old Town

For Groups

• 🍽️ Seafood crawl along the harbour – hit multiple tavernas for mezze, fresh fish and ouzo

• 🏍️ Hire a car or quad – explore the mountain villages and dramatic west coast beaches

• 🚤 Watersports on Contrakia beach – jet skis, paddleboards and parasailing available

• 🍺 Bar hopping in Benitses – low-key cocktail bars and traditional Greek spots

For Culture Vultures

• 🏛️ Roman Baths – excavated ruins of a Roman villa with preserved floor mosaics

• ⛪ Mountain churches – ancient chapels hidden in the hills including Agia Paraskevi and Agia Triada

• 🏰 Achilleion Palace – neoclassical masterpiece built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria in 1890

• 🖼️ Old village quarter – cobbled streets, traditional houses and the 13th-century feel of authentic Corfu

When to Visit Benitses

☀️ Summer (June–August) – highs of 28-32°C

Peak season with hot, dry weather and the sea at its warmest. All the beaches and tavernas are buzzing, and the village comes alive with festivals and events.

What's On:

• 🔥 St John's Day / Lampatines (22 June) – traditional fire-jumping festival with music and dancing

• ⛪ Agia Marina Festival (17 July) – Benitses' patron saint celebration with church services and local festivities

• ⛪ Agia Paraskevi (26 July) – another religious celebration with traditional food and music

• 🎵 Corfu Festival concerts at Benitses Marina (late July) – jazz and classical performances by the water

🌸 Spring (April–May) – highs of 18-24°C

Beautiful weather for walking and exploring, with wildflowers covering the hillsides. Quieter beaches and shoulder-season prices.

What's On:

• ✝️ Orthodox Easter (April/May) – Corfu's Easter is famous across Greece with pot-throwing, candlelit processions and spectacular celebrations in Corfu Town

• 🏃 Achilleian Race (late May) – semi-marathon finishing in Benitses square (check locally if running)

🍂 Autumn (September–October) – highs of 22-28°C

Still warm enough for swimming and gloriously uncrowded. The sea stays warm well into October and the harvest season brings excellent local wine.

What's On:

• 🎭 Corfu Festival (September) – cultural events and performances across the island

• 🍇 Wine harvest – local vineyards in full swing

❄️ Winter (November–March) – highs of 12-16°C

Quiet season when most tourist facilities close. Mild and green, but not beach weather.

What's On:

• 🎭 Corfu Carnival (February) – colourful costumes, parades and parties across the island

• ⛪ St Spyridon processions – Corfu's patron saint celebrated in Corfu Town

Nearby Resorts

• Perama – Just 5 minutes north, Perama is another peaceful resort with views of Mouse Island and easy access to Corfu Town. Crystal-clear water and a relaxed atmosphere.

• Moraitika – About 10 minutes south, Moraitika has a longer beach and a bit more going on in the evenings. Good mix of relaxation and low-key nightlife.

• Corfu Town – The island's stunning capital, just 20 minutes north. UNESCO-listed Old Town with Venetian architecture, great restaurants and proper Greek culture.

• Kanoni – Home to the famous Mouse Island viewpoint, about 15 minutes north. Close to the airport but surprisingly peaceful.