Gouvia Holidays

Gouvia is Corfu's most cosmopolitan resort – a buzzing marina village where superyachts bob alongside beach bars and you can eat your way around the world without leaving the main strip.

Holidays to Gouvia

• 🛥️ Stunning marina with waterfront restaurants, bars and cafes – perfect for evening strolls and yacht-spotting

• 🏛️ Venetian shipyard ruins – 18th-century arches and columns right behind the modern marina

• 🌍 International restaurants galore – Mexican, Thai, Italian, Indian, Chinese and proper Greek tavernas

• 🎉 Buzzing nightlife – cocktail bars, live music venues and clubs that go until the early hours

• ⛪ Ypapanti Chapel on a tiny peninsula – one of Corfu's most photographed churches

• 🏖️ Sheltered bay beach with calm, shallow water – great for families and watersports

Good to Know

• ☀️ Summer highs of 28-32°C with hot, dry weather from June to September – peak Mediterranean sunshine

• 💰 Mid-range pricing with loads of choice – around €25-35 for a meal for two, cheaper for international fast food

• ⛵ Greece's largest marina right on your doorstep – 1,200 berths and seriously impressive yachts to admire

When to go on your holidays to Gouvia

If you are looking for a spot that is consistently scorchio, Gouvia is a top-tier shout. From the sizzling heat of the summer to the crisp, lush vibes of spring, here is what to expect for your jollies:

• Summer (June - August) - it is proper peak season with highs of 28-32°C. The marina is at its liveliest, the bars are buzzing, and the water is 10/10 for a cooling dip.

• Spring (April - May) - a gorge time to visit with temps between 18-24°C. The island is in full bloom and the marina starts filling up, but the beaches are still nice and quiet.

• Autumn (September - October) - still delish and warm with highs of 22-28°C. It is much more chilled than summer but still perfect for boat trips and sea swimming.

• Winter (November - March) - the quiet season with mild highs of 12-16°C. While some tourist spots hibernated, the marina stays open for a swanky, peaceful coastal retreat.

What hotels should you stay at on your Gouvia holidays?

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

For Couples

• Cook's Club Corfu - Adults Only – five-star adults-only retreat with boho-chic rooms, swim-up options and two pools – one for partying with live DJs, one for chilling... Not to mention the spa, gym and multiple restaurants.

• Sirena Beach Hotel – this is a small, stylish property right by the beach and 500m from the marina. Just 24 rooms, breakfast buffet and a relaxed vibe if that takes your fancy.

• Louvre – a friendly 25-room hotel with restaurant and bar. All rooms have balconies or terraces. Simple, comfortable and well-priced for the budget-spenders among you.

• Omirikon Hotel – boutique property less than 100m from the beach with garden views and watersports nearby. Perfect for couples wanting peace and quiet.

For Families

• Dreams Corfu Resort & Spa – big 5-star resort with four pools, kids' club, teens' club, spa and multiple restaurants including Greek, Italian and seafood. Preferred Club rooms get butler service and exclusive pool access.

• Gouvia Hotel – traditional 76-room hotel with pool, sun terrace and on-site restaurant. Just 600m from the beach with easy access to shops and restaurants.

• Mathraki Resort – family-run self-catering with pool, kids' pool and playground. BBQ evenings with local dishes. 500m from the beach and 10 minutes' walk to the marina.

• Asteraki Hotel – self-catering studios and apartments in a quiet spot with pool and sun terrace. Great for families who want independence.

Your Gouvia holidays travel guide

Things to do for families

Gouvia is a top-tier choice for families who want a mix of safe swimming and high-energy fun without having to travel miles.

• Gouvia Beach - this sheltered bay features calm, shallow water that is 10/10 for little ones paddling while you relax on a sunbed.

• Aqualand Water Park - located just a short drive away, this is a class day out with over 50 slides that will definitely keep the kiddos entertained.

• Glass Bottom Boat Trips - head out from the marina on a yellow submarine-style boat (The Beatles' legacy lives on it seems) to spot fish and shipwrecks without even getting your hair wet.

• Watersports Centre - from pedalos for a quiet drift to banana boats that will have everyone screaming, the beach is packed with ways to get active.

Things to do for couples

With its glittering marina and proximity to the island's most romantic city, Gouvia is a gorgeous base for the perfect couples' holiday.

• Marina Sunset Cocktails - grab a table at a waterfront bar like Vertigo and enjoy a cold drink as the sky turns pink over the bobbing yachts.

• Private Boat Hire - rent a small motorboat for the day and find your own hidden cove along the coast for a 10/10 private picnic and a dip.

• Corfu Town by Night - hop in a taxi for a 15-minute ride to the UNESCO Old Town for a candlelit dinner in a Venetian-style alleyway.

• Horse Riding - take a romantic trek through the nearby olive groves and forest trails for a stunning and peaceful view of the Ionian landscape.

Things to do for groups

If you're heading out with the squad, Gouvia offers a top-tier nightlife scene that is lively enough for a laugh but chilled enough for a proper chat - that perfect blend a group holiday needs...

• Bar Crawl the Strip - start at O2 Old School Rock Bar and work your way through the neon-lit strip for a night that is guaranteed fun (make sure you're treating yourself to a water or two as you go).

• Clubbing at Loco - when the bars start to wind down, head to Loco Club to dance until the sun comes up.

• Speedboat Charter - split the cost of a private speedboat to zip over to the Blue Caves of Paxos; it's a great upgrade from the standard ferry.

• Corfu Golf Club - spend a morning at the 18-hole course in the Ropa Valley, just 20 minutes away, for some friendly competition under the sun.

Things to do for foodies

Forget the standard tourist menus; Gouvia is a hub for all things flavour, authentic Ionian dishes and top-tier Mediterranean munch.

• Traditional Taverna Hopping - visit Harry’s Taverna for a 10/10 Soffrito (garlicky beef) or Moussaka that's been perfected over generations.

• Fresh Seafood at the Marina - head to the waterfront for a swanky plate of grilled octopus or sea bream, caught fresh that morning and served with local oil.

• Lays and Local Wine - grab a bag of oregano Lays crisps and a bottle of local Corfiot white wine for a tried and tested balcony snack to see you through til' tea time.

• Cooking Classes - take a trip to a local estate to learn how to make your own Tzatziki and Dolmades, a delish souvenir you'll actually enjoy.

What sightseeing can you do in Gouvia?

Gouvia is way more than just a place to park a boat; it’s a blend of ancient ruins and breezy, modern life. While the marina is great for people-watching, you’re also sitting on a goldmine of Venetian history and hidden gems that look stunning on the grid.

• Venetian Shipyard - explore the whopping 18th-century arched remains where the Venetians used to repair their fleet; it’s a spooky-but-cool slice of history right on the water’s edge.

• D-Marin Gouvia Marina - as the largest marina in Greece, it’s a top-tier spot for a stroll to admire the million-pound yachts while pretending you own one (we can dream, right?)

• Church of Ipapanti - this tiny, gorgeous white church sits on its own little peninsula in the bay and is basically the GOAT for sunset photos.

• Danilia Village - a short hop away, this is a stunning replica of a 1930s Corfiot village, and if you're a fan of your ITV shows, then you might recognise it from The Durrells.

• Govino Bay Views - take a boat trip around the bay to see the coastline from a new angle; it’s the best way to spot the hidden villas and lush greenery.

• WWI Serbian Monument - a poignant and beautifully kept site that pays tribute to history, set in a peaceful spot that offers a moment of reflection away from the bars.

• Corfu Town Day Trip - since you’re only 8km away, hopping on the bus to see the UNESCO Old Town and the Old Fortress is a non-negotiable for culture lovers.

Nearby resorts to Gouvia

• Dassia – about 5 minutes north, Dassia has a longer beach and a younger crowd. Popular with couples and groups, with easy access to Ipsos for livelier nightlife.

• Corfu Town – the island's stunning capital, just 15 minutes south. UNESCO-listed Old Town with Venetian architecture, two fortresses, great restaurants and proper Greek culture.

• Kontokali – right next door, Kontokali is quieter and more residential. Good for families who want Gouvia's amenities without the bustle.

• Kanoni – about 20 minutes south, famous for the Mouse Island viewpoint. Close to the airport but surprisingly peaceful.