Sandy beaches meet legendary rock formations. Sidari's where the famous Canal d'Amour (yes, a proper love channel carved by nature) draws visitors from across Greece, long golden beaches stretch for miles, and lively nightlife keeps things buzzing. Perfect for families after safe swimming, couples seeking that romantic legend, or groups wanting proper Greek island vibes without venturing too far south.

Destination Highlights

• Canal d'Amour – iconic sandstone formations and romantic legend

• Long sandy beaches with shallow, calm water

• Sidari Water Park – multiple hotels offering waterslides

• Lively main strip with restaurants, bars, and entertainment

• Easy base for exploring Corfu's northwest coast

🎉 3 Fun Facts About Sidari

💕 Love Legend: Canal d'Amour's romantic folklore says couples who swim through the natural channel together will have eternal love. It's proper popular with honeymooners and has turned into one of Greece's most photographed spots – those sandstone cliffs carved by sea and wind are absolutely stunning.

🏖️ Sandy Surprise: Unlike most Corfu resorts with pebble beaches, Sidari's got proper golden sand stretching for ages. The water stays shallow for ages too, making it brilliant for families with little ones learning to swim – you can walk out quite far before it gets deep.

007 Connection: Like the rest of Corfu, Sidari's coastline featured in "For Your Eyes Only" back in 1980. The island's cliffs, coves, and sparkling sea made it to Hollywood, and you can still explore the same stunning landscapes today (minus the high-speed boat chases).

🏨 Where to Stay in Sidari

Sidari's accommodation spreads along the coast and back into the olive groves, from beachfront hotels to hillside complexes with sea views.

All-Inclusive Options

Panorama Sidari Village – Hillside resort about 500m from the beach with Ionian Sea views. All-inclusive with themed restaurant nights (Greek, Italian, Mexican, Asian), pools, and entertainment. Guests consistently praise the lively atmosphere and entertainment team.

Alkyon Hotel - Sidari – About 300m from the lively resort centre, this is considered one of the finest in the area. Continental breakfast with full English available, dining room with waiter service, pool bar, and that friendly family atmosphere.

Family-Friendly Picks

Joylife Hotel – Pleasant family-run complex on the outskirts with outstanding service that keeps guests coming back year after year. Buffet restaurant, à la carte dining, tennis court, outdoor pool, and all the facilities you need. About 40km from the airport.

Damia Hotel – Set in picturesque grounds on the edge of Sidari, about 800m from Canal d'Amour beach. Free-form swimming pool, kids' paddling pool, playground, and both continental and full English breakfast options.

Self-Catering Options

Alexis Pool Apartments – Ideally situated within Sidari town, about 750m from beach. Comfortable self-catering with kitchenettes, poolside bar serving meals and snacks late into the evening. Studios for 2-3 people or two-bedroom apartments for larger groups.

Takis and Effi Hotel Apartments – About 700m from beachfront with on-site restaurant and swimming pool. Studios and apartments with kitchenettes, making it perfect for families wanting flexibility.

🎒 Sidari Travel Guide

Things to Do in Sidari for Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🏖️ Sidari Main Beach – Long, wide, golden sandy beach with shallow calm water that's absolutely perfect for families. The water stays shallow for ages, making it brilliant for kids learning to swim. Loads of sunbeds, umbrellas, watersports, and beach bars serving snacks all day. Safe, easy, and proper family-friendly.

🎢 Sidari Water Park – Six waterslides, three pools (including saltwater options), bars, restaurants, and arcade games. The kids will be buzzing for days about this one, and it's a brilliant day out when you fancy a break from the beach.

⛵ Boat trips to Diapontia Islands – Day trips leave from Sidari to explore the remote islands of Erikousa, Mathraki, and Othoni. Swimming stops, BBQ lunch on board, and that proper adventure feeling. The islands are practically on the way to Italy and absolutely gorgeous.

Things to Do in Sidari for Couples 💑

💕 Canal d'Amour – The iconic highlight everyone comes to see. These unique sandstone formations and coves are carved by nature, with a natural canal that (according to legend) grants eternal love to couples who swim through it together. Arrive early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and get those romantic photos.

🌅 Sunset Beach in Peroulades – Quieter sandy spot just outside Sidari, brilliant for sunset watching. One of the best places to swim in Corfu and way less busy than the main beach. The clifftop restaurant nearby serves brilliant food with stunning views – proper romantic stuff.

🍷 Traditional tavernas – The backstreets hide family-run spots serving authentic Corfiot cuisine. Try stifado (slow-cooked beef stew), sofrito, pastitsada, and toast your jollies with kumquat liqueur – a uniquely Greek tipple made from local fruit. Look for places packed with Greeks, that's always the sign.

Things to Do in Sidari for Groups 🥳

🍻 The main strip – Two kilometres of bars, pubs, restaurants, and entertainment that comes alive after dark. Everything from karaoke to live music, sports bars to cocktail lounges, and enough variety to keep everyone happy. Beer's about €2 a pint, so your wallet will thank you after the prices back home.

🚤 Boat party trips – Multiple operators run day trips along the coast with swimming stops, snorkelling, BBQ lunch, and free-flowing drinks. Some head to Albania (yes, you can visit another country for the day), others explore hidden coves around Corfu. Proper group day out vibes.

🏎️ Go-karting and activities – Sidari's got go-kart tracks, horse riding, and loads of watersports available. Perfect for groups who can't just sit still on the beach all day. The watersports centre offers everything from jet skis to banana boats and parasailing.

Things to Do in Sidari for Foodies 🍴

🫒 Orchard Restaurant – Evening meal to remember in a cosy taverna or outside in the pretty gardens. Brilliant spot for trying authentic Corfiot dishes made with local produce. The olive oil and cheese here are proper good – made in Corfu and miles better than supermarket stuff back home.

🦐 Fresh seafood tavernas – Sidari's got loads of traditional Greek tavernas serving the catch of the day. Fresh fish, octopus, calamari, prawns saganaki – it's all brilliant and way fresher than tourist trap restaurants. Look for places where locals eat, that's your quality guarantee.

🍰 Local specialties – Don't miss the kumquat liqueur (fruity and uniquely Greek), traditional honey, soft cheeses, and extra virgin olive oil. Sidari's position means you get brilliant local produce, and the family-run shops will let you taste before you buy.

🏖️ Best Beaches in Sidari

Sidari Main Beach

The star of the show – long, wide, golden sandy beach stretching for ages with calm, shallow water. Perfect for families because the water stays shallow for proper distances, making it safe for kids. Loads of sunbeds, umbrellas, watersports including jet skis and banana boats, plus beach bars and restaurants right on the sand. Easy access and parking too.

Canal d'Amour Beach

The famous one everyone wants to see – unique sandstone formations carved by sea and wind creating a stunning bay area with narrow caverns and water caves. The beach itself is coarse sand with crystal-clear shallow water, partially organized with sunbeds. Gets absolutely packed in peak season (thousands visit daily), so arrive early morning or late evening if you want space. The legend and the scenery make it worth the crowds though.

Sunset Beach (Peroulades)

Quieter sandy beach just outside Sidari, considered one of the best swimming spots in Corfu. Way less busy than the main beaches, with stunning views and that proper secluded feeling. The nearby clifftop restaurant serves brilliant food with panoramic views – perfect for romantic sunset dinners.

🌞 When to Visit Sidari

Peak Season (July-August) ☀️

Hot Mediterranean weather (28-32°C) with guaranteed sunshine and the sea at its warmest. Everything's open, the strip is buzzing, entertainment's in full swing, and the beaches are lively. It's the busiest time with Canal d'Amour getting absolutely packed, but there's a proper holiday atmosphere that's brilliant if you love that energy. Book ahead for best accommodation deals.

Shoulder Season (May-June & September-October) 🌤️

These months are the sweet spot for Sidari. May and June give you 22-27°C with fewer crowds, spring wildflowers everywhere, and the sea warming up nicely. September and October are similar – still hot (24-29°C), the sea's properly warm, and you get that more relaxed Greek atmosphere once schools go back. Perfect weather without the peak season prices or crowds at Canal d'Amour.

Quiet Season (November-April) 🌥️

Sidari quiets right down in winter with many hotels, restaurants, and bars closing for the season. Weather's cooler (12-18°C) and wetter – September especially can be rainy (locals say it's the norm). It's not really beach holiday weather, though you'll catch some sunny days. If you want guaranteed swimming and that full resort vibe, stick to May-October.