Best beaches in Dassia

The Blue Flag-winning Dassia beach is the perfect place to spend a family day by the sea. Located just a few minutes from the main seaside resort and easily accessible on foot, this 200-metre stretch of pebble beach has everything you need for an enjoyable beach outing. All the usual facilities are available, including sun loungers and parasols for hire, but the calm waters of this beach mean that its main attraction lies in the variety and availability of water sports activities. You'll find banana boats and ringos, parasailing, jet skiing, snorkelling and water-skiing.

Myrtiotissa beach is a small strip of sand nestling at the foot of steep, rocky cliffs. Situated between the villages of Pelekas and Vatos, on the west coast, it is an authentic, rugged spot reached by a steep path or by boat. It is perfect for those looking for something a little different, off the usual tourist trails. The area is secluded and consists of a fine sandy beach bathed by a deep blue sea. Facilities are sparse, which adds to its charm, but we recommend you be self-sufficient if you plan to visit. Interestingly, photos taken in the past show that the beach is receding into the sea at a fairly rapid rate. If you want to discover this unspoilt gem, we recommend you get there soon.

A short drive across the island from Dassia to the west of Corfu lies one of the quaintest Greek villages on Corfu, Paleokastritsa. Sitting in a gently curving bay and surrounded by tree-lined rocky outcrops, this small but beautifully formed part of the island is home to several sandy beaches, the best of which is Paleokastritsa. On the outskirts of the village, the beach is surrounded by steep green hills dotted with houses and villas, making it a very picturesque spot. One of the great attractions of Paleokastritsa is the clear blue waters, ideal for marine life and snorkelling. When you've finished your day on the beach, stroll over to the historic monastery for a spectacular sunset before heading to a local taverna for a well-deserved meal and drink.

The long pebble beach at Ipsos is an ideal place to spend the day relaxing. The warm, clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The beach is a sun trap, ideal for sunbathing, and the nearby restaurants and bars are the perfect place to sample local specialities. The beach is rocky, so it's advisable to bring footwear to protect your feet and make it easier to get around. The beach is also uncrowded, which means it's not overcrowded and is ideal for those who prefer a little space when spending time by the sea.

Just a short journey north of Dassia lies the resort of Sidari, where you will find a beach with a difference. Not only is Canal d’Amour one of the most stunning beaches on Corfu, it also has an interesting backstory. The coastline here has formed a rocky, extended U-shape, which channels the sea down onto a sandy beach.

Greek superstition says that if two people swims together along the naturally formed canal, they will marry in the near future. Whether true or not, the Canal d'Amour, French for Canal of Love, is well worth a visit for all kinds of people, whatever their relationship status.

The beach is made up of smooth rocks and pebbles, and several rock formations create little coves and caves that are fun to explore. Many prefer to set up their sunbeds on the top of the cliffs rather than the sometimes crowded beach area. For the more adventurous, there are several places to jump off the cliffs - if you dare.