Aghios Gordis & Liapades - Transfer time 45-60 minutes
Aghios Gordis’ steep verdant hillsides and rugged cliffs plunge into an aquamarine sea and typify Corfu’s central western coast. The vistas of mountain and sea are spectacular, particularly as the sun goes down (this coastline is famed for its sunsets).
Gordis is family-friendly by virtue not only of its long sandy beach but by the fact that it has only one narrow street leading down to the sea and no beach road.
The Blue Flag beach is one of the best – a kilometre-long stretch of sand (some shingle outcrops) in a glorious natural setting. The small resort behind has all the facilities you should need – over twenty tavernas, a good choice of cafés, a handful of bars and a number of small shops. Yet, because Gordis attracts such a mixed clientele (the village is popular with families and couples of all ages and nationalities) it lacks the excesses of the larger resorts. Some nightlife there is, so safe options for older teens (in August there are a couple of music bars catering as much for locals as for visitors) but most people staying here have come to quietly relax: on the beach in the daytime and in the tavernas at night.
The beach can be busy but is long enough to accommodate all and has plenty of sunbeds for rental. Apart from one large hotel at the far end, the majority of accommodation is housed in smaller units dotted amongst the trees.
Excursions run by coach, and there is an efficient bus service to Corfu Town only 16 kms distant. Hire of a car will enable easy exploration of other beaches not far to the north – Glyfada, Myrtiotissa, Ermones – and the pretty hill-top village of Pelekas, which reputedly has the best views (and sunsets) of all Corfu.
Liapades in the north west is just 4 kms to the south of famous beauty spot Paleokastritsa, and the landscape here is totally beguiling. Located at the northern end of the Ropa Valley, a network of country lanes and donkey paths criss-cross the area, making it wonderful for walking. Some lead down to a number of beautiful coves and beaches; others to some of Corfu's loveliest villages.
Liapades old village is a kilometre inland and typically sleepy, its small but pretty square overlooked by the 17th century church of Ayia Anastasia and a pair of traditional kafeneia ('old man' coffee shops!). Between the village and the beach you will find a good choice of small shops, cafes and taverna restaurants. The beach is a mix of sand/shingle, about 100m long and quite wide. Flanked by the rocky arms of the headland the sea here is usually sheltered and calm, and the most wonderful shades of aquamarine. It is organised, with sunbeds, canoes and motorboats for hire. Just back from the beach is the well known Cricketer's Taverna.
Boats will take you to the famous sea caves of Paleokastritsa as well as to other nearby beaches, of which there are at least a dozen, many of which can only be reached by sea. One you can get to quite easily is gorgeous Rovinia, just a ten minute walk over the headland.
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