Glyfada beach
Glyfada, often referred to as the "King of Beaches" and the "Golden Coast," stands as a testament to the exceptional beauty and popularity of this destination among tourists seeking a beach vacation on the Greek island of Corfu. The name of the village, which has been passed down to the beach, translates to "salty spring," a nod to the fresh water wells that once existed here. Today, it is a beloved resort and ranks among the finest beaches on the island's west coast.
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Beach description
Glyfada is located about 15 km away from the capital, connected via a curvy, narrow serpentine road. It's a long and wide beach with a golden sandy surface, surrounded by many picturesque bays and mountains covered in forests and flowers. These are the reasons Glyfada is one of the most beautiful Greek beaches.
The crystal-clear waters receive the Blue Flag award almost every year. The beach is perfect both for sunbathing and for active leisure. However, you might struggle to find a spot during the high season.
Glyfada attracts:
- Families with children - due to the shallow waters, sandy sea bottom, and smooth descent;
- Youth - with everyday beach parties;
- Extreme water sports enthusiasts - divers appreciate the clear waters, while surfers and kiteboarders are drawn by the favorable weather conditions.
The northern part is more crowded as it offers parking facilities, whereas the southern part sees fewer visitors and has less developed infrastructure. The waters in the northern part are also shallower and better for children, while the southern part is rocky and deep - perfect for divers and snorkelers.
Frequent high winds and high waves make the beach a popular spot among surfing enthusiasts as well. Children enjoy watching the schools of fish in the shallow waters during calm weather. The resort's style is bohemian, slow, and luxurious. Beach parties cease at 10 PM (22:00), after which you can enjoy the romantic atmosphere on the shore.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to visit Corfu for a beach vacation is typically between late May and early October. This period offers the ideal balance of warm weather, sunny days, and comfortable sea temperatures for swimming and water activities.
- Late May to June: This is a great time to enjoy the beaches with fewer crowds and pleasant weather. The sea might still be a bit cool, but the island is lush and beautiful after the winter rains.
- July to August: These are the hottest months, perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the warmest sea temperatures. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect more crowded beaches and higher prices.
- September: The weather remains warm, but the crowds start to thin out, making it a good time for those seeking a more peaceful beach experience.
- Early October: This can still be a good time for a beach vacation, especially in the first half of the month, as the weather is generally still warm, but the chance of rain increases as the month progresses.
Ultimately, the best time for a beach vacation in Corfu depends on your preferences for weather, water temperature, and crowd levels.
Video: Beach Glyfada
Infrastructure
As the popularity of the beach grows among tourists, its infrastructure has seen significant development. Presently, there are nearly thirty comfortable hotels available to visitors. Of these, only five are situated by the sea, while the remainder are located at distances ranging from 1 to 5 kilometers.
Infrastructure Features:
- While there are no five-star hotels, the existing accommodations provide a comfortable stay. The Glyfada Beach Hotel is particularly in high demand. Additionally, many private apartments are available for rent to tourists. However, during peak season, it is advisable to secure your accommodation well in advance due to the high demand. The Glyfada Beachfront Apartments and Villas offer comfortable rooms and boast a creatively landscaped garden and park area adjacent to the sea.
- The hotel's beach zone features bars, private children's playgrounds, and recreational amenities. On the paid beach sections, visitors can enjoy a full range of facilities, from deck chairs, washrooms, and changing stalls to children's playgrounds, all set against the backdrop of picturesque gardens.
- Beachgoers at the equipped sites have access to cabins and lounge chairs. Additionally, there is the option to rent aqua bikes and water skis, book sea tours on a motorboat, or engage in extreme activities such as paragliding with an instructor.
Shopping options are limited in the area, and local taverns often provide a 3-in-1 service: a hotel, a store, and a café. The main shops and restaurants are located 4 kilometers away in the village of Pelecas. Regular bus services operate between Glyfada town and the beach.
Weather in Glyfada
Best hotels of Glyfada
All hotels of GlyfadaUseful information
Glyfada is popular exclusively in the beach season, since there is nothing to do here besides relaxing on the sea. At the end of May, they clean up the coast and wait for the opening of a new season, which begins in June and ends with the end of September.
There are no noisy night clubs, as well as any interesting places to visit. This beach is ideal for relaxing in the lap of nature, watching picturesque sunsets and sunrises, photo shoots on the background of beautiful cliffs in emerald-cut vegetation.
Of the closest attractions, there is only the Monastery of Our Lady, which can be reached from the northern outskirts, passing through the territory of a nudist beach. Among the activities, horseback riding along the beach is especially popular. Also attracted to Glyfada Beach and golfers. Next to it there is an excellent golf course and an equestrian club, where you can order horse rental for coastal horseback riding.