Family Holidays to Corfu

Visit Corfu for a family break that'll bring you closer together than ever

With just a 4 hour flight time from the UK, you can keep everyone entertained with a movie or two on a tablet, or spend that time planning your adventures on this sunny Greek island.

With glass-bottom boat tours at sea, the Aqualand waterpark at the island’s heart and activities like horse riding and playing on the beach to enjoy, Corfu is a superb destination for families of all ages.

With that in mind, don’t be shy of exploring Corfu’s various regions. St Spyridon warrants mention as the beach town all holiday dreams are made of, complete with shallow waves for youngsters to paddle in. It’s a similar story in Gouvia, albeit with plenty of freshly caught seafood to keep the little ones’ tummies full. Head to Alykes Potamos for a close-knit community that’s also right beside Aqualand waterpark, or Sidari if you like your adventures more rustic – think riding horses and hiring bikes to see the sights. If whisking yourselves away to relax is more your style, you’ll love the seclusion of classic Aghios Ioannis.

Best family friendly beaches

Corfu’s beaches are among the best in the Mediterranean, but as far as family friendliness goes, you can’t go wrong with the coastline in Sidari. The resort town surrounding this particular strip of golden sand means food and drink is never far away. Similarly, Agios Gordios is an active beach where windsurfers and sandcastle master crafters mingle, although a quiet family retreat for those of you with more shy little souls can be found at Aghios Ioannis.

Best family activities in Corfu

Aqualand waterpark is the obvious major attraction for your Corfu family holiday, although there’s plenty else to see and do nearby.

With its slides, chutes, vibrant colours and constant fun, Aqualand has made its name as one of the best waterparks in all of Europe.

All ages and levels of experience with water are catered for here. Wavy waterslides, daring flumes and chutes weave through the park’s smartly laid out space, which divides its attractions by age as much as level of bravery.

Aqualand is based beside the tranquil coastal village of Aghios Ioannis, and that laid-back locale is a stunning contrast to the adventures that Aqualand offers.

The children’s area keeps things tamer yet splash-happy, with shallow pools and lively themed areas like the pirates’ cove and fantasy kingdom. The Family Area mixes excitement and relaxation, with a lazy rafting river, pools adjacent to hot tubs and big slides to take on.

Meanwhile, at the Extreme Games sector, giant winding slides and the almost vertical freefall chutes challenge the most daring.

Consider boat rental or a guided tour at sea for a way to make the most of the waves, or instead indulge your cultural curiosity by visiting Kassiopi Castle. You could even take a step back in time another way through the Trailriders, where you each saddle up on a horse and head through the vineyards and hinterlands.

Marvel at the castles of Corfu

If you’re after some architecture awash with tales of old battles and medieval antics, the kids will adore the castles to be found in Corfu Town.

While the island’s capital also houses some superb beaches and the immense, peaceful public park that is The Liston, the castles to be found here inspire and amaze.

Both the Old Fortress and the New Fortress dominate the sweep of Corfu Town’s harbour, each offering their own glimpse into the ages past.

Further north, at the tip of the island, Kassiopi Castle is a hotbed of Byzantine design flair, whereas its siblings in Corfu Town share that hallmark with some distinct Venetian twists. From their ramparts to their foundations, these edifices tell tremendous tales of Corfu’s past.

Board a boat for fun in the sun

Corfu boasts some of the most sublime sea around, and it makes sense to savour it by sail or otherwise.

Hiring a boat is easy, as there are many readily available from any of the major coastal resorts on the island. Guided boat tours are best for less savvy sailor, with glass-bottomed boat tour coming highly recommended.

Not only are these vessels large and comfortable, but they give you the chance to share some memories with your loved ones as you watch the colourful marine life and forgotten underwater treasures of Corfu’s sea scroll beneath you.

Of course, if the realm beneath the surface truly appeals, scuba diving is easily accomplished too.

Ride your horse through the heartlands

No matter how high-tech our world becomes, few kids can turn down the classic appeal of riding a horse.

Specialist stables have popped up across Corfu to take advantage of the rolling fields, open meadows, forgotten trails and olive gardens of the island. With the sun beating down from on high, your trusty steed will dutifully clop along paths and trails that weave through the expansive hinterlands of Corfu.

It’s a gloriously peaceful way of connecting with nature, and a fine reminder that this island has so much more to offer beyond its beaches.

Other popular holidays in Greece

If you fancy checking out somewhere else in Greece, try Crete, Kos or Rhodes. But if you’re set on a holiday to Corfu, take a look at our Corfu travel guide for more information on how to plan your perfect family holiday in the Greek sun. We’ve also rounded up the top five family hotels for you to choose from below.

Other popular family holidays

Cyprus | Turkey | Balearic Islands | Lanzarote |

Aqualand Village

If you and your family love to be at the beating heart of the action, staying at the resort in Aqualand waterpark is the way to go. You’ve got all the rides and attractions at your fingertips, as well as the chance to tuck yourselves away from the crowds for filling restaurant food after dark. There’s also a small shopping centre to keep you topped up with must-haves, while an ice cream parlour lets everybody beat the heat in the most delicious way.

Sidari Water Park Hotel

Although Sidari in all its splendour is right on your doorstep, nobody can say no to an entire waterpark right there in your hotel complex. Spiral chutes and daring slides promise twists and turns aplenty, although you can also unwind by the pool or settle in for a movie in the TV room.

Louis Corcyra Beach Hotel

Variety shows and live music keep the evenings lively at this hotel, which sits beside a man-made beach in sunny Gouvia. There’s a playground here to keep kids occupied, together with mini-golf and beach volleyball for everybody. There’s also a paddling pool as well as the usual swimming pool, so little ones just learning to trust the water can find their feet in the shallower depths.

Mareblue Beach

Coastal views are a given in this St Spyridon treasure, whose clustered buildings give it a real community feel. Even the fussiest of hungry monsters won’t say no to the pizzeria on site, plus the games room, basketball court and table tennis will help to them burn off some extra energy. The same can be said for the kids’ club, which gives older souls ample opportunity to sneak away to the spa.

Family Life Kerkyra

The name of this Alykes Potamos hotel is backed up by plenty for you all to take part in, from the big pool flanked by loungers to the playground and kid’s club. Adults get their own sun terrace to retreat to while the kids are engaged with activities, and you can all get together again come the evening for all-singing, all-dancing nightly entertainment.