Paleokastritsa is Corfu’s pin-up: its glassy emerald green waters and pine-studded hills are plastered all over tourist guides. But it’s actually a village that comprises six beaches — some sandy, some pebbled — which are bundled together under the one (beach) umbrella of Paleokastritsa. Given its cult status, expect crowds, but this also means stellar facilities including sunbeds, umbrellas, watersports, snorkelling and restaurants. For something a little different, wander over to La Grotta; a tiny rocky bay with a bar and pаrаsоls οn tеrrасеd wоοdеn plаtfоrms — perfect for diving into its impossibly clear waters.

This family-friendly beach is one of the most popular in Corfu. With powdery gold sand and rolling green hills, Glyfada’s calm, shallow waters make it perfect for families. It’s also stacked with sunbeds, umbrellas and beach service, meaning you can stay all day and not lift a finger. Bliss.

A pristine shingle beach in Corfu’s posh northeast, Kalami was the muse for Lawrence Durrell’s Prospero’s Cell. And with shiny white pebbles, blue-green waters and cypress trees, it’s no wonder — this is a beauty worth stopping (and swimming) at.

Sister Stelari is equally as stunning but with less crowds. An unspoilt jewel in Corfu’s crown, Stelari’s wild character means it’s harder to reach (of course), but for naturalists who want to see the clearest of waters and spectacularly vertiginous cliffs, it’s a voyage you won’t regret. Ask the water taxi to drop you off (and pick you up!), or rent a little boat from Liapades.

Another beach perfect for little ones, golden sand and serene waters make up this horse-shaped blue bay in the northwest of Corfu. A large organised beach that remains roomy and relatively quiet, it has daybeds, tavernas, accommodation and mini-markets, making it a good spot if you’re after a fully-serviced day at the beach.

When a beach is nicknamed ‘Paradise’, you know you’re onto something special. A hidden gem in the area of Liapades in northwest of Corfu, Chomi is a unique mix of both sand and stone and crowned by a lofty cliff. Only accessible by water taxi from Pаlеokаstritsа, hop on and discover one of the most beautiful coves on the island.

A secluded shingle beach in the Corfu village of Liapades, Rovinia is by far one of the island’s prettiest (and fast becoming one of its most popular thanks to social media). Pine-strewn mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop, while glassy blue-green waters make a dip utterly irresistible. You can access it by car, but be warned: the road down is quite difficult, and you still need to walk about 5-10 minutes. But, it’s all worth it.

Scattered with sunbeds and umbrellas, Barbati is a fully-serviced beach with crystalline waters and small white pebbles. Behind the Corfu beach, sloping hills covered in pine and cypress trees make it a picturesque pit-stop for the whole family.

Close to Corfu Town, Kontokali is one of the most developed beaches in Corfu, partly run by the Kontokali Bay Resort & Spa. Sweeping, sandy and incredibly accessible, here you’ll find everything from sunbeds to water sports, along with safe, shallow waters, making it fantastic for families with young children.

They say the best beaches are the ones that are the hardest to find, and this is true for Porto Timoni in Corfu. Only accessible by boat or by foot (around 25 minutes), this spectacular beach is actually made up of two equally spectacular coves. In the northwestern pocket near the tiny hilltop village of Afionas, this twin-peaked marvel is well-worth the pilgrimage if natural beauty and translucent turquoise waters are your thing.

For another off-the-grid beach that promises perfect crystal water, head to the dramatic Cape Drastis. Green-capped peaks of milky limestone descend into the shimmering Ionian sea, giving the Corfu beach an otherworldly beauty. With fine golden sand and a labyrinth of sea caves, you can only swim via boat. But if you’re happy to admire from afar, you can drive to a point at the top and take in the magic from above.

A little slice of loved-up paradise, you may have spotted the Canal d’Amour, or Channel of Love, on Instagram. With an unusual fjord-like canal of sandstone and turquoise water, this narrow, sculptural delight is a tourist hotspot in Corfu — particularly for romantics. According to local legend, couples who swim through the channel will be blessed with eternal love. Of course, it gets crowded in high season, so if you’re seeking love, go early or late. Love can wait.