Where to stay in Benitses: The best areas and 18 accommodations

Benitses is one of Corfu's oldest tourist villages, built on a coastal road approximately 12 km south of Corfu Town. It combines a small but lively beachfront area with restaurants and bars, quiet neighbourhoods further inland, and easy access to the airport and the island's centre.

Choosing an area here mainly depends on how close you want to be to the hustle and bustle of the beachfront road. The village centre and the road leading to the sea are liveliest in the evening, while the area towards Tsaki, to the south, is quieter and closer to sandy beaches.

In this article, you will find a detailed breakdown of the areas in Benitses, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as specific accommodation suggestions to help you organise your stay.

What to see and do in Benitses

Benitses is located on the east coast of Corfu, approximately 12 km south of Corfu Town and about 20 km from Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport, a journey that takes less than 30 minutes by car or taxi. The village developed as a tourist destination as early as the 1960s and is considered one of the island's first resorts, which explains the many older hotels coexisting with newer apartment complexes.

Benitses beach is mostly shingle with some sandy patches, organised with sun loungers in several sections, and the water deepens relatively quickly. The beachfront road is full of tavernas, cafes, and beachwear shops, and in the evening it attracts a fair amount of activity, though it does not reach the intensity of more touristy resorts in Corfu such as Kato Korakiana or Sidari.

The village is also known for its aquarium. Aqualand is not here, but there is a small aquarium in the centre of Benitses featuring local marine species, an activity suitable for families with children on days unsuitable for swimming. Within the village, remnants of Achilles' summer residence, known as the ruins of Achilleion Palace, are still preserved, a reminder of the area's older history before tourist development.

South of Benitses, 2 to 3 km away, is the Agios Ioannis area with quieter beaches and fewer shops, while north, towards Corfu Town, you will find the villages of Perama and Gouvia, with greater tourist infrastructure and a marina for yachts in Gouvia.

Regarding food, in Benitses you will mainly find fish tavernas with fresh fish, as well as traditional Corfiot flavours such as Sofrito, Bourdetto, and Pastitsada, dishes linked to the Venetian influence on the island's cuisine. Many tavernas also offer local tsipouro or kumquat, Corfu's characteristic liqueur.

Seasonality is clear, peaking in July and August, when the village fills with visitors mainly from the British and German markets, as well as many Greek tourists. May, June, and September have a milder pace, with the sea remaining warm until mid-October due to the Ionian's mild climate.

If you enjoy exploring, from Benitses you can easily visit Palaiokastritsa on the west coast, approximately 35 km away, or Pelekas with its famous sunset, about 25 km. Corfu Town, with its Venetian fortress and old settlement, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is just 12 km away and easily accessible by bus or car.

Access to Corfu is mainly by air, with direct flights from many European cities in the summer, but also by ferry from Igoumenitsa or Patras on the opposite mainland coast, a journey that takes about 90 minutes from Igoumenitsa. From Corfu Town's port to Benitses, there is regular urban bus service, while many visitors prefer car hire for greater flexibility in travel.

The area's geology is characterised by hilly terrain with olive groves that extend almost to the coast, giving the landscape a green backdrop unusual for a Greek seaside resort. Olive oil has been the island's main agricultural product for centuries, and many of the area's old olive presses have been converted into small museums or shops selling local oil.

In summer, Benitses organises small local festivals and religious celebrations, especially in August, with music and dancing in the village's central square. If you are travelling with children, it is good to know that there are no large water parks in the area, so many families prefer a day trip to Aqualand Corfu, which is located in Agios Ioannis Peristeron, about 30 km northwest.

The best areas to stay in Benitses

Benitses Beachfront Road

The beachfront road is home to most of Benitses' shops, restaurants, and beach bars. It is the most convenient base if you want everything within walking distance, from dining to nightlife.

Advantages:

• Everything within walking distance, tavernas and shops
• Direct access to the beach

Disadvantages:

• More noise at night in summer
• Busier in August

Recommended accommodations:

1. Corfu Maris
A beachfront hotel with simple rooms and direct access to the coastal road.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

2. Bella Vista Beach Hotel
A small hotel a few steps from the sea, with comfortable rooms and a Greek breakfast.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

3. Frida Apartments
Apartments on the main road, suitable for families who want a kitchen and flexibility.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

4. Dimitra Studios
Studios with basic facilities, a good choice for couples looking for affordable accommodation in the centre.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

5. Skevoulis Studios
Clean studios with a small kitchen, close to the village's shops and restaurants.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

Tsaki

Tsaki is the southern extension of Benitses, where some of the area's larger hotels are located. It is quieter than the centre but remains a few minutes' walk from the beachfront road.

Advantages:

• Quieter environment
• Larger hotels with more amenities

Disadvantages:

• Requires a short walk to the centre
• Fewer dining options on site

Recommended accommodations:

6. Lido Corfu Sun Hotel
An all-inclusive hotel with a swimming pool and an organised beach, a good choice for families.

• Average cost: approximately 130€ per night

7. Siora Leni Hotel
A hotel with a private beach and a quiet environment, just outside the bustle of the centre.

• Average cost: approximately 110€ per night

8. Atisis Apartments
Apartments with a garden, suitable for longer stays and independent accommodation.

• Average cost: approximately 80€ per night

9. Avra Budget Beach Rooms
Economical rooms near the sea, for those seeking basic but clean accommodation.

• Average cost: approximately 55€ per night

10. Aurora Studios
Small studios in a quiet location, suitable for couples.

• Average cost: approximately 65€ per night

Village centre

The village centre still retains elements of Corfu's old architecture, with narrow streets behind the beachfront road. Here you will find smaller, usually family-run, accommodations.

Advantages:

• Authentic village atmosphere
• Close to grocery stores and bakeries

Disadvantages:

• Less parking space
• Smaller rooms in older buildings

Recommended accommodations:

11. Belvedere Hotel
A hotel on an elevated position with sea views, a few minutes' walk from the beach.

• Average cost: approximately 100€ per night

12. Panos Apartments
Apartments with good reviews for cleanliness and service, close to the beach.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

13. Aronis Apartments
An apartment complex with a garden, approximately 2 km from the centre.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

14. Art Studios Benitses
Modern studios with good value for money, popular with couples.

• Average cost: approximately 80€ per night

Northern Benitses towards Agios Ioannis

The northern side of Benitses, towards Agios Ioannis and Perama, offers a quieter stay with easy access to Corfu Town. It is a good choice for those who want a combination of tranquility and proximity to attractions.

Advantages:

• Quieter area
• Close to Corfu Town

Disadvantages:

• Car needed for comfortable travel
• Fewer tavernas nearby

Recommended accommodations:

15. Riviera Seaside Hotel
A hotel with a private beach and renovated rooms, popular with couples.

• Average cost: approximately 120€ per night

16. Potamaki Beach Hotel
A large hotel with a private beach and full amenities for families.

• Average cost: approximately 115€ per night

17. Villa Martha
A villa with a garden and sea views, suitable for groups of friends or larger families.

• Average cost: approximately 140€ per night

18. Corfu Bay Sea View Apartments
Apartments with sea views, approximately 100 metres from the beach.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

Practical tips for your stay

• Book early for August. Benitses fills up quickly in summer, especially in August, so booking two to three months in advance ensures better prices and choices.
• Consider car hire. If you want to explore Palaiokastritsa, Pelekas, or the island's interior, a car gives you much greater flexibility than public transport.
• Choose the north if you want quiet. The northern side towards Agios Ioannis is calmer than the centre and the beachfront road, ideal for couples avoiding the nightlife.
• Ask about private beaches. Several hotels in Tsaki and north of Benitses have their own stretch of beach, which is useful during busy summer days.
• Try local cuisine. Don't miss trying Sofrito or Bourdetto at one of the local tavernas, dishes you will struggle to find outside Corfu.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Benitses from Corfu Town?

Approximately 12 km, a journey of about 20 minutes by car or urban bus.

How far is it from the airport?

Around 20 km, with the journey taking approximately 25 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.

Is Benitses suitable for families with children?

Yes, the beach has several quiet spots, and many accommodations offer apartments with kitchens, useful for families.

What is the best time to visit?

June and September have warm seas and fewer crowds compared to the busy August.

Do I need a car for my stay in Benitses?

It is not essential for the village itself, but it greatly helps if you want to visit other parts of the island.

Are there aquariums or attractions in the village?

Yes, there is a small local aquarium in the village centre, as well as ruins of an old summer residence near the beach.

Conclusion

Benitses offers a convenient base on Corfu's east coast, with easy access to both the town and the airport. The choice of area within the village primarily depends on whether you prefer the bustle of the beachfront road or a quieter neighbourhood just a few minutes away.

With the accommodation suggestions mentioned above, you can find the right balance between price, location, and atmosphere for your holiday in Corfu.

Also see our guides on where to stay in Kalyves and where to stay in Argasi.