Santa Barbara Beach

A long golden-sand beach adjoining Marathias, with a relaxed south-west coast feel and extensive open shoreline.

Santa Barbara Beach has a sand shoreline. Road access reaches the Santa Barbara/Marathias coastal area.

The beach is organised or has organised sections in season. Food or drink is available at the beach or immediately nearby.

What to expect

The shoreline is predominantly sand. The sandy sections are comfortable for anyone planning to spend several hours on the beach. The generous stretch of shoreline gives you more room to spread out than at Corfu's smaller coves and makes it a good option if you enjoy beach walks as well as swimming.

Swimming and sea conditions

Waves can develop when the weather changes, so it is worth judging the sea on the day rather than assuming it will always be flat.

Who this beach suits

This beach is particularly well suited to swimming, long walks, relaxed beach days and sunsets. Its quieter character is part of the appeal, particularly if you want to get away from the island's busier resort beaches. If you can stay into the evening, it is also a good setting for watching the sunset.

Facilities

There are organised sections in season, making it easier to settle in for a full beach day. Seasonal sunbeds and parasols are available; prices and operating dates vary by provider. Food and drink are available at the beach or within a short walk; opening can be seasonal.

Getting there and practical information

Road access reaches the Santa Barbara/Marathias coastal area.

Planning your visit

For a full beach day, late morning through the afternoon gives you the best chance of finding seasonal services operating, although this is also when organised beaches are busiest. If sunset is one of the reasons you are visiting, plan to stay beyond the main beach-going hours rather than leaving in mid-afternoon.

Is it the right beach for you?

It is worth shortlisting if its combination of setting, access and swimming conditions matches the type of beach day you are looking for. Check the sea conditions when you arrive, particularly on windier days.

Photo credit: Summerbrize via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Source · Licence. Image used without modification.