Sidari and the cliffs of Cap Drastis, the Etretat of Corfu

To the north-west of Corfu, the coastline is full of contrasting shapes: sandstone and limestone cliffs are constantly being eaten away by the sea and the wind, creating spectacular geological formations from Sidari to Peraloudes, via Cap Drastis.

Some people even compare the area to a kind of "Etretat Corfiote", an area of the island where you can enjoy the magnificence of the seascapes, on the beach, walking along the coast or taking a boat trip. It's also a great place to stay on holiday!

Sidari is one of Corfu's main seaside resorts. One of the most popular with romantics in any case, with its Canal of Love, a not-to-be-missed attraction that doubles up as a major attraction in high season. Not far away, Peraloudes is for those who prefer a quieter holiday.

So there's something for everyone!

Sidari

- © Calin Stan / Shutterstock

Sidari, the resort for lovers... and revellers

Sidari is one of those seaside resorts that never lets up in the summer: here, the hustle and bustle is in full swing, with beaches and cafés by day and bars and discos by night, there's plenty to keep you entertained day and night. That's why you'll come across lots of groups of friends, as well as couples.

The Canal d'Amour from the air

- © Calin Stan / Shutterstock

Don't expect deserted beaches in Sidari, on the contrary: sunbeds and parasols are the order of the day, even on the smallest stretches of sand. The famous Canal d'Amour, for example, is the stuff of romantic legends: a deep sandstone indentation carved out by marine erosion, it is said that anyone who swims across it will find love afterwards! No wonder so many people flock to Sidari every summer...

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Another version of the legend: a couple swimming together in the Canal d'Amour will be together for life! Be careful before you take the plunge, as the waves are powerful when the sea is rough...

At Sidari, the full panoply of seaside activities is available: diving, snorkelling, jet skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing, banana boat rides, etc, etc... head for the main beach, where it all happens! In a different vein, boat trips leave from Sidari to the charming little islands off the coast of Corfu, Erеikоussа, Mаthrаki еt Othοnоi, where you can spend the day.

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Cape Drastis and its magnificent seascapes

The astonishing sandstone formations of Sidari are a precursor to what can be found a little further along the coast, at Cape Drastis. Here, the scenery is much wilder and fantastic: the bright white of the cliffs contrasts harmoniously with the deep blue of the Ionian Sea, while erosion has created strange limestone formations everywhere.

Cape Drastis landscape

- © Julia Lav / Shutterstock

You can enjoy this seascape even more on foot, walking around Cap Drastis. Paths and tracks take you all the way round, with breathtaking views from the top of the cliffs. Be warned: Cape Drastis is highly photogenic!

Sunset Beach and the Peraloudes cliffs

- © Simon Dannhauer / Shutterstock

Within walking distance of the cape, the village resort of Peraloudes is another alternative for staying in north-west Corfu. This is a far cry from the tourist excesses of Sidari, and the general atmosphere is quieter. Peraloudes, with its houses, guesthouses and tavernas, stretches along the road all the way to the sea, where the high cliffs are quite spectacular!

There is a narrow strip of sand where you can take to the water: Loggas beach, or 'Sunset Beach' as it is known, faces due west, the perfect spot to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

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👉 Sidari and Cape Drastis, practical information

How do I get to Sidari?

  • By car, allow 1 hour's drive from Corfu town. A few minutes more will take you to Cape Drastis and Peraloudes.
  • By bus, there are several daily connections from Corfu, with the green buses.

Excursion to the islands of Erеiкоussа, Mаthrаκi еt Othοnоi

Three small, little-known islands, and therefore not very popular with tourists: a must-see! Sidari's tourist agencies offer day trips by boat to explore the islands. Alternatively, a small ferry runs daily between the port of Sidari and Erikoussa, taking 45 minutes.

Around Cape Drastis

- © MIGUEL G. SAAVEDRA / Shutterstock

Discover Cape Drastis by boat

Boat trips are available from Sidari to discover Cape Drastis from the sea. You can also hire a boat, with or without a skipper, directly online and explore the area in complete freedom!

  • Samboat
⛵ Discover Corfu by boat Corfu

⛵ Discover Corfu by boat

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Discover Cap Drastis on foot

The footpaths offer a number of magnificent views of the sea. Easy level walk. You can go down to the water's edge for a swim, but be careful on windy days: the sea around Cap Drastis can get rough very quickly.

Water sports at Sidari

This is one of the resort's great specialities, with several water sports centres around the main beach.

  • Sidari Water Sports
  • Albatross Water Sports
by Faustine PEREZ
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