A highlight of our recent trip to Corfu’s northeast coast was hiring a boat to explore the many beautiful bays. With no licence needed, it’s a simple, joyful way to hop between hidden coves, swim in turquoise bays and moor up at seaside tavernas for lunch. The coastline is dotted with loads of tavernas where you can stop and hop off and in this post we share our top tips, from north to south. For a full guide to Corfu, including an itinerary with links to restaurants, bars and activities, see the full website page here.
If Corfu is a place you’re dreaming of visiting then make sure you rent a boat to explore the beautiful bays, stopping off at some of the tavernas from this post.
Check out our website for a more detailed guide to Corfu, including weblinks to all the places we recommend here.
Eucalyptus Taverna (Agios Stefanos)
Eucalyptus Taverna was one of our favourite places and we dined here twice, once for a leisurely lunch and again for a candlelit dinner. Both times were equally lovely. The taverna is tucked into the curve of Agios Stefanos bay, with wooden tables shaded by tall eucalyptus trees. It’s set right at the water’s edge. You’re so close you can hear the gentle lapping of the sea as you eat! The setting is effortlessly beautiful: sailboats bobbing in the bay, terracotta roofs across the water and cypress-covered hills rising behind. In the evening, candles flicker on tables, fairy lights twinkle in the trees and the sound of quiet conversation carries across the bay.
The food is simple but perfectly executed: grilled vegetables, a crisp Greek salad and a beautifully cooked sea bream The staff are friendly and quietly attentive, helping make it one of the most charming tavernas we’ve been to in Corfu.
The White House
The White House was the most atmospheric setting of our trip. Once the home of author Lawrence Durrell, the building is now a refined seafront restaurant with a long, whitewashed terrace set right above the rocks. You dine to the sound of waves, with the lights of Kalami Bay flickering across the water.
The menu is Greek at its core but elevated with creativity and precision. Mains lean towards the sea, with dishes plated elegantly and with care. Even the bread basket is house-made and served with a trio of dips that show attention to detail. Service is polished but warm.
Taverna Agni (Agni Bay)
Set right on the gentle curve of Agni Bay, Taverna Agni has become a local institution and is a firm favourite of friends who regularly go to Corfu. Tables spill out along a wooden deck at the water’s edge, with uninterrupted views of the Ionian Sea and the pine-draped Albanian coast just beyond. The decor is classic and unpretentious — whitewashed walls, blue wooden chairs, linen parasols — evoking a timeless Greek island feel. Freshness is the guiding principle in the kitchen: grilled sea bream, calamari and prawns arrive simply dressed with lemon and olive oil. The super friendly staff treat you like family. We had both a long lunch and a lovely dinner. Closed on Wednesdays at time of writing.
Taverna Glyfa (Glyfa Bay)
Taverna Glyfa offers a slightly more elevated experience, perched above the sea with panoramic views across the bay. The atmosphere is breezy and sophisticated — exposed stone, soft grey and sand-toned linens, wooden beams and subtle nautical touches. The seafood here is excellent, with daily specials like lobster pasta or sea bass carpaccio. Dishes are plated with finesse and there’s an extensive Greek wine list to match. A nice touch is the sunbeds on the beach, where we spent a lovely hour sunbathing after (another!) rosé-lubricated lunch.
The food is simple but perfectly executed: grilled vegetables, a crisp Greek salad and a beautifully cooked sea bream The staff are friendly and quietly attentive, helping make it one of the most charming tavernas we’ve been to in Corfu.
If Corfu is a place you’re planning of visiting, then make sure you rent a boat to explore the beautiful bays and try out some of the tavernas in this post. And check out our website for a more detailed guide to Corfu, including weblinks to all the places we recommend here.
