Liapades is a small resort on the north west coast of Corfu, 5km from the more popular Palaiokastritsa. Half an hour by car/taxi or 40 minutes by bus (several times a day) from Corfu Town, Liapades, like many Greek villages, is set on the side of a very steep hill, but although we are not the fittest of couples we didn’t have a problem walking up to the old village or down to the beach. The road up from the beach is very, very steep for the first 100yds so not suitable for anyone with impaired mobility .
The beach has sunbeds with umbrellas for hire at 8-10 euros a day (for 2), shade or full sun. It isn’t sand but a fine shingle, which we actually liked because you don’t get everything covered in sand! There are a couple of cafes (free wifi) at the back of the beach serving varied food, drinks and ice cream – try the kumquat ice cream – it’s amazing! There are toilets too at the cafes. You can hire pedalos, canoes or boats or take a water taxi to other beaches if you want too. The water is clear making for good snorkeling although even in early September the water wasn’t as warm as I’ve known in other parts of Greece – it was still lovely though. Some reviews have criticised that it is too commercialised but we actually liked to be able to go for a coffee or ice cream and use the loo and it’s nice to have plenty to look at with boats coming and going.
The village has several tavernas and 3 supermarkets/gift shops selling everything you could want if self catering including local Liapades Olive Oil (which quite simply is the best olive oil we have ever tasted) and local wine – which is remarkably good! There’s also a pharmacy just out of the village on the Palaiokastritsa road (less than 1km)
There is one hotel close to the beach and many self catering or b&b apartments. We booked our flights and booked our apartment direct with the owner who also arranged our taxi from/to the airport (40 euro each way) for literally half the cost of the same holiday packaged and I would not hesitate to do this again.
If a vibrant night life is what you crave this is NOT the place for you, but if a quiet, friendly resort with a handful of good tavernas is what you like then it’s worth a second look.
Liapades – we will be back!
