Myrtiotissa beach Corfu is a secluded, sandy west-coast cove backed by dramatic cliffs and greenery, the island’s most famous unofficial naturist beach, tucked beside Glyfada near Pelekas. This guide covers what the beach is like, the naturist scene, how to reach it down the steep track and the tips you need.
Myrtiotissa is one of Corfu’s hidden gems, a wild corner of the wider Corfu beaches guide. It lies on the west coast about 17 kilometres from Corfu Town. The sections below cover the beach.
What is Myrtiotissa beach like?
Myrtiotissa is a small, secluded sandy beach on the west coast, hemmed in by dramatic cliffs and lush greenery, with clear water. Once called one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, it is wild and unspoilt, with only a small seasonal beach bar for facilities.
Myrtiotissa is a beach of rare, wild beauty. A short strip of soft golden sand sits at the foot of steep, green cliffs, washed by clear, deep blue water and cut off from the road above, which gives it a secret, sheltered feel. Writer Lawrence Durrell, who knew Corfu well, famously praised it as one of the loveliest beaches in the world. There is little development, just a small beach bar in peak season and the occasional vendor, so the setting stays natural and unspoilt. The combination of seclusion, cliffs and clear water is its great appeal, set within the wider things to do in Corfu. It is best known as a naturist beach.
Is Myrtiotissa a naturist beach?
Myrtiotissa is the island’s best-known, long-standing unofficial naturist beach, where nudity is common and accepted but not compulsory. In practice you will see a relaxed mix of naturist and clothed beachgoers, with the naturist tradition strongest toward the quieter, secluded ends.
The beach’s naturist reputation goes back decades. Sheltered and hard to reach, Myrtiotissa became Corfu’s best-known unofficial nudist beach in the 1980s, and that tradition continues today. Nudity is common and entirely accepted here, but it is not compulsory, so visitors will find a relaxed, easy-going mix of naturists and clothed sunbathers sharing the sand, with the naturist scene most evident toward the quieter, more secluded ends away from the access path. The atmosphere is tolerant and unbothered, and the seclusion that made it a naturist favourite is exactly what gives it its peaceful charm, set out alongside the guide to Glyfada beach next door. Reaching it takes some effort.
How do you get to Myrtiotissa?
You reach Myrtiotissa by car in about 30 minutes from Corfu Town, 17 kilometres west between Pelekas and Vatos, then on foot down a steep, narrow, unpaved track. The final road is rough with very limited parking, so park before the descent and walk down in sturdy shoes.
Getting to Myrtiotissa is part of what keeps it quiet. By car it is around a 30-minute drive west from Corfu Town to the area between Pelekas and Vatos, near Glyfada. As you approach, the road becomes steep, narrow and unpaved, with very limited parking, so it is best to park before the worst of the descent to avoid difficult manoeuvres and damage to the car. From there a steep, unpaved dirt track leads down to the sand, manageable for most people with reasonable fitness but demanding sturdy shoes rather than flip-flops, and a careful pace. The B16 bus stops nearby, but it leaves a long, steep walk, set out alongside the guides to Pelekas and Corfu car rental. A little preparation helps.
What should you bring and know?
You should bring water, snacks and sun protection, as facilities are limited to a small seasonal beach bar. Wear sturdy shoes for the steep track, go early for parking and shade, and respect the relaxed, tolerant naturist atmosphere. The west-facing beach also offers fine sunsets.
Self-sufficiency and respect make for the best visit. Because facilities amount to little more than a small seasonal beach bar, it is wise to carry water, snacks and high-factor sun cream, and to take any rubbish away. Sturdy shoes are essential for the steep, unpaved descent, and arriving early in the day eases the parking and secures a spot before it fills. As a long-standing naturist beach, Myrtiotissa rewards a relaxed, respectful and non-judgemental attitude, whether or not you choose to join in. Facing west, it also catches lovely late-afternoon light and sunsets over the Ionian, set out alongside the guide to the best time to visit Corfu. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Why visit Myrtiotissa?
You visit Myrtiotissa for its rare seclusion, dramatic cliff setting and clear water, a wild, unspoilt sandy cove far from the organised resorts. Whether for its famous naturist tradition or simply for peace and natural beauty, it is one of Corfu’s most special beaches.
Myrtiotissa rewards the effort to reach it like few beaches on the island. Its hidden, cliff-backed setting, soft sand and clear blue water offer a sense of escape and natural beauty that the busy resorts cannot match, and the relaxed, tolerant atmosphere suits anyone seeking quiet. Famous as a naturist beach but welcoming to all, it appeals to those who value seclusion and scenery over facilities and crowds. Pairing it with neighbouring Glyfada and the village of Pelekas makes a fine west-coast day, set out alongside a Corfu itinerary. The answers above and below cover the essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Myrtiotissa a nudist beach?
Myrtiotissa is Corfu’s most famous unofficial naturist beach, where nudity is common and accepted but not compulsory. In practice there is a relaxed mix of naturist and clothed beachgoers, with the naturist tradition strongest toward the quieter, secluded ends.
How do you get to Myrtiotissa beach?
You reach Myrtiotissa by car in about 30 minutes from Corfu Town, then on foot down a steep, narrow, unpaved track. The final road is rough with very limited parking, so park before the descent and walk down in sturdy shoes rather than flip-flops.
Are there facilities at Myrtiotissa?
Facilities at Myrtiotissa are very limited, with only a small seasonal beach bar offering refreshments and the occasional vendor. Bring water, snacks and sun protection, wear sturdy shoes for the steep track, and take all rubbish away, as the beach is wild and undeveloped.