Greece Corfu Sidari
Sidari is actually two small coastal villages connected by a long sweeping sandy beach and two smaller beaches. From the effects of the tourism, the villages have merged together over the last few years to make one large resort.
The resort is ideal for families and couples looking for a beach holiday. There are several beaches and many activities. It is certainly a more livelier resort than most.
The main beach is very child friendly and is away from the road. The canal though has some very dangerous unmarked lethal cliffs - do not let children explore on their own.
There are 3 beaches. The first near the old fishing harbour which is well kept and offers sunbeds and watersports. On Sidari’s main beach, watersports are top dog. You’ve got a line-up of pedalos, banana boats, scuba diving and parasailing. You’ll find hire places all along the strip, with speed boats to rent up at the harbour end.
The middle beach, the main one, is a huge long sandy sweeping bay. There are loads of sun beds and umbrellas available.
Sidari’s star attraction has to be the natural rock formations of the Canal d’Amour — or canal of love — an aquamarine canal that snakes its way through the rocks. Take a swim here or in one of the many coves nearby. With the clear water, Sidari is a top spot for snorkelling and diving.
Things to do
The resort has plenty of beach and snack bars along the beaches. The main Sidari village has a small very pretty park for the local Church. Some of the flowers there are stunning and the park is well maintained.
Dining and Shopping
After a day on the beach, you can spend a leisurely evening in one of Sidari’s many bars and restaurants on its main strip. There are also plenty of tavernas around town serving all types of cuisine including Chinese! The majority of tavernas are serving traditional Corfiot dishes. You’ll want to try the local speciality of pastitsio, a Corfiot-style lasagna or the famous Mousaka!
Cocktail bars, Irish pubs, quiz nights – you’ll find them all on Sidari’s main strip. But step into the narrow side streets and there’s a different vibe, with traditional tavernas, live music and Greek bouzouki dancing. You can afford to be generous with the rounds, too – a bottle of beer costs as little as a euro.
Sidari has plenty of gift shops and supermarkets for holiday essentials. These open late into the evening, so you can shop when it’s cooler. Corfu is known for its locally made gold and silver jewellery, and you’ll find a few jewellery shops dotted around the resort. Look out for handmade lace, embroidered linens and traditional ceramics, too.
Sidari’s party strip curves around the coastline, almost hugging the beach. In the bars here you’ll find everything from cocktails, karaoke and pub quizzes to hypnotists, tribute acts and cover bands – plus the occasional Greek plate-smashing dance. When the shows wrap up, local DJs spin mostly pop and R’n’B into the early hours.
Boat Rental
Motor boats from 15-25hp are available at the 'Yellow Boat Company'. They are rented by the hour and the price includes petrol. No license is needed. For safety, you are given a mobile phone with the boats, and you can go as far as Perulades to the West and Roda to the East.
Public Swimming Pools in Sidari
There are lots of pool type bars - some close to the beach and others in the town itself. Many are stunning and seem an idyllic way to while away the days.
Telephone and Post Box: There are lots of public telephones and post boxes in Sidari. Also many bar and tavernas have phones which can be used for international calls. The prices vary - so check before calling abroad.
Children's Facilities: There is a small horse riding centre - geared for children.
On the main beach you will find a bouncy castle and in the village several arcades. All in all, there is plenty to keep the younger ones occupied. This does though tend to make things a little bit too much like an English seaside resort.
Disabled Facilities: Sidari is very flat - other than the canal. Nearly all the roads have reasonable paved footpaths and barriers to inconsiderate path parking.
To the East is Roda - about a 10 min drive. To the West the stunning 'Sunset Beach' - about a 15 min drive - although I met a couple who had walked it ! For those that like walking, only a few steps will take you away from the busy resort to small typically Greek villages - completely untouched by tourism it seems.
Sidari being the larges Northern resort is well signposted. From Roda, take the main road until you come to the large tee-junction. As you enter the resort is seems a little scruffy, but the center is much better.
Your first turning on the right takes you to the most easterly beach. I would avoid that one and head further into the town to the main beach. You will see the beach clearly from the road and there is plenty of parking. If you continue you will see the signs (in about 1km). The road to the canal is very narrow, but fine - there seems limited parking for the amount of available sun beds! Again take very good care of children near the canal.