Gouvia

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Located just 8km off Corfu Town and built around the large Govino Bay, Gouvia is a modern small village and one of the most vibrant and developed tourist resorts on the island. It is particularly popular with young people, as it offers great nightlife and endless entertainment options.

Gouvia is fully equipped with all the amenities a visitor needs. The two main roads of the resort feature supermarkets, pharmacies, gift shops, jewelry shops, clothing outlets, as well as car and bike rental companies.

One of the things that make Gouvia stand out compared to other areas is its vibrant culinary scene. Besides the establishments serving local traditional recipes, there are also Italian, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, and British restaurants. And when the sun sets, tourists can enjoy their drinks and have fun with their friends at one of the nightclubs, bars, cocktail joints, and pubs scattered around the settlement.

Gouvia also has a small, organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. It has pebbles and sand, and the waters are shallow, so swimming is perfectly safe for small children. There are watersports facilities for a fun day under the sun for those who would like to get their adrenaline pumping. Plus, boats depart from Gouvia, offering excursions to nearby locations and beaches.

Last but not least, the south part of Gouvia bay is dominated by the impressive Gouvia Marina. This private marina, which has a 12,000-berth capacity, occupies an area of 3,500 sq.m. and is always packed with boats and yachts coming from every corner of the world.

Gouvia Marina is one of the most cosmopolitan spots of Corfu and offers various high-quality facilities and services. Besides the restaurants, cafés and bars available, where you can spend a relaxing day or evening overlooking the sea and the countless vessels, there are also showers, toilets, changing rooms, and washing machines. For boat owners, repair and maintenance services are also provided, such as power washing and painting. The marina is open all year round, 24 hours a day.

Nearby beaches

Kontokali Beach

Kontokali is a Blue Flag awarded beach in proximity to Corfu Town (5km), in front of the namesake settlement. It is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas. The beach has soft sand and small pebbles, while the waters are clear and shallow, making it a good choice for the safety of children.

There is a large hotel on the beach and visitors can use its facilities, like the beach bar, the restaurant, and the showers. The location offers views to the uninhabited islet of Lazaretto, which is just across, and the Old Fortress of Corfu in the distance.

Alikes

Located 4km from Corfu Town, Alikes is a sandy and secluded beach with clear waters that are shallow enough for children to play safely. A patch of juniper trees divides it in half: the north section is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, while the south is pure nature.

On the main road that passes through Alikes, there are all amenities needed for visitors, such as shops, restaurants, tavernas, and bars. Alikes is located right in the middle of one of Corfu’s most touristic zones, along with the neighboring resorts of Gouvia and Dassia to the north. The area offers a vast array of water sports, yachting, scuba diving, and accessible sports facilities for everyone to use. There are also superb dining options, specializing in fresh fish and delicious Corfiot specialties, such as pastitsada (beef or rooster with pasta) and bourdeto (fish cooked in a spicy tomato sauce).

On the south side of the beach, the Potamos River empties into the Ionian Sea, creating an important wetland. During the Venetian rule, the Venetians operated salt pans here. This is what the place took its name from, as «Alikes» means salt pans. They distributed the produce to their colonies on the Dalmatian Coast.

Things to do and see in the area of Gouvia, Corfu

The Venetian Shipyard

In 1537, the Turkish fleet, lead by Hayreddin Barbarossa, tried to besiege the area of Gouvia. The attempt was not successful. In the 18^th century, after a similar effort, the Venetians who ruled the island at the time decided to fortify Gouvia, building the shipyard and using the bay as their port and arsenal.

Today, the ruins of the shipyard are located just behind Gouvia Marina. The surviving columns, walls, and arches create a unique spectacle. Photography lovers will adore the attraction, as the sun rays passing through the arches make fantastic photo ops.

Accommodation in Gouvia, Corfu

The majority of accommodation in Gouvia is provided by large hotels, located either in the settlement or by the beach. There are also many rooms to let, studios, and apartments.