It's safe to say this resort has yet to reach its full potential when it comes to the number of people visiting every year, but that's only because many have never heard of it. But what Gouvia lacks in notoriety, it makes up for in hospitality and good conditions.
General Info
Considered today to be somewhat outside the regular circuit, Gouvia is nonetheless a beautiful summer resort on the island of Corfu in eastern Greece. Just 8 km from Corfu Town, it has the advantages of being isolated and thus providing its tourists with the much-needed privacy and it’s still easily accessible.
Travel & Arrival
Most ways of getting to Gouvia involve getting to Corfu Town first one way or the other since the distance between the two locations is just a couple of minutes by car. There is an airport in Corfu which is served by lots of airlines, including low-cost companies. can get flights from Athens on a daily basis as well as from Germany, Great Britain and France. There is also the option of arriving by sea plane to Gouvia itself with the possibility of booking from Corfu Town and also flying to other Greek islands.
By road, Corfu island is linked by daily bus transports with the Greek mainland, specifically cities like Athens, Patra and Thessaloniki which makes connecting with these cities and their airports that much easier for traveling groups.
Avant & Apres Sail
Set in a deep, protected bay, Gouvia used to be a Venetian naval base before becoming the quiet tourist resort. Today, the shingle beaches are the main attraction as well as the place where most of the fun can be had. Gouvia is also the place for Greece’s best privately owned marina which means you’ll be seeing a lot of yachts cruising the bay area.
However, you’ll find that most sights are outside of this small town, mostly in Corfu Town, as well as around the island, among the idyllic backcountry, with the olive groves and Cyprus trees covering the rolling hills.
Shopping in Gouvia is mainly made up of mini-markets that sell mostly food, but there are also some good leather goods stores, some clothing boutiques and jewelry shops. Of course, holidaymakers can take a little piece of the Mediterranean home with them by visiting any of the souvenir shops.
Most of the eating out is done in the local restaurants and tavernas which the British tourist masses with a combination of Greek traditional dishes as well as some typically Mediterranean. For those intrepid guests who don’t have time for a fancy lunch, the beach is lined with fast food stalls selling that Greek snack favorite, the souvlaki and the gyros wrapped in pita.
What is interesting about the nightlife is the fact that it’s very lively compared to the overall size of the resort. It may have something to do with the locals adapting to the large numbers of devotees coming here in search of after dark entertainment. So a lot of clubs and discos popped up, especially on the waterfront. Downtown, you’ll find open-air venues where you can dance the night away. In contrast, the harbor region is quieter and thus perfect for serving a glass of wine while watching the sun set.
Events & Actions
Water sports and other water-related activities reign supreme in Gouvia, especially since the beaches here are very clean and family-friendly. From banana-rides on the water to jet skis and boat rentals, there is a lot of fun that can be had on the water, so that’s why many sailors come here with their families.