Bizarrely shaped sandstone cliffs that jut out into the sea like outstretched fingers. In between, narrow sea channels in which people swim in the milky-blue water to find their eternal love happiness. The Canal d’Amour on Corfu is not as romantic as it sounds.
“The Canal d’Amour is not just a canal of love. Several fjord-like incisions, surrounded by yellowish sandstone cliffs, form bays where you can refresh yourself in summer.”
After all, in summer crowds of holidaymakers visit the bizarre coastal landscape in the Northwest of Corfu. How you can enjoy exploring the “love channels of the island” completely undisturbed, we will tell you below.
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#1 How to get to the Canal d’Amour
The Canal d’Amour is one of Corfu’s top attractions and its located in the north-west of the island next to the holiday resort of Sidari. Immediately west of the long sandy beach of Sidari, the bizarre coastal landscape begins.
The best way to get to Sidari is by renting a car. There are several parking facilities in the village (see point #2). You can book cheap rental cars for Corfu directly with our partner Discover Cars*:
➲ To cheap car rentals for the island*
The public transfer from Corfu Green Buses travel several times a day from the capital Kerkyra to Sidari (travel time 1 hour 15 minutes). You can find timetables at: Ktel Kerkyras
There is also the possibility to participate in a guided Tour to the Canal d’Amour. The canals can be visited from land as part of a bus tour or from the water with a motorboat or stand-up paddle. Click on GetYourGuide* tours for details, prices and availability:
➲ To the bus ride and swimming in the Canal d’Amour*
➲ To the boat rental without skipper*
➲ To the Stand Up Paddle Board in Sidari*
#2 Canal d’Amour Parking
The parking situation in Sidari can be chaotic, especially in the high season. Parking is usually not allowed along the streets, yellow lines indicate parking bans. Especially in summer, the police regularly check and punish parking violations.
The closest parking options to the Canal d’Amour are at the Kanali Apartments (approx. €5) or at the Canal d’Amour Parking (approx. 7 €). There are also several large free parking lots in the town centre »Sidari Centre Free Parking« and »Greek village free parking« about 12 minutes walk from the Canal d’Amour.
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#3 Best time to visit the canals
Since the Canal d’Amour is one of the most popular sights in Corfu, numerous holidaymakers visit the coastal strip every day. Especially during the day, there is a real pilgrimage atmosphere along the waterfront promenade and in the taverns and bars.
In the high season, many people have fled from the crowds. Nature also suffers from the high influx of visitors – garbage left lying around and polluted beaches are negative side effects on the Canal d’Amour.
If you arrive at the Channel of Love of Corfu early in the morning, you can enjoy the fascinating natural scenery completely undisturbed. The atmosphere is also particularly beautiful in the evening, when the setting sun bathes the rocky landscape in a warm light.
#4 Walk along the love canals
From the free parking lot in the center of the village you walk up to the height of the Tavern Canal D’amour. From there it goes down to the Sidari Beach and then turn left at the end of the beach on a paved path.
After just a few meters you will reach the first deeply cut canal. The rock formations here are particularly spectacular and the color contrast between the blue channel and the beige rocks is very photogenic.
We follow the path further through a small forest, pass the Hotel Canal d’Amour Village next to channel, which is quite wide and at the end of which a narrow, mostly seaweed-covered sandy beach awaits you.
After another big bend we reach the popular D’Amour Beach Bar, which has set up its deck chairs directly on the sandstone rocks. The narrow sandy beach opposite is usually very well visited and paved with umbrellas.
The last section leads to the apartment complex Kanali past to the northern Canal d’Amour Beach with its narrow stretch of beach. On the rocky outcrops of the Love Canal, many spread out their towels. Caution is advised when exploring the rocky landscape with children, as there are no barriers and some sections drop steeply into the sea.
To the right of this canal is the famous sea grotto Dionysus Cave, which can be swum through at your own risk in calm seas. According to legend, those who swim through the cave are said to experience eternal happiness in love.
On the Kahlua Restaurant the approx. 500 m long footpath ends, from here it goes back to the car park. Unfortunately, the walk makes it clear once again how built-up this beautiful coastal strip of the Canal d’Amour already is.
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Sunset at Cape Drastis
If it gets too crowded for you on the Canal d’Amour, we recommend that you enjoy the sunset on the Cape Drastis. The northwesternmost point of the island is only a 10-minute drive from Sidari.
The white sandstone cliffs, which protrude into the sea here in a bizarre shape, are staged by the setting sun in the evening. A unique spectacle! Don’t forget to have a drink in the 7th Heaven Bar and take a photo on the Skywalk.
#5 Restaurants and bars near Canal d’Amour
Eviva
Colourful café and breakfast place just outside the centre of Sidari. Delicious waffles, fruit salad and omelette as well as coffee and cake.
Katerina’s Taverna
Rustic taverna with typical Greek cuisine away from the tourist crowds in Sidari. Good value for money. Reservation recommended in high season.
Sea Garden Cocktail Restaurant
Modern beach restaurant not far from the Canal d’Amour with a green garden. Ideal for a cool Freddo or cocktail. International cuisine with pasta, burgers and pizza.
Thalassino Fish Tavern
Popular seafood restaurant south of the Canal d’Amour. Comfortably furnished and especially in the evening well attended. The pasta with seafood is particularly recommended.
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#6 Hotels on the Canal d’Amour
Sidari in the northwest of Corfu has developed from a former fishing village to an unadorned tourist stronghold. Brits in particular feel at home here and the gastronomy has adapted accordingly.
Numerous apartment complexes and small hotels characterize the townscape, most of them receive only average ratings from guests. Furnishings and furniture are often outdated, and there is also the noise level in the village, which reaches a new dimension, especially in the high season due to the many bars, pubs and through traffic.
We have five good Hotels in Sidari with good guest reviews for you. Here, too, you will probably have to make compromises. Click on the links from Booking.com* to see details of the accommodations:
- Christiana’s Cottage*
- Del Mare Beach Hotel* – directly on the Canal d’Amour
- Katsaros Studios & Apartments*
- Mike’s Studios*
- Sidari Beach Hotel*
→ You can find more articles and numerous travel tips for the island of Corfu at:
- Corfu Highlights
- Corfu Holidays – 11 important information
- Best Corfu Hotels
- Corfu Town – a day trip
- Corfu Beaches – our top bathing spots
- Vlacherna Monastery – Postcard motif of Corfu
- Paleokastritsa – Holiday resort on the west coast
- Achilleion Corfu – Visit to Sisis Palace
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