Bizarrely shaped sandstone cliffs jut out into the sea like outstretched fingers. In between, narrow sea channels where people swim in the milky-blue water in search of everlasting love. The Canal d’Amour on Corfu is just as romantic as it sounds.
“The Canal d’Amour is not just a single canal of love. Several fjord-like inlets, surrounded by yellowish sandstone cliffs, form bays where you can cool off during the summer months.”
In summer, crowds of holidaymakers visit the striking coastal landscape in the northwest of Corfu. Read on to find out how you can explore these “love channels of the island” in peace and quiet.
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#1 How to get to the Canal d’Amour
The Canal d’Amour is one of Corfu’s top attractions, located in the northwest of the island next to the holiday resort of Sidari. Immediately west of Sidari’s long sandy beach, the striking 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 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 join 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 by motorboat or stand-up paddleboard. 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 during high season. Parking is generally not permitted along the streets, and yellow lines indicate no-parking zones. In summer especially, the police regularly check for and penalise 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 car parks in the town centre — »Sidari Centre Free Parking« and »Greek Village Free Parking« — about a 12-minute walk from the Canal d’Amour.
#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 high season, many people are put off by the crowds. Nature also suffers from the high influx of visitors — litter and polluted beaches are the negative side effects of the Canal d’Amour’s popularity.
If you arrive at the Canal d’Amour 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 car park in the center of the village, walk up to the Tavern Canal D’amour. From there, head down to Sidari Beach and then turn left at the end of the beach onto a paved path.
After just a few meters you will reach the first deeply carved canal. The rock formations here are particularly spectacular, and the color contrast between the blue channel and the beige rocks makes for a very photogenic scene.
We follow the path further through a small forest, pass the Hotel Canal d’Amour Village next to the 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 busy and packed with umbrellas.
The last section leads past the apartment complex Kanali to the northern Canal d’Amour Beach with its narrow stretch of beach. On the rocky outcrops of the Love Canal, many visitors 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 Dionysus Cave sea grotto, 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.
At the Kahlua Restaurant the roughly 500 m long footpath ends, from where it’s 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 at the Canal d’Amour, we recommend enjoying the sunset at Cape Drastis. The northwesternmost point of the island is only a 10-minute drive from Sidari.
The white sandstone cliffs, which jut into the sea in striking shapes, are bathed in a gorgeous glow by the setting sun each evening. A unique spectacle! Don’t forget to grab a drink at the 7th Heaven Bar and snap 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
A popular seafood restaurant south of the Canal d’Amour. Comfortably furnished and especially busy in the evenings. 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 evolved from a former fishing village into a no-frills tourist hotspot. Brits in particular feel at home here, and the restaurants and bars have adapted accordingly.
Numerous apartment complexes and small hotels define the townscape, most of which receive only average ratings from guests. Furnishings and furniture are often outdated, and the noise level in the village is another factor to consider — especially during high season, when the many bars, pubs, and through traffic take things to a whole new level.
We have five hotels in Sidari with great guest reviews for you. Here, too, you will probably have to make some 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 things to know
- Best Corfu Hotels
- Corfu Town – a day trip
- Corfu Beaches – our top swimming spots
- Vlacherna Monastery – Corfu’s most iconic postcard view
- Paleokastritsa – Holiday resort on the west coast
- Achilleion Corfu – Visit to Sisi’s Palace
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