The north coast of Corfu is where we live and work, so this guide to the best things to do in Roda, Corfu is a little personal. From our office in Roda, the long, sandy shoreline runs east past Acharavi to Almyros and the small headland of St. Spyridon, with Mount Pantokrator rising behind and the Albanian mountains on the horizon. It is one of the gentlest stretches of coast on the island, and one of the most underrated.
Many visitors pass through on the way to Sidari or Kassiopi without stopping. Those who stay discover shallow, family-friendly water, an ancient temple in the middle of the village, Roman ruins next door in Acharavi, a protected lagoon full of birdlife and easy access to boat trips and day trips across the island. If you are wondering what to do in Roda after a day on the beach, here is how we would spend our time.
Roda Beach and the Old Fishing Harbour
Roda sits about 38 kilometres from Corfu Town, on the island’s north coast between Sidari and Acharavi. It began as a small fishing village, and the little harbour still has working boats tied up beside the tavernas. In the evening, those tavernas fill with locals as well as visitors.
There are really two beaches here. A small one sits beside the fishing harbour, while the long main beach runs for around three kilometres east towards Acharavi and Almyros. The sand is golden and the water stays shallow for a long way out, which makes Roda especially good for young children and is why it features in our guide to family-friendly beaches in Corfu. Mornings are usually calm, with an afternoon breeze that cools the shore in high summer.
See the 5th-Century BC Temple in Roda
Few visitors realise that Roda has an ancient temple just a few metres from the sea. The foundations belong to a Doric temple of the 5th century BC, built of local sandstone and measuring roughly 21 by 12 metres. It is often called the Temple of Apollo, although archaeologists have not identified the deity it honoured.
The site was first excavated in 1938–39, when work was interrupted by the Second World War, and again in 1966, when the long stone altar was uncovered. Finds included sculpture, terracottas and an Egyptian scarab, and some are now in the Archaeological Museum of Corfu. The fenced site is small and easy to miss, which is part of its charm.
Walk to Acharavi and Its Roman Baths
A couple of kilometres east along the beach, Acharavi is the largest settlement on the north coast, with shops, cafés, bakeries and a long main street running parallel to the sea. Walking there along the waterline is one of the simplest pleasures of a stay in Roda.
In the older part of Acharavi lie the remains of the baths of a Roman villa. You can still make out the heated room and the hypocaust, the underfloor system that carried hot air beneath the floor. Finds from the site include a lamp from the 3rd or 4th century AD and coins spanning several centuries, evidence of a wealthy household farming the fertile plain more than 1,500 years ago.
Birdwatching at the Antinioti Lagoon and St. Spyridon
Continue east past Almyros and you reach the little headland of St. Spyridon, with its whitewashed chapel and sandy coves. Just behind Agios Spyridon beach lies the Antinioti Lagoon, a 187-hectare Natura 2000 wetland (site GR2230001) where herons, egrets and many other birds feed in the reeds.
A path along the edge of the lagoon makes a peaceful walk early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Bring binoculars, water and something to cover your legs, as the reeds attract insects in summer.
Boat Trips from Roda: Cruises with North-Coast Pickup
Many visitors ask about boat trips from Roda harbour. Most boat trips on Corfu leave from Corfu Town port, and several of ours include a hotel transfer to and from the port, so you can still enjoy a full day at sea while staying on the north coast. Ask our Roda office which pickups run on your dates.
- The northeast coast and Limnopoula. The Blue Caves BBQ Cruise to Limnopoula follows the coastline past Kalami and Kouloura, with a swim at the Blue Cave of Saint Arsenios and a beach BBQ.
- Parga and Paxos. The Parga and Paxos cruise crosses to the mainland town of Parga and the island of Paxos, with a hotel transfer to and from Corfu Town port.
- More ideas. Browse all our Corfu cruises, or read our first-timer’s guide to seeing Corfu by boat to choose the right trip.
Day Trips and Excursions from Roda
Roda is a good base for exploring the rest of the island, especially the north and west.
- Paleokastritsa and Bella Vista. The Paleokastritsa and Bella Vista tour offers pickup from selected north-coast areas, including Roda, Acharavi and Sidari, with free time to swim and explore the west coast’s famous bays.
- Sidari and the Canal d’Amour. Sidari, about 10 kilometres west, is known for its sculpted sandstone cliffs. The Sidari Day or Night trip includes a round-trip transfer.
- Pantokrator, Sidari and Logas. The Pantokrator, Sidari and Logas tour combines the island’s highest mountain with the north coast and the cliffs at Logas.
- Old Perithia. A short drive inland takes you up the slopes of Pantokrator to the abandoned village of Old Perithia. For the drive itself, see our guide to driving up Mount Pantokrator.
- Kassiopi. East along the coast, Kassiopi has a harbour, a castle and pretty coves, described in our guide to Kassiopi’s beaches.
- Albania. A day across the strait is easier than many people expect. Our guide to a day trip to Albania and Butrint from Corfu explains how it works.
Active Things to Do in Roda, Corfu: Horse Riding, Diving and Kumquats
- Horse riding and swimming with horses. The horse riding experience at a local riding stable near St. Spyridon welcomes beginners and experienced riders, with guided rides and the chance to swim with the horses.
- Scuba diving. The scuba diving session with a dive school in Acharavi suits both first-timers and certified divers, with dive sites chosen daily according to the conditions.
- Kumquat country. The inland villages of the north, especially around Nymfes, are where Corfu’s kumquats grow. Our story on how the kumquat became Corfu’s signature flavour explains why.
Getting to Roda and Getting Around
Roda is about 38 kilometres from Corfu Town and roughly an hour’s drive from the airport. The KTEL Green Bus line runs between Corfu Town, Roda and Acharavi, and timetables and fares change by season, so check ktelkerkyras.gr before you travel. A car makes it much easier to combine beaches, villages and the mountain in one day, and car rental in Corfu can be arranged through our office. In late autumn and winter many resort businesses close, but Acharavi keeps a year-round local life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there much to do in Roda, Corfu?
Yes. Beyond the beach, you can visit an ancient temple, walk to Acharavi’s Roman baths, watch birds at the Antinioti Lagoon, go riding or diving nearby, and join boat trips and day trips around the island.
Can you take a boat trip from Roda?
Most cruises depart from Corfu Town port, but several include a hotel transfer. Ask our Roda office which pickups are available for your dates.
How far is Roda from Corfu Town?
About 38 kilometres, which usually takes around an hour by car.
Is Roda good for families?
Very. The sandy beach and shallow water are ideal for young children, and the village is relaxed and easy to walk around.
Explore the North Coast with Corfu Compass NSK
Our office is right here in Roda, so we know the north coast well. Drop in for maps, local tips and help booking tours, cruises, transfers and car hire.
Contact Corfu Compass NSK in Roda to plan your north coast stay.
