Dassia and Ipsos are neighbouring resorts on Corfu's sheltered east coast, set against a backdrop of green wooded hillsides that slope down to the sea. These are among the closest resort areas to Corfu Town, making them ideal for visitors who want easy access to the island's cultural capital while basing themselves on a pleasant beach. The bays here are calm and warm, with good water sports facilities and a relaxed family atmosphere that has made them popular with Irish and British holidaymakers for decades.
Location and Getting There
Dassia and Ipsos are on Corfu's north-east coast, approximately fifteen to twenty minutes from Corfu Airport (CFU) and ten minutes from Corfu Town. The flight from Dublin takes around three and a half hours. The resorts sit on adjoining bays separated by a wooded headland, with the main coast road connecting them.
Beaches
Dassia Beach is a long, narrow strip of shingle and sand backed by olive trees, with calm water that is good for swimming and water sports. Ipsos Beach is a longer stretch with a mix of sand and pebble, also well organised with sunbeds and parasols. Both beaches have full facilities and lifeguards in summer. The water is generally calm on this sheltered east coast, making it safe for families. Barbati beach, just north of Ipsos, is one of the most attractive on the island — a long pebble beach with exceptionally clear water and dramatic views across to the Albanian mountains.
Greek beaches are renowned worldwide for their water clarity, and the islands consistently rank among Europe's top beach destinations. The combination of the Mediterranean climate, clean seas and varied coastline — from wide sandy stretches to intimate pebble coves — means there is a beach for every preference. Many Greek beaches are backed by tavernas where you can enjoy fresh fish and a cold beer just metres from the water. Beach etiquette in Greece is relaxed, and public access to the shoreline is protected by law, though sunbed areas on popular beaches are typically managed by nearby businesses.
Things to Do
Water sports are well catered for, with windsurfing, kayaking, pedal boats, banana boats and parasailing available on both beaches. Diving schools operate in the area. Corfu Town, with its UNESCO-listed Old Fortress, the Liston arcade, the Spianada square and the Old Town's Venetian lanes, is a short drive or bus ride and deserves at least a full day of exploration. The Achilleion Palace, built for Empress Sisi of Austria, is another popular excursion. Boat trips to Paleokastritsa and the offshore islands provide variety.
Island-hopping is one of the great pleasures of a Greek holiday, and even if you are based on one island, day trips to nearby islands are often available by ferry or excursion boat. The Greek islands also offer a range of cultural experiences beyond the major archaeological sites — local festivals (panigiri), the evening volta (the traditional evening stroll), and the simple pleasure of sitting in a village square watching the world go by while sipping a cold frappe coffee. For active visitors, kayaking, hiking the coastal paths and cycling are increasingly popular ways to explore the island landscapes away from the beach.
Dining and Nightlife
Both Dassia and Ipsos have a selection of tavernas, restaurants and bars along the main road and near the beaches. Greek home cooking, seafood, pizza and pub food are all available. Ipsos has a slightly more lively bar scene, with several venues that stay open late in summer. Dassia is quieter and more family-oriented. For the widest choice of dining and nightlife, Corfu Town is a short journey away.
One of the great joys of eating in Greece is the emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared simply. The taverna culture — where you might choose your fish from a display, point at dishes in the kitchen, or simply ask what is good today — creates a personal, unhurried dining experience that is central to Greek island life. Raki or tsipouro (the local grape spirits) are often offered free at the end of a meal as a gesture of hospitality. Greek wine has improved enormously in recent decades, and island wineries are producing labels that increasingly challenge the old assumption that Greek wine begins and ends with retsina. Vegetarian visitors will find Greece particularly accommodating — dishes like gigantes (giant beans), briam (roasted vegetables), spanakopita and the ubiquitous Greek salad with local feta make for excellent meat-free eating.
Best Time to Visit
May to October. Corfu has more rainfall than the southern Greek islands, which accounts for its lush green landscape. The east coast is more sheltered than the west. June and September are ideal — warm, sunny and less crowded than July and August.
Practical Information for Irish Visitors
Greece is in the EU. Euro, no visa. Two hours ahead of Ireland. English widely spoken.
Healthcare is available through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised. Greek pharmacies are well equipped and pharmacists are knowledgeable — for minor ailments, a pharmacy visit is often sufficient. Tap water quality varies by island — on the larger islands it is generally safe, but bottled water is cheap and widely preferred. Greek time is two hours ahead of Ireland year-round, which is worth noting when calling home or planning flight connections. The pace of life in Greece is famously relaxed, with late dinners (often starting at nine or ten in the evening) and a general emphasis on enjoying the moment rather than rushing through the day.
Why Book with Sunholidays.ie
Sunholidays.ie is Irish-owned and IAA licensed (Licence No. T0601). Twenty euro per person deposit, monthly payments, price match guarantee. The team can recommend the right accommodation in this popular, convenient part of Corfu.
Dassia and Ipsos are popular, neighbouring resorts on Corfu's east coast, just north of Corfu Town. They share a long stretch of pebble/shingle beach with calm, clear waters, making them excellent for swimming and various watersports. Dassia is generally more family-oriented with larger hotels, while Ipsos has a livelier, more youthful atmosphere with a vibrant strip of bars and eateries along the seafront. Both offer beautiful views across to the Albanian and Greek mainlands, appealing to a broad range of Irish visitors.