After planning a visit to Porto Timoni myself, I have learned all the different ways to get there! Don’t miss out on one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, here is exactly how to get to Porto Timoni Beach.
Porto Timoni’s double beach is the most famous attraction on the small greek island of Corfu. With a narrow strip of land dividing crystal-clear waters on either side and lush vegetation surrounding it all, it is no surprise that Porto Timoni is considered one of the most beautiful places to visit in Corfu. This beautiful beach is the perfect spot to enjoy the island’s rugged natural landscapes, bathe in the sunshine, and take a refreshing dip in the Ionian sea.
Despite its popularity, figuring out how to get to Porto Timoni beach can be confusing and even outright difficult. The beach is only accessible by boat or foot, so you’ll need to do a little bit of planning beforehand. In this post, you’ll find a complete breakdown of all the different ways you can get to Porto Timoni beach and how.
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Where is Porto Timoni Beach?
Porto Timoni beach is located on the north west part of the island, about 36 km northwest of Corfu town. The beach sits on a piece of land that juts out from the shore, making it only accessible by boat or a hike. While taking a boat to Porto Timoni is popular, the majority of visitors to this spectacular twin beach hike down from the small village of Afionas.
Afionas is located on a hilltop overlooking Agios Georgios bay. It provides the only trailhead for hiking to Porto Timoni beach and offers a stunning view over the surrounding bay. The village consists of several restaurants and a couple of parking lots for visitors to the famous beach.
How to Hike To Porto Timoni From Afionas Village
The walk down to Porto Timoni beach from Afionas consists of an easy-to-follow hiking trail. The hike brings you along the cliffside with breathtaking views of the Agios Georgios bay and its sparkling blue waters on your left. You’ll hike down a steep dirt path for about a 25 – 30 minute walk. While not particularly challenging, it is highly recommended to wear proper sturdy shoes instead of beach sandals. This is because the path can get quite rocky at times and is sometimes slippery as a result.
When arriving in Afionas, you’ll find tons of signs throughout the town pointing you toward the beach. Follow the signs until you reach the start of the trail in front of Zues’ throne restaurant. The restaurant has a patio with a great view of the bay and a small bench in front of it. Here you’ll find another small sign indicating for you to follow the dirt path down to Porto Timoni beach.
About 15 minutes into the hike you will come across the spectacular view point overlooking the double sided beach. It appears as a short rocky trail diverting from the main one. This is where you can get those famous photos overlooking the beach from above. From there, continue your way to the beach where refreshing cold waters are waiting for you after a sweaty hike down.
Bonus Tip: Zues’ throne is the perfect place to grab a drink and enjoy the amazing view after hiking back up to Afionas at the end of the day.
How to Get To Porto Timoni Beach: 8 Different Ways
How you choose to get to Porto Timoni beach will vary slightly depending on where you are staying on the island. The town with the quickest access and the greatest variety of ways to get to Porto Timoni is Agios Georgios. Located less than 4 km from Porto Timoni, Agios Georgios is also a great resort town to stay in for accessing other destinations in the north part of Corfu.
There are still ways to get to Port Timoni from many other popular towns on the island! However, the further south you get passed Corfu town, the more difficult it will get.
1. Rent a Car to Get to Porto Timoni Beach
If you are staying anywhere on the island besides Agios Georgios, then by far the best way to get to Porto Timoni beach is by driving there in a rental car. This is the easiest, quickest, and most straightforward way to access Porto Timoni without the stress of figuring out how to get there.
There are numerous rental car agencies across the island. You can either rent a car for the duration of your stay on the island or simply book one for a single day to drive to Porto Timoni. It is best to book rental cars in advance in Corfu to ensure you get one.
A great way to make renting a car more affordable is by splitting it with friends. These can be people you are already travelling with or maybe others you just met there. Either way, splitting the cost of the rental car between several people makes this the most affordable mode of transportation you can find to Porto Timoni.
Driving Conditions on Corfu Island & Parking in Afionas:
Corfu is a bit notorious for its rougher driving conditions. In particular, there are lots of bendy mountain roads, potholes, and very fast local drivers. With that being said, it is still very possible to drive on the island if you are a confident driver and take extra precautions.
Another challenge you might face when renting a car to visit Porto Timoni is finding parking in Afionas village. Afionas is quite small and therefore the parking is somewhat limited. There is a main parking lot for Porto Timoni visitors in the centre of town. It can be found on google maps as “Afionas Parking (Akis).” Parking for the day costs 5 euros. There is also a second parking closer to the hike and street parking along the main road into town. If you are going to park in Afionas, then I strongly recommend getting there early in the morning to get a spot.
Pros of Renting a Car:
- A straightforward way to get to Porto Timoni beach
- Can be an affordable option if split with friends
- Greater flexibility (you choose when to arrive and leave)
Cons of Renting a Car:
- Difficult driving conditions
- Have to find parking in Afionas village
Where to Rent a Car:
I recommend using AutoEurope to find your car rental in Corfu. They provide a comparison of all the different rental car agencies so you find the best deal available on the internet. Plus, they offer a flexible cancellation policy and receive great reviews.
2. Take a Taxi to Porto Timoni
The least affordable, but most straightforward, option for getting to Porto Timoni beach without a car is by taxi ride. From most places, a taxi ride to Porto Timoni is definitely going to cost you. However, it might end up being your only easy option, so it’s worth mentioning.
You can arrange a taxi hire in advance at many of the tour agencies located in popular towns on the island. Often times ATV/scooter rental shops will be your best bet. You can book the taxi ride in advance with an agreed pick-up time. The driver will wait for you at Porto Timoni beach and drive you back when you’re done. The ride can be made cheaper by splitting the taxi with friends.
Cost: The cost will heavily depend on where you are staying on the island. For reference, a taxi ride was roughly 80 – 90 euros each way from where I was staying Agios Gordios.
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3. Rent an ATV / Scooter
The best alternative to renting a car is renting an ATV (quad bike) or a scooter for the day. They still provide the flexibility of having a car and add a whole new element of fun for getting to Porto Timoni. ATVS and scooters are street-legal in Corfu, meaning you are able to drive them on all the island’s roads. Not only are they legal, but they are also quite common to see on the roads, so the local drivers are used to sharing the roads. Also, due to their small size, they are much easier to find parking for. Driving an ATV or scooter to Porto Timoni will take longer than a car, but the added adventure and easier parking will make up for it!
If you are staying all the way down in the south part of Corfu island, then an ATV/scooter drive might be a bit too long for you. You can estimate rough driving times by searching the drive time in google maps and roughly doubling it. That will give you a good idea if renting an ATV or scooter is a realistic mode of transportation to get you to Porto Timoni. For reference, I was staying in Agios Gordios and the drive to Porto Timoni was very doable.
With both an ATV and a scooter rental, the shop will give you quick instructions on how to drive them safely on the roads. I would recommend the ATV option if you are a complete beginner to both, as I don’t recommend driving a scooter around Corfu for your first time. This is because the roads in Corfu are quite windy, steep, and riddled with potholes at times, making it really difficult for a beginner to safely keep their balance. ATVs are a little bit easier to get started on.
Pros:
- Cheaper to rent than a car
- Easier to find parking due to its compact size
- A unique and fun mode of transportation
Cons:
- Might be a long drive if you are staying on the southern half of the island
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4. Taxi Boat from Agios Georgios
As was mentioned before, Agios Georgios is the closest resort town to Porto Timoni beach. It is often seen as one of the main gateways to getting to Porto Timoni, as it is only a short 5-minute boat ride away. Tons of people will choose to stay in Agios Georgios for its own amazing beach and resort life, but also because of its close proximity to Porto Timoni.
One of the most popular ways to get to Porto Timoni beach from Agios Georgios is by boat. In fact, there are actually several boat options offered. For one, you can take a taxi boat, which essentially delivers you to the beach and then back at an agreed-upon pick-up time. You can find taxi boats by heading to the Agios Georgios beach area and locating signs that advertise “boats for hire.”
Cost: A taxi boat hire should cost about 28 euros for two people.
5. Combined Bus to Agios Georgios (Taxi Boat From There)
If you need to find your way to Agios Georgios first before making your way to Porto Timoni, then there are a few bus options available. Although quite limited, it is still possible to utilize Corfu’s public transportation to find your way to Porto Timoni. You will need to combine the bus route with other forms of transportation. The best way to do this would be to take the bus to Agios Georgios and then a taxi boat from there.
For this option, it is pretty much essential that you are leaving from Corfu town, whether that means you are staying there for the trip or staying there just the night before to catch the bus in the morning. Buses leave from Corfu town to Agios Georgios Pagon twice a day between Monday and Friday, at 6 am and 1:30 in the afternoon. They take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the destination in Agios Georgios. In this case, you would need to catch the 6 am bus in order to have enough time to get there and hire a taxi boat to Porto Timoni. Bus timetables do change throughout the year, so take a peak at the green bus (the bus line in Corfu) timetable for the latest updates.
The last bus leaves from Agios Georgios back to Corfu town at 2:40 in the afternoon.
Cost: The bus costs 3.60 euros each way.
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6. Pedal Boat or Kayak from Agios Georgios
Similar to the convenience of just jetting over to Porto Timoni from nearby Agios Georgios in a taxi boat, you can also rent a pedal boat or kayak and make your way there yourself. All you need to do is follow the coast until you reach the left side of the double-sided beach. This is a super fun option and adds an extra fun experience to the day.
There are several boat rental shops in Agios Georgios that rent pedal boats and kayaks. Pedal boats fit up to 4 people per watercraft and the kayaks come in individual-sized or two-person kayaks. Many of the shops do not open until about 9:30 so you will miss out on getting there before the crowds. You will also have to pay by the hour for the rental, which may limit how much time you actually spend at the beach.
Cost: Renting a pedal boat or double kayak costs between 10 – 15 euros per hour.
Pros:
- Extra fun activity
- Easy way to get directly from Agios Georgios to Porto Timoni
Cons:
- Pay by the hour can add up
- You won’t be able to get there before the crowds
7. Walk from Agios Georgios to Porto Timoni
Another option for getting to Porto Timoni from Agios Georgios is to walk to Afionas village. It is a straightforward 30-minute uphill walk to the town, where you can then start the hike down to the beach. In total, it ends up being about an hour of walking each way. For this option, you need to either be staying in Agios Georgios or have gotten yourself there some other way.
Pros:
- Completely free option for getting to Porto Timoni
- A lovely walk if you enjoy hiking
- Won’t have to deal with finding parking or arranging any boat hires
Cons:
- Can be tiring in the peak summer heat
8. Rent a Motor Boat from Agios Georgios or Paleokastritsa
The final option for getting to Porto Timoni beach is to rent a motor boat for the day. This is a great option to do from either Agios Georgios or Paleokastritsa. You do not need to have a boating license or any previous experience to rent a 30 HP boat in Corfu. You will be given a quick lesson before you head out and they are easy to operate!
From Agios Georgios
From Agios Georgios, this would be a great option if you want to visit Porto Timoni and then explore the coast a bit more. It wouldn’t make sense to rent a boat for the day to simply get to Porto Timoni because of its close proximity, but if you plan to explore around more then you can absolutely make a day of it. A great option for the day could look like, using the boat to visit Porto Timoni first thing in the morning and then taking the boat down to explore Paleokastritsa’s coast and 6 different bays.
From Paleokastritsa
From Paleokastritsa, this is an excellent way to explore the coast with Porto Timoni as a final stopping point before returning back. If you are staying in Paleokastritsa, then renting a boat is a much more enjoyable way to get there than having to drive the windy roads to Porto Timoni.
Both Agios Georgios and Paleokastritsa are touristy towns and will have boat rental shops. During high season, it is highly recommended to book at least a week in advance to ensure you get a boat for the day you want. You can rent from Corfu Rent a Boat in Paleokastritsa or Corfu Boat Charter in Agios Georgios.
Cost: Rental boats start at between 100 – 140 euros for the day and you will have to pay for the fuel you use as well.
Pros:
- A fun day activity to see Porto Timoni and more!
Cons:
- A pricier option
Important Things to Know Before Travelling to Porto Timoni:
The Hike Down to Porto Timoni is Not an Easy Stroll
As mentioned before, the hike down to Porto Timoni beach is not a walk in the park. While not particularly challenging, it is still a steep and rocky downhill hike that can get slippery at times. As a result, it is pretty important to have sturdy shoes and not wear your beach foot attire down to the bottom. This is also important for getting proper footing when making your way back up.
Visit Porto Timoni Early in the Morning
During the high season, Porto Timoni beach can get seriously crowded. Like barely able to move around on the beach crowded. Therefore, the best time to visit is first thing in the morning. The earlier you can get there the better, but you definitely don’t want to be heading down there much later than 9:30 am. I have seen people mention having the entire beach to themselves when they got there at 8 am.
Bring Flip Flops or Water Shoes
While the blue waters look absolutely serene, the rocky surface can be a bit hard on the feet. Pack a pair of flip-flops or water shoes for swimming so you won’t have to worry about where you put your feet down.
There Are No Facilities on the Beach
Porto Timoni is a completely natural un-developed beach meaning there are no facilities down there whatsoever. That means you will need to bring everything you might need or want down there and then pack it all back out again. Some important items to not forget are plenty of water, snacks, your own towel, water shoes, and maybe even an umbrella for some shade.
Which Side of the Beach to Swim At
You can swim on both sides of Porto Timoni’s twin beaches, however here is a pro tip. The better swimming is on the left side of the beach and the better sunbathing is on the right side. In reality, both sides are great for both. However, the left side is slightly more open and has less rocky portions in the water and the right has slightly smaller pebbles that make it a bit comfier for laying out your towel.
Plan Your Trip to Corfu – Logistical Tips:
📱 Stay Connected Without Expensive Roaming Fees
I never travel without an E-Sim now. Stay connected at a fraction of the price of roaming fees, and my favourite part, you can simply down the E-Sim to your phone and don’t have to switch SIM cards around. The service I always use is Airola. You can also get plans that cover multiple countries in Europe if you are traveling beyond Greece.
🚍 Book Your Transportation in France
AutoEurope is the best for finding the cheapest car rentals available. They offer a comparison of all the popular rentals in Europe to find the best deal. Plus they receive great reviews!
🏠 Book Your Accommodation
I always use Booking.com to find and book the best hotels at the cheapest rate. If you are interested in staying in a hostel to meet people and take advantage of their activities, you can book private rooms and dorms through Hostelworld.
🏄♀️ Book Your Tours and Excursions
The best search tool I use to book tours in France and the rest of Europe is Viator. It has the largest selection of tours with local operators and offers flexible cancellation. I’m also a big fan of Manawa, a small tour company that offers adventure travel tours and great personalized customer service. You can find a curated list of Corfu tours by Manawa here.
Final Thoughts on How to Get to Porto Timoni Beach
Porto Timoni beach is a truly breathtaking destination like nowhere else. With its remote and wild landscape, vibrant blue waters, and amazing lookout views over it all, you won’t find a more beautiful spot in Corfu. While it can be difficult to figure out the logistics, there are still several options for how to get to Porto Timoni beach. If renting a car is not your thing, try driving an ATV or a scooter. Take a quick hop across the bay by taxi boat or even rent your own. Regardless of how you get there, Porto Timoni is worth all the extra planning. Happy adventuring!
* Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. I only recommend products and companies that I use. Thanks for the support!
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