Roda (also known as Roda Thinaliou or Sfakeron) is a small town on the northern coast of Corfu, Greece. Primarily a resort town, Roda has retained much of its old charm as an old fishing village; the boats still go out every day to catch fish from the clear, warm waters around the island. Across the horizon, you can also see the impressive landscape of Albania and the lights of Himarë.
Roda is primarily the host of package holidays, with the predominant visiting group being the British. However, there is also a fair representation from other European nationalities too.
Understand
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Location
[edit]The town sits on Corfu's north coast, between Sidari and Acharavi, and is primarily known for its sandy beaches. Although considered a small beach resort, it is nowhere near as large as Kassiopi or other surrounding towns, and so doesn't regularly get crowded.
Roda refers to both the larger town on the northern coast of Corfu, as well as the inland collection of houses and apartments further west along the road. However, unless you are specifically staying at one of the locations in that Western area, to be 'in Roda' almost exclusively means staying in the beach-side resort town.
When to go
[edit]As is typical in Greece (especially the main Greek Islands), staying in Roda is relatively seasonal. Shops, bars, restaurants, and hotels will likely open for business on the first weekend of May, and everything winds down during mid-October, but can be earlier depending on how good of a season the town has had.
By the end of October, the vast majority of tourist establishments are locked up for the winter, and it will just be a handful of local-oriented bars and restaurants that will stay open, even then it will likely be only for a few days each week! Therefore, travel outside of these times is going to be self-supported: it is unlikely you will find tour operators taking you on package holidays, for example. Additionally, there may be a lack of options for dining out, so be prepared to use the local supermarkets and go self-catered.
Weather
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Roda, Corfu experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Summer highs peak at around 32°C in July and August, while winter temperatures drop to an average low of 5–7°C in January and December. Rainfall is heaviest from October to February, with November seeing around 130mm, while the driest months are June to August, averaging just 10–15mm. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures, with May reaching 24°C and September around 28°C, making them pleasant shoulder seasons for visitors.
Get in
[edit]Most visitors to Roda will come into the town by coach, as organised by their tour operator. The transfer usually takes around 1 hour, depending on the number of other hotels visited along the way.
Take note of the name of your hotel (as some of them are similar in name) and also what it looks like. Several of the drivers for the main contracting coach companies have a habit of either not calling out the name of the hotel upon arrival, or ignoring the planned route/order of the hotels.
By public transport
[edit]There are no passenger trains on the island, so you'll need to make good use of the buses and coaches. Most of the suburban and cross-island buses are the Green Buses which run numerous routes across Corfu.
From Corfu Town
[edit]The Green Buses Terminal in Corfu Town is at Leof. Eptanisou, about a 15-minute walk from the Central Market. From there, you take the A3 Bus directly to Roda. The table below details departure times to the 1 Roda Bus Station.
| Weekdays | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| 05:30 | 05:45 | 09:00 |
| 08:30 | 08:30 | 17:00 |
| 11:00 | 11:00 | |
| 13:45 | 13:45 | |
| 16:30 | 16:30 | |
| 20:30 | 20:30 |
Information accurate as of 1st May 2024. See full itinerary here.
A bus ticket will cost you €4 one way, and can either be purchased at the Bus Terminal, or onboard to the driver in cash only. These buses are often quite busy; there is often little benefit in getting there early as boarding becomes a bit of a free-for-all.
From Acharavi
[edit]It is much the same story from Acharavi to Roda - take the A3 bus to Roda. The bus stop in Acharavi is near the Post Office at the east end of town.
| Weekdays | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| 05:30 | 05:45 | 09:00 |
| 08:30 | 08:30 | 17:00 |
| 11:00 | 11:00 | |
| 13:45 | 13:45 | |
| 16:30 | 16:30 | |
| 20:30 | 20:30 |
Get around
[edit]On foot
[edit]Roda is a small beachfront resort, and you can easily walk from one end of the front to the other in around 15-20 minutes. One small challenge in Roda is that there are rarely, if any, road names to use as a reference point in conversation. Hand gestures and landmarks are the norm here.
By bus
[edit]There is one bus stop in town, the Green Buses stop near the beachfront and the Afrodite Hotel. This will get you elsewhere on the island, but there are no other significant stops in Roda itself.
By rental vehicle
[edit]
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Note: Please be respectful and display proper due care and attention if hiring scooters/E-bikes in the Roda area, and only hire if you are comfortable riding them and are prepared to respect pedestrians and other road users.
Locals and tourists alike have frequently commented on how unsafely they are ridden, often at high speed, both by locals and visitors. In particular, you should exercise caution on the beachfront road, as there are several restaurants and bars with seating areas on the other side of the road from the main premises. |
There are a few places where you can choose from an all manner of vehicles (2 or 4 wheels) to hire, such as mopeds, scooters, quad bikes, cars etc.
- 1 Top Gear Roda, Found at the "Crossroads" - a T-Junction near the medical centre. From the beachfront, take the road on the junction opposite La Laz bar. Continue down the road until you get to the T-junction - you will pass several restaurants along the way and pop out on the 'main road' out of town., ☏ +30 26630 63191, +30 693 297 6625. Daily 09:00-22:00. Offers numerous Boom Trikes, Scooters, Quads, Motorbikes, and Buggies.
- 2 Sunriders, Past the "Crossroad/T-Junction" mentioned in the Top Gear listing - carry on away from town and Sunriders will be on the far side of the road., ☏ +302663063626, +302663063520, [email protected]. Daily 09:00-21:00. Wide variety of Mopeds, Scooters, Quads, Motorbikes, and Mountain Bikes. Also offers a Quad Safari Mopeds €25-30 per day, Scooters €40-50, Quads €35-60 per day - 600cc Quads are POA. Motorbikes are €30-50 per day, and Mountain Bikes are €10 per day, or €12 with a baby seat..
See
[edit]Roda is considered a quiet little fishing village with only a handful of sights in the resort itself - you may need to venture further out.
- 1 Roda Beach (On the waterfront of Roda). The beach at Roda is long and sandy and extremely popular. It offers nice views out to sea and towards the Albanian coast. If you are interested, you can also see a wide range of ships passing through the strait. Sunloungers are usually owned by each establishment and are generally out first thing in the morning. There may be a charge or purchase requirement for using a lounger. There are a couple of touts/sellers who wander the streets with toys/gifts to sell, which can be amusing for the kids. Often, you are better off using one of the shops along the beachfront.
- 2 Church of St George (Άγιος Γεώργιος) (on the waterfront, turn right at a T-Junction in town next to La Luz/Dolphin Taverna; walk down the road and you should find the church on the right side). A small but charming local church right in Roda, with typical Greek Orthodox architecture and some nice icons inside.
- 3 "The Tree" (walk along the beach to its western end next to the Afrodite Hotel, then join the beach by the taxi rank and walk west along the coast; or, from the taxi rank, follow the road over the small bridge heading out of town, then take the first track you find off to the right and follow to the end of it). This iconic tree stands along the shoreline path to the Mitsis Roda Beach Hotel. It's a popular spot for visitors, offering a picturesque backdrop for photos and a serene place to relax by the sea. The tree has become a local landmark.
- Olive Groves (the most easily accessible are out west, part the end of the western limit of the beachfront paths and road - head over the western bridge near the Afrodite Hotel). Not a specific attraction, but walking or cycling through the olive groves around Roda is a must. They’ve been here for centuries and give a real sense of traditional Corfu.
Do
[edit]Despite its very laid-back nature, Roda is host to several more active pursuits than you might expect.
For general activity options, 1 NSK Travel, Corfu Compass, ☏ +302663064631. Daily 09:30-14:00, 18:00-22:00. is a good option. They can arrange different types of activities depending on season, including tours of other towns. They also offer taxi transfer services if required. They have an office in town, next to La Luz Bar on the main waterfront strip.
Horse riding
[edit]There are numerous opportunities for guided horseback excursions through the Corfiot countryside. Riders can explore scenic trails that pass through olive groves, hills, and coastal areas, providing a unique way to experience the natural beauty of northern Corfu.
- 2 Katreena Horse Riding (over the bridge at the western end of the beachfront, past the Afrodite and Taxi Rank), ☏ +30694482946, [email protected]. Daily 08:00-13:00, 15:00-22:00. The centre caters to a range of experience levels, from beginners to advanced riders, with well-trained horses and supervised treks. Various ride durations are available, including short introductory rides and longer excursions for those looking to explore further. Safety equipment is provided, and bookings are recommended in advance, especially during peak season. 1-hr ride through olive groves €20pp. 1 hr 30 min ride along the beach -€30pp. Sunset rides on the beach €40pp. Other offers available include private rides and half or full-day experiences.
- Angel's Horses (Best to call in advance to make a booking as locations change), ☏ +30 699 502 2671, [email protected]. Daily tours 09:00, 11:00, 17:00, 19:00. €30pp for a one-hour ride, or €35pp if a transfer is required..
Boat trips
[edit]Boat trips are an excellent way of getting out and exploring the coast.
- Check out the Cruising on small craft page for general guidance on boating in general.
- Always follow the rules given to you by the company lending the boat, especially if you are not taking a member of the boating company with you.
- Do not venture too far out to sea, as you will eventually be caught in the shipping lanes. You will in all likelihood receive attention from the coastguard before this point - even travelling 5 miles out towards Albania from Roda would be very dangerous.
- Aside from ferries, shipping containers, and oil tankers - be aware of Catamarans! They are much faster than the vast majority of boats available in and around Roda, and their routes are occasionally unpredictable due to the wind.
3 Skyway Boats (Usually available from the beachfront outside the Afrodite Hotel.), ☏ +30 698 568 7929, [email protected]. Always open; speak to team to find options. Run by Panos, they offer boat trips across the northern cost of Corfu. POA.
Buy
[edit]Roda has a few shops that predominantly cater to tourist needs. However, if you are staying in self-catered apartments, some of these will be useful for everyday items.
There products marketed as "CBD" or hemp-related in Roda. These are considered locally to be of dubious quality and although legal (as they do not contain THC), it is probably not worth your time having that debate with a member of law enforcement. In any case, smoking cannabis (legal or not) in public is illegal and you risk being arrested.
Supermarkets
[edit]- 1 Carrefour Express Roda (Carrefour) (from the beachfront, go to the far west end with the bridge heading out of town; head south past the bus stop; the supermarket is on your right), ☏ +302663064172. Daily 08:30-00:30. On Roda's 'Main Street,' you can find fresh vegetables, fruit, beers, wines, and spirits (including Corfu Kumquat, Limoncello, and Ouzo), soft drinks and juices, dairy products, freezer products, domestic products, olive oil, and other items. Also available are personal hygiene items, beach equipment, tobacco, and cigarettes.
- 2 The Village Market (near the church of St. George; from the beachfront, turn down the side street as if heading towards the church and keep going; it will be on your left), ☏ +302663064373, [email protected]. Daily 08:00-22:30. It is more of an off-licence than a supermarket, but it stocks some fresh fruit and vegetables every day and has a range of local products such as organic honey and handmade olive-wood items.
- 3 Mini Market (on the main road (2217) that travels in and out of town; use the main street that goes north/south from the beach until you get to the main road with numerous crossings and traffic lights, turn left going east). Daily 07:00-01:00. Range of everyday items, including fresh bread, groceries, and cigarettes. Also a good range of international press.
- 4 Mediterranean Corner Market (follow the beachfront east, and keep going east past Ammos Grill, then take the second right (after Danny's Pool Bar) and it should be at the end of the road), ☏ +302663064423. Tu-Sa 09:00-17:00. Useful if you are staying in properties further out east.
Souvenir shops
[edit]Most supermarkets will sell an array of local souvenirs, such as postcards, local spirits and items made from olive-wood. However, there are a couple of dedicated souvenir shops along the waterfront that specifically cater to your memento needs!
- 5 Sokaki Souvenir Shop (on the main waterfront street, just past the turn-off to the church; go past Dolphin bar and the Hand Made Souvenirs shop, opposite La Luz Bar), ☏ +302663094519. usually every day. Wide range of souvenirs celebrating Corfu and Greece more generally. Good range of items for the beach also, and has a duty-free counter.
- 6 Hand Made Souvenirs (on the waterfront road, just past the turning to St George's Church, first on the right just after Dolphin Bar), ☏ +302663094519. Large range of traditional crafts such as jewellery, olive-wood items, and other locally-produced items.
Eat and drink
[edit]One thing is for sure: you aren't going to be hungry or thirsty when staying in Roda. There is much to sample and enjoy throughout the town that caters to a variety of tastes.
As a general rule of thumb: where you can drink, you can eat. The vast majority of bars in town have food menus, and you'll be hard pressed to find a place that is literally a bar only, with a couple of exceptions. The inverse is occasionally untrue: there are some restaurants where they do not offer a table just for a drink.
Most restaurants in Roda cater to a variety of international tastes, so some may have a section dedicated to authentic Greek cuisine, and then other items like pasta, pizza and burgers.
Most restaurants prefer cash, but it is almost always fine if you need to pay by card.
Greek and Corfiot cuisine
[edit]If you are not getting a hearty plate of Greek cuisine every day, then you are likely missing out! The same can be said of Corfiot cuisine - there are numerous specialties to savour, so you would regret not trying some of the local favourites.
- 1 Roda Park (from the beachfront, walk down the side street that runs perpendicular to the main strip; go past the church and keep walking toward Main Street; the restaurant is covered in vine leaves), ☏ +306978808242. Daily 12:30-00:00; appears to be seasonal opening, so assume this applies to May-Sep. Lots of traditional Greek food: specialities include local fresh fish and lots of meat dishes. The Kleftiko in particular is a favourite among diners. Wednesdays are Greek night and dinner is usually accompanied with traditional music and dancing. For these (and most other) nights, booking is essential: there is usually someone available on-site throughout the afternoon if you want to book for the evening.
- 2 Nikos Family Restaurant (Nikos's) (past St. George's Church on the road coming off from the beachfront strip), ☏ +30 2663063434, [email protected]. Daily 12:00-00:00. A family-run business that offers a wide variety of local fish, meats, and other Greek/Corfiot cuisines. Additionally, they have other international cuisine. Their Greek Night is on a Thursday; booking is highly recommended..
- 3 Alexandros Greek Taverna (Along the beachfront going out eastward), ☏ +30 26630 63771, +30 698 472 3747. Daily 08:00-02:00. Greek taverna with roof garden. It is apparently is open for breakfast if you are there early enough. Lots of local specialties and a variety of set menu options, including sharing options. Greek night is Saturday evening here. They also are related to Alexandros on the Beach, which is further out west.
- 4 Alexandros Taverna on the Beach (formerly "Golden Sands") (further out west, follow the beach and coastline past "The Tree" and keep going until you reach the restaurant, but beware that the path can get cut off by high tide), ☏ +30 26630 64825, +30 693 7928 736. Daily 08:00-02:00. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, and evening dinner, it serves traditional Greek and international cuisine, fresh fish, snacks, and ice cream. You can eat, listening to the waves lapping onto the beach, under the shade of the vines. Sit either on the shaded patio, inside the taverna, or on our rooftop restaurant which has fantastic views across Saint Georges Bay. Greek dancing on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- 5 Ammos Grill Room (along the waterfront out east, keep going as if you were walking out of time, and you will find it on your right). Daily 12:00-00:00. Meat and fish galore—Ammos has a very large grill that regularly serves large plates of food every day. Grilled meats include chicken, beef, and lamb, and fresh fish is always on the menu. Highly recommend booking - especially for the evening. Given their apparent lack of contact options (and long walk if you aren't successful!), it may be best to walk during in earlier to arrange a table in person for that evening or the next day.
Sleep
[edit]Connect
[edit]Cope
[edit]Go next
[edit]There are two numbered roads around Roda which serve as primary routes for the town.
- 2217 - This takes traffic from the North and takes it along the eastern coast. It starts at Sidari, before taking in Roda, then Kassiopi, before finishing at Tzavrou in the Limni area. From there, you pick up the larger route 24 to take you to Corfu Town.
- 2220 - This heads south from Roda towards the hills in the centre of the island, and passes the Kyprianades Waterfall. From there, the road extends as far as Ano Korakiana.