Are There Sharks In Corfu? Here’s What You Need to Know 2026
Are you wondering what the shark situation is in Corfu?
I’m here to help 👋
my favourite thing to do in Corfu is hiring a boat and snorkelling and I have NEVER seen a shark!
To be honest they are pretty rare- there’s been 20 attacks in over 180 years. However, many of these were near Corfu 🙃
But don’t worry, you are perfectly safe to visit here and dip into the clear waters around the Island.
I created this guide to help you feel safe and confident using the waters around Corfu.
Here I will not only answer “Are there sharks in Corfu?” but you will find my hands-on experience and research full of everything you need to know 🤓.
👋 WANT TO MAKE SWIMMING IN CORFU EASIER?
You won’t find sharks, but you WILL find beaches all across Corfu with sharp shingles.
Trust me, it’s a pain 😳
On my last trip to Corfu, I was prepared and bought these two items from Amazon that were a game changer 🤩
✔️ Barefoot Water Shoes (Get Prices Here)
✔️ Full Face Snorkel (Get Prices Here)
(Buying them in Greece is usually €20 more expensive)
Do you get sharks around Corfu? Quick Guide
As I mentioned in that quick intro, you’ll probably never encounter a shark in Corfu.
Or anywhere in the Mediterranean Sea!
I have swam off beaches, used ferries and taken boat trips across the Med including the Greek Islands and not once have I seen a shark.
Is it safe to swim in Corfu?
Yup, you cannot get me out of the water once I land in Corfu!
However, you do need to watch out for a few things.
In those rockier locations, the waves pick up a bit of speed on a windy day.
And the Jellyfish- it’s rare but when they come, they come in huge numbers!
If you are ever questioning where to swim, just ask a local or take a look at where they are all swimming.
And as always, follow the usual precautions and signs that may be in place.
What type of sharks does Corfu have?
Most Greek shark attacks have happened in the Corfu area in the last 180 years.
While shark sightings are relatively rare, the following species can potentially be found in the area:
1. Blue Shark
- Often found in deeper offshore waters but occasionally closer to the coast.
2. Shortfin Mako Shark
- Known for their speed and are occasionally found in Mediterranean waters.
3. Thresher Shark
- Recognizable by their long tails and are usually found in deeper waters.
4. Smooth Hammerhead
- Occasionally found in the Mediterranean, including areas around Corfu.
5. Sandbar Shark
- Prefers sandy bottoms and coastal areas.
6. Great White Shark
- Rare but has been recorded in the Mediterranean.
7. Basking Shark
- The second-largest shark species, generally harmless to humans, and occasionally seen near the surface.
Where to swim in Corfu to avoid Sharks
Corfu is blessed with some stunning beaches, like truly stunning!
But for some of them, you will need to rent a car or get an Uber/ taxi.
To make sure your trip to the sea is shark-free in Corfu, these are the beaches I recommend visiting:
Roda Beach 🏆 : This is one of my top beaches to visit. The waters are clear and shallow and there are great facilities around. It is also super safe!
Glyfada Beach: One of the most popular and crowded beaches, making it less likely for sharks to be present.
Paleokastritsa Beach: Known for its stunning scenery and clear waters, it’s also a popular spot, reducing shark presence.
☝️ However, I find it very overcrowded in the summer months and hard work. It’s in a hillside village so it is hard to navigate in the heat. It’s also super busy because of the monastery!
Sidari Beach: Famous for the Canal d’Amour, this beach is busy with tourists, which typically keeps sharks away.
Barbati Beach: A family-friendly beach with plenty of visitors, ensuring a safe swimming experience.
Dassia Beach: Another popular and well-frequented beach where shark sightings are highly unlikely.
Kassiopi Beach: With its busy harbour and numerous visitors, sharks are never seen here.
Tips to AVOID Sharks In Corfu
Take a quick list of easy things to do to avoid any shark encounters.
Even though a Shark Attack is super rare, it’s always good to be prepared:
- Swim in Popular Areas: Sharks tend to avoid areas with high human activity.
- Avoid Swimming at Dawn or Dusk: Sharks are more active during these times.
- Stay Close to the Shore: Staying within sight of the shore reduces the risk of encountering a shark.
- Avoid Wearing Shiny Jewelry: Reflections can attract sharks.
- Avoid Swimming Near Fishing Areas: Bait and catches can attract sharks.
Are there sharks in Corfu? Final thoughts
I hope you feel confident knowing that sharks are a rare sight in Corfu!
Not only in Corfu, it’s not common to see sharks throughout the rest of Greece or the med.
I always feel super safe and confident when jumping into the blue waters there and you will too.
If you are still a bit anxious, stick to shallow waters, swim during the day and avoid fishing areas.
And for the remote beaches, plan your journey. Many ridesharing apps aren’t available and some buses may not go there!
🤿 To make your swimming experience even better, I HIGHLY recommend getting Barefoot Water Shoes and a Full Face Snorkel
