Bella Mare Hotel Corfu: Honest Review & Guide

If you are searching for a quiet, beachfront stay in northern Corfu with direct access to the pebbly shores of Avlaki Beach, the Bella Mare Hotel in Kassiopi is a consistent contender. This 4-star, family-run property sits on a hillside overlooking a horseshoe-shaped cove and has been independently rated as #2 of five small hotels in Kassiopi on TripAdvisor. This review synthesises official site data, editorial write-ups from The Telegraph and i-escape, and aggregated guest feedback to help you decide whether it suits your holiday style.

Last checked: 2026-06-14

Hotel name: Bella Mare Hotel ·
Location: Kassiopi, Corfu, Greece ·
Beach: Avlaki Beach (pebbly, crystal clear water) ·
Star rating: 4-star ·
Number of rooms: 31 ·
Style: 3 Corfiot-style buildings amid landscaped gardens

Where is the Bella Mare Hotel in Corfu?

The hotel sits on the northeastern coast of Corfu, directly on Avlaki Beach – a 1.5 km U-shaped pebbly cove with clear, shallow water. It is about 1.5 km from the village of Kassiopi, home to several tavernas, bars and a small marina. The property is set on a hillside, with low-rise buildings tucked into landscaped gardens of roughly 30,000 m² according to the official site (Bella Mare Hotel).

Getting there from Corfu International Airport takes around 40 minutes by car. The nearest main road is a winding coastal drive that the Telegraph describes as “a long and winding drive … but worth it for views over the pretty and secluded horseshoe-shaped cove beneath” (The Telegraph).

The bottom line: Bella Mare’s location trades immediate access to lively nightlife for a tranquil beachfront setting that families and couples repeatedly rate highly.

What is Bella Mare known for?

Bella Mare’s reputation rests on three pillars: its family-run hospitality, the beachfront position on Avlaki, and the extensive gardens. i‑escape calls it “a beautiful small family friendly hotel right on the beach” and notes that “most rooms have contemporary interiors with pastel walls, natural materials and a private terrace or balcony” (i-escape). The hotel offers a mix of standard rooms, family suites with kitchenettes, and Exclusive rooms higher up the hill with a dedicated pool and bar area.

“Bella Mare is a hidden gem that is the perfect solution for families wanting to satisfy a range of ages.”

— The Hotel Guru

Guest reviews on TripAdvisor (as of early 2026) frequently mention the spotless cleanliness, the large main pool, and the relaxed atmosphere. One consistent theme is that the hotel is best suited to travellers seeking a quiet, beach-based holiday rather than a party environment (The Hotel Guru).

The implication: If your priority is a small, personal hotel with direct beach access and a relaxed vibe, Bella Mare delivers. If you crave multiple restaurants and evening entertainment, the larger resorts in Dassia or Gouvia may be a better fit.

Which is the nicest resort in Corfu?

“Nicest” depends on what you value. Bella Mare is a 4-star boutique option, but Corfu also offers luxury all-inclusive resorts (e.g., in Dassia, Gouvia, or the west coast) and traditional mountain villages. Bella Mare’s advantage is its small scale and direct beach position. For comparison, TripAdvisor’s current ranking places it as #2 of 5 small hotels in Kassiopi, outperforming most local competition on cleanliness and service (TripAdvisor).

That said, larger resorts often have multiple pools, kids’ clubs, and evening shows. Bella Mare’s kids’ club operates only during school summer holidays via its partner tour operator, Simpson Travel (Simpson Travel). For families wanting fully inclusive packages, the hotel offers half-board or bed-and-breakfast options, but it is not a dedicated all-inclusive resort. For those seeking a different kind of luxury, the Aletris Deluxe Hotel & Spa offers a premium all-inclusive experience.

The pattern: Reviewers consistently rank Bella Mare among the top small hotels in the region, but it does not aim to compete with mega-resorts. It fills a specific niche: stylish, family-friendly, beachfront, small.

Where not to stay in Corfu?

Corfu’s tourism industry has pockets of overdevelopment and seasonal neglect. Some older resort areas, particularly around the central and eastern coast, can feel run-down during the shoulder seasons. The village of Kassiopi itself generally receives positive reviews for its picturesque harbour and dining, but a few visitors note that the surrounding infrastructure – roads, pavements – can be patchy in places.

One editorial review of Bella Mare notes that “the long and winding drive” to Avlaki Beach involves narrow country lanes, which may not suit all drivers (The Telegraph). Accessibility is another consideration: the hotel is built on a slope with rooms scattered up a hillside, and while some ground-level units exist, the terrain may challenge guests with significant mobility issues (i-escape).

What to watch: If you need step-free access or prefer a resort with a flat layout, Bella Mare’s hillside design is a factor to investigate directly before booking.

What is the nicest part of Corfu to stay in?

The northeastern coast, where Kassiopi and Avlaki Beach are located, is widely recommended for its combination of clear waters, scenic coves, and traditional villages. The Hotel Guru describes Bella Mare’s setting as “tranquil and relatively undeveloped” with “Avlaki Beach offering clear water and a couple of tavernas within a short walk” (The Hotel Guru). Kassiopi village, about 25 minutes on foot, provides enough restaurants and a small nightlife scene without the high-rise density of the west coast.

“With friendly staff, extensive landscaped gardens and a huge pool, Bella Mare Hotel is an ideal location for a thoroughly relaxed holiday.”

— TripAdvisor property description (aggregated guest reviews)

For those seeking “posh” areas, the northwest coast (e.g., Paleokastritsa) and the exclusive resorts near Dassia are also popular. But Bella Mare’s corner of Corfu offers a quieter, more authentically Greek atmosphere that many families and couples prefer.

The catch: Kassiopi’s seclusion is a double-edged sword – you trade convenience for tranquillity. Having a rental car is almost essential to explore the rest of the island.