Sentido Apollo Palace in Corfu has been quietly evolving from a solid family all inclusive into a more upscale, experience focused resort. With refreshed rooms, an expanded aqua park and a dining program now backed by award winning chefs, it aims to appeal as much to style conscious couples as to parents with small children. Yet for all the upgrades, it still trades heavily on its relaxed, village like setting among olive trees on the edge of Messonghi, one of Corfu’s more laid back seaside villages.
Location and First Impressions
Sentido Apollo Palace sits just behind Messonghi Beach on Corfu’s east coast, roughly 30 to 40 minutes by car from Corfu International Airport depending on traffic. The resort occupies extensive gardens on the quieter edge of the village, with a small lane between the hotel and the gently shelving mix of sand and shingle shoreline. Messonghi itself is a low key base, with tavernas, a few bars and mini markets, and a river mouth lined with small boats rather than big resorts or nightclubs.
First impressions tend to be of space and greenery rather than concrete. Whitewashed, two storey accommodation blocks are scattered through lawns and mature olive trees, giving a sense of a small Greek village rather than a single monolithic hotel building. The main arrival area, lobby and new main pool cluster together, while paths lead off toward the aqua park, family zones and an adults only section at the far end. The layout can be a little confusing on day one, but it helps different areas feel semi private once you get your bearings.
For guests who like to explore beyond the resort, the location is practical. A bus stop by the hotel connects directly to Corfu Town in under an hour, and the livelier resort of Moraitika is about a kilometer away on foot or a short taxi ride. Achilleion Palace, one of the island’s showcase historic sights, lies roughly 12 kilometers to the north, and car hire desks and local excursion providers serve the area. Overall, this is not an isolated complex in the middle of nowhere, but neither is it in the heart of the island’s nightlife.
Rooms, Suites and Overall Comfort
The accommodation at Sentido Apollo Palace is spread across a broad range of categories. At the top end are premium style Deluxe rooms and suites, some with private pools, while Superior and Comfort rooms form the core inventory. In total the property offers around 330 rooms with a theoretical capacity of roughly 850 beds, so it is a sizeable resort but not on the scale of the biggest Mediterranean mega complexes.
Design wise, the more recently refurbished units lean into contemporary neutral tones, light woods and simple lines, with splashes of color in textiles. Many rooms have terraces or balconies that open directly onto the gardens, and higher category suites generally gain more space, larger seating areas and, in some cases, direct access to small private pools. Families can book dedicated family rooms, interconnecting options or family suites with separate sleeping areas, which is a clear advantage if you are staying with older children or planning a longer holiday.
Air conditioning and Wi Fi are standard and, according to recent guest feedback, generally reliable across the resort. Housekeeping is described as consistent and friendly, although experiences vary, as they do in most large seasonal hotels. Some older Comfort category rooms show their age more clearly in things like bathrooms and general wear, and prospective guests who value a more polished, boutique finish may prefer to upgrade to Superior or Deluxe levels if budget allows.
No hotel of this size in a busy sun destination is entirely free from noise, and the Apollo Palace is no exception. Rooms near the entertainment stage, main pool or snack bar naturally pick up more evening sound, while those in the adults only wing at the opposite end of the gardens are quieter. Guests who are sensitive to noise or traveling with very young children would do well to request a room in a more peaceful block away from the central hub.
Pools, Beach and On Site Facilities
A major selling point of Sentido Apollo Palace is its water focused infrastructure. The resort offers three main freshwater pools, including a prominent new main pool near the lobby, a pool by the Blue Bar and a quieter adults only pool. Two additional children’s pools sit beneath a cluster of colorful water slides and splash features, forming a compact on site aqua park that is a focal point for families with younger guests.
Sun loungers and parasols are set around the pools and throughout the gardens, and pool towels are provided via a deposit system. The atmosphere around the main pool is lively, with daytime animation, games and music, while the adults only pool has a more restful tone with no organized activities. The aqua park area can be busy and boisterous in school holiday periods, so travelers seeking tranquility often gravitate to the adults only or more remote garden corners.
The beach situation is worth understanding clearly. There is no private strip of sand that is completely cut off from the public, but the hotel effectively fronts Messonghi’s shallow, mixed sand and pebble shore, just across a small road. Loungers on the beach are available for a fee, while the water itself is typically calm and child friendly thanks to the gradual slope. A modest range of water sports and boat trips is usually available in season via local providers, and a beach bar associated with the hotel adds to the convenience.
Beyond water, facilities include a small but useful fitness center with basic cardio and strength equipment, a wellness spa offering massages and beauty treatments, outdoor playgrounds, a kids’ club space, sports courts and an entertainment stage used for evening shows. The resort also highlights its own organic farm concept, which underpins some of the fresh produce used in the restaurants, helping differentiate it from more generic all inclusives on the island.
All Inclusive, Dining and Drinks
Dining has become a core part of the Apollo Palace story in recent seasons. Guests can book Half Board or All Inclusive packages, with All Inclusive offering buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, snacks through the afternoon, ice cream, and a selection of local and some branded drinks available into the late evening. Half Board guests take breakfast and dinner, then pay as they go for lunch, snacks and most drinks, which can suit travelers who plan to explore the island more extensively during the day.
The main buffet restaurant, with its indoor section and terrace, remains the workhorse venue. Breakfast typically runs as an American style buffet with live cooking stations, late riser options until mid morning and a mix of hot and cold dishes. Lunch and dinner continue in buffet format with Greek and international dishes, show cooking elements and several themed nights each week. The scale allows for reasonable variety, though some past guests have felt that repetition creeps in over a long stay, especially if you prefer simple options.
What marks the hotel out from many mid market all inclusives is the development of its a la carte offerings. There are at least three specialty venues: a Greek focused restaurant, an Italian option and an adults only, fine dining style restaurant showcasing Greek and Corfiot cuisine through a more modern lens. The culinary program is overseen in part by well known Greek and international chefs, adding credibility to the concept. Guests on All Inclusive staying five nights or more are typically entitled to one three course included dinner in each of the a la carte restaurants, subject to reservations and availability.
Bars are dotted across the property, including a lobby bar, pool and snack bars and a beach focused outlet. All Inclusive drinks cover draft beer, house wine by the glass, local spirits, soft drinks and basic cocktails during set hours, with premium spirits, bottles of wine and specialty coffees incurring extra charges. Reports suggest that bar staff are generally friendly and efficient, though queues can develop at peak times before and after evening entertainment. As with most all inclusive resorts, expectations should be calibrated toward competent rather than craft focused cocktails.
Atmosphere, Service and Entertainment
The overall atmosphere at Sentido Apollo Palace strikes a balance between laid back and lively. Days revolve around the pools, aqua park and beach, with a standard spectrum of activities such as aqua aerobics, light sports tournaments and occasional competitions. The animation team runs a kids’ club for four to twelve year olds on most days, as well as children’s mini discos and family friendly games around the main pool and stage area.
In the evenings, the entertainment program steps up with live music nights, DJ sessions, Greek themed evenings with dancers and occasional cabaret style shows. The quality is typical of large holiday hotels: enthusiastic and often enjoyable, though not professional theatre level. For some guests, these evenings become part of the resort’s charm; others choose to sit in quieter corners of the gardens or stroll into Messonghi village for a change of scene at local tavernas.
Service reviews vary, but there is a consistent thread of praise for frontline staff in restaurants, bars, kids’ club and housekeeping, who are frequently described as friendly, hard working and accommodating even during busy periods. Reception is generally efficient at check in and helpful with arranging taxis or answering local questions. Where criticism appears, it is more often directed at management visibility or responsiveness to issues such as cleanliness in high traffic public toilets or slow resolution of maintenance problems, rather than at individual staff members.
The hotel’s scale and popularity with families in peak season means that calm can be in short supply around the central facilities at certain times of day. Couples and solo travelers who value peace and a more grown up tone tend to report far better experiences when they lean into the adults only zones and travel outside school holiday peaks, when the balance of the guest mix shifts and the resort’s more tranquil side has room to breathe.
Pros, Cons and Value for Money
On the positive side, Sentido Apollo Palace offers a strong combination of elements that many travelers look for in a Corfu beach break. The location is handy for both beach and island exploration, the gardens and olive groves create an appealing setting, and the combination of multiple pools, an on site aqua park and an adults only zone caters to varying tastes within the same party. The investment in a la carte restaurants and chef led menus gives the dining scene an edge over more basic all inclusive setups, especially if you value Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
The variety of room types is another advantage. Families can find configurations that genuinely work for their needs, while couples have the option of private pool rooms or suites that feel more like a retreat than a standard package holiday base. All Inclusive and Half Board plans are clearly structured, and inclusions such as late riser breakfasts and multiple themed nights add flexibility. The presence of a bus stop outside the hotel and short walking distance to local tavernas mean you are not captive to the resort if you want a change.
On the downside, being a busy five star rated property does not automatically place Apollo Palace in true luxury territory. Some older rooms and public areas show inevitable signs of seasonal wear and tear, and guests expecting ultra polished finishes in every corner may be disappointed, particularly if they book the entry level categories. Buffet food, while broad in range, may feel repetitive over longer stays if you rarely leave the resort, and not every dish will hit the mark for every palate.
Cleanliness issues occasionally arise in high traffic locations, especially poolside restrooms, when the resort is operating at very high occupancy. Noise is an inherent factor given the entertainment program and concentration of families, and those seeking hushed seclusion will need to strategize around room location and travel dates. Finally, while the official five star rating is accurate in terms of facilities, some travelers may feel that overall service levels and finishing details place the experience closer to an upper mid range four star plus by broader international city hotel standards.
Who Sentido Apollo Palace Is Best For
Families with children are the most obvious winners at Sentido Apollo Palace. The aqua park, children’s pools, kids’ club and evening mini discos combine to give younger guests plenty to anticipate, while the main buffet restaurant and snack bars take the stress out of feeding different appetites. Family rooms and suites make it easier to travel with toddlers through to teenagers, and the shallow, calm waters of nearby Messonghi Beach are well suited to less confident swimmers.
Couples can also do well here, especially outside peak school holidays. The adults only pool, dedicated adults only restaurant options and spa allow for a more serene experience, and higher category rooms, particularly those with private pools or more secluded locations within the gardens, can feel surprisingly intimate for a resort of this size. Active couples who like to mix pool days with island exploration will appreciate the easy access to buses, car hire and boat trips.
Multi generational groups and friends traveling together will find the resort’s range of spaces useful. Grandparents can relax in quieter garden corners or by the adults only pool while parents and children dive into the aqua park, then reunite over dinner in the buffet restaurant or pre booked a la cartes. The village setting means there is enough going on nearby for those who like to wander, without overwhelming guests who prefer a lower key environment.
On the other hand, travelers who are determined to find an ultra boutique, adults only escape with absolute quiet, or those who prefer very small, owner run properties, may find Apollo Palace too large and structured. Similarly, food focused travelers expecting fine dining every night may wish to use the resort as a base while also planning regular meals at top independent restaurants around the island to broaden their culinary experience beyond the hotel’s offering.
The Takeaway
Sentido Apollo Palace in Corfu occupies an interesting space between mainstream all inclusive and more curated resort experience. Its strengths lie in its generous outdoor spaces, child friendly facilities, improving food scene and convenient position on Messonghi Beach with straightforward access to Corfu Town and island highlights. For families and mixed age groups in particular, it delivers the kind of easy, sun soaked holiday that the Ionian islands are known for, with enough variety on site to keep most guests happily occupied for a week or more.
The trade offs come in the form of scale, seasonal busyness and some inconsistencies in how well the five star label aligns with expectations around detail and finish. Prospective guests who approach it as a well equipped, upper mid range holiday village with some notable food and design upgrades, rather than as a pure luxury resort, are the most likely to leave satisfied. Choosing the right room category, requesting a quieter location if needed and planning a mix of resort time and island exploration can help unlock the hotel’s best side.
For travelers weighing up options on Corfu’s east coast, Sentido Apollo Palace is worth considering if you value a green, village like setting, strong family credentials and an all inclusive program that is trying to push beyond the basics. It is less ideal if you crave small scale seclusion or highly personalized, ultra premium service. With realistic expectations and a bit of planning, however, this is a resort capable of anchoring a memorable Corfu holiday for a wide range of visitors.
FAQ
Q1. Is Sentido Apollo Palace directly on the beach?
The hotel sits just behind Messonghi Beach, with only a small local road between the resort’s gardens and the shoreline. Guests can reach the mixed sand and shingle beach in a few minutes on foot, and sun loungers are available on the beach for an additional fee.
Q2. How long does it take to get from Corfu Airport to the hotel?
Travel time from Corfu International Airport to Sentido Apollo Palace is usually around 30 to 40 minutes by taxi or private transfer, depending on traffic. Package holidays that include coach transfers can take a little longer if there are multiple stops at other hotels en route.
Q3. Is the resort suitable for families with small children?
Yes. The resort is strongly geared toward families, with children’s pools, an on site aqua park with slides, a kids’ club for younger guests, playgrounds, mini discos and generally shallow, calm sea conditions on nearby Messonghi Beach. Family rooms and suites provide extra space, and the buffet restaurant offers child friendly options.
Q4. Are there quiet areas for adults who want to relax?
There is an adults only zone that includes a quieter pool area and some room blocks set away from the main entertainment and aqua park. Couples and solo travelers who prioritize peace should request rooms in or near this area and may prefer to travel outside peak school holiday periods for a more tranquil experience.
Q5. What board options are available and what does All Inclusive cover?
Guests can typically choose between Half Board and All Inclusive. All Inclusive usually includes buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, afternoon snacks, ice cream and a selection of local and some branded alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks during set hours. Half Board covers breakfast and dinner, with other meals and most drinks charged separately.
Q6. Do all guests get access to the a la carte restaurants?
Access depends on your board basis and length of stay. Guests on All Inclusive staying at least five nights are generally entitled to at least one three course dinner in each of the main a la carte restaurants, subject to advance reservations and availability. Additional visits or certain premium menu items may incur extra charges.
Q7. Is there enough to do nearby if I want to explore outside the resort?
Yes. The village of Messonghi offers tavernas, small bars and shops within walking distance, while the livelier resort of Moraitika is about a kilometer away. A bus stop outside the hotel connects to Corfu Town, and popular sights such as Achilleion Palace are within a short drive. Local agencies and the hotel can help arrange boat trips and island excursions.
Q8. How good is the Wi Fi around the property?
Wi Fi is available free of charge throughout the resort, including in most rooms and public areas. While speeds may not match those of a city business hotel, recent guests generally report service good enough for messaging, browsing and streaming on multiple devices, though occasional slowdowns can occur during peak usage times.
Q9. Are there any dress codes guests should be aware of?
The main requirement is for smart casual attire in the restaurants during dinner. Swimwear and very casual beach clothing are not appropriate in the evening dining venues. A la carte restaurants in particular may expect a slightly smarter standard, such as long trousers or tailored shorts for men and resort wear for women.
Q10. When is the best time of year to stay at Sentido Apollo Palace?
The resort normally operates from May to October. May, June and late September into October tend to offer warm weather with slightly fewer crowds, which can suit couples and those seeking a quieter stay. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, ideal for families who enjoy a lively atmosphere and full program of activities.