Perched on a steep green hillside above the Ionian Sea, Sunshine Corfu Hotel & Spa in Nissaki is an all inclusive resort that divides opinion. Its views are among the most dramatic on the island and the private pebble cove is a major draw, yet dated interiors, maintenance issues and a heavily French leaning entertainment program mean it will not suit every traveler.
Location & First Impressions
Sunshine Corfu Hotel & Spa is located on Corfu’s northeast coast, about a 30 minute drive from Corfu Town and the island’s airport, near the village of Nissaki. Built amphitheatrically into a wooded hillside of pines and olive trees, it looks down over a bright blue bay and the Albanian coastline in the distance. The setting is undeniably beautiful and is often cited as the hotel’s standout feature.
The property feels like a compact village rather than a simple hotel block. The main building crowns the hill, with two story bungalow clusters stepping down toward the water. As you enter, the lobby and terrace open directly to expansive sea views. First impressions tend to be strong, especially for guests arriving in daylight, though a closer look quickly reveals an aging property where many public spaces and façades would benefit from refurbishment.
The immediate area around the hotel is quiet, with a narrow coastal road and limited shops and tavernas within easy walking distance. Guests who want to explore more widely usually rely on car rentals, local buses to Corfu Town, or organized excursions. For many, though, the draw of Sunshine Corfu is precisely that it feels like a self contained seaside perch where you can simply stay put and enjoy the view.
Rooms, Suites & Bungalows
Sunshine Corfu offers a large inventory of 300 plus rooms spread between the main building and hillside bungalows. Categories include standard double and twin rooms, family rooms, junior suites, full suites and a mix of bungalow units and maisonettes. Most accommodations have at least partial sea views, and many enjoy sweeping vistas over the Ionian, one of the resort’s key selling points.
Room décor is generally traditional and functional rather than stylish. Expect tiled floors, simple wooden furniture and marine themed prints. Some suites have seen light updates such as more modern textiles and flat screen televisions, but a substantial proportion of units still feel dated, with older fittings, worn upholstery and bathrooms that can look tired. Guests frequently mention that the interiors do not live up to the setting outside, and that a full scale renovation is overdue.
Standard amenities typically include centrally controlled air conditioning in high season, a small refrigerator, satellite television, a safe, a hairdryer and an en suite bathroom with shower over tub and basic toiletries. Balconies or terraces are furnished with simple outdoor chairs and a small table. Families can opt for one space family rooms in the main building or maisonettes with sleeping areas on two levels; these provide more flexibility but share the same overall aesthetic and age profile.
Recent guest feedback points to inconsistent maintenance and housekeeping standards. Some visitors describe clean, serviceable rooms that match their expectations for a budget friendly all inclusive, while others report musty smells, cosmetic damage, loose fixtures and cleanliness lapses in bathrooms and on floors. The experience can vary significantly by building and individual room, so expectations matter a great deal here.
Facilities, Pools & Beach Access
The hotel’s layout cascades from reception level down to the water, with facilities terraced along the slope. The centerpiece is a pair of outdoor pools. One is more activity orientated and tends to host music, organized games and children’s play; the other is designed as a quieter relaxation pool. Both offer generous sunbathing terraces furnished with loungers and umbrellas, along with far reaching sea views that are among the best on this stretch of coast.
From the lowest levels of the property, steps and paths lead to a small private pebble beach reserved for hotel guests. The cove is highly regarded for its clear, calm water, which is ideal for swimming and snorkeling on still days. Some non motorized water sports and boat excursions are available for an extra fee in season. As with the pools, the number of loungers is generally adequate, but during peak weeks guests mention early morning towel reservations and crowded waterfront spaces.
The hotel’s spa, branded as Aphrodite Spa, includes a treatment area with massage rooms, a whirlpool, sauna and steam facilities. Access to the wet areas and all treatments is charged as an extra, even for all inclusive guests. There is no expansive fitness club, but you will find a small area with basic cardio equipment and free weights, tennis and basketball courts, and a beach volleyball area. These appeal more to casual holiday makers than serious gym users.
One recurring operational issue is vertical circulation. Although the main building is served by elevators, the resort’s hillside layout inevitably involves many steps and sloping paths. Some lifts and mechanical systems are also prone to outages in high season, making access to certain levels or to the beach more challenging. Travelers with mobility difficulties, pushchairs or very young children may find the terrain and reliance on stairs particularly demanding.
All Inclusive Dining & Drinks
As an all inclusive resort, Sunshine Corfu focuses on offering breadth and convenience in its food and beverage program. The main buffet restaurant, situated in a large sea view hall with wraparound windows, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Morning buffets generally feature a mix of hot and cold dishes, from eggs and pastries to cheeses, cold cuts and fruit. Lunch and dinner rotate through themed offerings that nod to Greek, Mediterranean and international flavors.
In addition to the core buffet, the property operates specialty venues such as an Italian restaurant known for oven baked pizzas and pasta dishes, and a Greek style taverna overlooking the pool. All inclusive guests are usually entitled to dine in an à la carte restaurant once per week with advance reservation, which can be a welcome change of pace from the main buffet line. Snack options, including afternoon ice cream and light bites, are available at set hours.
Recent reviews, however, reveal polarized reactions to the food and drinks. Many guests characterize the cuisine as typical mass market all inclusive fare that is repetitive but acceptable for the price point. Others find the variety and quality underwhelming, with a sense that menus can become monotonous over the course of a week. Reports of queues forming at peak dinner times and popular stations running short during busy periods are common, particularly in high summer.
The all inclusive drinks menu focuses on local draft beer, house wine and basic mixed drinks, served predominantly in plastic cups around the pools and on outdoor terraces for safety reasons. While this is standard for many resort environments, some visitors are disappointed by the perceived quality of house wine and spirits. Premium branded labels and bottled wines are generally available at a supplement, but this shifts the value equation for those who had hoped to avoid extra charges.
Atmosphere, Entertainment & Guest Mix
Sunshine Corfu is marketed as a relaxed but lively beach resort with a strong emphasis on families and casual couples. Daytime activities around the main pool include aerobics, games and lighthearted competitions, while evenings bring organized entertainment such as shows, karaoke, live music and a small disco. The tone is informal and focused on holiday fun rather than upscale refinement.
One distinctive aspect of the atmosphere is the hotel’s long standing appeal to French package guests. Entertainment programming, kids’ club activities and announcements often skew heavily toward French language content, though some sessions and shows are delivered in English as well. Travelers who speak only English or another language sometimes feel less fully included in the entertainment schedule, especially families hoping to place children in supervised clubs with peers.
The guest mix is diverse, drawing families from across Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, France, Albania and other nearby countries, along with couples seeking an economical seaside base. Outside school holiday periods, there are more adult couples and friend groups, and the resort feels quieter even when occupancy is high. During July and August, by contrast, the public areas can feel crowded and more boisterous, which suits some visitors but not others.
Because of the steep terrain and multiple levels, different areas of the hotel can project very different moods. The lively main pool and bar might be buzzing with music and games, while the quieter pool terrace and certain bungalow clusters offer a more subdued, contemplative environment. Guests who take time on arrival to explore and choose their preferred corners tend to settle in more happily.
Service, Cleanliness & Safety
Staff interactions at Sunshine Corfu are often cited as a relative bright spot. Guests regularly praise front desk personnel, bar staff and many housekeepers for their friendliness and willingness to assist. The team is accustomed to handling large volumes of all inclusive travelers, and when systems are running smoothly, check in, restaurant seating and bar service can be surprisingly efficient for a resort of this size.
At the same time, staffing levels and training do not always keep pace with peak season demand. Guests report stretched teams at busy moments, resulting in slower bar queues, delayed room cleaning and occasional difficulty getting maintenance issues resolved promptly. These operational strains feed into broader concerns about the hotel’s ability to maintain consistent cleanliness and upkeep as the property ages.
Feedback on cleanliness is mixed. Many visitors describe tidy rooms and regularly serviced common areas, noting that staff work hard under challenging conditions. Others point to grubby floors in buffet areas, worn pool tiling, chipped paint and bathrooms that would benefit from more thorough deep cleaning. As a hillside property with heavy seasonal use, the hotel faces constant pressure from foot traffic and the elements, and it does not always succeed in staying ahead of these challenges.
Safety is a further consideration. While serious incidents are not widely reported, there are occasional complaints about slippery surfaces, missing tiles around the pool and guests losing personal items from rooms. As with any large resort, keeping valuables locked in room safes and exercising care around wet areas and steep stairways is advisable. Prospective visitors who are sensitive to signs of wear may wish to temper expectations around polish and finish.
Pros, Cons & Who Sunshine Corfu Is Best For
The most compelling reason to choose Sunshine Corfu Hotel & Spa remains its setting. The combination of hillside views, a private pebble cove and generous outdoor terraces overlooking the sea is hard to beat in this price bracket on Corfu’s northeast coast. For travelers who plan to spend long days by the water, enjoy straightforward buffet dining and value an all inclusive structure that keeps budgeting simple, the resort can represent good value, especially outside peak school holiday windows.
Additional pros include the variety of room types for families, from main building family rooms to maisonettes and bungalows; the dual pool setup that balances activity and quiet zones; the presence of a basic spa and wellness offering; and a generally warm, multilingual staff. The location also makes a good base for exploring Corfu’s more tranquil northeast shoreline and for taking day trips by car or boat to nearby beaches and villages.
On the downside, the hotel’s age is evident and growing more so each season. Décor is dated in many rooms, and maintenance struggles to keep pace with wear and tear across such a large hillside site. Food and drink, while adequate for some, are a persistent source of disappointment for guests expecting greater variety, fresher options or higher quality beverages from an all inclusive program. The heavy use of plastic cups and the sometimes crowded buffet scene reduce the sense of indulgence.
Sunshine Corfu is best suited to budget conscious families and couples who prioritize scenery and a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere over stylish interiors and gourmet dining. It works well for travelers who understand they are booking a mid range, high volume holiday club product rather than a boutique experience, and who are prepared for steps, occasional queues and the odd maintenance hiccup. Those who are mobility impaired, very sensitive to signs of wear, or seeking a peaceful, upmarket spa retreat will likely be happier elsewhere on the island.
The Takeaway
Sunshine Corfu Hotel & Spa occupies a sweet spot on the map but a more complex position in Corfu’s hotel landscape. Its amphitheater like hillside design, blue water views and direct beach access give it natural advantages that many newer, more polished properties would envy. When the sun is shining and the sea is calm, it can deliver the kind of simple, sun drenched holiday that many all inclusive travelers are looking for.
Yet the experience is far from uniform. Aging rooms, variable housekeeping, heavily trafficked buffet spaces and a drinks offering that leaves some guests cold mean this is not a resort for everyone. It has the feel of a once aspirational property now operating solidly in the value segment, relying on its views and beach to carry it while investment in modernization proceeds slowly or in patches.
If you arrive with realistic expectations, treat the hotel as a scenic base rather than a destination in itself, and prioritize time outdoors over time in your room, Sunshine Corfu can provide an enjoyable and cost effective Corfu escape. If your priorities center on design led interiors, fine dining and seamless service, you will likely want to look toward one of the island’s newer four or five star offerings instead.
FAQ
Q1: Is Sunshine Corfu Hotel & Spa suitable for families with young children?
Yes, Sunshine Corfu is popular with families. It offers family rooms and maisonettes, children’s pools, a kids’ club and nightly entertainment. However, parents should be aware of the steep terrain and many steps, which can be challenging with strollers, and should supervise children closely around the pools and hillside paths.
Q2: How difficult is it to get around the resort for guests with limited mobility?
The resort is built on a steep hillside with numerous staircases and sloping walkways. While there are elevators in the main building, not all areas are easily accessible without climbing steps, and lift outages can occur. Guests with mobility impairments or severe knee or hip issues may find the layout difficult and should consider a flatter property.
Q3: What is included in the all inclusive package?
The all inclusive package generally covers buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main restaurant, one visit per week to an à la carte venue with a reservation, snack options at specific times and a selection of local alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks by the glass. Spa access, premium branded drinks, bottled wines, certain water sports and some activities are typically charged separately.
Q4: How is the food quality and variety?
Food quality is best described as typical for a mid range all inclusive resort. Many guests find it acceptable and filling, with some standout dishes and pleasant sea views from the dining room. Others consider it repetitive and feel variety diminishes over the course of a stay. Those seeking gourmet cuisine or extensive fresh à la carte options may be disappointed.
Q5: What is the beach like at Sunshine Corfu?
The hotel’s beach is a small private pebble cove with clear, calm water and beautiful views. Sun loungers and umbrellas are provided, and there are often opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and water sports at extra cost. Beach shoes are recommended due to the pebbly surface, and space can feel tight in peak season when occupancy is high.
Q6: Is the entertainment suitable for non French speaking guests?
The resort has a long history with French tour operators, and much of the organized entertainment and kids’ club programming is conducted in French. English is also spoken by many staff members, and some activities and shows are more language neutral. That said, non French speakers may feel less catered to in the entertainment program than at more internationally focused resorts.
Q7: How far is the hotel from Corfu Town and the airport?
Sunshine Corfu Hotel & Spa is located near Nissaki on the northeast coast, roughly a 30 minute drive from Corfu Town and the island’s airport under normal traffic conditions. Transfer times can be longer for coach transfers that make multiple stops. Many guests pre arrange transfers through tour operators, book taxis or rent cars to reach the property.
Q8: Are there shops and restaurants within walking distance?
The immediate surroundings are relatively quiet, but there are a few small shops, mini markets and local tavernas within a short walk or brief taxi ride of the hotel. For broader dining and shopping options, or for nightlife, most guests head to nearby resorts or into Corfu Town, which requires a vehicle or public bus.
Q9: What type of travelers will enjoy Sunshine Corfu the most?
Sunshine Corfu tends to work best for budget conscious families and couples who prioritize natural scenery, direct beach access and the predictability of all inclusive pricing over design, luxury and cutting edge facilities. Travelers who are flexible, do not mind some wear and tear and plan to spend most of their time outdoors are more likely to leave satisfied.
Q10: When is the best time of year to stay at Sunshine Corfu?
The main season runs from late spring through early autumn. June and September often strike a good balance between warm weather, active facilities and more manageable crowds. July and August bring peak heat, livelier entertainment and more families, but also fuller occupancy, more queues and higher prices. May and early October can be quieter and better value, though some services may operate on reduced schedules and the sea can feel cooler.