South Corfu's Beaches and Resorts

At the end of almost every road and track in the south of the island is a beach! The west coast has spectacular open views with wide sandy beaches, and the east coast is calmer mostly with a shallow sea - some with sandy beaches and some shingle.

Paramonas
Heading south, Paramonas is the first of a series of less touristy sandy beaches which pass Lake Korission and end at the sand dunes along the seven kilometres of Issos Beach. It offers some limited tourist accommodation on the steep hillside overlooking the beach but is still unspoilt. Just one building is at the beach itself - a hotel and restaurant. Sun beds and umbrellas can be rented. The sea is fairly shallow close to the shore but quickly deepens. This, and the wind that often blows in the afternoon, means that care should be taken if swimming. Like all the west coast beaches, it has spectacular sunsets.

Prasoudi
The name Prasoudi comes from the plant prasoulida (chive) which grows on the cliffs above the shore. Prasoudi is a small, sandy beach with some pebbles and scattered rocks in the sea. There are a few sun beds and parasols for rent and a fish taverna. The beach can get windy, which makes swimming difficult for the less experienced. The beach is approached through what can only be described as an olive forest, with large, ancient trees dating back 400 years.

Kanouli
Kanouli is actually a continuation of Halikounas beach. It is a small, sandy, isolated beach, about one kilometre long. Access to the beach is quite difficult, along dirt roads amongst a dense olive grove. On reaching a parking area there are steps down to the beach. The unspoilt natural beauty of this secluded spot makes it perfect for relaxation. (Be sure to take a picnic with you!)

Halikounas and Korission Lagoon
Halikounas beach is approximately three kilometres long and runs alongside Lake Korission, separating the lake from the sea. At its narrowest point it can be crossed by a small, wooden bridge. On the beach itself, strong winds make it a popular spot for wind surfing and kite surfing. Because of its size, it is never crowded, even high summer. There are two beach bars, in front of which you will find parasols and deck chairs. The beach is easily accessible by car with plenty of parking and there are wheelchair ramps at certain points. Bordered by forested dunes and edged by marsh plants and grasses, it is the island's most significant wetland biotope and is a protected area. The paved road ends near the sea but you can continue northwards or to the south by way of unmade tracks. All this region, from the lake to the furthest extent of the forest, is a notable wildlife habitat. 126 species have been recorded including the endangered Great White Egret. At certain times of the year the lake is home to flocks of flamingos.
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Issos (Blue Flag Beach 2023)
Issos Beach has sand dunes dividing the shore from the wetlands and forest surrounding Korission Lake. It stretches for two kilometres, with golden sand and shallow, clean water and is a quiet spot for everyone who likes a thoroughly relaxing day at the beach. The beach has all the normal facilities: sunbeds and parasols for rent, a kiosk for soft drinks and coffees, some pedalos for rent, beach-volley and beach-handball courts, a kite surfing establishment and occasionally, water sports. It's popular for camping, though strictly speaking this is not really allowed.
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Agios Georgios (St George)
This long sandy beach (about 8 kilometres) lies to the south of Lake Korission and the sand dunes where scenes from the James Bond film 'For Your Eyes Only' were filmed. The beach is divided into two sections by a small port in the middle. Both beaches have fine sand and shallow water making it ideal for children. As well as sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and changing cabins, paragliding, snorkelling, wind-surfing, jet skiing and scuba diving are among the water sports on offer here. Boat trips are also available from the beach. The resort itself has a wide range or shops bars, restaurants, tavernas and nightlife but still retains the feel of a village.
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Lakies
On the south-west coast, within walking distance of St. Georges, a fabulous sandy beach with easy access to several tavernas. Slightly steep access.

Marathias
Marathias is another sandy beach with quite shallow water. The beach stretches for up to a mile and connects with neighbouring beaches via the sand dunes at the far end. It is easily accessible and located very close to the road. Sunbeds and parasols can be rented in the of the beach and there are some restaurants and tavernas.
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Santa Barbara
At the southern end of Marathias beach, this  is a wide stretch of sand, bordered by tavernas, apartments and small hotels - all just a few metres from the beach.
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Gardenos
Gardenos Beach takes its name from the River Gardeno, which flows into the sea there. This long sandy beach is uncrowded and regarded as one of the most beautiful on the island. While it is relatively undeveloped there are a couple of tavernas.
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Arkoudilas
A beautiful beach in wide bay accessed from Kavos via a rough, dusty track through the trees. If you choose to leave your car at the road, the beach is about 20 on foot. There is a small beach shack selling cold drinks and renting a limited amount of sun loungers. That's the only commercial activity, so take food and water. The beach is backed by very high cliffs, the water is shallow for several metres from the shore, but then gets deep very quickly.
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Kavos
Kavos has been Corfu's prime party resort since the 1980s. The centre is filled with British-style pubs and discos, and while it remains sleepy through the day the riotous nightlife runs until sunrise. The beach itself is a two-kilometre stretch of sand. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, and lots of water sports. The beach is generally quieter in the morning as clubbers are rarely out of bed before lunchtime, though some sleep off their hangovers on the sand! Kavos's main beach is fine for kids as the water is safe and shallow, however some people might consider the resort too noisy and chaotic for children.
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Molos
Molos is a locals' beach, in use mainly by residents of the nearby town of Lefkimmi, and except at weekends and during high summer holidays it tends to be very quiet. It is reached by a quiet road which runs alongside the Lefkimmi river and past a small, colourful harbour. Stretching along the coast from the river outlet, the beach is very wide and sandy and backed by bamboo and reeds. The only facility is a single beach bar serving drinks and snacks; the nearest tavernas are at Lefkimmi's river bridge. The water is extremely shallow for a long way out, making it safe for children.

Bouka
On the calm south-east coast, Bouka is a stretch of sand approximately 1km long, with a taverna/snack bar at one end, sunbeds available for rental, and a large car park. The rest of the beach is almost deserted, even in high season, with only one apartment development and a few villas bordering the beach. The sea is shallow and perfect for families.  

Notos
On the south east coast, a few kilometres from the resorts of Moraitika and Messongi, this shingle/rocky beach consists of three sheltered small bays, overlooked by two tavernas. Great for snorkelling! 

Boukari
Approached from either the tourist resort of Messonghi or the fishing port of Petriti, Boukari is situated on one of the prettiest roads in Corfu, which runs along the island's eastern shoreline for much of the way, with the mountains of mainland Greece on the other side of the water. It is a quiet spot with a tiny pebble beach and a couple of wooden jetties where fishing boats unload their catch. There are several excellent fish tavernas, with tables just a metre from the water's edge - you will be invited into the kitchen to choose from a selection of fresh fish, lobster, octopus and other delicacies, which will then be grilled over wood.

Moraitika (Blue Flag Beach 2023)
Moraitika falls into two sections. The main part of the resort is spread out between the main road and the sea, with its long beach of shingle and sand which offers many types of water sports. Slightly inland, is the old village of Moraitika, picturesquely set on a low hill. Between them, the main road is bordered with a profusion of shops, tavernas, bars and restaurants.
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Messonghi
Messonghi started life as a fishing village at the outlet of one of the island's major rivers. It is now a busy resort which extends between the original settlement and the main road, well inland. The beach is narrow but long, running in a sweep to a headland to the south, and is formed of coarse sand and shingly pebbles. Water sports abound, and children will find some safe shallow spots for swimming. Inland, a ridge of hills forms the eastern boundary of the Messonghi River valley with its endless olive groves and sun-scorched heathland.

Agios Ioannis Peristeron (Blue Flag Beach 2023)
Located almost midway between Benitses and Moraitika, this lovely beach, surrounded by lush green vegetation, is almost 2.5 kilometres long and has a combination of sand and small pebbles. It also has some small coves for those looking for privacy and solitude. The water, which is the most amazing shade of aquamarine, is crystal clear but quite deep in parts. Although suitable for families it is not a beach for small children. There are several traditional tavernas which are right on the beach - specialising in seafood and traditional Greek and Corfiot cuisine.

Benitses (Blue Flag Beach 2023)
Facing the Greek mainland, Benitses is backed by steep hills covered in forest. Once a simple fishing village, it is now home to a state-of-the-art marina which is a port of call for both working fishing boats and expensive yachts. Around the harbour area, and in the old village, many of the original buildings remain, some of them converted into tavernas and tourist accommodation. The harbour square which fronts the marina is partly a tree-shaded park and partly a pedestrianised street bordered with classy coffee shops, where visitors and local residents sit in the shade and watch the world go by. The beaches are shingly, but swimming platforms and jetties offer more choice, and plenty of water sports are on offer.
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