South of Gardenos Beach, a several-kilometre-long sandy coastline extends toward the Arkoudilas area, approximately 42 km from Corfu Town. This is a largely continuous natural shoreline, without clearly defined or officially separated beach sections.
The area is generally quiet and undeveloped, with long stretches of golden sand and a largely unorganized, natural character. In most sections, tourist facilities or infrastructure are totally absent, contributing to a more untouched coastal environment.
The coastline is traditionally known by several local names. Moving from north to south, visitors may encounter the names Megali Lakka, Ai Gordis South, Kanoula, and Megas Choros (“Great Dance”). These names generally refer to sections of the same extensive sandy coast rather than to clearly separated beaches.
Ai Gordis South
Ai Gordis South is entirely different from the well-known Agios Gordios beach on the west coast of Corfu, offering a quiet, uncrowded setting and a largely untouched natural environment. It’s just below the village of Paleochori in the Lefkimmi area.
This means that if you are planning a trip to this part of southern Corfu, it is advisable to bring your own supplies, including plenty of water, food, towels, and possibly a beach umbrella.
Near the Arkoudilas cape, after Megas Choros, the coastline briefly changes character with a small rocky headland, after which the sandy shoreline resumes, maintaining the overall continuity of the coastal system.
Access is either by walking along the beach from Gardenos or via narrow rural tracks from inland villages.
Some local linguistic interpretations exist regarding the name “Megas Choros,” which may be understood either as “great place” (χώρος, referring to a large open space) or “great dance” (χορός), reflecting possible associations with open space usage or local gatherings. While the name Kanoula means “spigot” or “tap”.
These interpretations reflect oral and linguistic variation rather than confirmed historical etymology.
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