Corfu Travel Blog: An Insider's View of Corfu Greece

13 Apr 2015

Gardenos Large Sandy Beach at Vitalades Corfu

Last updated on June 9th, 2025 at 10:04 am

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Gardenos Beach at Vitalades

The beautiful large sandy beach of Gardenos at Vitalades.

Gardenos Beach is situated at the southwest end part of Corfu and is the beachside of the traditional village of Vitalades.

The beach is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and its long stretch of soft golden sand, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Surrounded by lush green hills, Gardenos Beach offers a picturesque setting for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing. There are plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas available for rent, as well as a variety of water sports such as jet skiing, banana boating, and parasailing. Parasols and sunbeds are rendered for an amount of about 5 euros per day, there are showers and a variety of restaurants and taverns on the shore.

Distance from the town of Corfu is quite large, about 30 km from the airport but it is worth the drive.

Gardenos Beach took its name after the small river which flows into the sea and separates Gardenos into two regions.

The beach is exclusively covered by light golden sand, a bit lighter than the neighboring beaches. Usually, waters are calm and shallow, so it is safe for families with children.

In the region, there are a few rooms to let, mini markets, and a quite spacious parking lot just next to the beach.

Tip: If you’re looking for a quieter spot, head to the northern end of the beach where you’ll find fewer people and a more peaceful atmosphere. There are also a few tavernas and beach bars scattered along the shoreline where you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.

The name Gardenos

The origin of the name “Gardenos” is not entirely clear, but it is believed to come from the Greek word “gardenia,” which means a type of shrub or small tree with fragrant white or yellow flowers.

It is also possible that the Italian influence on the island contributed to the name of the beach, as the word Gardenos comes from the Italian phrase “Giardino,” which means “garden” in English.

Regardless of its origin, Gardenos Beach is a beautiful and huge sandy paradise, offering stunning natural beauty and a relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the Mediterranean climate.

Must note also that Gardenos is the small river that separates the beach into two parts, so both the beach and river share the name.

Walking on the shore towards the south, the equally beautiful beach Megali Lakka (or else Kanoula beach) can be reached.

How to get to Gardenos Beach

The beach is approximately 32 kilometers from the airport and 35 kilometers from the port, so a car is the best way.

You can rent a car from Corfu town or any tourist place on the road to south Corfu. Alternatively, you can also take a bus from Corfu town to the village of Vitalades, which is a short walk from the beach.

If you’re driving, take the main road from Corfu town to Lefkimmi, and then follow the signs to Vitalades.

Once you arrive in the village, you’ll find signs directing you to Gardenos Beach, which is located just a few kilometers south of Vitalades.

Overall, getting to Gardenos Beach is relatively easy, and the journey offers plenty of opportunities to see the beautiful countryside of Corfu.

Vitalades Village in South Corfu

Since you must drive through Vitalades to reach the beach let’s see some facts about this traditional village of Corfu.

Vitalades is a small village situated approximately 30 kilometers south of Corfu town and is home to around 500 residents.

The village is known for its charming narrow streets, traditional stone houses, and picturesque setting, surrounded by green hills and olive groves.

Visitors can take a stroll through the village, enjoying the local architecture and the peaceful atmosphere.

One of the main attractions of Vitalades is Gardenos Beach.

Vitalades is also known for its olive oil production, and visitors can sample locally produced olive oil and other traditional Corfiot products at the village’s shops and markets.

Overall, Vitalades is a charming and authentic Corfiot village that is well worth a visit for anyone interested in experiencing the island’s rich culture and natural beauty.

Photos from Gardenos

Gardenos Beach view from north to South

Gardenos Beach west Corfu

Gardenos Beach view from South to North

Gardenos Beach west Corfu

Gardenos Beach view from South to North

Gardenos Beach view from north to South

Wrapping up

Overall, Gardenos Beach is a stunning huge sandy beach, a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Corfu who loves beautiful beaches and stunning natural scenery.

More in Southwest Corfu

The Cedar Forest of Korission Lake at the Beaches of Halikounas and Issos

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Next, to Korission lake, a small cedar forest between the large sandy beaches of Chalikouna and Issos.

Gardenos Large Sandy Beach at Vitalades Corfu

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Gardenos beach is situated in the southwest end part of Corfu, it is the beachside of the traditional village of Vitalades.

Golden Beach of Santa Barbara at South West of Corfu

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The wide golden sandy beach of Santa Barbara in the southwest of the island of Corfu.

Agios Georgios (Saint George South) Beach at Argyrades

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St George south in Argyrades, 33 km from Corfu town, It is a tourist resort with a vast sandy beach also known as Saint George south.

Marathias Beach – A Long Stunning Golden Sand in Corfu

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The large golden sandy beach of Marathias in southwest Corfu, many miles of sand stretching down south up to the cape of Arkoudilas.

Korission Lake in Corfu and its Protected Wetland

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The Korission Lake is located on the southwest coast of Corfu, about 20 miles from the airport, just behind the beach of Chalikouna and next to the beach of Issos.
It belongs to the wider area of Agios Mattheos Village, which is located at the north.

13 Apr 2015

Golden Beach of Santa Barbara at South West of Corfu

By Teo | Posted in: All Corfu Beaches, Best Beaches in Corfu, South West Corfu, South West Corfu Beaches | 0

Last updated on June 9th, 2025 at 10:04 am

Corfu - Santa Barbara beach — Corfu – Santa Barbara beach

Santa Barbara Beach has been named after something that only the locals know, although Corfiots do not know, we only hope it is not related to a television series that referred to some Santa Barbara in America, it would be very bad taste.

It does not separate from the beach of Marathia and is probably the northern part of it.

So it shares all the features of the beach of Marathia, fine golden sand, shallow and crystal clear waters with several restaurants along with it.

The distance from Corfu is about 34 km.

It is definitely one of the beautiful beaches of Corfu that you should visit.

Agios Georgios (Saint George South) Beach at Argyrades

By Teo | Posted in: All Corfu Beaches, Best Beaches in Corfu, Corfu Best Resorts, South West Corfu, South West Corfu Beaches | 0

Last updated on June 9th, 2025 at 10:04 am

St George south – Beach at Argyrades Corfu

Corfu - St George south — Corfu – Agios Georgios south

St George South in Argyrades on Southwest Corfu is located about 33 km south of the city of Corfu.

It is also known as Saint George South to stand out from the same name located on the northwest of the island.

It is not a traditional village with permanent inhabitants but the sandy beach of Argyrades, a large, traditional village in south Corfu.

Argyrades is one of those villages in Corfu’s countryside where time is slowly and radically flowing and daily life has remained the same for decades.

About three decades ago, the beach had nothing but sea and sand, and very few locals had some houses down there.

Visitors come from other resorts just to enjoy swimming in the clear waters of the wild and untouched beach, and leave.

Just 2-3 houses were belonging to residents of Argyrades and 2 or 3 restaurants, the beach was virgin without loungers and other amenities.

Life and habits may not change in Argyrades, but it has changed rapidly in recent years at the beach of Saint George.

Agios Georgios today has been transformed into a well-organized tourist resort with many water sports and sun loungers with umbrellas in most places, as well as pedalos.

Also, many hotels and apartments emerged literally from the sand, bars and restaurants, supermarkets, and all sorts of shops on the street that were constructed just behind the beach, there are even clubs for nightlife.

The beach stretches for about 6 miles and consists of two pieces separated by a small harbor in the middle, the northern part bordering the beach of Issos and the south part neighboring the beach of Marathia.

Both beaches have fine golden sand, shallow waters ideal for children, and all the amenities needed to enjoy the sun and the sea.

So, for those who have chosen St. George as their holiday destination, there is also the possibility of easy access by bicycle or by walking to the neighboring beaches of Issos and Marathias as well as to the nearby lake of Korission.

Agios Georgios has turned into a seaside resort that caters to families with children or couples looking for comfort and a relaxing holiday with good possibilities for night entertainment.

It is a large and beautiful beach that despite the development remains relaxing enough and has everything it takes to please and relax those who choose it as their vacation place.

See: The Best Beaches in Corfu

Marathias Beach – A Long Stunning Golden Sand in Corfu

By Teo | Posted in: All Corfu Beaches, Best Beaches in Corfu, South West Corfu, South West Corfu Beaches | 0

Last updated on June 9th, 2025 at 10:04 am

The golden long sandy beach of Marathias

Marathias beach is another huge, golden beach with fine sand in southwestern Corfu near the village of Vitalades, at about 30 kilometers distance from the city of Corfu.

At the north, it begins where the beach of Agios Georgios of Argyrades ends and to the south ends at Santa Barbara Beach (yet I do not understand why they called it so) with which it has no clear boundaries and in fact, the two beaches form together a long sandy beach stretching for about 4 kilometers up to where the southern beach of Megas Choros begins.

If you are looking for a quieter spot away from the crowded central part, you have 4 km of endless sand to walk to the south.

The beauty and Vastness of the beach

Marathias is one of the larger beaches on the island and is well known for its tranquil atmosphere.

This beautiful destination offers a large stunning beach, crystal clear waters, and breathtakingly gorgeous views.

Marathias beach is a postcard-perfect paradise with its picturesque views and soft sandy shores featuring brown and golden sand, as well as a plethora of waterfront traditional restaurants with Greek cuisine, cafes, and beach bars, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the day.

There are also several watersports activities available, such as parasailing, windsurfing, and scuba diving.

The beach has plenty of activities to offer, from swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling to exploring the others nearby equally large and beautiful sandy beaches of the southwest Corfu coast.

Visitors can rent waterfront umbrellas and enjoy a fresh seafood platter while taking in the amazing views.

Marathias is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the shore.

Despite that it can get very busy at times it never gets over-packed and is still romantic and quiet in some of its more remote parts, that is because of its vastness.

So, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or just want to relax and unwind on brown and golden sand, Marathias is the perfect destination for you.

Of course, the waters are crystal clear due to the open sea and the sand is very fine, therefore it is no surprise that is awarded a blue flag.

It is also very good for families with children since it does not deepen abruptly.

With its stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, Marathias Beach Corfu is truly a paradise waiting to be explored.

How to get to Marathias

Inside the village of Vitalades, there is a sign on the right side of the main road showing the path to the beach of Marathia.

But Marathias is also reachable from another spot just after the village of Vitalades, you must look for a sign to the beach of Malta or Marta. Simply is it the same with a different name used by the locals?

Don’t get confused and follow them because it’s the same place with a different name.

Wrap it up

Marathias Beach is an ideal vacation spot for anyone seeking to get away from the crowds and be with other people at the same time.

With its crystal-clear waters, stunning sunsets, and endless opportunities for exploration, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste.

It’s no surprise that this beach has become so popular over the years. Don’t forget your camera as well, so you can snap some incredible photos and capture the stunning views of Marathias Beach for years to come!

So leave the stress behind and head off to Marathias Beach to experience it all in a perfect vacation!

See: The Best Beaches in Corfu

Korission Lake in Corfu and its Protected Wetland

By Teo | Posted in: South West Corfu | 0

Last updated on January 9th, 2024 at 08:24 pm

The Korission Lake is located on the southwest coast of Corfu, about 20 miles from the airport, just behind the beach of Chalikouna and next to the beach of Issos.

It belongs to the wider area of Agios Mattheos Village, which is located in the north.

It is the largest lagoon in Corfu and the most important wetland that constitutes an undisturbed natural very rich ecosystem. Is a shelter for more than 120 species of birds and other animals

It covers an area of approximately 6,000 acres of saltwater, it connects with the sea through a narrow opening to the southern part of Halikouna beach.

The opening is called Mouth of the Lake, right there are two buildings that are the fishing facilities of some fishermen who work daily in the lake with their strange shape boats, called Koritos
They mainly fish small abundant shrimp, fish, and fish species that exist only here, such as the Mediterranean killifish (Aphanius fasciatus) or Zamparola and the highly-threatened Valencia hispanica or Zournas.
The waters of the lake are always calm, regardless of the wild sea that is located a few yards away.

The flora of the area is richest, there are reeds and marshmallows, white lilies, and 14 different species of orchid of the sand.

The stunning scenery is complemented by a kind of sea cedar that thrives on the northern shores of the Mediterranean, this tree is in abundance and creates the beautiful cedar forest of Korission Lake, between the beaches of Halikounas and Issos.

The Forest starts from the Lagoon’s Mouth, and after 3 km it is diluted on the beach of Issos.
There are also Salicornia and other species found in muddy and sandy areas, Arthrocnemetalia fruticosae, rudimentary moving dunes, Juniperus e.t.c., And beautiful sea lilies.

The creation of sandstone dunes and dunes that retain the sandy soil that separates it from the sea, according to geological surveys, has begun to form 140 to 250 thousand years ago.
Now this terrain is over 17 meters in height and is the land on which cedars thrive.

In addition to the 120 species of birds such as Flamingos, cormorants, whistles, silversmiths, ducks, thousands of butterflies, and many other species, there are also several turtles, such as the Mediterranean turtle(Testudo hermanni), the sea turtle(Emys orbicularis), Caspian turtle (Mauremys caspica).

Lake is a magical, tranquil and invaluable wildlife shelter and has joined the Natura 2000 Network to protect this rich fauna and flora. There are many different ecosystems here: the cedar forest, the lake, the dunes, the sea. the seabirds, the pare fishes, A biodiversity that is not easily found elsewhere.

This untouched (yet) natural paradise also has archaeological value, it has been proven that there was a settlement of the Early Paleolithic era, 400 years before its official chronological launch.
A stone tool has been found by French geologists whose age was determined between 950 and 750 thousand years ago, as well as another 150 stone tools and about 60 human bone remains which prove that the area was the first inhabited on the island.
Along with these were found remnants from the right lower jaw of a hippopotamus, so hippopotamus was lived in these waters a long time ago…
So the known boundaries of the prehistory of the Greek area are expanding by an additional 400 years.

The Korission Lagoon is an invaluable ecological and archaeological treasure that until now has been left untouched from the predatory appetites of private capital.
Unfortunately, the area, like all of Corfu, has become, along with other beautiful ecosystems, the target of the predators of the conquering international and local capitalists.
The area has given by the governments to TAIPED, an organization whose mission is the sale of all public property, so we all can imagine the consequences and what the future brings for us.

The Korission Lake and its entire region, including Halikounas and Issos, should always be the property of the Greek people, to be enjoyed by the future generations.
The mission and obligation of all of us are to cancel any destructive exploitation plan for the area, WITH EVERY MEANS, WITH EVERY WAY, WITH ANY COST.

Issos – The Huge Sandy Beach in Southwest Corfu

By Teo | Posted in: All Corfu Beaches, Best Beaches in Corfu, South West Corfu, South West Corfu Beaches | 0

Last updated on June 9th, 2025 at 10:04 am

Parking area at Issos beach at west Corfu — The parking area at Issos Beach at West Corfu

Issos is a huge sandy beach that stretches for about 3 kilometers and is surrounded by Chalikounas at the north, the beach of Saint George at the south, and Korission Lake at the east.

The sand on the beach is soft and golden, making it perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. The water is shallow but not calm due to the winds, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling but also for sailing.

Visitors to Issos can also enjoy a variety of water sports, including windsurfing and kitesurfing. The beach is easily accessible by car, with plenty of parking available nearby.

It is one of the best Corfiot beaches and belongs to the village of Chlomos, about 20 km from Corfu town on the Southwest side of the island.

In terms of tourist exploitation, it remains a virgin because it belongs, along with neighboring Halikounas, to the protected “NATURA” area of Korission Lagoon.

So there you will not find hotels or numerous bars and shops, but only endless sand with dunes and crystal clear waters.

How to get there following the shortest road

The shortest road to Issos Beach from Corfu Town is approximately 23 kilometers long and takes around 40 minutes by car. Here are the driving directions:

Head southwest from Corfu Town towards the village of Agios Ioannis. Follow the signs on the main road until you reach the village of Benitses.
After Benitses you arrive at Moraitika and continue on this road until you reach the village of Messonghi.
In Messonghi, turn right onto the main road that leads to the village of Chlomos. Follow this road for about 4 kilometers until you see a sign for Issos Beach.
Turn right at the sign and follow the road for about 1 kilometer until you reach the parking area near the beach.

It’s important to note that the last part of the road to Issos Beach is narrow and winding in some areas, so it’s important to drive carefully and follow the road signs. Additionally, during peak season, the road can become congested with traffic, so it’s best to plan accordingly and allow for extra time to reach the beach.

The Dunes of Issos Beach

Issos beach view with a large dune in the middle

The sand dunes in Issos Beach are one of its most unique features. The dunes are formed by the wind blowing the sand from the beach inland, creating hills of sand that are several meters high.

The dunes in Issos Beach are not only visually stunning, but they also play an important ecological role. They act as a barrier between the sea and the land, protecting the delicate ecosystem behind them from erosion and saltwater intrusion. The dunes are also home to a variety of plant and animal species, some of which are rare or endangered.

Visitors to Issos Beach are encouraged to respect the dunes and the environment they protect. Walking or climbing on the dunes can damage the delicate ecosystem and lead to erosion. Visitors should also avoid littering and follow the Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the natural beauty of the beach.

Overall, the sand dunes in Issos Beach are a beautiful and important part of the beach’s ecosystem, and they are well worth exploring and admiring from a respectful distance.

The nearby cedar forest

Between Issos and Chalikounas there is a small cedar forest next to Korission Lake, on a narrow strip of land joining the two beaches, see more about the cedar forest in Korission Lagoon

Overall

Issos Beach is not spoiled, yes there are some umbrellas and sunbeds but no uncontrolled development. Because of the open sea and continuously blowing winds, there are permanent waves making it ideal for surfing and sailing.

Issos is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Corfu. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, admire the African-like landscape, or participate in water sports, Issos has something for you.

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Corfu Travel Blog: An Insider’s View of Corfu Greece

The beautiful large sandy beach of Gardenos at Vitalades.

The name Gardenos

How to get to Gardenos Beach

Vitalades Village in South Corfu

Photos from Gardenos

Wrapping up

More in Southwest Corfu

More in Southwest Corfu

St George south – Beach at Argyrades Corfu

More in Southwest Corfu

The beauty and Vastness of the beach

How to get to Marathias

Wrap it up

More in Southwest Corfu

More in Southwest Corfu

How to get there following the shortest road

The Dunes of Issos Beach

The nearby cedar forest

Overall

More in Southwest Corfu