Last updated on August 14th, 2024 at 09:53 am
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
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.
More in Southwest Corfu
The Cedar Forest of Korission Lake at the Beaches of Halikounas and Issos
Next, to Korission lake, a small cedar forest between the large sandy beaches of Chalikouna and Issos.
Gardenos Large Sandy Beach at Vitalades Corfu
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
The wide golden sandy beach of Santa Barbara in the southwest of the island of Corfu.
Agios Georgios (Saint George South) Beach at Argyrades
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
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
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.
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