Last updated on July 5th, 2024 at 07:58 pm
Mirtiotissa Beach location
Mirtiotissa is located between the villages of Pelekas and Vatos, just next to cosmopolitan Glyfada beach on the western coast of the island, it looks isolated and safe place, one of the reasons that since the decade the 60s it has become the only beach in the island of Corfu where nudism was officially tolerated.
It was one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, at least, Gerald Durrell had described it as “The most beautiful beach on Earth“.
Reached by a steep path or by the sea, is a rather small sandy beach difficult to spot from the sea, separated from Glyfada beach by a thin but high rock.
It is one of the cleanest beaches in Corfu. No hotels, apartments, or restaurants on the beach so it remains natural and unspoiled by progress.
Why is the sand shrinking? Is it the end of Mirtiotissa as the famous nudist beach of Corfu?
Now you may wonder about this red (it was), well it is obvious from the pictures that this lovely beach is doomed by nature to disappear.
We have here an example of how nature slowly but continuously changes the face of the earth, the beach had shrunk to a degree that it cannot hold but a dozen people, comparing it with the decade of the 80s most of the sand had been washed away.
Is it a temporary phenomenon? or is something permanent and frustrating? As the images reveal, year by year, the sand is washed steadily, is this the death of Mirtiotissa, or maybe not?
There is a picture showing the beach 40 years ago, another picture with the beach in the 90s, and images of today which generally show the continuing shrinkage of the beach.
But perhaps it is not just so, some black-and-white photos of 1950 show that the same thing happened 65 years ago, the sand had subsided enough but then rebounded.
Below are some black and white photographs from 1950 that show that mother nature makes cycles and plays strange games.
We hope that the sand of Mirtiotissa Beach will recover soon
So, the sand may recover someday, but in the meantime, it is a good idea if someone does something to help a faster recovery, Glyfada has tons of sand and is just steps away … Some should consider this possibility.
Also, a couple of large rocks along and in continuity with the existing ones will help ensure that the lost sand is less than that coming.
The monastery of Mirtiotissa
Perched on a hill overlooking the beach, the Monastery of Mirtiotissa on Corfu is a spiritual haven with a history dating back to the 14th century. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the monastery, gave its name to the adjacent Mirtiotissa beach.
It features Byzantine-influenced architecture and timeless frescoes.
Constructed in the 15th century, the Monastery of Mirtiotissa’s exact founding date remains elusive. The inaugural Father, Daniel, hailing from Persia and a convert to Christianity, received a divine vision one night. The vision directed him to journey to the mountain of the Myrtles, promising the discovery of the Virgin Mary’s icon hidden within a cave.
Initially dismissing the vision, Daniel found himself compelled by a subsequent waking revelation. Determined, he embarked on a quest to locate these sacred places, seeking guidance from the local community. Through persistence and inquiry, he eventually uncovered the designated sites and fulfilled the divine directive by establishing the monastery in the chosen location.
Visitors ascending to the monastery are greeted by panoramic views of the coastline, adding to the serene atmosphere. Surrounded by blooming flowers and fragrant myrtle bushes, the courtyard offers a tranquil space for contemplation.
The monastery has long served as a retreat, witnessing generations of pilgrims seeking solace and reflection. With its connection to Mirtiotissa Beach, this sacred site weaves together the spiritual and natural beauty of Corfu, inviting visitors to explore both the depths of faith and the breathtaking vistas of the Ionian landscape.
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