Kanouli Beach
Just 150 meters far from Almrya Villas, a beach with character awaits. It is a 1 km long sandy shore dotted by rock formations. However, winter storms sculpt the landscape here changing its shape every year. Meaning every year a new scene greats those who walk its shores. It is home to rare bird species due to its proximity to Lake Korission and, as it is an extension of Halikounas Beach, it sports vast olive groves and lush vegetation. The waters here are crystal clear making it the ideal spot for diving and snorkeling. It maintains the picturesque feel of an untouched paradise as there are no tourist facilities on location. Please be aware that access to Kanouli Beach is relatively difficult as the staircase leading straight to the beach is imbedded in a cliff that is a bit steep.
Skydi Beach
Our guests searching for privacy on a totally unorganized beach will relish the chance to relax on Skydi Beach. A small sandy bank located between Prasoudi and Kanouli beach 650m far from Almyra Villas, it offers visitors peace and tranquility. Crystal-clear waters reflect the cleanliness of the area as no man-made developments are found here.
Prasoudi Beach
Roads that lead you to Halikouna and Lake Korission also lead you to Prasoudi Beach (1.2km far from Almyra Villas). Prasoudi got its name from “Prasoulida”, which is a species of chives that grows on a cliff above the shore. A small tract of golden sand, this luxurious beach is a local favourite. Lush green hills and a long stretch of olive trees set the scene of tranquility, while the crystal-clear waters wash away the tension of the day. Families love the shallow depths and the organized beach with sun beds and umbrellas for hire. Vacation is made easy here with road access and local taverns sporting delicious seafood delicacies and traditional Corfiot cuisine. Prasoudi is a beach that has something for everyone!
Halikounas Beach
Located just 3 km from our Private Corfu Villas, Halikounas is arguably the most impressive beach in the Southwest of Corfu. The journey there is an adventure in itself as the road takes you through a midst of green rolling hills dotted by verdant olive groves, citrus orchards and vineyards. Greece comes alive in this natural landscape and visitors can stop to buy fresh fruit, olive oil and house wine or have a home-cooked meal in one of the family restaurants nestled amongst the olive trees. History also makes its mark here as Gardiki Castle, a 13th Century Byzantine castle, can be found en route! Visitors are welcome to explore the ruins, wherein which the walls still retain elements of its ancient structure, free of charge.
Once arriving at Halikounas beach itself, one is met with a striking landscape. Here a strip of golden sand separating the Ionian Sea and Lake Korission extends for 5 km. No hotels or uncontrolled development mar the scenery. Instead you can enjoy the diverse landscape which boasts an ancient forest of Cedar and Cyprus trees, a lagoon behind the sand dunes and, of course, fine golden sand that seemingly melts into the aquamarine waters of the Ionian Sea.
Adventure enthusiasts will love the chance to engage in water sports such as kite surfing, wind surfing and sailing. Winds pick up around 16:00 and the waters are cool and welcoming. Equipment can be rented and lessons are provided by an expert team onshore. Nearby, there is a canteen which provides refreshments to quench your thirst and satiate hunger after a day in the sun.
Lake Korission
This famous saltwater lake is located just behind Halikounas beach. Being the largest protected area on Corfu, 189 species of birds characterize the lagoon as a special protection area of avifauna. Bird-lovers will cherish the opportunity to see eagles, hawks, herons, sand orchids, cormorants, whistles or even the rare flamingos visiting during their long migration. Even more – this wetland provided archeologists with rare findings that pushed the dating of the prehistoric era back 400 thousand years earlier than scientists originally believed! Definitely a must-see!
Issos Beach
One of the most phenomenal beaches on the island is Issos – a vast, virgin expanse of golden sand and enormous dunes from which the beach has been coined as “The Sahara of Corfu”. Like its neighbors, Halikounas and Lake Korission, it belongs to the protected ‘natura’ of Corfu. A small, magical cedar forest lines the narrow strip that joins the two beaches and a path to the beach can be found that leads through the nature reserve around Lake Korission. Families with children and those who seek to be pampered will find some tourist facilities at the centre where they can rent beach equipment, sun beds and umbrellas.
And for those with a taste for the extreme, winds whip up in the afternoon calling windsurfers and kite-surfers out to play with their siren song. A water sports center means no lugging of equipment as everything you need, can be rented on location. Safety, however, is taken seriously as a life-guard tower offers protection to all visitors of the area.
But don’t rush off after your day of frolicking on the beach! As the sun goes down, the sky comes alive. Stunning sunsets against a backdrop of mountainous dunes create unforgettable views in this pristine paradise.
