Your Piece of Paradise - A guide to secluded beaches of Corfu
Endless forests of Corfu reaching the azure of the Ionian Sea will fascinate every traveller. Boasting 214 km of coastline with long sweeping sandy bays, little rocky coves, or deserted pebbled bays, Corfu has it all. There are a staggering number of beaches for such a small island with a tremendous variety in texture and character, which will simply spoil you for choice.
Everyone loves the beach, but not the crowds. If cosmopolitan beaches with endless rows of sun beds are not your cup of tea, then this guide is exactly for you. A word of warning, though. Secluded beaches are not these with ample parking right next to the waves. Unless you have a boat they are accessible only on foot. Whatever you wish to take with you has to be carried on your shoulders. Prepare yourself for some climbing on narrow footpaths so comfortable walking shoes are a must. I recommend taking with you only what is absolutely necessary. That definitely includes water and some snacks and probably an umbrella to keep you in a shade (beach tent is even better alternative) if you plan to spend there more than a couple of hours. Depending on a time of the day, most of the beaches do not offer natural shade.
In this part I am going to take you to the north – east coast. Keep in mind that the beaches described in this post are not kids friendly (I mean young children, for those who can swim it will be a great adventure.).The approach is difficult in some places, and the seashore dips quite steeply; within a few steps, you are out of your depth. I visited some of those beaches with a toddler and believe me, it is not an experience I am willing to repeat any time soon.
You may be tempted to spend a night under the stars there and indeed, it is an unbelievable experience in absolutely amazing location. Be aware thought, that because of their proximity to the lakes, the beaches are infested with mosquitoes; attacking after sunset. Unless you are equipped with mosquito repellent (spray or lotion, outdoor coils, citronella candles – whatever works for you) you will be forced to beat a hasty retreat; in this case a flashlight is essential.
VOUVALOMANTHRIA BEACH
Starting from the North, Vouvalomathria Beach is barely 10 minutes walk from the far end of Avlaki Beach. On windy days, the best time to visit this pebble beach is in the morning, before the northern wind called “Maistro” hits it with full force, making the sea choppy. The Greek name Vouvalomantria means bison’s pen, since this area was used to pen bison.
VRACHLI AND TZOUFAKIA BEACHES
There used to be a wide path along the coast leading to these beautiful beaches. The cavalry patrolling the coastline used this path but nowadays it now longer exists, buried in dense vegetation. These two beaches are now accessible only by boat that you can rent in Ag. Stefanos or Avlaki.
ARIA BEACH
A narrow path leading steeply downhill will take you to the Aria Beach, with clear water, pebbles and shady spots for a short rest. The beach still remains largely under the radar. From the beach, you can see the rocky islet of “Kapareli”, with a lighthouse 9 m tall, working as an automatic beacon. It was built in 1823 and today offers shelter for a vast species of sea birds.
AKOLI BEACH
This stunning beach with crystalline waters and a homonymous lake is the most popular of all beaches in the area. In the past people believed the lake was bottomless, hence the name “Akoli”, meaning without bottom.
The lake used to be connected with the sea by a small inlet, thus allowing the flow of fish. It was used as a fish farm.
If you come to Akoli from Avlaki, watch out as you descend a steep rocky path from the hill of “Kako Kefali”. Its Greek name (Bad Head) refers to rocky cliffs that make the passing of the boats extremely difficult.
This spectacular beach is a favourite spot for boat trips, stopping here for swimming and BBQ. If solitude is what you are looking for, then best time to visit is either early in the morning (until 10.30 am) or later in the afternoon (after 4 pm). In the afternoon it gets easier to find a shady spot and the chances are you will have the beach all for yourself.
Starting from the north, the beach is rocky with large pebbles; the pebbles get smaller as you walk towards Ag. Stefanos.
KAMINAKIA BEACH
Kaminakia beach is located next to the Vromolimni Lake, separated from the sea only by a narrow strip of land. Although its name is not very flattering (Vromolimni meaning “Dirty Lake”), it is a lovely natural region. This beach is much less frequented than the neighboring “Akoli”.
Have you visited any of these beaches? Which was your favourite? Let us know in the comments section below.
