Issos Beach

Issos Beach is a long, dune-backed sandy beach on the south-west coast of Corfu, Greece, beside the Korission lagoon, about 35 km from Corfu Town. The sand is pale and fine, the beach is broad and open, and a belt of protected dunes with sea lilies and scrub runs behind it, separating the sea from the lagoon. The water is clear and bright, and the shallows extend for some distance, but the open south-west exposure means wind and surf are common, particularly in the afternoon. That wind is the beach's defining feature: Issos is one of the main windsurfing and kitesurfing spots on Corfu, and local schools offer lessons and equipment hire for beginners and experienced riders. The atmosphere is wide-open and natural, with fewer sunbed rows and little built development compared with the major resorts. A taverna serves food and drinks, and facilities are limited, so visitors should bring water and sun protection, as shade is scarce. Lifeguard cover is not guaranteed. The dunes are a protected habitat, and visitors are asked to stay on marked paths and avoid trampling the vegetation. Birdwatchers will find waders and other species around the nearby Korission lagoon. Access is by road, and a rental car or taxi from the village of Agios Georgios is the practical way to reach the beach, about 50 minutes from Corfu Town. Parking is informal beside the beach. The beach is a short walk from the parking area across sand. The season runs from June to September, and the wind is typically strongest in the afternoon, so mornings suit sunbathing and swimming while afternoons suit wind sports. Nearby Halikounas Beach lies to the south along the same lagoon coast, and Agios Georgios offers larger resort facilities to the north.