The Korission Lagoon is the largest body of water on the island of Corfu. The lagoon is located in the southern part of the island, near the village of Agios Mattheos, and is separated from the Ionian Sea by two of the most beautiful sand beaches: Chalikounas Beach and Issos Beach.
The lagoon was formed between 140,000 and 250,000 years ago, when sand dunes were formed that cut the lake off from the sea. The lagoon has a length of 5.3 kilometers and a maximum width of 1.5 kilometers. Its surface area measures 427 hectares. A small channel that cuts through the beach connects the lake with the sea.
Nature Reserve
The Korission Lagoon and the surrounding area are a protected nature reserve under the Natura 2000 treaty. The sand dunes to the southeast are a beautiful and unusual phenomenon not seen elsewhere in Corfu and reach heights of up to 15 meters. Also remarkable is the forest of prickly juniper, known as cedar trees. Other vegetation includes reed beds, tamarisk groves, white water lilies, and orchids.
Wildlife
The Korission Lagoon and its surroundings are also a natural habitat for birds, including migratory species. During the most recent count, 126 species of birds were recorded, including flamingoes, cormorants, wigeons, and egrets. The lagoon also houses several species of fish, including the endemic Corfu dwarf goby, Mediterranean killifish, and Epiros minnow. The natural surroundings are also the home of several types of butterflies, turtles, snakes, otters, and bats.
Archaeological Findings
Several archaeological objects have been found in the area, suggesting the presence of humans in prehistoric times. The findings include a stone tool, bones, and several artifacts. A part of the lower jaw and other bones of a hippopotamus was also found.
How To Get To The Kosission Lagoon
The Korission Lagoon is located on the west coast of southern Corfu and can be reached with a private vehicle, like a rental car, or scooter, by public transport.
By car, it’s a 28-kilometer drive from Corfu Town to the nearest part of the Korission Lagoon. You can reach the lake either from the northwestern or the southeastern side. On the northwestern side you can drive around the lake along Chalikounas Beach until the channel. From the southern side you can take the exit at Linia and drive to Issos Beach from where you can take a walk through the sand dunes and cedar forest to the lagoon.
You can also get near Korission Lagoon by public transport by taking Green Bus line B5 or B6 to Agios Georgios Argyrades. The bus stops on the southern end of Issos Beach.
What To Do At The Korission Lagoon
The Kosission Lagoon and it’s beautiful and unique surroundings are a great destination for a day trip.
Although you can’t swim in the lake, you can enjoy a dive into the sea at the two beaches that stretch along the lagoon: Chalikounas Beach and Issos Beach. Both beaches consist of endless golden sand and beautiful turquoise waters and are considered among the best in Corfu. If you like outdoor beach activities, you can also enjoy kite surfing and wind surfing at these beaches.
If you come to the Korission Lagoon you should definitely not miss the beautiful views from the sand dunes, from where you can overlook the lagoon on one hand and the Ionian Sea on the other hand. The highest and most impressive dunes are in the southern part, where you can also find the beautiful cedar forest. This is also the best area for bird watching, including spotting the incredibly beautiful flamingos.
You can also make endless walks along the beach, over the dunes, or through the cedar forest. There is a foot bridge over the canal, so you can walk along the entire length of the lagoon.
With the coastline facing the southwest, the beautiful area is also one of the best places to watch the sunset.
