Chalikounas Beach, also spelled Halikounas Beach, is a long and wide sand beach between the Korission Lagoon and the Ionian Sea, on the west coast of southern Corfu. The beach is known for its gorgeous and unique landscape with large dunes you don’t see elsewhere on the island.
How To Get To Chalikounas Beach
Chalikounas Beach is situated to the southwest of the Korisson Lagoon and can best be reached with a private vehicle, like a rental car, scooter, or boat.
By car, Chalikounas Beach is a 28-kilometer drive from Corfu Town, which normally takes between 50 minutes and 1 hour. The road around the Korission Lagoon is unpaved and a bit rocky but more than wide enough so there’s ample parking along the long beach. The road continues all the way until the channel between the lagoon and the Ionian Sea.
Unfortunately, there is no public transport to Chalikounas Beach, but there is a bus to Agios Georgios. From there you can walk to Issos Beach on the southeastern side of the lagoon, which has similar characteristics.
Beach Description
Chalikounas Beach is one of the most unique beaches in Corfu due to its location and characteristics. The beach is situated on a strip of land between the Korission Lagoon and the Ionian Sea. From above it might look like a narrow beach strip but with an average width of 25 meters, Chalikounas Beach is in fact one of the widest beaches in Corfu.
The beach stretches out for about 2.6 kilometers between the southwestern edge of the lagoon, and the channel between the lagoon and the sea, about halfway the lagoon.
Chalikounas Beach is oriented towards the southwestern direction and has no shade at all, so make sure to bring sun protection. The beach and seabed are completely sandy and the seabed has a gentle slope. For the first few meters, the bathing water remains shallow. The water is relatively calm and clear blue so perfect for swimming.
Behind the beach are dunes with some sparse vegetation. On the other side of the road that runs parallel to the beach, there is more dense vegetation. The area including the Korission Lagoon are protected and the natural habitat of flamingos and a number of migratory birds.
Facilities At Chalikounas Beach
Only a small part of Chalikounas Beach is organized and has some facilities. The area is located almost halfway down the beach and has sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, showers, toilets, and a beach bar.
There is also an area where you can rent kite surf, wing foil, and wind surf equipment.
