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About the area

- Chalikounas -

About the area

Halikounas approximately 32 kilometres from Corfu town is a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking an unspoiled natural environment of sand dunes, wetlands, and olive groves. Halikounas beach is located on the southwestern coast of the Greek island of Corfu. The beach is part of a long stretch of sand that runs along the western coast of the island, known for its stunning beauty and crystal-clear waters.
The area is protected by the Natura 2000 network, which ensures the preservation of its unique flora and fauna.

The nearby Lake Korission is a large lagoon that separates Halikounas beach from the nearby village of Agios Mattheos. The lake is a natural habitat for a variety of bird species, including flamingos and herons.
The entire area, including the Cedar Forest, the Lake, the beaches, and the sand dunes, is preserved and integrated into the Natura network. The sand dunes were created over 120-240 thousand years ago and can reach a height of over 15 meters, creating a stunning and unique landscape, completing the beautiful image of the forest and lagoon.

In addition to its natural beauty, the area around Halikounas beach offers a range of outdoor activities. The area also hosts various water based activities and environmental walks, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts, such as swimming, snorkelling, hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding , exploring the local flora and fauna, cycling and visiting nearby attractions, such as Lake Korission, the Cedar forest, Gardiki Castle, Cave Grava Gardiki, or explore the nearby traditional villages. The area is also a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing and other water based activities, thanks to the strong winds that blow through the area.

Overall, the surrounding area of Halikounas beach offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural exploration, making it a must-visit destination for travellers to Corfu.
Visitors are encouraged to appreciate and respect the natural environment, as the area serves an important ecological role in preserving the natural beauty of Corfu.

Water based activities

Chalikounas beach is a popular spot for kite surfing and windsurfing due to the favourable weather conditions created by the wind.

Kite Club Corfu is a VDWS licensed water station, equipped with life rafts. Visitors can arrange with the Kite Club for step-by-step kite surfing lessons. For those who prefer windsurfing or the trendy wingsurfing, you can learn to glide over the sea using hydrofoil boards.

Surf Centre Corfu is the perfect place to learn to windsurf, because it is located in a nature reserve. The surf club offers a variety of options to book a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) with a paddle, an iRIG with a board, a basic (Viper) with a rig, or a pro (Gecko/Falcon, etc.) with a rig. Wetsuits and harnesses fare available for a rental fee. The surf club offers lessons and equipment rentals on a daily basis, and it operates on a first-come, first-served policy. Rentals and lessons start at 12:00 PM from the station.

Tayo Beach Bar Xalikounas - Corfu Island
Tayo Beach Bar Xalikounas - Corfu Island

Korrision Lake

Korission Lake is an expansive saltwater lagoon located on the southwest coast of Corfu, Greece, just behind Chalikouna beach and adjacent to Issos beach. It is part of the wider area of Agios Mattheos Village. It is the largest lagoon on the island and an important wetland ecosystem that provides a sanctuary for over 120 species of birds and other animals. The lake covers an area of approximately 6,000 acres and is connected to the sea through a narrow opening at the southern end of Chalikouna beach, known as the Mouth of the Lake.

The natural landscape surrounding Korission Lake is exceptionally rich and diverse, with a wide range of flora and fauna and remains mostly untouched, offering a sanctuary for these creatures to thrive.

The area is home to reeds, white lilies, and 14 different species of orchid that grow in the sand. The lake itself is abundant in various species of fish, including the unique Mediterranean killifish (Aphanius fasciatus) and the endangered Valencia hispanica or Zournas. Local fishermen use their peculiar-shaped boats, known as Koritos, to catch small shrimp and fish.

Despite the lake’s proximity to the sea, the waters remain calm and tranquil and make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The lake is easily accessible from the nearby Agios Mattheos Village, which is located to the north of the lake.

Visitors to Korission Lake are advised to respect the delicate ecosystem and not disturb the wildlife or plant life in the area. As a protected wetland, the lake serves an important ecological role in preserving the natural landscape of Corfu.

Cedar Forest

Located in the lakeside areas of Lake Korission, the largest and most significant wetland on the island, the Cedar Forest is a unique destination. It is the only cedar forest on the island and is situated close to the shores of the sandy beaches of Halikounas and Issos, covering an area of approximately 100 hectares. The forest is characterized by its tall and impressive cedar trees and is home to sharp cedars, a type of cedar that grows in the northern Mediterranean coastal sands. The trees can grow up to 40 meters in height and are known for their strong, fragrant wood. The Cedar Forest is one of the few remaining natural forests of its kind in Greece and has been protected by the Greek government since 1979.

There are several hiking trails and paths throughout the forest, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. Guided tours are also available, providing an opportunity to learn more about the history and ecology of the forest.

The forest is also home to a variety of other flora and fauna, including wildflowers, herbs, and several species of birds and animals. Walking through the forest, visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, as well as breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape.

The Cedar Forest in Halikounas, Corfu is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and birdwatchers and is a unique and enchanting destination located on the southwest coast of the island.

Visitors are advised to respect the natural environment and to take care when walking through the forest, as some of the trails can be steep or uneven.

Gardiki castle

The Byzantine castle of Gardiki is located in the southwestern part of Corfu and is one of the three remaining Byzantine castles on the island. Directly south of the castle lies Korission Lake, which is separated from the sea by a narrow stretch of land and Chalikounas beach.

The castle played a critical role in the island’s defence against foreign invaders during the Byzantine era. The defensive triangle of Corfu was formed by three castles, with Gardiki protecting the south, Kassiopi Castle guarding the northeast, and Angelokastro watching over the northwest of the island.

Built in the 13th century, the castle’s walls create an octagon shape with eight towers, which are still standing today. The builder of the castle is uncertain, although it is believed to have been erected by either Michael I Komnenos or his son Michael II Komnenos, both rulers of the Despotate of Epirus. The castle’s strategic location on a hilltop allowed its inhabitants to monitor the surrounding area and protect the island from potential threats.

Throughout its history, Gardiki castle was attacked and conquered multiple times by various invaders. In the 14th century, the castle was taken over by the Angevins and was later conquered by the Venetians in the 15th century. During the Venetian occupation, the castle was used as a barracks and a prison. In the 16th century, it was seized by the Ottoman Turks and then abandoned and fell into ruin.

Today, visitors to Gardiki castle can explore the ruins of the castle and admire the unique octagonal shape and eight towers. The castle’s location also provides visitors with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the sea. The castle is easily accessible by car and is a popular destination for tourists looking to explore the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. Admission is free and the castle is open daily for visitors. It is worth including a visit to the castle in your day trip itinerary, perhaps combined with an afternoon at Tayo Beach Bar on Chalikounas beach in Corfu.

Cave Grava Gardiki

Grava Gardiki cave is situated within an olive grove at the southern foot of Mount Pantokrator Agios Mattheos, standing at an elevation of 60 meters. Although it is located about 300 meters away from the Byzantine fortification of Gardiki, the cave’s historical significance and informative value make it a noteworthy landmark in the southern region of the island.Cave Grava Gardiki offers a magnificent view of the sea and the entire southern part of the island.

Cave Grava Gardiki, a horizontal cave with two entrances, stretches about 20 metres long. Near the south-eastern entrance, there are indications of a larger cave extent in the past due to the presence of large rocks. With a width of 20 metres and a height of 13 metres, the cave has a rocky roof that has eroded over time due to gradual erosion and significant precipitation.

This cave was once a base for hunters and food gatherers, and it holds significant importance as one of the most crucial prehistoric locations in Greece. Archaeological interest has been piqued by the cave, and excavations and research have led to the discovery of flint stone tools, a deer fang with a hole, and remains of prey animals that were processed within the cave.

These findings have been dated to the Upper Paleolithic period, specifically between 20,000-13,000 years ago.

During the Palaeolithic period, Corfu was connected to the mainland of Greece as the sea level was much lower. However, the separation from Epirus occurred during the Neolithic period around 10,000 B.C., when the ice melted and the sea level rose. Exploring Cave Grava Gardiki enables one to see the geological situation of the past.

The cave is accessible and provides valuable insights for children, but it is not suitable for individuals with disabilities due to some climbing requirements.

Halikounas Horses: Riding Sport Centre

If you’re a horse lover, Halikounas Horses company is located nearby and offers a variety of activities with their beautifully behaved horses. These include evening rides to watch the sunset and night swims, morning rides with beach swims to witness the sunrise, and hacking in their stunning olive groves. Additionally, riding lessons and therapeutic horse-riding sessions are available.

Chalikounas Beach
The Largest Sandy Beach on SouthWest Corfu Island

This captivating video showcases the stunning beauty and natural scenery of Halikounas Beach, the largest sandy beach in southwest Corfu. With crystal-clear waters and soft, golden sand, the beach is the perfect destination for a day of sunbathing and swimming.  A must-visit destination for anyone visiting Corfu.

Tayo Beach Bar
Chalikounas Beach

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