Blue waters and nightlife; these are the two most popular features of summer in Corfu. Kavos is one of the most famous areas of the island among Europeans, while its beaches are equally cherished.

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Next to Kavos, lies a beach of unparalleled beauty, the long coastline of which is surrounded by rocks. The name of the beach is Arkoudilas. With our camera and mask in hand, we found ourselves in the car one June morning ready to explore this landscape of rare beauty. From the centre of the Old Town we travelled a distance of 49 kilometres, a journey of about an hour and a half.

If you choose the coastal road, then you will save about ten minutes and enjoy a magnificent view of the endless blue sea. Take the Achillion – Agios Dimitrios provincial road which leaves the island’s coastline just before Moraitika beach, but is still a wonderful route.

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Photo: Tatiana Tzinioli
Photo: Tatiana Tzinioli

Shortly after the port of Lefkimi, head towards the centre of Kavos. Lined with tourist shops and nightclubs, the narrow street gives a very different impression from the rest of the island. From the centre of Kavos, Arkoudilas beach is just an 11-minute drive away. The beach is located near the southernmost tip of the island, where Cape Asprokavos is located, formerly called Cavo Bianco (White Cape) by the Venetians.

The beach

Arriving at a large dirt road, we left our car and walked a few meters to the beach. There is just one beach bar on the beach, equipped with sunbeds, while a few meters further down you can just lay your towels on the sand. So we set up our umbrella and enjoyed the pristine landscape. The coast is embraced by very high cliffs, the water there is shallow for several metres from the shore, but then the sea deepens steeply.

Woods and hiking

Arkoudilas’ forest is a few kilometres away and is rich in vegetation and biodiversity. There is a hiking trail where you can enjoy the natural landscape and beautiful views.

The area exceeds 60 acres and at the top of the hill you will find the ruins of the Monastery of Panagia of Arkoudilas, which has been declared a historical monument since 1986. From the carved emblem on the bell tower, it is estimated that the monastery was built in the 18th century. At its southernmost end is an old pillbox from World War II.

The name

There are two theories about the origin of the name Arkoudilas. One is that the name came from French and the designation Arc del Isle, possibly because the beach looks like an arch. The second theory is by more recent historians who claim that the name came from a particular type of tree that abounded in the area called “arkoudodentro” (bear tree).

Whatever the origin of the name, the fact remains that Arkoudilas beach is a “blue jewel” of wild beauty and is definitely one of the beaches worth visiting on the beautiful Ionian island. We visited several of Corfu’s beaches, but this one was definitely one of the most beautiful. The steep rocks joining the golden sand are a fascinating sight.

Read also:

5 beaches in Corfu to avoid the crowds

Get lost in the old town of Corfu, one of the most idyllic places in the Ionian Sea

Traditional desserts, aromatic coffee and delicate liquors in a historic coffee house in Corfu