Issos Beach & Sandy Beach Resort: Our Corfu Beach Visit
Issos Beach gave us a different side of Corfu: soft sand, open sea and dunes behind the shore. During our visit we explored the dune area and the neighbouring stretch beside Sandy Beach Resort. The signs we photographed name both areas as Issos, so we have brought them together in one guide.
Parking was right beside the beach access. From the dunes, looking inland, we could also see a lake in the distance on the other side. That is Korission Lagoon, often called Lake Korission.
Our visit at a glance
- Beach: Issos, on Corfu’s southwest coast.
- Underfoot: sand, with dunes behind the beach.
- Parking: immediately beside the beach access during our visit.
- Views: the sea on one side and Korission Lagoon in the distance inland.
- Two areas: the dunes and the organised stretch by Sandy Beach Resort.
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Stay nearby: Sandy Beach Resort by Rizos Resorts is the beachfront hotel beside this organised stretch. We visited the beach rather than staying at the resort.
Booking.com – Sandy Beach Resort prices
Issos and the Sandy Beach Resort area
At the dune entrance, the information board reads “Issos”. Further along, the Blue Flag board identifies the beach as “Issos / Sandy Beach Resort”. They are neighbouring parts of the same sandy coastal stretch, rather than two separately named beaches in our photographs.
The dune area feels open, with sandy paths and patches of low vegetation. Along the organised section there were rows of loungers and straw umbrellas. You can explore both as part of the same beach visit.
Parking right beside the beach
We parked in the large open parking area immediately beside the beach access. There was no long walk down from a distant hillside car park: we were already next to the sand and dunes.
Our photograph below shows the actual parking area we used, including its unpaved surface and the cars lined up around it. It was a convenient arrival point for exploring the beach. We have not listed a parking price, as we did not confirm one.
Travelling by car? Read our Corfu car rental experience for details of collection and driving around the island, or compare rental options below.
Soft sand and views from the dunes
This was a sandy beach. The dunes behind it were part of the attraction, giving us a higher view along the coast rather than only seeing the shoreline from sea level.
From above, we could see the sand stretching towards the buildings further along the bay, with the sea beside it. The landscape was quite different from Corfu’s small rocky coves. It is worth taking time to look around as well as going straight to a lounger.
The lake on the other side: Korission Lagoon
Looking inland from the dunes, we could see the lake in the distance on the other side. The information board we photographed identifies it as Korission Lagoon. It is commonly referred to as Lake Korission, although it is a coastal lagoon.
That combination of sea, dunes and lagoon is what makes this part of Corfu distinctive. The board also describes the protected landscape and its wildlife. Our visit was about enjoying the views; we are not claiming that we saw the birds or other animals pictured on the sign.
Loungers, umbrellas and the organised beach
Closer to the organised section, we found loungers and straw umbrellas arranged along the sand. A wooden walkway led towards the water in one of the areas we photographed.
One sign during our visit advertised two sunbeds and one umbrella for €15. This was the offer shown at that particular spot, rather than a guaranteed price for every operator along Issos. Check the current price before settling down.
The sea and the island offshore
A small island was visible offshore. The water sports sign in our photographs labels it Lagoudia Island. It adds another point of interest to the sea view from the beach.
There were also signs explaining the water sports areas and restrictions. If you plan to swim or use equipment, check the notices at the stretch you choose and follow the marked swimming areas.
What we liked and what to consider
- We liked: the sand, dune views and parking so close to the beach.
- A memorable detail: seeing the sea in one direction and the lagoon in the distance inland.
- For an organised beach day: loungers and umbrellas were available in the areas we photographed.
- Worth considering: this is an open coastline; conditions and the feel of the beach can change with the weather.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Issos Beach sandy?
Yes. We found sand on the beach and dunes behind it, as shown in our photographs.
Is parking close to the beach?
Yes. The parking area we used was immediately beside the access to the sand and dunes.
What is the lake behind the dunes?
It is Korission Lagoon, also known as Lake Korission. We could see it in the distance when looking inland from the dunes.
Are Issos and Sandy Beach Resort two different beaches?
Our signs identify the organised resort stretch as “Issos / Sandy Beach Resort”. We describe it together with the neighbouring Issos dune area as one beach outing.
Our verdict
Issos is a good beach to include when you want to see Corfu’s sandy side. For us, the dunes and the view towards the lagoon made it more interesting than simply stopping at a row of loungers. With parking immediately beside the beach access, it was an easy place to explore during our drive around the island.
