Alykes Lefkimmi Beach

Alykes Lefkimmi Beach, sometimes simply known as Alykes Beach or Alykes Lefkimmis, is a quiet sandy beach on the south-east coast of Corfu, close to the traditional town of Lefkimmi. Far removed from the busy atmosphere of Corfu's major resorts, Alykes is particularly appealing for its very shallow water, peaceful surroundings and neighbouring historic salt pans.

The beach lies beside the old Lefkimmi Salt Pans, or Alykes Lefkimmis, an extensive wetland that was once an important centre of salt production. Commercial salt production ended in 1988, and today the old saltworks and surrounding wetlands form one of the most interesting natural and historical landscapes in southern Corfu.

The shoreline is predominantly sand, with a gently sloping sandy seabed. One of the most distinctive things about Alykes is just how shallow the sea can be. The water remains shallow for a considerable distance from shore, making it particularly attractive for families with young children, paddling and relaxed swimming.

Because the water is so shallow, it also tends to warm quickly during the summer months. On calm days you can walk surprisingly far from the shoreline while still remaining in relatively shallow water, giving Alykes a very different character from the deep pebble bays found along Corfu's north-east coast.

Alykes is not a heavily developed tourist beach. There are some seasonal facilities, places for refreshments and sunbeds in certain sections, but large parts of the coastline retain a simple and natural feel. If you are looking for rows of beach clubs, shops and extensive water sports, this probably isn't the beach for you. Its appeal is the space, tranquillity and surrounding landscape.

The Historic Lefkimmi Salt Pans

The Lefkimmi Salt Pans are what really make this stretch of coastline different from almost anywhere else on Corfu.

Salt was produced here for centuries, with production becoming increasingly organised during the late 19th and 20th centuries before finally ending in 1988. Parts of the old infrastructure remain today, including restored Venetian salt warehouses, channels and other reminders of the area's industrial past.

The salt pans now form an important wetland habitat, with the wider area included within the Natura 2000 conservation network. More than 180 species of birds have been recorded in the area, making it particularly interesting for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Migratory and wetland birds can be seen at different times of year, and the area has become particularly associated with sightings of flamingos, herons, egrets and other wading birds.

Even if birdwatching isn't normally your thing, the contrast between the flat salt-marsh landscape, olive groves and the sea makes this one of the more unusual coastal environments on Corfu.

A Beach Away from the Crowds

One of Alykes Beach's biggest attractions is just how quiet it can feel, particularly compared with the larger resorts further south.

You won't find the constant activity of Kavos or the rows of beachfront businesses seen at some of Corfu's more commercial beaches. Instead, Alykes offers a much slower pace and is particularly good for visitors who simply want somewhere peaceful to swim, read or spend a few hours beside the sea.

Even during the main summer season, the relatively undeveloped coastline means it is normally possible to find somewhere with plenty of space around you.

For anyone staying in the Lefkimmi area, it is a good example of the quieter side of southern Corfu that many visitors never discover.

Excellent for Families

The exceptionally shallow water makes Alykes particularly attractive to families.

The sandy seabed slopes very gently and the water can remain shallow for a long distance, giving younger children plenty of opportunity for paddling and playing close to shore.

As with every beach, children should still be supervised and sea conditions can change depending on the weather, but on calm days Alykes is one of the gentler swimming environments on this part of the island.

Anyone wanting deep water for serious swimming may actually find the shallowness less appealing, as you may need to walk quite a way out before reaching deeper water.

Walking and Nature

A visit to Alykes is worth combining with a walk around the salt pans and surrounding countryside.

The saltworks cover a large flat area, with old tracks and channels providing opportunities for walking and nature watching. The perimeter of the salt-pan area is approximately 6 km, so there is considerably more to explore than you might initially expect.

The landscape is particularly rewarding outside the hottest part of the day. Early morning and late afternoon are excellent times for walking, photography and birdwatching.

Nearby Lefkimmi is also worth visiting. It is one of Corfu's largest traditional towns and has a very different atmosphere from the purpose-built tourist resorts, with old neighbourhoods, churches, narrow streets and the attractive canal area at Potami.

What is Alykes Lefkimmi Beach Like?

Beach type: Predominantly sandy 

Sea: Very shallow and generally calm 

Seabed: Sandy with an extremely gradual slope 

Setting: Quiet south-east coastline beside historic salt pans and wetlands 

Atmosphere: Peaceful, natural and undeveloped 

Sunbeds and parasols: Available seasonally in some sections 

Food and drink: Limited seasonal options nearby 

Water sports: Limited compared with major resort beaches 

Parking: Available in the wider beach and marina area 

Public transport: Limited, so private transport is generally easier 

Best for: Families, paddling, nature lovers, birdwatching and peaceful beach days 

Nearby: Lefkimmi, Molos Beach, Bouka Beach, Lefkimmi Salt Pans and Lefkimmi Port

Getting There

Alykes Lefkimmi Beach is approximately 43 km from Corfu Town and around 4 km from central Lefkimmi. The drive from Corfu Town normally takes around an hour, although journey times can vary considerably depending on traffic.

The easiest way to reach the beach is generally by car or scooter. The roads around the Lefkimmi area are relatively straightforward compared with some of Corfu's steep mountain and coastal roads, and parking is available around the marina and surrounding area.

Public transport directly to Alykes is limited, so anyone relying on buses should check the current Green Bus routes to Lefkimmi and the surrounding area before travelling and be prepared for some additional walking or a short taxi journey.

Once you arrive, the landscape around the beach and salt pans is extremely flat, which makes exploring the immediate area considerably easier than many of Corfu's hillside beaches.

Who is Alykes Lefkimmi Beach Best For?

Alykes is particularly suited to families with younger children, thanks to its sandy shoreline and unusually shallow water.

It is also an excellent choice for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Few beaches on Corfu allow you to combine a morning beside the sea with exploring an important wetland and historic salt-working landscape immediately afterwards.

Couples and independent travellers looking to escape the island's busier resorts may also appreciate how quiet and undeveloped the area feels.

If your ideal beach day involves a large selection of restaurants, beach bars, water sports and entertainment within a few metres of your sunbed, Alykes probably isn't the best choice.

This is much more about shallow warm water, nature, open space and discovering a less-touristy corner of Corfu.

Corfu & Beyond Tip

Combine the beach with the Lefkimmi Salt Pans.

It would be a shame to visit Alykes simply for a swim and leave without exploring the landscape that gives the area its name. Spend some time walking around the old saltworks and look out for birdlife across the wetlands.

If you enjoy photography or wildlife, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the temperatures are cooler and the light across the salt pans can be beautiful.

Then make the short journey into Lefkimmi for a wander around the traditional town and canal area. Together, the beach, salt pans and town make for a very different Corfu day out from the island's better-known tourist resorts.