Is Ágios Matthaíos a good base for a beach holiday?
Ágios Matthaíos can be a great base for a beach holiday if you prefer a quieter, more traditional village atmosphere and don't mind a short drive to the coast. The village itself is inland, but several beautiful beaches like Paramonas, Prasoudi, and Halikounas are within a few kilometers. It's ideal for those seeking authenticity and a break from crowded tourist hotspots.
What are the main beaches near Ágios Matthaíos village and how far are they?
The main beaches near Ágios Matthaíos are Paramonas (about 2-3 km), Prasoudi (about 4-5.5 km), and Halikounas (about 3-6 km). Kanouli beach is also nearby, often considered a quieter alternative to Prasoudi. These beaches offer different experiences, from family-friendly to wild and windswept.
How do I get to the beaches from Ágios Matthaíos village? Do I need a car?
Renting a car or scooter is the most convenient way to reach the beaches from Ágios Matthaíos village, as public transport to the beaches themselves is limited or non-existent. Some beaches like Prasoudi and Kanouli are best reached with a private vehicle. Paramonas is about a 3km drive, while Halikounas and Prasoudi are a bit further. Some people also enjoy hiking from the village to nearby beaches.
Are the beaches near Ágios Matthaíos sandy or do they have pebbles?
Most beaches near Ágios Matthaíos are predominantly sandy. Halikounas is a long sandy beach. Prasoudi is described as a small sandy bay, sometimes with a few pebbles. Paramonas has soft sand, sometimes mixed with pebbles. Kanouli has a combination of sand and pebbles.
Can I find beachfront accommodation near Ágios Matthaíos, or is it better to stay in the village?
While Ágios Matthaíos village itself is inland, you can find some accommodation options closer to the nearby beaches, particularly near Paramonas and Prasoudi. These include small hotels, apartments, and studios. Staying in the village offers a more traditional experience, while staying nearer the coast provides direct beach access.
Which beaches near Ágios Matthaíos are best for families with children?
Paramonas beach is often recommended as family-friendly due to its quiet nature, sandy shore, and relatively shallow waters. Prasoudi is also mentioned as suitable for families, being a small sandy bay with calm, shallow water. Halikounas, while long and sandy, can be windy, which might be a consideration for very young children, though its shallow waters near Lake Korission can be good.
Can you swim safely at the beaches near Ágios Matthaíos? What's the water like?
Yes, swimming is generally safe at the beaches near Ágios Matthaíos. The water is typically clear and calm, especially at Prasoudi and Paramonas. Halikounas beach also has clear waters, often shallow, but can be wavier and windier, making it popular for kitesurfing. Water temperatures are pleasant during the summer months.
Is Halikounas beach always windy? Is it good for swimming or mainly for watersports?
Halikounas beach is well-known for being quite windy, especially in the afternoons, which makes it an excellent spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. While the wind is a factor, the beach is very long and sandy with generally shallow, clear waters, so swimming is still possible and enjoyable, particularly on less windy days or in more sheltered spots. Its unique landscape next to Lake Korission also adds to its appeal.
Are there organized beaches with sunbeds and umbrellas near Ágios Matthaíos, or are they mostly wild?
There's a mix. Paramonas beach is partly organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and tavernas. Prasoudi beach also has an organized section with some sunbeds and umbrellas. Halikounas is largely wild and natural, especially popular with nature lovers, though some areas may have limited facilities or a beach bar offering sunbeds. Kanouli is generally unorganized and wild.
What's the general vibe at the beaches near Ágios Matthaíos? Are they party beaches or more for relaxation?
The beaches near Ágios Matthaíos are generally known for a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere, ideal for escaping crowds. They are not party beaches like Kavos. Paramonas and Prasoudi are quiet and family-friendly. Halikounas, due to its size and natural setting, offers a sense of peace and is popular with nature lovers, even with the kitesurfers. Kanouli is even more secluded and unspoiled.
When is the best time to visit Ágios Matthaíos for beaches, considering weather and crowds?
The best time for a beach holiday near Ágios Matthaíos is generally from June to September when the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea temperature is ideal for swimming. May and October can also be pleasant with fewer crowds, though the sea might be cooler. July and August are the hottest and busiest months.
Are there any quiet, less crowded or hidden gem beaches near Ágios Matthaíos?
Yes, Kanouli beach is known as a quieter, wild, and unspoiled alternative to the more popular nearby Prasoudi beach. The northern, less developed part of Prasoudi beach (behind the rocks) also offers more seclusion. Halikounas, due to its extensive length, also allows visitors to find quiet spots away from any organized areas.
Are there any clothing-optional or nudist-friendly beaches near Ágios Matthaíos?
While Corfu has official and unofficial nudist beaches like Myrtiotissa (which is further away), parts of the very long Halikounas beach are known to be unofficially nudist-friendly, particularly the more remote sections. It's always best to be discreet and respectful of other beachgoers.
What is special about Halikounas beach and Lake Korission?
Halikounas beach is unique because it's a long, sandy strip that separates the Ionian Sea from Lake Korission, a protected wetland lagoon. This creates a stunning natural landscape, rich in wildlife, including various bird species like flamingos at certain times of the year. The area also features sand dunes and a cedar forest, offering a different experience from typical beach resorts.
Are there tavernas or places to eat directly on the beaches near Ágios Matthaíos?
Yes, some beaches have tavernas. Paramonas beach has tavernas and beach bars. Prasoudi beach also has a taverna, often praised for its local cuisine and sunset views. Halikounas has some beach bars that may offer snacks or drinks, but it's generally less developed in terms of eateries directly on the sand compared to Paramonas or Prasoudi.
