
Arkoudilas Monastery & Beach
Discover the wild beauty of Arkoudilas: a stunning 2km sandy beach with dramatic cliffs and ancient monastery ruins.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Arkoudilas Monastery & Beach
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the wild beauty of Arkoudilas: a stunning 2km sandy beach with dramatic cliffs and ancient monastery ruins.
"Absolutely gorgeous beach. The beauty of the beach pays off despite the rough road."

🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
The road is rough! A 4x4 or Jeep is best. Smaller cars might struggle.
💧 Pack Essentials
No toilets or showers. Bring water, snacks, and sunblock.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Arkoudilas Monastery Ruins
Hilltop overlooking the beach
Explore the hauntingly beautiful, overgrown ruins of a 1700s monastery, offering a unique historical detour.

Expansive Sandy Beach
Southern Corfu coast
A stunning 2km stretch of fine sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a peaceful escape.

Clay & Sandstone Cliffs
Southwest coastline
Admire the dramatic clay and sandstone cliffs that frame the beach, offering unique geological formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Journey to Arkoudilas
Pack Smart for a Wild Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
The road is rough! A 4x4 or Jeep is best. Smaller cars might struggle.
💧 Pack Essentials
No toilets or showers. Bring water, snacks, and sunblock.
🚶♀️ Explore the Wild Side
Venture north along the coast for secluded clay pebble formations.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The monastery ruins and cliffs offer stunning photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
The road is rough! A 4x4 or Jeep is best. Smaller cars might struggle.
💧 Pack Essentials
No toilets or showers. Bring water, snacks, and sunblock.
🚶♀️ Explore the Wild Side
Venture north along the coast for secluded clay pebble formations.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The monastery ruins and cliffs offer stunning photo opportunities.
🐝 Mind the Bees
Bees are present, especially near the shore.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Arkoudilas Monastery & Beach is praised for its stunning natural beauty, expansive sandy shores, and dramatic cliff formations, offering a secluded and wild experience. However, the challenging, unpaved access road is a significant drawback for many visitors, and the lack of facilities like toilets and showers requires thorough preparation.
"Absolutely gorgeous beach.
Sun-beds and umbrellas available, but plenty of room for whoever prefers wild beaches.
2 km of rough road, but the beauty of the beach pays off."
Marius Fufezan
"The beach is definitely worth visiting. Its best feature is that there are very are not so many people here or we were that lucky. Be ready that the road is more like an off-road road 😀 Surprised that local government doesn't care to do anything about it as it is worth to take good care of."
Igor Rokka
"Secluded beach, requiring 30+ mins walk or vehicle such as car, quad or moped. Beautiful clay / sandstone cliff faces stretching around the south west of the island. Bring Water, food and no toilets. Beds hired and soft drinks. Following the Coast north for only the more experienced over rocks, brings you to an Amazing un popular Clay Pebble formation ' see photos '."
D W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary access is via a rough, unpaved road from the south of Corfu. Many visitors recommend using a high-clearance vehicle like a Jeep or 4x4, as smaller cars can have difficulty. Some travelers have successfully navigated it with a Fiat Panda, but caution is advised.
Yes, the road is described as 'off-road' and 'rough.' It's a significant challenge for standard vehicles, and multiple reviews highlight this as a major consideration.
Yes, it's possible to walk to the beach, which takes about 30+ minutes from the starting point. This is a good option if you don't have a suitable vehicle.
While the area is known, clear signage can be sparse. It's best to use GPS and be prepared for the unpaved road.
The forest of Arkoudilas, which leads towards the beach and monastery, is a key starting point for the hike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to access Arkoudilas Monastery & Beach. It's a natural attraction, and entry is free.
As a natural site and ruins, there are no official opening hours. You can visit Arkoudilas Monastery & Beach at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and enjoyment.
No, booking tickets in advance is not necessary as there is no admission fee or structured entry system for Arkoudilas Monastery & Beach.
The monastery ruins are overgrown and in a state of disrepair. Visitors should exercise caution when exploring the site.
While some visitors have managed with smaller cars, it's not recommended due to the rough, unpaved road. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly advised to avoid damage.
📸 📸 Photography
The overgrown monastery ruins offer a unique, atmospheric subject. The dramatic clay and sandstone cliffs, along with the expansive beach itself, provide stunning natural backdrops.
Absolutely. The combination of rugged cliffs, the vast beach, and the clear waters makes it a prime location for landscape photographers.
Late afternoon often provides softer light, ideal for capturing the beauty of the cliffs and beach. Early morning can also be peaceful and less crowded.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules before flying. The aerial views of the coastline and ruins would be spectacular.
Arkoudilas is known for being less crowded than other Corfu beaches, especially if you visit outside peak hours, making it easier to get unobstructed photos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Arkoudilas is a wild beach with no restaurants or tavernas. You'll need to bring all your own food and drinks.
There are no facilities for purchasing food or drinks directly at Arkoudilas Beach. It's essential to come prepared with everything you need.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, and a picnic lunch. Consider a cooler bag to keep items fresh.
Some reviews mention sunbeds and soft drinks being available for hire, suggesting a very basic service, but not a full beach bar.
The nearest villages or towns will have tavernas and restaurants. Plan to eat before or after your visit to Arkoudilas.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
Facilities are very limited. While some sunbeds and umbrellas might be available for hire, there are no beach showers, changing rooms, or toilets.
Yes, the water is crystal clear and the temperature is great, often enhanced by the wind. It's a beautiful spot for a swim.
The beach has fine sand, with pebbles closer to the shore.
Arkoudilas is generally much less crowded than other popular beaches on Corfu, offering a more secluded experience.
The 'wild' nature refers to its undeveloped state, with minimal facilities and natural surroundings, including overgrown monastery ruins and dramatic cliffs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Adventurous Drivers & Explorers
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Rough Road to Arkoudilas
Considerations for your vehicle: If you're renting a car, opt for an SUV or a vehicle with higher ground clearance. If you're on a scooter or quad bike, be prepared for a bumpy ride. The local government's lack of road maintenance is a recurring point of feedback, so be prepared for the conditions as they are.
Alternative access: For those seeking a less strenuous approach, consider arranging a taxi that is equipped for rough terrain, or inquire about local transport options that might cater to this specific route. However, most visitors opt for self-driving or walking.
The Allure of the Arkoudilas Monastery Ruins
Exploring the ruins: The path leading to the monastery is shaded by cypress trees, creating a serene approach. While the structures are dilapidated, they provide a fascinating glimpse into the past. The name 'Arkoudilas' itself is believed to be a corruption of 'Acrodilon,' referencing the ancient name for the Asprokavos cape where it's located.
Photography and atmosphere: The ruins are a compelling subject for photographers, offering dramatic shots with the natural landscape as a backdrop. The sense of peace and isolation at the monastery site is frequently mentioned by those who make the effort to reach it.
Arkoudilas Beach: A Natural Paradise
Beach amenities (or lack thereof): Be prepared for a natural experience. While some sunbeds and umbrellas are available for hire, there are no beach showers, changing rooms, or toilets. This means you need to bring all your essentials, including plenty of water, food, and sun protection. The presence of bees is also noted, particularly near the shore, so be mindful of this.
Beyond the main beach: For the more adventurous, following the coast north from the main beach over rocks can lead to an 'amazing, unpopular Clay Pebble formation,' offering a more rugged and secluded experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit