A breezy favorite among windsurfers and kitesurfers, the 3 km sandy stretch of Halikounas beach is always lively on land, sea and air, yet manages to keep its status as one of the island’s most scenic, quiet shores. With a beach bar for refreshments and several small coves for those seeking a little privacy, the beach has clean, crystalline waters and a plush yellow sand that forms cushiony sand dunes.

Just over a small road is Lake Korission, a beautiful habitat for over 120 bird species, including oystercatchers, curlews and great white egrets, surrounded by a forest of stately juniper and cedar trees.