Towns & Villages

1. Afionas

The picturesque mountain village of Afionas is situated on the northwest coast of Corfu, around 37 km from Corfu town. The village is built on the neck of a small, green peninsula between the bays of Arillas (north) and Agios Georgios Pagon (south). The entire end of the peninsula is called the «Head of Mourgis», because its shape looks like a dog’s head.

Afionas is one of the most beautiful villages of Corfu, which has remained unchanged over time with colorful houses, old mansions and many picturesque alleys called "kantounia". It is very well known for the spectacular view that it offers especially during the sunset, as it overlooks Arillas bay, the most western point of the whole Greece. There is also a nice view towards Gravia island and the Diapondia islands - Mathraki, Othoni & Erikoussa. It is considered one of the oldest settlements on the island and according to tradition, owes its name to the local grape variety.

At the center of the village is the church of Agios Ioannis of Lampataris, with its imposing bell tower, built in 1636. The church celebrates on June 24. On the eve of the feast, a local custom "Lampata" takes place in the village, the custom in which the villagers light fires and jump over them. In Afionas a cultural club is active and helps with embellishing and cultural activities. Afionas also has highlights for hikers to offer - the hike to the twin bay "Porto Timoni" and further to Cape "Akra Arilla" with the chapel "Agios Stylianos" is one of the most beautiful and popular hiking tours on Corfu and offers many beautiful photo motifs. During the walk you can see ruins of fortifications which were built in the Middle Ages in order to be protected from the invasions of pirates. Archaeological findings demonstrate that Afionas was inhabited during the 6th century B.C.

Below Afionas is the famous double beach of Porto Timoni. They are essentially two beaches, separated by a narrow strip of land. The left is called Limni and the right is Porto Timoni. Access to Porto Timoni is either through the narrow paths descending from the village of Afionas, or by sea from the bay of Agios Georgios. Afionas is particularly famous for its tavernas with a great view of the Adriatic Sea, the sunset and the diapontic islands, where you can taste the famous local wine.

2. Kassiopi

Set around a scenic horseshoe-shaped harbor, Kassiopi is one of the most tourist destinations in northern Corfu. This once sleepy village, is now a lively tourist gateway which has retained its charm and has developed sympathetically to Corfu’s traditional Ionian architecture. The small village is overlooked by the remains of a Byzantine castle and offers great views of the Ionian Sea and across the sapphire channel to Albania. It is a pretty and quiet seaside village with good facilities including gift shops, cafes, banks with cash machines, supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, travel agents and car rentals. The pretty harbor is lined with good-quality restaurants with great views where you can sit and watch the world go by whilst enjoying a local glass of wine or a delicious Greek meal. Scattered throughout the village, you will find more excellent tavernas and bars as well as a large number of accommodation options.

Kassiopi does not have a beach in the village itself, but there are a number of shingle beaches nearby. Its four main beaches are called Kalamionas, Pipitos, Kanoni and Bataria and are all situated around the headland below the ruins of the fortress. The area also has tranquil trails, and a ruined Byzantine castle perched on a hillside overlooking the village. A small footpath leads you up to the castle, which is currently being restored. Also worth seeing is the Church of Panagia Kassopitra from the 16^th century. The church is dedicated to Virgin Mary and houses an icon that it is believed to be miraculous. The church is off the main street on the right-hand side heading down towards the harbor. If you run out of things to do in Kassiopi or want to see more of the Corfu coastline, then why not take up one of the boat trips that leave from the harbor on a daily basis. On these trips, you will get to see the fascinating coastline of Corfu and visit some secluded beaches.

Kassiopi is on Corfu’s northeast coast, roughly 36 kilometers northeast of Corfu Town. The beautiful and bursting resort has something from everyone, from families to couples and groups. It is the ideal destination for those who want to explore the northern part of the island or just looking for a quiet place with a traditional atmosphere but at the same time want to enjoy some lively nights with music and dancing. This part of Corfu is particularly pretty and many people return year after year or have bought properties and spend their summer holidays.

Transport

Kassiopi is a one-hour drive from Corfu Airport and 45 minutes on the bus from Corfu Town. The village is served by Corfu’s Bus system on a daily basis. Tickets cost about €3,60 one way and be purchased from the driver or from kiosks. Buses in high season run hourly and can be used to explore nearby villages and smaller bays of the north-east coast. The bus station in Kassiopi is near the harbor front. To see the routes, the schedules and prices please visit Corfu’s Bus system official website. If you are travelling to Kassiopi with your own vehicle, you may be able to find a space in the harbor. If not, there is a car park on the outskirts of the village where you can park for a fee.

Distance Table:

Kassiopi - Corfu Town: 36,4 kms (57 mins)
Kassiopi - Corfu International Airport: 35,6 kms (55 mins)
Kassiopi - Arachavi: 12,1 kms (16 mins)
Kassiopi - Palia Perithia: 13,9 kms (25 mins)

3. Lefkimmi

Lefkimmi is the second largest village on the island after the Town of Corfu. Lying at the southern tip of the island, Lefkimmi has essentially resulted from the unification of five villages (Riglades, Anaplades, Agioi Theodoroi, Melikia, and Potami). Its port connects southern Corfu with Igoumenitsa on the opposite coast. Daily ferry services, serve all those travelling from the mainland to the south part of Corfu and vice versa. The area is known from the ancient times. At the Strait of Lefkimmi took place the famous battle between the Corinthians and the Athenians during the Peloponnesian War. Lefkimi was also the scene of a rescue operation in World War II, when a Lancaster bomber crashed. Locals rescued the crew, hid them, and then led them to a safe place where they boarded on a British submarine.

Lefkimmi is set in a fertile plain full of olive groves, citrus trees and vineyards. A river runs through the eastern part of the town where local fishermen moor their wooden boats, creating a very picturesque sight. The paved piers are lined with cafes and restaurants where you can sit and enjoy a drink or a genuine Corfiot meal. Wandering through the narrow streets you can see old mansions, Venetian-style buildings, squares and beautiful churches. To a large extent, Lefkimmi has remained untouched by mass tourism and still keeps its old traditions. You can still see old women carrying goods on their donkeys in the streets and elderly men drinking ouzo in the traditional bars. It offers a good choice of bars and restaurants; however, you can hardly find any late-night bars and clubs. If you are keen on this kind of entertainment, go down to Kavos and you won’t be disappointed.

Near the village there is a lighthouse and a salt pan, an important wetland where flamingos, egrets, and many migratory birds stop to rest. The nearest beaches are Molou bay, just 2 kilometers away and Alikes bay. Lefkimmi is connected with Corfu Town with regular bus services. The small town is overall a quiet and relaxing place away from the cosmopolitan resorts of the island.

4. Corfu Town

Corfu Town is the capital of Corfu and the capital of the Ionian region. It is built on the east coast of the island on a peninsula, dividing the city into two sections. The new part of the city is characterized by large squares and large avenues.The old part of Corfu is one of the most picturesque parts of the world with the characteristic old cobbled streets known to all as the ''kantounia'' of Corfu.

It is a cosmopolitan city that exudes a sense of nobility, with main attractions the large square Spianada, which is the largest square in the Balkans, the Old and New Fortress, the Town Hall (San Jacomo Theater), the Canoni, the Mon Repo and the Museums Byzantine and Post-Byzantine history. The patron saint of the city is Agios Spyridon, whose indestructible relic is housed in the homonymous church. A church with very special characteristics that every year thousands of people visit it.

Browse the Old Town and its cantounia with the bougainvillea’s, visit the historic churches and discover hidden squares between Venetian blocks of houses. Climb to the Old Fortress to see the view of the city and finally enjoy your coffee at the famous Liston, a point of reference and sociality for locals and visitors. This array is the same as the one on the Riboli.str (opposite the Louvre museum) in Paris. The oldest and most charming neighborhood of the old town is Cabelllo, where you will walk in narrow alleys with tall buildings, carved wells, picturesque squares and ornate balconies.

At the northern edge of Spianada stands the Palace of Saint Michael and George, an impressive building of the British occupation, which today houses the Municipal Art Gallery and the unique Museum of Asian Art. The city of course provides all kind of modern services to visitors combining the today with the past Venetian architecture.

Easter in Corfu is unique celebration that you have to experience even for once in your life for a number of reasons: the custom of throwing "botidon" where from the balconies of the houses and the streets the residents throw the canoes full of water for to make a big noise and to expel the evil, the "Lazarus Carols" in Campello, the reconstruction of the earthquake that followed the Resurrection of the Lord, the grandiose philharmonic of the island singing mourning marches and the fireworks in the evening of Anastasis in the crowded square. Together with many other unique customs in the world, they make the city one of the best destinations worldwide.

5. Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa is located on the northwest coast of Corfu, 25 km from Corfu Town. It is one of the most famous tourist resorts on the island, mainly due to the fantastic beaches with the clear sea waters and to many lovely coves. They are all nestled beneath the folds of steep verdant slopes of olive groves, cypress trees and citrus orchards. Apart from the natural beauty the historical sights won’t let you down, as there are many sights dating back to the Byzantine era. The castle of Angelokastro sits at the top of a rather large rock and offers a spectacular view of the bays around Palaiokastritsa. The historic monastery of Theotokos is one of the oldest in Corfu, dating to 1225. It is built on a sheer hillside, on the western side of the central bay, facing the Ionian Sea. It is one of the most important religious monuments on Corfu as well as the most visited religious site on the island. It hosts a remarkable collection of Byzantine icons, sacred books, vestments and ecclesiastical heirlooms.

Palaiokastritsa, hands down the island’s most renowned, picturesque, and beautiful beach which stands out for the exceptional scenery. It actually consists of six small coves and beaches with the beach of Agios Spyridon to be, the most famous, biggest and crowded of all. It is a well-organized beach with sun beds, umbrellas, motor boats, watersport and canoes for rent. Here, you can also find some excellent cafés, bars and restaurants for a meal or a drink. There is an organized port where you can hire a boat and visit several lovely bays such as Alypa, Agia Triada, Agios Petros, Ambelakia and Platakia or explore the nearby coves and caves, all great points for diving and snorkeling.

The resort offers a lot of accommodation options. You can find hotels of all categories and prices, apartments, self-catering and studios. Paleokastritsa has long been considered one of the most beautiful resorts in Corfu, therefore attracts thousands of tourists every year.

6. Kalami

Kalami is a small coastal tourist resort on the northeast coast of Corfu, about 32 km from Corfu Town and 6 km from Kassiopi. The picturesque village is located in a lush area, chosen by many painters in order to capture its beautiful landscapes. For many years Kalami used to be the favorite destination and the place of residence of Lawrence Darrell, the famous author of the “Alexandria Quartet». The author's house, known as the white house, is described in the book "My family and other animals". The white villa operates nowadays as a guest house and a restaurant. The mansion of the Rothschild royal family is also located in the village.

Despite its prized reputation, Kalami still continues to maintain its sense of peace and beauty. Almost untouched by mass tourism, the area retains its pure character. Kalami is the perfect choice for relaxing vacations, families and excursions in nature.

Right in front of Kalami spreads a divine pebbly beach with crystal clear waters. A variety of water sports facilities are available, so if you like water adventure this is the right spot. Other than that, the sea around the village is a favorite spot of diving lovers due to the rocks in the sea and its amazing seabed. Along the waterfront there are many traditional tavernas serving fresh fish, small shops and cafes. Do not miss to visit the picturesque little port of Kouloura that lies almost 1 km away.

7. Palia Perithia

Palia Peritheia is situated on the attractive north east corner of Corfu, and just below Mount Pantokratoras, the tallest mountain of the island. The ruined village is the oldest example of the original mountain villages of Corfu. According to records it was first inhabited in the mid-14th century but it is believed to have been inhabited many centuries before.

Most of the approximately 130 stone houses of Palia Peritheia, built according to Venetian prototype, are now fallen into ruins. The village which is not visible from afar was built during the pirate threats in the Mediterranean and its houses are well hidden on the slopes of Pantokratoras, at an altitude of 440 meters. Approaching the ghost-village, surrounded by lush vegetation, you will feel the atmosphere of the past and you will step back in time wandering among ruined mansions covered with wild grass and trees, narrow stone paved alleyways and numerous old churches. It is said that the village was named after the many churches surrounding it in a circular way: peri (around) + theia (holy)= Peritheia.

It is worth visiting the old school, a building of special architectural interest. In Foros, the main square of the village, you will find tavernas serving delicious home-cooked meals during weekends in the summer months. Palia Peritheia was permanently abandoned by its inhabitants during the 60s when the last families settled in the seaside, contemporary village. In recent years an effort has been made for the restoration of many of the houses since the owners are trying to bring the village back in life. The village which is best visited by car is 8 km away from Kassiopi and 50 km from the city of Corfu.

Protected Historical Monument - ΦΕΚ 210/Β/1-3-1980

8. Corfu Old Town

Kérkyra, the capital of Corfu, is one of the most interesting towns in Greece due to the strong influence of the Venetians who for four-plus centuries controlled the island. So it strongly resembles an Italian city, a more savoury version of Naples comes to mind for some visitors. Like the other Ionian islands (except for Lefkada), Corfu was never occupied by the Ottomans, which gives it a very different character from the rest of Greece. But the town of Corfu has had other inputs as well: from the British, the French, the Greeks and the Romans whose ancient buildings are still in evidence at several archaeological sites and the excellent archaeological museum.

The compact, strollable old quarter, a protected UNESCO heritage site, nestles between the two Venetian fortresses; its oldest district, the Campiello, is a particular joy to wander aimlessly around. Although the German bombardment of September 1943 caused heavy damage, including the destruction of the sumptuous Belle Époque theatre-cum-opera-house, and most of the low Venetian walls or gates enveloping the town centre (including the Pórta Reále) were thoughtlessly pulled down by the Greeks late in the 19th century, enough has survived to make a pleasing, homogenous ensemble of monumental architecture, narrow lanes (the so-called kandoúnia) and quiet little squares with fountains in the middle. The population of the Town is about 30,000, not counting a large student population at the locally headquartered University of the Ionian, which makes it one of the more cosmopolitan island capitals.

On the west side of the Spianáda (Esplanade plaza), Napoleonic-French style is most evident in the Listón, an elegant arcaded parade modelled on the Parisian Rue de Rivoli. Under the arches shelter some of the most popular (and expensive) cafés on the island; the Olympia (aka Tou Zizimou) is considered the most venerable and stylish. Their tables overlook the Spianáda’s lawns, which used to host weekend cricket matches (a British introduction). Alas, parking demands have shrunk the pitch here and most matches are now held at a newish stadium out at Gouviá, but you can still sit here and sip a ginger beer (another British contribution). It was the French who landscaped the Spianáda, thus creating one of the most attractive town squares in all of Greece; for the Venetians it was merely a patch of waste ground, the site of old houses demolished to permit a free field of fire from the Old Fort, which lies east of the Spianáda, beyond the Contrafossa channel dug by the Venetians and now home to a fishing fleet.

Although originally established by the Byzantines during the 6th century, most of the existing Old Fort is of Venetian vintage; the British demolished most of their additions before handing the island over in 1864. Today you enter at the Schulenberg statue via a metal bridge, which replaced the old draw-bridge over the Contrafossa; the adjacent gatehouse has become an excellent small exhibit of Byzantine and post-Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Further inside, there is the British-built church of Saint George, a popular snack bar, fortifications to climb around for excellent views over town (best before noon), and on the north flank of the fortifications a small marina (with a restaurant) on the site of the Venetian galley port.

Bounding the Spianáda on the north is the Palace of Saint Michael and George, built between 1819 and 1824 by Maltese stone masons working for the British, and used as the official residence of their high commissioner and the seat of the rubber-stamp Ionian Senate. Today it houses two museums, by far the more interesting being the Museum of Asian Art, containing almost 11,000 Asian artefacts collected by two Greek diplomats with exemplary taste stationed in the Far East. The original, east wing comprises mostly funerary statuary and bowls, pottery and blue-and-white porcelain from various Chinese dynasties. The newer, west wing houses an impressive miscellany: Hindu and Jain deities, relief work from Gandhara (a Hellenistic kingdom in present-day Afghanistan), Buddhist devotional art from every south Asian nation, Japanese folding screens and woodblock prints by such masters as Hokusai and Utamaro.

Behind the palace, once past the little Faliráki Lido with its summer snack-café, chapel and pair of all-year bars, Arseníou Street curls around the Campiello, allowing fine sea views across to Albania and Vídos islet, the final resting place for the most desperately ill or wounded casualties among the retreating Serbian army in 1916. From Arseníou, a flight of steps climbs to the Byzantine Museum housed in the single-aisled, timber-roofed 15th-century Andivouniótissa church. Once a private chapel belonging to two notable families, it was donated to the state in the 1970s, and now contains a wealth of icons from the 15th to 19th centuries, many from the so-called Cretan School; after Crete fell to the Ottomans, many highly skilled artists came as refugees to Venetian-held Corfu.

Nearby there is an Orthodox cathedral, but the primary church in the hearts of Corfiots is the one dedicated to the island’s patron saint, Ágios Spyrídon, just off the Listón, containing Spyridon’s mummified body. Originally a humble shepherd on Cyprus, he became a monk, then a bishop, and took part in the first Ecumenical Council of Nicea in 325AD. After his death in 348 or 349, various miracles were attributed to him, and his exhumed remains were found to exude a pleasant odour, a sure sign of sanctity. They were taken to Constantinople for veneration in the church of the Holy Apostles; when the city fell to the Ottomans in 1453, his relics (along with those of Saint Theodora Augusta) were sent to Corfu, where they arrived after three years of adventures. It is claimed that Saint Spyridon has spared Corfu calamity on four occasions: twice from epidemics, once from starvation, and, at the height of the 1716 Turkish siege, on 11 August, by appearing above the defending forces with a lighted torch and scaring the invaders away.

That day is now a local feast day of the saint, when his relics are paraded through the streets, as they are on Palm Sunday, Easter Saturday and the first Sunday in November. The soundtrack for the procession is always provided by one of Kérkyra Town’s famous philharmonic societies, rather confusingly, in Greek filarmonikí means a municipal marching band and not a symphonic orchestra as in the Anglo-Saxon world. There are two, or perhaps even three, competing, smartly uniformed bands in the town, and very good they are. (Corfu has a rich musical tradition, and historically many of Athens’ symphony orchestra players were initially trained in the island’s conservatories). On Spyridon’s canonical feast day (December 12) there’s no musical procession, but his church stays open for 24 consecutive hours from the night before for pilgrims to pay their respects. A goodly fraction of the island’s men are named Spyros (short for Spyridon).

Other traces of Kérkyra Town’s heterogenous religious past can be found in the Catholic Cathedral of SS James and Christopher on the stepped Platía Dimarhíou, still open daily for use by the over 3,000 local Catholics, all descended from the Maltese masons brought here by the British, and the sole surviving synagogue at Velisaríou 4, the Scuola Greca; just 60 Jews still live here, too few to support a permanent rabbi who is brought specially from Israel for the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur holidays.

Above the old Jewish quarter and the Spiliá neighbourhood abutting the old port looms the New Fort, built between 1572 and 1645 in anticipation of the next, inevitable Ottoman siege. It’s a masterpiece of military architecture, with some later French and British modifications, but the main reason to show up today (in the afternoon) is for superb views over the old-town rooftops, or if there’s a special event inside.

Above Platía Dimarhíou, at Moustoxýdou 19, one of the many parallel lanes of Pórta Remoúnda district, is the Museum of the Serbs on Corfu, which minutely documents the experiences of the Serbian army and government-in-exile here, when nearly 140,000 soldiers took shelter on Corfu from January 1916 onwards: a little-known episode of World War I. Amongst their other notional allies, only France provided transport, supplies and medical attention to the defeated army, though a period poster, issued by a New York-based relief committee, makes interesting reading (“Save Serbia, Our Ally”) in light of the American 1990s demonization of the country.

The only significant sight or site in the sprawling newer quarters is the Archaeological Museum, a short walking distance south of the Serb museum at Vraïla 5. The most celebrated attraction is the menacing Gorgon pediment (c. 585 BC) from the Temple of Artemis, discovered in 1912 at Paleópolis, but rather unfairly it tends to eclipse equally noteworthy finds such as the earlier Archaic Lion of Menekrates, a small pediment from 500 BC showing the god Dionysos and a youth reclining at a symposium, and a dozen statuettes of the goddess Artemis in her primary aspect as mistress of the beasts.

Protected Historical Monument - ΦΕΚ 445/Β/29-6-1970

9. Palies Sinies

One of the ruined and abandoned settlements in northern Corfu, Palies Sinies, is still standing, resisting the passage of time, at the foot of mount Pantokratoras. It is at a distance of about 40 kilometers from the city of Corfu and less than 10 from Kassiopi. It is quite possible that the houses in Palies Sinies have been standing since the 17th century, while the village was abandoned in the 60s, when the inhabitants moved to Nissaki, the modern, seaside village, one of the most visited in northern Corfu.

Today, wild ivies and prickly bushes have surrounded the mansions of another time of Palies Sinies, while the churches of the village that still stand are decorated with great murals that attract the interest of visitors. The area where Palies Sinies is situated is of course hard to access, as it was built in this spot because of fear of pirates who ravaged the coastal areas, but it is worth visiting, especially if you are hiking enthusiasts.

10. Lakones

The little village Lakones lies on the north west coast, about 25km from Corfu town. It is a listed, traditional, picturesque village with a long history, built on the slope of a verdant mountain, offering impressive views of the coves of Palaiokastritsa. Old stone houses of the 18th and 19th centuries on both sides of the narrow main road, cobbled streets, colored shutters and elderly women still wearing traditional Greek dresses, compose the scene of the picturesque village.

Although there is more than one theory as how the name derived, the most common one says that it came from the first inhabitants of the village who were from Lakonia in Peloponnese. On their trip to Southern Italy, they were caught in a storm and they settled on the coast, in the place where Palaiokastritsa lies now. But due to the fear of pirate raids they moved the village to the mountainous area. According to another theory the name derives from the Michala family with origin from Oitylo. This family was the first to settle in the village after being chased from Lakonia.

For hiking lovers there is a path that connects Lakones with Paleokastritsa. On the road towards the village there are plenty of viewing points and it is well worth stopping off to see the spectacular view. One of the most important attractions, is the Folklore Museum, housed in the building of the Music Club "Lakonites". It hosts a large collection of photographs, traditional costumes, everyday objects and archives. In Lakones you can find some traditional cafes and tavernas as well as a few small hotels and rooms to let.

11. Agios Stefanos Corfu

Agios Stefanos Sinion is a small traditional fishing village with a picturesque harbor. It is set in a peaceful bay, surrounded by verdant hills, on the northeastern coast of Corfu between the beaches of Kerasia and the famous Kassiopi from which it is only 3 km away.

Overlooking the Ionian Sea, Agios Stefanos has been established as a first-class resort. The majority of the accommodation is built on its slopes and is based in private villas owned by affluent Greeks and foreigners. The wider area from Barbati to Avlaki has been dubbed "Kensington-on-Sea" by the English press and media. It is named after the famous Kensington area of London which wealthy tourists prefer to frequent.

It is a quiet destination, with buildings that retain their traditional architecture. Combined with the more modern elements of the luxury villas, give the village a unique color. The village is an ideal destination for families and for all kind of people who seek peace and relaxation while enjoying the atmosphere of the lush and stunning landscape.

On the left side of the bay there is a small, pebbly beach where parasols and sun beds are available. Along the coast there are a few cafes and bars as well as some traditional tavernas, all ideally located on the harbor front, offering traditional food and fresh fish. The tiny village is quite far from the main road from where the buses pass, heading to Kassiopi and to the city of Corfu, so a car would be useful for local transportation and for exploring the picturesque villages and the beautiful unspoiled beaches around the area.

North of Agios Stefanos, are situated two important ecosystems, lake Akoli and lake Vromolimni, which are connected by a network of paths that lead to some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches of the island in the area of Erimitis. At the end of the trail is the tranquil Avlaki beach.

12. Agii Deka Corfu

The picturesque village of Agii Deka (Ten Saints) nestles on a hill some 150 meters above sea level, on the eastern slope of the namesake Agii Deka Mount, 12,8 km (25 mins) south of Corfu Town. The village was founded by Cretans who moved to Corfu after the conquest of Crete by the Arabs in 823 AD. It is believed that it was those Cretans who brought the icon of the Holy Ten Martyrs to Corfu, from where the village took its name.

Agii Deka is a quiet village that retains elements of its traditional Corfiot architecture with scenic alleys, old stone houses and shops. It is one of the most charming villages of the island with breathtaking views of the surrounding area, the neighboring villages, Corfu Town, and the airport. There is not much to do in Agii Deka, apart from wandering through the narrow alleys and tasting the authentic Corfiot cuisine in one of the traditional tavernas of the village. The village's beauty inspired Oscar Wilde in 1877 to write the poem "Santa Decca".

13. Liapades Corfu

The village of Liapades is a traditional agricultural village with a local Corfiot population, situated slightly inland and uphill. It is one of the nicest traditional villages of Corfu in the west coast approximately 18 km from Corfu Town. This pretty little village is surrounded by stunning pine-forested hills and despite the tourist development, retains its traditional and architectural elements with beautiful houses from the 18th century and narrow streets. The village of Liapades is small, but cozy. Even though it is different from the classic image of Greece with white houses and blue roofs, it has everything you need for a good rest. There are taverns, cafés and shops which cover all the needs a visitor may have but has also some stunning beaches nearby.

The village is divided into two parts, the old village where most of the locals live and the tourist area with a cluster of tourist accommodation and facilities. On the central square you can experience the Greek way of life on the traditional small cafes and bars and visit the church of Agia Anastasia of the 16th century with its beautiful, religious paintings and old icons. Not far away from Liapades there are many places to visit including the well-known Paleokastritsa. Liapades has two main beaches. One – Liapades (Gefyra) beach – is easy to reach and is more popular among tourists than the other one. From there you can also visit by boat some other unorganized coves and beaches in the area such as Rovinia, Klimatia, Iliodoro and Limni beach.

With stunning natural surroundings and a traditional feel, Liapades is a great place to visit and stay. If you visit it by car, you should take extra care as the roads are verry narrow. Liapades is also famous for its wine with the ubique color and flavor.

Protected Historical Monument - ΦΕΚ-594/Δ/78, 1053/Δ/92

14. Chlomos

The mountain village of Chlomos is considered to be one of the most picturesque villages on the island of Corfu. It is an old traditional Greek village up on the side of a steep hill, about 4km from Mesonghi. Built at an altitude of 270 to 320 meters above sea level, it is also referred as the “Balcony of Corfu” because of the spectacular views of Southern Corfu and the eastern coastline, even of the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos on a clear day. Besides the beautiful views, the village features pretty narrow streets and old houses, built according to the Venetian architecture. The houses are spread around the main square and most of them are painted with vibrant colors. Moreover, you can find many mansions dotted around the cobblestone alleys. Of historic interest is the mansion of Thomas Palaiologos, brother of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine Palaiologos.

On the way to the village, you will enjoy a stunning view of Lake Korission from above. The lake covers an area of 6,000 acres and is one of the most important wetlands on the island. The village was built in the 13th century and according to tradition, it owes its name to the people who came here from the lake area at the beginning of the 19th century, and were plagued by malaria so consequently had ‘pale’ faces. The story of the village however, starts long before the 13th century as evidenced by findings in several places on the slopes of the mountain. The findings include an altar dedicated to God Apollo in the place where is now the Church of the Archangels. The village boasts some cafes and traditional tavernas with delicious Greek and Corfiot food. Accommodation options are limited but there are some private villas to rent, however most of the villas and studios are situated near the sea, around 5km away. Chlomos is located 31km south of Corfu Town, on the east side of the Morovigli mountain. The nearest beach to visit is Boukari beach but there are many more lovely beaches nearby, such as Mesonghi, Moraitika and Benitses on the east coast as well as Halikounas on the west coast. Chlomos village is a hidden gem in the inland of Corfu, that is worth to visit.

Photo: Σπύρος Τσουκιάς - Χλωμός Κέρκυρα - Facebook Team