BEST THINGS TO DO IN NORTH CORFU
Αξιοθέατα
Sidari is the most tourist area along the North coast of Corfu.
It’s placed near a large gulf that offers several beaches in a great developed area.
We included Sidari in our “Top Ten” for its famous Canal d’Amour (love channel), which is a great nature’s masterpiece carved by the sea and the wind during centuries.
It seems to be in a lunar landscape, perhaps unique in the Mediterranean sea.
The Canal d’Amour of Sidari consists of some rocky cliffs that shape a particular sea channel and some nice bays you can reach by several paths.
The rocks that compose the Canal d’Amour of Corfu are made of clay which permitted to the sea and the wind to create this lovely channel.
Canale dell'amore
We suggest you also to have a marvellous swim or to dive into the clear water and to discover some sea caves.
The name Canal d’Amour comes from an ancient legend that says if two persons swim here together they will fall in love…
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Kanali tou Erota
Sidari is the most tourist area along the North coast of Corfu.
It’s placed near a large gulf that offers several beaches in a great developed area.
We included Sidari in our “Top Ten” for its famous Canal d’Amour (love channel), which is a great nature’s masterpiece carved by the sea and the wind during centuries.
It seems to be in a lunar landscape, perhaps unique in the Mediterranean sea.
The Canal d’Amour of Sidari consists of some rocky cliffs that shape a particular sea channel and some nice bays you can reach by several paths.
The rocks that compose the Canal d’Amour of Corfu are made of clay which permitted to the sea and the wind to create this lovely channel.
Canale dell'amore
We suggest you also to have a marvellous swim or to dive into the clear water and to discover some sea caves.
The name Canal d’Amour comes from an ancient legend that says if two persons swim here together they will fall in love…
The Pantokratoras mountain is located North East of the Corfu town and with its 911 metres is the highest point of the island.
Pantokratoras mountain is full of old traditional villages where the time seems to be stopped and we suggest to visit them taking the panoramic road.
You have to reach Ipsos village following the coast road from Kerkyra (Corfù) town. Monte PantokratorasAs you’ll be in Ipsos, you just have to turn left and go towards Spartilas village. In this way you’re going up to the mountain Pantokratoras and after Spartilia turn right to reach Strinilas town.
Strynilas is a small mountain village, a good place where to eat traditional food of Corfu like rabbit, lamb, wild boar and red deer.
To reach the top of Pantokratoras mountain you have to pass Strynilas, keep the right and proceed till the end of the road.
At the top you’ll find Pantokratoras Ipsilou monastery that is open to all and a really stunning view all over the Corfu island.
If you’re lucky to find the sky very clean, it is also possible to see Paxi island (South Kerkyra) and Diapontia islands (North Kerkyra). If you will go down the mountain along the other side you’ll find Palia Perithia (old Perithia) that is a small group of lonely ancient houses.
It's strange to walk among old houses in a death village.
Palia Perithia was built during the 14th Century to escape from the pirates and in the past grew up till thousand of inhabitants.
Thanks to the tourist development of Corfu island and the coast below with Kassiopi, the inhabitants of this town decided to come back to the sea side.
Today very few persons live in this village all year round, but during the summer months you can find a couple of places where you can eat something and have a small break.
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Mount Pantokrator
The Pantokratoras mountain is located North East of the Corfu town and with its 911 metres is the highest point of the island.
Pantokratoras mountain is full of old traditional villages where the time seems to be stopped and we suggest to visit them taking the panoramic road.
You have to reach Ipsos village following the coast road from Kerkyra (Corfù) town. Monte PantokratorasAs you’ll be in Ipsos, you just have to turn left and go towards Spartilas village. In this way you’re going up to the mountain Pantokratoras and after Spartilia turn right to reach Strinilas town.
Strynilas is a small mountain village, a good place where to eat traditional food of Corfu like rabbit, lamb, wild boar and red deer.
To reach the top of Pantokratoras mountain you have to pass Strynilas, keep the right and proceed till the end of the road.
At the top you’ll find Pantokratoras Ipsilou monastery that is open to all and a really stunning view all over the Corfu island.
If you’re lucky to find the sky very clean, it is also possible to see Paxi island (South Kerkyra) and Diapontia islands (North Kerkyra). If you will go down the mountain along the other side you’ll find Palia Perithia (old Perithia) that is a small group of lonely ancient houses.
It's strange to walk among old houses in a death village.
Palia Perithia was built during the 14th Century to escape from the pirates and in the past grew up till thousand of inhabitants.
Thanks to the tourist development of Corfu island and the coast below with Kassiopi, the inhabitants of this town decided to come back to the sea side.
Today very few persons live in this village all year round, but during the summer months you can find a couple of places where you can eat something and have a small break.
Today, Corfu is loved for its beaches, its crystalline waters and its picturesque seafront towns and villages. Life on the coast wasn’t always so attractive, however, as the Ionian’s tides brought with them a constant stream of unwelcome visitors, from marauding pirates to disease-carrying mosquitos. To avoid such dangers, many islanders headed for the hills, where they used the plentiful local stone to build agricultural villages at a safe distance from the turbulent shores below. One such, practically the only surviving example, is Old Perithia.
The village, which was built in the 14th century while the island was under Byzantine rule, is located on the northern flanks of Mount Pantokrator at about 400m above sea level. The surrounding land was ideal both for sheep farming and the cultivation of olives and vines, and Old Perithia was soon relatively prosperous. Times were harder by the 20th century, however, and as tourism began to bring wealth and jobs to Corfu’s coastal areas, the village’s residents were drawn back down the mountain in search of work. Today, the village is a protected heritage site whose 130 houses, many built in a Venetian style, lie abandoned in varying states of dereliction. A few civic buildings also survive, including a school that remained in use until the middle of the 20th century. Surrounding the village are eight churches, one for every 150 of the village’s 1,200 former residents.
Old Perithia is no ghost town, however, thanks to the presence of a bed and breakfast and a handful of tavernas serving excellent mountain fare. Apart from good food, the village offers visitors a fascinating insight into Corfu’s history, jaw-dropping views, and an ideal “base camp” for anyone wishing to hike up to the summit of Mount Pantokrator, which takes about an hour.
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Altes Perithia
Today, Corfu is loved for its beaches, its crystalline waters and its picturesque seafront towns and villages. Life on the coast wasn’t always so attractive, however, as the Ionian’s tides brought with them a constant stream of unwelcome visitors, from marauding pirates to disease-carrying mosquitos. To avoid such dangers, many islanders headed for the hills, where they used the plentiful local stone to build agricultural villages at a safe distance from the turbulent shores below. One such, practically the only surviving example, is Old Perithia.
The village, which was built in the 14th century while the island was under Byzantine rule, is located on the northern flanks of Mount Pantokrator at about 400m above sea level. The surrounding land was ideal both for sheep farming and the cultivation of olives and vines, and Old Perithia was soon relatively prosperous. Times were harder by the 20th century, however, and as tourism began to bring wealth and jobs to Corfu’s coastal areas, the village’s residents were drawn back down the mountain in search of work. Today, the village is a protected heritage site whose 130 houses, many built in a Venetian style, lie abandoned in varying states of dereliction. A few civic buildings also survive, including a school that remained in use until the middle of the 20th century. Surrounding the village are eight churches, one for every 150 of the village’s 1,200 former residents.
Old Perithia is no ghost town, however, thanks to the presence of a bed and breakfast and a handful of tavernas serving excellent mountain fare. Apart from good food, the village offers visitors a fascinating insight into Corfu’s history, jaw-dropping views, and an ideal “base camp” for anyone wishing to hike up to the summit of Mount Pantokrator, which takes about an hour.
The Waterfalls of Nymfes are the most impressive of the whole island and they are located just outside Nymfes, this lovely village which, is built on the mountain Pantokratoras, in a verdant area with oak and holly trees.
In order to reach the Waterfalls of Nymfes you must cross through the village, pass outside the local football pitch and follow a rural dirt road for about a half kilometer.
The scenery in the Waterfall of Nymfes is enchanting. Rapid waters fall from a height greater than 10 meters into the verdant ravine.
Two other, smaller waterfalls are also nearby.
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Nymfes Waterfall
The Waterfalls of Nymfes are the most impressive of the whole island and they are located just outside Nymfes, this lovely village which, is built on the mountain Pantokratoras, in a verdant area with oak and holly trees.
In order to reach the Waterfalls of Nymfes you must cross through the village, pass outside the local football pitch and follow a rural dirt road for about a half kilometer.
The scenery in the Waterfall of Nymfes is enchanting. Rapid waters fall from a height greater than 10 meters into the verdant ravine.
Two other, smaller waterfalls are also nearby.
BEACHES
Many people wrote us to suggest Kerasia beach as one of the most beautiful bay in Corfu island for different reasons.
First of all for the clearness of the sea; then the colours that the water assumes from the green, near the white pebbles of the beach, to the dark blue offing.
To reach Kerasia (or Kerassia) beach from Corfu town you have to follow the main coast road towards Kassiopi.
A little bit before Kassiopi you’ll notice a sign on your right that says Aghios Stefanou, follow it!
This road is long and beautiful, it will pass through A. Stefanou Sinion beach and will take you to Kerassia bay.
In Kerasia bay you’ll find a small number of buildings and a couple of restaurants where to eat after a nice swim.
Moreover from this beach you can admire the near wild coasts of Greece and Albany.
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Paralia Kerasia
Many people wrote us to suggest Kerasia beach as one of the most beautiful bay in Corfu island for different reasons.
First of all for the clearness of the sea; then the colours that the water assumes from the green, near the white pebbles of the beach, to the dark blue offing.
To reach Kerasia (or Kerassia) beach from Corfu town you have to follow the main coast road towards Kassiopi.
A little bit before Kassiopi you’ll notice a sign on your right that says Aghios Stefanou, follow it!
This road is long and beautiful, it will pass through A. Stefanou Sinion beach and will take you to Kerassia bay.
In Kerasia bay you’ll find a small number of buildings and a couple of restaurants where to eat after a nice swim.
Moreover from this beach you can admire the near wild coasts of Greece and Albany.
Type
Both are sandy beaches
Size
There are two beaches: one is small while the other is one of the longest of the island
Facilities
Both beaches offer possibility to rent beach-umbrellas and deck-chairs
Activities
Possibility to rent boats or explore the north coast of Corfu from Kassiopi to Sidhari
Food
You can find restaurants and snack bars on the beach or in Roda village.
Description
Roda is one of the most tourist villages of this area and it offers two different beaches.
The first one is small and is in the West side of the village while the second one is extremely long and runs along the part of coast more tourist.
Here the bottom of the sea is sandy and not very deep. Roda
Roda
Roda beach
Type
Both are sandy beaches
Size
There are two beaches: one is small while the other is one of the longest of the island
Facilities
Both beaches offer possibility to rent beach-umbrellas and deck-chairs
Activities
Possibility to rent boats or explore the north coast of Corfu from Kassiopi to Sidhari
Food
You can find restaurants and snack bars on the beach or in Roda village.
Description
Roda is one of the most tourist villages of this area and it offers two different beaches.
The first one is small and is in the West side of the village while the second one is extremely long and runs along the part of coast more tourist.
Here the bottom of the sea is sandy and not very deep. Roda
Roda
Type
Sand and pebbles
Size
Very long but not very wide
Facilities
Beach-umbrellas and deck-chairs for rent
Activities
Is possible to take for rent pedalos, boats, kayak and windsurf
Food
There are some local restaurants and pubs along the beach
Description
This beach is the ideal place for families with children because it is very calm.
There is the sand only near the sea, the rest part of the beach is rocky.
The sea here is not very deep and in front of Arila beach there are some small islets which are possible to reach by swimming being in a good physical condition!
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Arillas Agiou Georgiou
Type
Sand and pebbles
Size
Very long but not very wide
Facilities
Beach-umbrellas and deck-chairs for rent
Activities
Is possible to take for rent pedalos, boats, kayak and windsurf
Food
There are some local restaurants and pubs along the beach
Description
This beach is the ideal place for families with children because it is very calm.
There is the sand only near the sea, the rest part of the beach is rocky.
The sea here is not very deep and in front of Arila beach there are some small islets which are possible to reach by swimming being in a good physical condition!
Type
Sand
Size
Extremely long as the entire gulf
Facilities
On the beach you can find beach-umbrellas and deck-chairs for rent
Activities
Water sports available during the high season and possibility to rent windsurf in the most windy days
Food
In front of the beach and in the nearest village there are some small places where you can eat fish
Description
Agios Georgios is placed in one of the largest bay of Corfu island and if you come from Paleokastritsa you can have a really stunning view all over the beach.
It is so long that you can always find privacy and relax. Aghios Georgios
Paralia Agios Georgios
Type
Sand
Size
Extremely long as the entire gulf
Facilities
On the beach you can find beach-umbrellas and deck-chairs for rent
Activities
Water sports available during the high season and possibility to rent windsurf in the most windy days
Food
In front of the beach and in the nearest village there are some small places where you can eat fish
Description
Agios Georgios is placed in one of the largest bay of Corfu island and if you come from Paleokastritsa you can have a really stunning view all over the beach.
It is so long that you can always find privacy and relax. Aghios Georgios
Type
Both sand and pebbles
Size
There are several small bays that are included into Paleokastritsa area
Facilities
Deck-chairs and beach-umbrellas available on every beach, while in the bigger one there are also showers and public toilets
Activities
You can take a boat for rent to visit some spectacular sea caves. There are also a diving centre and some taxi boats
Food
In the small village of Paleokastriza there are local restaurants, pubs and snack bars
Description
Paleokastritsa is an area with five different small bays.
The principal one is placed just under the ancient monastery and is the most tourist due to its dimensions.
Another beach is close to the pear where you can see several luxury boats during the high season.
To reach the other bays you should have your own boat or use the taxi boat service.
This area is ideal also for those who love snorkeling, the sea is deep and the water is a little bit cold.
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Paleokastritsa Beach
Type
Both sand and pebbles
Size
There are several small bays that are included into Paleokastritsa area
Facilities
Deck-chairs and beach-umbrellas available on every beach, while in the bigger one there are also showers and public toilets
Activities
You can take a boat for rent to visit some spectacular sea caves. There are also a diving centre and some taxi boats
Food
In the small village of Paleokastriza there are local restaurants, pubs and snack bars
Description
Paleokastritsa is an area with five different small bays.
The principal one is placed just under the ancient monastery and is the most tourist due to its dimensions.
Another beach is close to the pear where you can see several luxury boats during the high season.
To reach the other bays you should have your own boat or use the taxi boat service.
This area is ideal also for those who love snorkeling, the sea is deep and the water is a little bit cold.
Type
Sand and pebbles all together
Size
It is of average-size but not very wide
Facilities
Changing rooms, public showers, beach-umbrellas and deck-chairs for rent
Activities
There are two motorboats rentals and water sports like Banana
Food
There are restaurants and small bars both on the beach and in the village of Barbati
Description
This is one of the several beaches in Corfu that obtained the Blue Flag for its clean water.
The town of Barbati is developed close to Pantokratoras mountain and from here you have an unforgettable view over Corfù town and Albania. To reach the beach you have to take the street that from the coast road goes down to the sea.
Behind the beach there is a green area where you can relax under the olive trees shadow.
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Barbati Beach
Type
Sand and pebbles all together
Size
It is of average-size but not very wide
Facilities
Changing rooms, public showers, beach-umbrellas and deck-chairs for rent
Activities
There are two motorboats rentals and water sports like Banana
Food
There are restaurants and small bars both on the beach and in the village of Barbati
Description
This is one of the several beaches in Corfu that obtained the Blue Flag for its clean water.
The town of Barbati is developed close to Pantokratoras mountain and from here you have an unforgettable view over Corfù town and Albania. To reach the beach you have to take the street that from the coast road goes down to the sea.
Behind the beach there is a green area where you can relax under the olive trees shadow.
Type
Sand and pebbles
Size
There are two bays and the beach closer to the town is wider
Facilities
Both beaches offer deck-chairs and
beach-umbrellas for rent, but only the bay close to Kassiopi has toilets and public showers
Activities
There’s a boat rental, a diving centre and you can also rent pedaloes
Food
You can find several restaurants or snack
bar on the beach and in the tourist village of Kassiopi
Description
Kassiopi is one of the most tourist village in Corfù island.
It was born as a fisherman village, but today it offers everything you can need during your stay in Kerkyra and two different beaches.
The first beach is on the left side of the town, it’s very wide and offers tourist facilities. Moreover the town that is just behind offers every kind of comfort.
The second beach is behind the cape, is smaller but more particular.
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Kassiopi
Type
Sand and pebbles
Size
There are two bays and the beach closer to the town is wider
Facilities
Both beaches offer deck-chairs and
beach-umbrellas for rent, but only the bay close to Kassiopi has toilets and public showers
Activities
There’s a boat rental, a diving centre and you can also rent pedaloes
Food
You can find several restaurants or snack
bar on the beach and in the tourist village of Kassiopi
Description
Kassiopi is one of the most tourist village in Corfù island.
It was born as a fisherman village, but today it offers everything you can need during your stay in Kerkyra and two different beaches.
The first beach is on the left side of the town, it’s very wide and offers tourist facilities. Moreover the town that is just behind offers every kind of comfort.
The second beach is behind the cape, is smaller but more particular.
Type
Mostly sandy
Size
Small-size but wide
Facilities
Deck-chairs and beach-umbrellas for rent. There are also public showers and toilets
Activities
You can rent kayak and pedalos
Food
There are some local restaurants and bars near the beach
Description
Aghios Spiridon is a calm beach, far from the coast road.
Very close to the beach there’s a small lake called Andinioti behind of which you can find another small beach. Aghios Spiridon
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Agios Spiridon Beach
Type
Mostly sandy
Size
Small-size but wide
Facilities
Deck-chairs and beach-umbrellas for rent. There are also public showers and toilets
Activities
You can rent kayak and pedalos
Food
There are some local restaurants and bars near the beach
Description
Aghios Spiridon is a calm beach, far from the coast road.
Very close to the beach there’s a small lake called Andinioti behind of which you can find another small beach. Aghios Spiridon