Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
West Coast
Some of Corfu's prettiest countryside, villages and beaches are found along the west
coast. The scenic and very popular resort area,
Paleokastritsa
, 26km from Corfu Town,
rambles for nearly 3km down a valley to a series of small, picturesque coves between tall
cliffs. Craggy mountains swathed in cypresses and olive trees tower above. Venture to
nearby grottoes or one of the dozen or so local beaches by small
boat
(per person €8.50,
30min)
; water taxis take you to your beach of choice; or partake in a range of water
sports.
Perched on the rocky promontory at the end of Paleokastritsa is the icon-filled
Moni
Theotokou
( 9am-1pm & 3-8pm)
, a monastery founded in the 13th century (although the
present building dates from the 18th century). Just off the monastery's lovely garden, a
small
museum
( Apr-Oct)
and olive mill exhibition have a shop selling oils and herbs.
From Paleokastritsa a path ascends 5km inland to the unspoilt village of
Lakones
which is fantastic for coastal views.
Quaint
Doukades
has a historic square and atmospheric tavernas. The 6km road north
from Paleokastritsa to
Krini
and
Makrades
climbs steeply to spectacular views (many
restaurants capitalise on the vistas). A left turn towards the coast leads through Krini's
miniature town square and down to
Angelokastro
, the ruins of a Byzantine castle and
the western-most bastion on Corfu.
Further north, via the village of
Pagi
, are the pleasant beach resorts of
Agios Geor-
gios
and
Arillas
straddling the knuckly headland of
Cape Arillas
with the little village of
Afionas
straggling up its spine.
South of Paleokastritsa, the pebbly beach at
Ermones
is dominated by heavy develop-
ment, but clings to its claim of being the beach on which Odysseus washed ashore and
met Nausicaa, daughter of King Alcinous (who happened to be sunning herself).
Hilltop
Pelekas
, 4km south, is perched above wooded cliffs and one-time hippy
beaches. At the summit, the
Kaiser's Throne
was the spot to which Kaiser Wilhelm rode
his horse to get 360-degree island views. This area still attracts independent travellers.
The delightful old estate at
Ambelonas
( 6932158888; mezedhes €8-12, prix fixe incl
wine €16-27; from 6.30pm Wed-Fri, otherwise by appointment)
, 6km from Corfu Town on
the Pelekas road near Karoubatika, produces enticing local products, from vinegars to
olives and sweets. Tour the olive-oil mill and winery, and sample the wares, including
wines from local grapes such as Kakotrygis, and Corfiot mezedhes.
Near Pelekas village are two sandy beaches,
Glyfada
and
Kontogialos
(also called
Pelekas
), a resort with water sports and sun beds galore. These quite-developed beaches
