Unspoiled Beauty Awaits: Discovering the Stunning Villages of Corfu, the Enchanting Greek Isle
For those seeking a taste of authentic Greek island life, Corfu offers a plethora of traditional villages that showcase the island's rich history, local gastronomy, and breathtaking landscapes. Here are some must-visit villages that will captivate your senses and leave you with memories to cherish.
Liapades
Nestled in the semi-mountainous region near Paleokastritsa on the northwest coast, Liapades is a picturesque village that retains its 18th-century architecture. The charming central square, adorned with tavernas and the 16th-century church of Agia Anastasia, is a perfect spot to unwind. Surrounding Liapades are verdant surroundings and nearby beautiful beaches like Gefyra and Rovinia.
Lakones
Perched atop a hill just a 15-minute drive up from Paleokastritsa, Lakones offers the most beautiful views of the region. From the Bella Vista viewpoint, you can take in the panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside. The village itself is a haven of tranquility, with its stone houses and slow pace of life reminiscent of a different era.
Pelekas
Located on the central inland overlooking the west coast of Corfu, Pelekas is renowned for its authentic Greek island life, narrow streets, and local cuisine options at traditional tavernas. The village is especially famous for its spectacular sunsets and unobstructed views of the Ionian Sea.
Kassiopi
Situated on the northeast coast, Kassiopi offers a blend of traditional village life and coastal beauty, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy walking through charming streets and enjoying local food and atmosphere.
Benitses
Another traditional village, Benitses is an ideal spot for those who wish to taste local dishes and soak in the island’s authentic vibe.
Agios Mattheos
In the southwest inland of Corfu, Agios Mattheos enchants with its authentic character, nestled against a wooded hill, and shelters tightly packed houses with whitewashed walls and a dense network of shaded alleyways. The village is home to several Byzantine churches and workshops still crafting wood or ceramics.
Nissaki
Nissaki, a village by the sea, located on a narrow strip of land between sea and mountain, offers a slower pace of life. Life flows slowly here, and a few taverns supply the port. Nissaki is an excellent starting point for exploring the beautiful beaches of the northeast coast of Corfu.
Sinarades
Sinarades, a large, pretty typical village in Corfu, visited for its preserved architecture and shaded squares by century-old trees, houses a small museum that presents local life and its traditions for lovers of Hellenic culture.
Chlomos
One of the oldest villages in Corfu, located on a hill to the southeast of the island, Chlomos' houses cluster around a medieval heart filled with little squares and narrow passages. From its heights, the view stretches over the Korission lagoon, the agricultural plains, and the Ionian Sea.
Danilia
Danilia, a village-museum entirely rebuilt in a traditional style after the 1953 earthquake, offers a glimpse into the atmosphere of a Corfiot village of yesteryear. Several film productions have been shot in Danilia, attracted by its preserved decor.
Paleokastritsa
Considered the most beautiful village on the island, Paleokastritsa, a village on the northwest coast, is nestled in a rocky bay with steep cliffs and azure coves. The monastery of Theotokos, majestically overlooking the village, offers a 360-degree view, and on a clear day, the Albanian coast can be seen.
Finally, the villages of Spartillas, Strinilas, and Sokraki, located in the green hills of the north of Corfu, on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator, at a height of 906 meters above sea level, present beautiful views that are yet to be discovered. Each of these villages offers a unique and unforgettable experience, making Corfu a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a traditional Greek island adventure.
- For travelers seeking unique lifestyle experiences, a visit to the home-and-garden-style village of Danilia offers a glimpse into a traditional Corfiot village of yesteryear.
- After exploring the romance of the villages, one can unwind in-flights, savoring authentic Greek dishes while enjoying a picturesque sunset view over the Ionian Sea in Pelekas.
