Day 1. Arrival in Corfu. Meet & Greet by the local representative. Transfer to the South of the island. Depending on your arrival time you may choose to spend the day on the nice beach of Paramonas or do a "warming up walk" in the area. B&B in Paramonas.
Day 2. Paramonas to Stavros - Benitses. 18 Km 6 hrs +200/-150m. Today you will cross the island from west to east coast! A sharp climb early in the walk will bring you to the other side of the ridge and the inland villages Ano and Kato Pavliana. Along footpaths and tracks the route continues down through Vouniatades, crossing the Messongi River Valley and meandering through olive groves. Passing through Strongili and Komatiana the route leads to the east coast of the island and the small village of Benitses. B&B in Benitses.
Day 3. Stavros - Pelekas. 17 Km 6 hrs. +/-650m Transfer to Stavros, to get back on the Trail again. A delightful footpath skirts Agii Deka mountain, leading to Ano Garouna, from where the route makes a very sharp ascent to the summit of Agii Deka, Corfu's second highest peak (576m.) After some 20 minutes of climbing. The abandoned monastery in a walled garden makes perfect rest stop. The Trail than continues down a cobbled mule path to the village of Agii Deka (Ten Saints), and further along tracks and minor roads to Sinarades. In this almost "open-air-museum" village you can visit the Folk Museum (limited opening hours). From Sinarades village the route continues to Aerostato, one of the island's most famous viewpoints. Along several undulating tracks with great views over the west coast and inland today's route ends in Pelekas. B&B in Pelekas.
Day 4. Pelekas to Liapades. 23 Km 7 hrs +650/-850m. A downhill walk takes you to Mirtiotissa.Lawrence Durrell once called it "the loveliest beach in the world" it is known as Corfu's unofficial nudist beach. The route continues passing the village of Vatos and the Ropa River bank, bordered by pasture and willow trees, ascending into olive blanketed hills to the ancient village of Liapades. B&B in Liapades.
Day 5. Liapades to Agios Georgios. 14Km 5 hrs +480/-430m. The route starts with a difficult footpath leading to Paleokastritsa. Crossing the main resort road going back into the hills again along a network of lovely cobbled footpaths. A climb (about 1 hour) takes you to Lakones and Bella Vista with an amazing view, also enjoyed by "The Kings of Greece", Nasser and many more famous people, as a sign shows. From here an (unavoidable) 1 kilometer long, sometimes busy road followed by paths leading through the olive groves brings you to Krini. The Trail than continues along one of Greece's most remarkable footpaths which cuts along a cliff. Another olive grove track descents to Agios Georgios, with its beautiful beach. beach. B&B in Agios Georgios.
Day 6. Spartillas- Ag. Spirison. 21Km 7,5 hrs +700/-50m. Morning transfer to Spartillas. From here the Trail continues on a steep mountain footpath. A 45 minute climb brings you to Taxiarchis Chapel; a ruin with fresco-covered walls and splendid viewpoint. Continuing along the footpath, the Trail passes through a tunnel of oak trees, ascends to cross the "Karst Plateau", Corfu's wildest scenery, under the summit of Mount Pantokrator (off route), the islands highest peak (917m). Descending now on a mountain track with fine views, you reach the high col of the mountain ridge, where both the northern and southern sections of Corfu are visible.
You descend to the semi-ruined Byzantine village Paleo Perithia, located in a high valley. Onwards, the Trail descends a narrow valley on a rough mule track and continues further down on paths and tracks to the coastal plain. You reach the sea at Almiros and follow the beach to the wild bare headland which is Corfu's northernmost point. From here a rough path along a low cliff takes you to the beach of Agios Spiridon. Here you can enjoy a swim and/or a meal or refreshments. At the time that suits you best can take the bus or a taxi (not included) to your studio with kitchenette (room only) on the northeast coast
Kalami/Kassiopi area.
Kalami has some nice waterfront tavernas (like
Durrells' White House Taverna and a few mini markets. Kassiopi is a charming harbour village with some nice beaches, an old castle, some shops and lovely tavernas.
Day 7. The north east coast and mountain/ flanks. 15Km 5hrs +/-650m. This is an almost circular walk, exploring the North east of the island. You quickly climb into the hills and then onto the high mountain flanks, through Porta and on to part-ruined Mengoulas. Then your descent begins, with wonderful sea views, through Katavolos and down to the sea at Kaminaki and return to your studio.
Day 8. Transfer to the (air)port.
THE CORFU TRAIL IN 8 DAYS
From € 665,-- per person.
Included in the package:
- Five (5) nights in double or twin rooms in simple and middle class hotels, taverna/pension rooms with private facilities, on bed & breakfast basis.
- Two (2) nights in Kalami/Kassiopi area (northeast coast) room only (studio with kitchen facilities). All acommodation as near as possible to the
start/finish of the daily route.
- Directions and maps of each day's walking route. GPS Tracks upon request.
- All transfers as per program.
- Luggage transfers to the next accommodation as per program.
- Local assistance.
