Photo ↑ by @fatacudrona
Corfu has an extremely diversified scenery and that is probably what makes it such a popular choice for tourists. It has tall hills and mountains, so it makes a good destination for those who love hiking too. Besides, what could be better than relaxing on a beach after hiking for a few days?
As you go hiking in Corfu, get ready to be impressed by dramatic views. Some hikes may take a few days, others only need a few hours of your time. This means that no matter what you prefer or how experienced you are, chances are you will find something suitable in this list.
What To Know Before Hiking In Corfu
Compared to other places in the world where hiking and walking are more popular, trails around Corfu are not clearly defined on maps. Therefore, it is highly recommended to have a smartphone with full battery because you may need to use it for orientation.
More difficult trails that takes hours or even days require a more professional approach. You may have to purchase various applications, use third party websites or print paperwork before engaging.
Feel free to ask locals for directions as well, people are friendly, yet those in remote villages may not always speak English.
Hiking in a group is also better than hiking by yourself, especially since you might face unexpected or even dangerous situations on long and difficult trails.
Vlacherna Trail, Easy, Two Hours
Those without too much experience can always start with something light. This challenge to Vlacherna will not give you too much headache. Besides, it offers quite a few interesting attractions on the way, ideal for families and couples.
The elevation is relatively null, so you can enjoy the experience without feeling exhausted in the end. It takes anywhere between 20 minutes and an hour, but it might be wiser to stop on the way, have a break, take a few pictures and more importantly, hydrate. You can easily go for two hours.
The walk starts by the Aegli hotel on the main road. Use your smartphone to cross the water on a walk, which gives you great views over the airport and planes landing. They will be right above your head. Get to the monastery and back. Spend a few euros and take a trip to the nearby Pontikonisi island too.
Old Town Trail, Easy, Two Hours
The old town trail can be customized in the smallest details, totally up to you. You can do it in less than an hour or you can spend a whole day messing about, mainly because there are plenty of tourist attractions to visit as well, from museums to churches.
You can start anywhere on the outskirts of the old town, be it by the sea or perhaps towards the rest of the capital. It makes no difference. If you use a car, start your trail where you park. Go around the old town using your phone, then slowly dive in.
Admire the streets, look up, check out people’s laundry, stop for a coffee, get a drink, walk some more, go into shops and so on. To some people, the old town trail is all about getting lost and taking random turns. Once you get out of it, get back in and so on. You could literally spend a whole day in there.
Porto Timoni Trail, Moderate, Four Hours
This is one of the most popular trails in Corfu. It has a pretty good elevation, so some may find it difficult. It is totally worth it though. Good boots are recommended, but you will find people doing it in trainers too. Water is highly recommended on a hot day too, not to mention sunscreen.
Start the trail in Arillas. Have a coffee by Paralia Arillas, the local beach, then use your phone to go towards Afionas. Afionas is high up, so that is the most difficult part. It is an old and beautiful village, chances are you will take lots of pictures there.
Get some refreshments at the top if you need some. Sit on a bench, have a slice of watermelon and start descending. There is a viewpoint to admire the double beaches. You can also go all the way down, but you will have to go up as well.
If you are not experienced at all, it might be wise to park at the bottom of Afionas if you use a car and start it from there. It is still pretty challenging.
Mount Pantokrator Trail, Difficult, One Day
This hike may take around 10 hours to complete. You can also split it in two and get it done over two days, especially if the weather is too hot. You need to be in good physical condition and have the right equipment, such as boots and sunscreen. Water is critical.
There are more options for this hike, you can do it from Episkepsi or perhaps from Spartilas. You can also start it in Nissaki. On the way to the top, you will find plenty of ruins, which will help you figure what Greeks used to live like.
Once at the top, you will see miles away. You can also find a small religious settlement at the top, which might be closed every now and then.
Cape Drastis Trail, Easy, Two Hours
This route may take a couple of hours or even less, depending on your experience. It starts in Peroulades, a traditional Greek village with medieval buildings. On the way, you will find small forests, as well as olive groves.
The landscape will impress you. It is one of the most photogenic places in Corfu. The rock formations are simply unreal. If you loved the television series based on the Durrells, you will recognize some of the places on this trail.
Other interesting hikes or trails to consider include:
- Akra Asprokavos to Martas, difficult, two days
- Mount Stavros loop from Benitses, moderate, two hours
- Benitses to Pelekas, difficult, two days
- Corfu trail, difficult, two weeks
- Paralia Ermones to Paralia Mirtiotissa, moderate, four hours
- Afionas to Chapel Agios Stylianos, easy, two hours
- Agios Stefanos Harbour to Old Kassiopi Harbor, easy, two hours
- Agios Mattheos to Monastery of Christ Pantokrator, easy, two hours
- Kaminaki Beach to Kerasia Beach, easy, two hours
- Ano Garouna to Corfu Radar, easy, two hours
- Kavos to Cape Asprokavos to Arkoudilas Beach to Miscopoulos Lake loop, moderate, three hours
- Nymphes Waterfalls, easy, one hour