Photo ↑ by @crinuuu
The old town of Corfu is definitely a must, especially with its narrow streets, restaurants and cafes everywhere, not to mention the shops and attractions. Then, you have the beaches, small, large, covered in sand or pebbles, all over the island.
Most tourists stick to the classic attractions, but fail to discover some of Corfu’s hidden gems. And this is when traditional villages kick in. Many Corfiot villages provide a relaxing atmosphere, a couple of attractions, a bit of nature, a cafe where an old lady cooks whatever you want and so on.
What could be more relaxing than that? In fact, some would agree that these villages and experiences provide access to the most authentic Greek experience. With these ideas in mind, Corfu has around 200 villages, each with its own particularities.
Here are some of the best ones to explore.
Lakones
Located on the north west side of Corfu, Lakones offers some amazing views over the surrounding areas, but especially over Paleokastritsa. From up here, the beautiful bay and its coves will look even better, ideal for a few pictures.
The coastline is not everything though. You can also see isolated and secluded beaches, such as Rovinia. The best part about it? It is not very well developed, so it retains its natural beauty. There are still some good restaurants and cafes to enjoy in the area.
Benitses
Benitses is one of the most popular villages in Corfu and for some good reasons. Its history dates back to hundreds of years ago, so you may also find some archaeological sites around. The Roman baths are the most popular ones to visit.
Benitses is a mix of sea and mountain. It is close to the old town as well. While old and traditional, houses are renovated and quite picturesque. It has been through intense development, yet it has managed to keep its beauty.
Old Perithia
Old Perithia is by far one of the oldest settlements in Corfu, hosting many ruins and abandoned houses. The place was most likely built by people who lived by the coast, but were affected by a disaster. However, some say it was built to ensure people are safe from pirates.
Mansions in the area were quite large and the village even had a few schools. The malaria from the 15th century forced people away. Today, it is a quiet place with a few facilities, suitable for walks and a bit of exploration.
Agios Mattheos
Located close to Lake Korission, Agios Mattheos is a large village that can offer quite a few interesting walks around it, especially since it is close to many tourist attractions as well. Despite the size, the village would be considered small by many visitors, with less than 1,000 inhabitants.
It is close to some amazing beaches, yet tourism development is low in the area. There are a bunch of places to eat and drink in the main square, which is often full. It is a great place to meet locals and perhaps plan your next few days in Corfu while having a coffee.
Lefkimmi
Lefkimmi is among the oldest settlements in Corfu. By the 1980s, it was overlooked and felt like going back in time, mainly because of the old houses, dirt roads and poverty. Today, Lefkimmi has the second largest port on the island, offering access to the mainland as well.
The village is excellent for a few walks. It hosts a bunch of churches as well, not to mention the old salt pans that are closed now. Wildlife has taken them over, so you might be lucky enough to spot egrets and even flamingos in there.
Nymphes
Nymphes is a very old village with references dating back to the 14th century. It is known for the thick vegetation around it, olive groves, small forests and quite a few waterfalls. If you like walking, you just cannot go wrong with it.
Back in the day, these springs and waterfalls supported dozens of watermills. These buildings are gone now, but you can still admire some ruins here and there. Local events and cultural festivals also take place in the area, such as the dance of the priests.
Pelekas
Relatively close to the old town, Pelekas has a beautiful architecture and offers access to some of the best sunsets in Corfu. Believe it or not, on a clear weather day, you might be able to see the south of Italy as well.
Pelekas is famous for the Kaiser’s Throne, as well as the fine sand beaches in the area. Many of them also feature some useful facilities.
Petriti
Petriti is a small fishing village that introduces visitors to the traditional Greek lifestyle. If you like cooking fish, you can usually buy it from local fishermen as soon as they come in. You can also eat in the area, as there are plenty of fish taverns.
Over the small bay, you can see Lefkimmi and the salt pans. In between, there is a tiny island. A local resident has claimed it and turned it into an independent republic. There is nothing there though. Despite growing in size, Petriti is still a quiet village.
Stavros
Stavros is a traditional Corfiot village located in the mountainous area, but centrally. Life in Stavros is chilled and laid back. If you are after a quiet place to eat or have a coffee, you definitely need to visit this village.
Stavros is a good starting point for a few local hikes as well. Besides, if offers some nice views over the airport and surroundings.
Chlomos
Chlomos is old, beautiful and picturesque. Given its altitude, it offers some nice views over the island. It was built hundreds of years ago. Many of the houses feature the Venetian architecture, so get ready to be impressed by the orange and red colours everywhere you look.
Cobbled streets offer access to nice mansions and old buildings, such as the mansion belonging to the Despot of Morea, Thomas Palaiologos. The village offers some nice views over Lake Korission as well.
Bonus Village
Bottom line, these are some of the best rated villages in Corfu. On top of all these, as a bonus, take a trip to Afionas as well and enjoy the beautiful cobbled streets and colourful buildings. The place is a good starting point for a walk to Porto Timoni as well.