Photo ↑ by @ivanjusha
The so called Corfu trail has been established more than two decades ago. It is long and requires days or even weeks to complete. It is not the type of trail anyone can do. Instead, it is aimed at those with experience, as well as those who enjoy life in nature.
The trail will show you everything about Corfu, rather than just the touristic parts around the coast. You will discover dunes and sandy beaches in the south, olive groves and forests throughout the central part of the island and dramatic cliffs in the north.
From walkers to hikers, the Corfu trail is a must for anyone who loves nature. If you are new to walking and hiking, you can also find local services willing to help you with the tour for a price. With these thoughts in mind, here is a full guide on how to complete it yourself.
Things To Consider Before The Corfu Trail
It is worth noting that the trail requires a decent physical condition. You do not have to be perfectly fit though, but just remember that there is plenty of walking involved.
Some areas will be difficult to do because wild camping is illegal in Greece. There is only one option on the way, close to Paleokastritsa. However, if you are discreet and respect property, you can probably do it. You can also find accommodation for a night or even camp in someone’s garden for a fee.
This is the main reason wherefore planning your nights is so important.
Also, if you do find a place to camp, avoid lighting fires. They are a real problem in Corfu and can cause extraordinary damage, especially if it spreads.
The trail is around 200 kilometres long, depending on slight adjustments everyone makes. This is why you may need a couple of weeks to complete it.
The Corfu trail has partial signs, meaning you will need to use common sense at times. Signs are crystal clear. They are yellow and mention the Corfu Trail name.
Different variants of the trail can be found on different websites. For example, you might be able to find PDF or GPX downloads, which will certainly help. Some versions have less than 180 kilometres, others have more than 200 kilometres.
At the end of the day, keep in mind that you can do your own Corfu trail as well, but also adjust the currently existing versions based on what you want to see. After all, what can be more exciting than discovering random locations hidden between hills or valleys?
Most Popular Variant Of Corfu Trail
Here are some easy steps you can organize yourself to complete this trail. Remember, you can adjust it as you wish and include more things or maybe remove some.
- Kavos to Lefkimmi. Go from Kavos to Lefkimmi passing the Monastery of Arkoudillas, which is basically a ruin. Walk towards the sea, then climb the cliffs and go around Spartera. This part can take up to six hours. You can find accommodation and facilities in Spartera and Lefkimmi, not to mention buses.
- Lefkimmi to Potami. You can do this part in the first day. Otherwise, do it in one separate day.
- Potami to Agios Georgios South. Take this walk going through Gardeno. It implies a bit of climbing, as well as walking by some golden beaches in the south west of Corfu. The distance is around 17 kilometres and may take up to six hours. Find accommodation and shops in Santa Barbara and Agios Georgios South.
- Agios Georgios South to Paramonas. Go across the shores and pass Lake Korission. If you are lucky, you may spot some flamingos. The distance is around 16 kilometres and takes five hours on average. You will find some accommodation in Paramonas and Halikounas.
- Paramonas to Dafnata. The walk takes you through a few local villages, including Vouniatades. You will go through a valley and some olive groves later. In total, you will walk around 15 kilometres in about six hours. Accommodation can be found in Benitses, but this is not on your route.
- Dafnata to Pelekas. Go along the local mountain and climb Agii Deka, the second tallest mountain in Corfu. It is quite steep, but once you are up, you will find a cobbled path to the village with the same name. Go towards Sinarades, then enjoy the beautiful Pelekas. This part covers around 20 kilometres and may take more than six hours. Accommodation is mainly available in Sinarades and Pelekas.
- Pelekas to Paleokastritsa. Climb to Vatos. Once up, the trail becomes much lighter. You will go through Giannades as well, not to mention Liapades. Heading to Paleokastritsa is a bit challenging because the terrain is rough. It may take up to seven hours to complete this part, as it has about 24 kilometres. Accommodation is relatively simple in Paleokastritsa.
- Paleokastritsa to Agros. Small cobbled streets will take you to Lakones before going to Makrades. Go down on a zigzag road, reach Agios Georgios, go up to Prinilas and then down to Pagi. The phase spreads over 20 kilometres and takes over six hours, a few hours more if you choose to visit Angelokastro as well. Accommodation is available in Agios Georgios and Arillas.
- Agros to Sokraki. Agros and Agios Athanasios are beautiful to go through. You will then pass a monastery, the villages of Rekini and Valanio. Valanio is well isolated and feels good for a rest. Take the cobbled path and go to Sokraki. You only need four hours for this part, as it covers 12 kilometres only. Sokraki has some accommodation options too.
- Sokraki to Old Perithia. Go through Spartillas, check the viewpoint at the Taxiarchis Chapel for some pictures, cross the wild plateau and go down to Old Perithia. It should take you about six hours, as there are 15 kilometres to do. Accommodation is limited in the area, so you may want to try Ipsos and Barbati as well. They are not on your route though.
- Old Perithia to Kassiopi. You can end this route anywhere you want in the area, not necessarily in Kassiopi. You will most likely descend to these places, so you should be there in less than four hours, despite walking for more than 10 kilometres.
A Different Variant Of The Corfu Trail
The original Corfu Trail has been adjusted more times over the past years. On the same note, many tour operators feature different trails. After all, you can do your own. Grab a book or a guide, check out all the villages and attractions in Corfu, then come up with your own trail.
Here is a different variant.
- Start in Asprokavos with a circular walk around the area through Spartera – 12 kilometres.
- Asprokavos to Santa Barbara through Lefkimmi – 22 kilometres.
- Santa Barbara to Paramonas along Lake Korission – 20 kilometres.
- Paramonas to Benitses through Dafnata – 19 kilometres.
- Benitses to Pelekas, more variants – around 18 kilometres.
- Pelekas to Liapades through Vatos – 23 kilometres.
- Liapades to Agios Georgios through Lakones – 14 kilometres.
- Agios Georgios to Rekini through Prinilas – 14 kilometres.
- Rekini to Barbati through Sokraki – 12 kilometres.
- Barbati to Agios Spyridon through the Pantokrator mountain, more variants – around 23 kilometres.
- Circular walk around the north east of Corfu – 15 kilometres.