CORFU - THE CORFU TRAIL

Since the Corfu Trail was established in 2001, thousands of walkers have followed it the length of the island. 137 miles long, Corfu`s long-distance walking route leads into a landscape untouched by the mass tourism that has scarred parts of the coastline, delving through the central countryside which visitors rarely discover and explore. Such is the variety of Corfu`s scenery that walkers spend no more than an hour in any one landscape; indeed, around every corner a new scene stuns the eye. From the vast beaches and juniper dunes in the island`s south, through the rolling olive groves of the central section, to the karst plateau and rugged gorges in the north, the Corfu Trail reveals an island paradise ideal for walkers.

Walking the Corfu Trail

The Corfu Trail is marked in strategic locations with yellow signs, bearing the letters CT and a directional arrow. Between signs, yellow paint markers confirm the route. Since the most dramatic scenery and the biggest concentration of highlights are in the north of the island, the Corfu Trail takes walkers in a south to north direction.

The Route of the Corfu Trail

Starting from just south of Kavos, The Corfu Trail leads quickly into olive groves and forest, then past the ruined Monastery of Arkoudillas and down to the seashore. Ascending cliffs, it leads through neat fields to Spartera, then along shady olive grove tracks and through open country to Lefkimmi.

Winding through the back streets, the route heads cross-country to reach the lush valley of Gardeno. The way now climbs onto a ridge, gradually heading for the dramatic west coast cliffs, and down to lovely Golden Beach.
The Trail follows the beach and crosses sand dunes covered with a forest of juniper trees to Lake Korission. North of the lake, the Trail follows tracks and a section of road to reach Paramonas.

With a sharp climb over the coastal ridge, the route turns inland to pass through the villages of Ano and Kato Pavliana and Vouniatades, then crosses the Messongi River Valley through olive groves and across heathland. Through Strongili, the Trail heads uphill again, to Komianata and Stavros.

Next, a delightful footpath skirts Agii Deka Mountain to Ano Garouna, from where a very sharp ascent leads to the summit of Agii Deka, Corfu`s second highest peak. The way continues down a cobbled mule path to Agii Deka village then along minor roads and tracks to Sinarades, after which undulating tracks above the west coast lead to Pelekas.

After visiting Myrtiotissa Beach, a steep climb leads to Vatos, where after the terrain levels out in a pastoral valley. Through Giannades, the Trail ascends into olive-blanketed hills, heading for Liapades. Then it takes a very difficult footpath across a headland to Paleokastritsa.

The Trail then heads up a network of lovely cobbled footpaths to Lakones and past Bella Vista (on asphalt). The way heads across olive groves to Krini, and then on a zig-zag path down a sheer cliff. Olive grove tracks lead down to the resort of Agios Georgios, then the walk continues with a sharp climb to Prinilas. Through Pagi, it crosses the Megapotamos River and heads over the ridge to Agros.

Quiet country lanes lead to Rekini, after which the Trail is funnelled up a deep, lush valley to Sokraki. The route then follows tracks and paths through forest and cultivated land to Spartillas.

Now the Trail encounters real mountain terrain - a steep footpath up a gully to Taxiarchis Chapel and across the `Karst Plateau`, Corfu`s wildest scenery, under the summit of Pantokrator. Down to the high col of the main ridge, the Trail splits, with the option of an extra day`s loop on the North East Coast.

Onwards over the col, the Trail descends to Old Perithia, then down the Parigori Gorge on a rough mule track, plunging through thick forest. Paths and tracks lead down to the sea at Almiros, and the last section follows the coastline over a wild, bare headland to the end of the Trail at Saint Spiridon Beach.