Greece — Corfu Town
Walk Greece's Corfu Trail, a 180km moderate route spanning the island's length. This ancient path winds through olive groves, mountain villages, and Byzantine ruins, revealing secluded Adriatic coves. Expect 8-10 days of varied terrain, from southern white cliffs to northern limestone peaks, offering stunning panoramas.
Distance: 180.0 km
Elevation Gain: 6000 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 8-10 days
The Corfu Trail is Greece’s premier long-distance walking route, a 180-kilometre odyssey that traverses the full length of the island of Corfu, from the white cliffs of the south to the rugged limestone peaks of the north. Established in 2001, the trail was meticulously designed to avoid the island’s heavily developed tourist hubs, instead guiding walkers through a landscape of ancient olive groves, traditional mountain villages, Byzantine ruins, and secluded Adriatic coves. This is not merely a coastal walk; it is a deep immersion into the "Emerald Isle’s" diverse topography, where the air is thick with the scent of wild thyme and sage, and the silver-green canopy of millions of olive trees provides a shimmering backdrop to the journey. The route is traditionally walked from south to north, a strategic choice that leads hikers from the gentler, rolling landscapes of the south toward the increasingly dramatic and challenging mountain scenery of the north, culminating in the spectacular heights of Mount Pantokrator.
The Corfu Trail offers a rare opportunity to experience the authentic, rural heart of a Mediterranean island that many only know for its beach resorts. The trail’s brilliance lies in its pacing and variety. The journey begins at the southern tip of the island near Kavos, quickly leaving the neon lights behind to enter a world of quiet lagoons and sand dunes. As you progress northward, the terrain shifts from the flat, sandy expanses of Lake Korission to the central hills where the Venetian influence is most palpable in the architecture of villages like Sinarades and Pelekas. The final third of the trail is a true mountain adventure, crossing the karst plateaus of the north and ascending the island’s highest peaks, offering 360-degree views that stretch across the Ionian Sea to the mountains of Albania and the Greek mainland.
Walking the Corfu Trail is as much a cultural experience as it is a physical one. The route makes use of "monopatia"—ancient donkey paths and shepherd tracks that served as the island’s primary transport network for centuries before the arrival of modern roads. These paths lead you into the "plateia" (village square) of remote hamlets where life moves at a different tempo. You will encounter local farmers harvesting olives with traditional nets, hear the bells of goat herds echoing in the limestone valleys, and find yourself welcomed into family-run tavernas where the food is sourced from the surrounding hills. The trail is marked by yellow signs and "CT" directional arrows, though a keen eye and a good map are essential as the Mediterranean vegetation can be quick to reclaim the less-trodden sections of the path.
The landscape is defined by its flora. Corfu is home to over four million olive trees, many of them centuries old with gnarled, hollow trunks that resemble living sculptures. In the spring, the trail is a riot of colour, with wild orchids, anemones, and gladioli carpeting the forest floor. In the autumn, the heat of the summer has faded, the sea remains warm enough for a post-hike swim, and the harvest season brings a renewed energy to the villages. Whether you are standing atop the Byzantine ramparts of Angelokastro or descending through the cypress-studded valleys toward the turquoise waters of Liapades, the Corfu Trail provides a sense of scale and historical depth that is unique in the Mediterranean.
The history of Corfu is a complex tapestry of occupation and influence, and the Corfu Trail serves as a physical timeline of this heritage. Unlike the rest of Greece, Corfu was never conquered by the Ottoman Empire. Instead, it remained under Venetian rule for over four centuries (1386–1797), followed by brief periods of French and British administration before joining the Greek state in 1864. This unique history is reflected in the trail’s surroundings: the Venetian-style bell towers of the village churches, the British-built manor houses, and the vast olive groves that were planted under a Venetian decree that paid locals for every tree they established.
The trail itself was the vision of Hilary Paipeti, a long-term resident and walking enthusiast who realised that the island’s ancient path network was at risk of being lost to neglect and modern development. In 2001, she and a small team of volunteers scouted and linked these historic routes to create a continuous traverse of the island. Many of the paths used by the trail are "monopatia"—stone-paved tracks that were the only way to move goods and people between the mountain villages and the coastal ports for over a thousand years. Walking these paths today is an act of preservation, keeping the history of Corfiot rural life alive.
Cultural landmarks are frequent along the route. You will pass the ruins of the Arkoudilas Monastery in the south, the 13th-century Byzantine fortress of Angelokastro perched on a precipitous cliff in the west, and the "ghost village" of Old Perithia in the north. Old Perithia, a high-altitude settlement built to hide residents from pirate raids, is a particularly poignant highlight; its stone houses and numerous churches are currently being painstakingly restored, offering a glimpse into a medieval way of life that was almost forgotten. The trail doesn't just show you the land; it tells the story of a resilient island people who have navigated the influences of East and West for millennia.
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Timing is critical when planning the Corfu Trail. The Mediterranean climate brings hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making the shoulder seasons the only viable windows for a comfortable long-distance trek. July and August should be avoided at all costs; temperatures frequently exceed 35°C, humidity is high, and the physical exertion of climbing 6,000 metres of elevation becomes dangerous under the intense Greek sun.
Spring (April to May): This is arguably the most beautiful time to walk. The island is exceptionally green, and the wildflowers are in full bloom, including rare endemic orchids. The temperatures are ideal for walking, ranging from 18°C to 24°C. However, the sea may still be a bit brisk for swimming, and April can occasionally bring "Medicanes" or heavy spring showers. Easter is a massive celebration in Corfu, and walking during Holy Week allows you to witness unique local traditions, though accommodation must be booked well in advance.
Autumn (September to October): This is the preferred season for many experienced hikers. The fierce heat of summer has broken, but the Ionian Sea remains warm (around 23°C), making the daily coastal finishes incredibly rewarding. The landscape is drier than in spring, but the light is softer and perfect for photography. October marks the start of the olive harvest, providing a fascinating look at local agricultural life. Be aware that some tourist facilities and tavernas begin to close toward the end of October.
Winter (November to March): While the temperatures are mild (10°C to 15°C), this is Corfu’s rainy season. The island receives significant rainfall, which can make the clay-based paths in the south extremely slippery and the mountain sections in the north treacherous. Many guesthouses and tavernas in the smaller villages close for the winter, making logistics difficult for a continuous 10-day walk.
Day 1: Kavos to Potami
Day 2: Potami to Agios Georgios (South)
Day 3: Agios Georgios to Paramonas
Day 4: Paramonas to Dafnata
Day 5: Dafnata to Pelekas
Day 6: Pelekas to Liapades
Day 7: Liapades to Agios Georgios (North)
Day 8: Agios Georgios to Rekini
Day 9: Rekini to Spartillas
Day 10: Spartillas to Agios Spiridonas
The Corfu Trail requires a moderate level of physical fitness. While the elevations are not extreme by Himalayan standards, the cumulative gain of 6,000 metres over 10 days, often on rocky or uneven terrain, can be taxing. Walkers should be comfortable with 6–8 hours of movement per day. Navigation is a key component; while the trail is marked with yellow "CT" signs, these can be obscured by vegetation or missing at critical junctions. Carrying a dedicated GPS track or the official "Corfu Trail Companion" guide is highly recommended.
Logistically, Corfu Town (Kerkyra) serves as the primary hub. It is well-connected by international flights and ferries from the mainland (Igoumenitsa) and Italy. Most walkers spend a night in Corfu Town to organise supplies before taking a "Green Bus" (KTEL) to the southern trailhead at Kavos. It is essential to check the bus schedules in advance, as services to remote villages can be infrequent, especially on Sundays.
Unlike many European long-distance trails, the Corfu Trail does not have a system of dedicated mountain huts or refuges. Instead, walkers stay in village guesthouses, small family-run hotels, or "rooms to let" (soom-ah-tee-ah) in the settlements along the route.
Accommodation Characteristics:
What is NOT provided:
One of the great advantages of the Corfu Trail is that no official permits or entry fees are required to walk the route. The trail makes use of public rights of way, ancient communal paths, and quiet secondary roads. You are free to start and finish your journey at any time without registering with a central authority.
Important Considerations:
Precisely traced GPX for the Corfu Trail, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
Corfu is a rich cultural destination; consider adding a few days to your itinerary to explore beyond the trail:
Heat and Hydration: The most significant danger on the Corfu Trail is heat exhaustion. Even in May and September, the sun can be relentless. Always start your walking day as early as possible (6:00 AM or 7:00 AM) to cover the most difficult terrain before the midday heat. Drink at least 3 litres of water per day and use electrolyte replacements to prevent cramping.
Terrain and Footwear: The northern sections of the trail involve walking on sharp, eroded limestone (karst). This terrain is notoriously hard on footwear and can easily cause ankle rolls. Ensure your boots have a stiff sole and good protection. In the south, the clay paths can become impassable "gloop" after heavy rain; if it has rained recently, be prepared for slow progress and very messy gear.
Flora and Fauna: Corfu is home to the Nose-horned Viper (Vipera ammodytes), which is venomous. While they are shy and usually flee from human vibration, be careful when stepping over logs or into thick undergrowth. Wear long trousers in overgrown sections to protect against scratches and ticks. The island also has a large population of stray dogs; while most are harmless, some farm dogs can be territorial. Carrying trekking poles is a good way to keep a respectful distance if a dog becomes over-excited.
Emergency Services: The general emergency number in Greece is 112. Mobile signal is generally good across the island, but there are "dead zones" in the deep valleys of the north and on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator. Always inform your guesthouse host of your intended route for the day.
Angelokastro (Castle of Angels): Located near the village of Krini on Day 7, this is one of the most important Byzantine castles in Greece. Perched on a steep cliff 305 metres above the sea, it served as a lookout for pirate raids and Ottoman invasions. The climb to the top is steep but the views of the Ionian Sea and the Diapontia Islands are unparalleled. The small chapel of St. Kyriaki, built inside a cave at the summit, is a peaceful place for reflection.
Old Perithia: Encountered on Day 10, this is Corfu's oldest permanent settlement. Located in a hollow on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator, it was built in the 14th century as a refuge from coastal attacks. At its peak, it had 130 houses and 8 churches. Today, it is a "Heritage Protected" site. Walking through its silent, stone-paved streets feels like stepping back in time. Several tavernas in the village serve traditional mountain dishes like "Pastitsada" (rooster in spiced tomato sauce).
Cape Drastis: While slightly off the main trail in the far northwest, a detour to Cape Drastis offers views of some of the most unusual geological formations in the Mediterranean. The white, sculpted sandstone cliffs and sea caves are best viewed from the cliffs above or by renting a small boat from nearby Sidari.
The Agii Deka Monastery: On Day 4, the trail passes near the summit of Agii Deka. The small, semi-abandoned monastery here is surrounded by ancient fruit trees and offers a cool, shaded spot for a break. The views from the monastery garden stretch across the central plain to Corfu Town and the fortress, providing a great sense of how far you have walked since the southern tip.
Corfu’s ecosystem is fragile, particularly during the dry months when the risk of wildfire is extreme. As a walker, you have a responsibility to protect this landscape for the local communities and future hikers.
Leave No Trace Principles for Corfu:
