Walking the Corfu Trail (South)

Arrive in Corfu Town (Kerkyra), one of Greece's most elegant island capitals. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Corfu Town at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Corfu International Airport (CFU) which is around 10 minutes' drive from the hotel. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.



If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to stroll the narrow streets of the 'Old Quarter' which lies above the port. On either side of this are two forts: Paleo Frourio (Venetian) and Neo Frourio (Venetian).

This morning we drive south out of Corfu Town, starting our hike from just south of Kavos, we head out on a track to the southern tip of Corfu, where the ruined monastery of Arkoudillas stands. A footpath leads down to the island's southernmost beach, a seemingly endless stretch of golden sand. Leaving the beach at its northern end, we follow uphill tracks through agricultural land to Spartera and to our accommodation in Asprokavos.



Today's 12 kilometre walk is expected to take around three-and-half hours with 250 metres of ascent and descent.

On this walk, you cross the southern part of the island to the east and back to the western coast. From Asprokavos you follow a track around a pretty and peaceful small lake where you might see birds and turtles. Afterwards you will descend through olive groves and fields to Lefkimmi. Here, your path takes you through the various neighbourhoods and historic city centre of Lefkimmi. Leaving the second biggest town of the island, you will descend into the green valley of the Gardeno River. The last part of today's walk leads you up again, so you have wonderful views of both the east and west coast of the island, before you descend to Santa Barbara. Tonight we stay in studios attached to a traditional family ran taverna, where we can taste authentic homemade dishes. The simple but spacious rooms are air-conditioned with a balcony and located very close to the beach.



Today's 23 kilometre walk is expected to take around seven hours with 350 metres of ascent and descent.

A day of almost level walking during which we follow the beach. Our way leads on through sand dunes covered with a forest of cedar trees. Then, crossing a footbridge, we reach Lake Korission. The Trail then follows tracks and a section of road to reach Paramonas and our next overnight stop. We stay in simple apartments, surrounded by fruit trees. The en-suite rooms are plainly decorated with minimal furnishing, it's a short walk to the beach.



Today's 20 kilometre walk is expected to take around six hours with 150 metres of ascent and 120 metres of descent.

A sharp climb early in the walk takes us over the coastal ridge, with great views, and inland to the villages of Ano and Kato Pavliana. Footpaths and tracks take us down through Vouniatades, then we cross the Messongi River Valley by way of tracks through olive groves and across heathland. Through Strongili, the Trail heads uphill again, on an old cobbled way which leads to Komianata, from here we continue on foot to Stavros. After a short break we will transfer to Pelekas. For the next two nights we stay in apartments attached to a Taverna. The simple rooms are all en-suite with balconies. The popular family ran restaurant serves tasty traditional Greek and Mediterranean dishes.



Today's 17 kilometre walk is expected to take around six hours with 700 metres of ascent and 500 metres of descent.

From Pelekas we take a bus back to Stavros, and our walk continues with a delightful footpath skirting Agii Deka Mountain, before we make a very sharp ascent to the summit of Agii Deka, Corfu's second highest peak. Here, an abandoned monastery in a walled garden makes an ideal rest stop. Our way continues down a cobbled mule path to Agii Deka village then along minor roads and tracks to Sinarades, where you might like to visit the Folk Museum (depending on opening times) and admire the picturesque architecture of this large village. Then the Trail leads along undulating tracks with very fine views over the west coast and inland to Pelekas. Later this afternoon you may like to take a walk up to another fine viewpoint at 'Kaiser's Throne' a favourite viewpoint of Kaiser Wilhelm II to watch the sunset.



Today's 17 kilometre walk is expected to take around six-and-half hours with 650 metres of ascent.

Half an hour's downhill walk takes us to Myrtiotissa, 'the so-called' loveliest beach in the world' (now used by nudists) and one of the Durrell family's favourites. Climbing now, we have to regain the height we have lost (and more), with a steep ascent on a gravel and concrete track. The west coast views are simply spectacular. Passing the village of Vatos, the terrain levels out and our way follows the bank of the Ropa River (with possible terrapin sightings), bordered by pastures and willow trees. Leaving the river, the Trail ascends into olive-blanketed hills, where tracks lead to Liapades, an ancient village full of lovely old mansion houses. We stay in nearby Liapades beach, surrounded by green hillsides with a beautiful pebble beach and some small cafes and restaurants.



Today's 23 kilometre walk is expected to take around seven hours with 600 metres of ascent and 800 metres of descent.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Liapades Beach.



There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Liapades at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Corfu International Airport (CFU) which is around 30 minutes' drive from the hotel.