8-day The Corfu Trail Walking Holiday

After arrival on Corfu Airport you will be transfered to your hotel in the village Mesoggi located on the east coast of Corfu, 19km south of Corfu town. Messonghi is a quiet former fishing village with a lovely sandy beach and relaxed atmosphere.

A taxi takes you to the start of the walk on Issos Beach on the western side of Corfu near the Korission Lagoon. This lagoon may bring to mind scenes from the James Bond movie ‘For your eyes only’. The coastal area is a haven for wildlife. You will see a lot of juniper. In the spring and autumn you may see many different species of birds, such as egrets and kingfishers. In the saltwater lake are terrapins as well. 

From the lake you head back to the east coast via Chlomatiana. You walk uphill along olive groves and vinyards. In Chlomatiana there is a nice restaurant ‘Archontiko’ from which you have terrific views over the sea. There follows a pleasant descent through olive groves back to Mesoggi.

Challenge: 4,5 hours, 16 km / 10 mi, 175m ascent, 180m descent

From Mesoggi you take the public bus to the coastal town of Benitses in app. 20 minutes. From here you ascend through a nice, shady forested area. You come along historic irrigation waterworks dating back to the 19th centure and built by the British at that time. Through lush green olive groves you ascend and come to the village Agioi Deka where you can top up your water bottle with fresh spring water. Via rural country roads you descend to Pikantika and Achilleio, two picturesque villages. A steep ascend via a beautiful, romantic trail leads you to the lovely view point at the church of Agia Kyriaki. From here you descend steeply through dense forest to Benitses. 

You may relax in one of the numerous cafes in the old town square before taking the bus back to Mesoggi.

Challenge: 4 hours, 15 km / 9,5 mi, 600m ascent, 600m descent

We transfer you in the morning by taxi to Stroggili where you join the Corfu Trail. A pleasant footpath takes you onto the slopes of Agioi Deka, the second highest peak of Corfu (676m). You follow historic mule tracks past traditional mountain villages and a beautiful monastery. Once you reach Sinarades you catch a bus to Corfu Town. Your hotel is located in the old town of Corfu, a world heritage site.

Challenge: 6 hours, 17 km / 10,5 mi, 785m ascent, 705m descent

A day in Corfu town gives you the opportunity to fully enjoy this historic city on foot. You will explore picturesque paths, colorful and charming alleys, admire the architecture seemingly influenced by the Venetians and may visit the dominating 16th century fortress. There is a very interesting archaeological museum as well and dining possibilities are excellent.

From your hotel in Corfu town you will be transferred to Rekini, where you begin your walk along the foot of the Pantokrator Mountains in Northern Corfu. Following the Corfu Trail once more, you walk through an area of Corfu that time seems to have forgotten. Quiet cobbled trails, sleepy villages like Sokraki, famous for its gingerbeer, rural Corfu at its very best! Those walking in spring will be spoilt by the display of orchids on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator. The walk ends in Spartyllas, where there are several café’s. Sipping a drink you may see the deep blue sea and Albania on the horizon.  From Spartyllas a taxi will pick you up and take you to Barbati.

Challenge: 4,5 hours, 12 km / 7,5 mi, 575m ascent, 220m descent

Today’s finale takes us to the saddle of the Pantokrator for stunning views of the nearby Albanian mountains. You start at 350m altitude and ascend via old mule tracks and dirt roads to a high saddle. You will come across three mountain villages. Mengoulas is an abandoned village with ruined stone buildings. More interesting is the almost abandoned Byzantine village of Old Perithia, with 6 old churches and a couple of nice taverns. 

You may have a terrific lunch here, before making the final descent to the coast. The track runs through a green valley and forest. The very last section along wetlands near the coast is quite spectacular. Your walk ends in Agios Spyridon on Corfu’s northern coast. This is also the very end of the Corfu Trail. From here you will be transfered back to Barbati.

Challenge: 7 hours, 21 km / 13 mi, 400m ascent, 750m descent

Transfer to the airport and departure.