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A JOURNEY AROUND THE REGIONS OF CORFU

North East to North and North West.

The North East – favored as a holiday destination since the 1960’s, is undeniably the most beautiful and diverse region of Corfu Island. A unique blend of blues and greens merge land and sea, with majestic Mount Pantakrator clearly visible as you approach the coast road to the North from Corfu town. You will pass Dassia, Kontokali, Gouvia and Komeno bay Peninsula - Gouvia was built on the site of an ancient Venetian harbour and the skeletal remains of a Venetian shipyard can be seen at the end of the beach, which is now a thriving holiday resort. Inland a little way is the lovely Venetian village of Potomas – streets lined with marble paving and stone arches and some very interesting Properties.

Mount Pantokrator continues to dominate the landscape above Ipsos and Barbati, and as you approach Nissaki the true splendor of the Corfu Straits (the sea channel between Corfu and Albania) becomes apparent – dramatic mountains rise out of a glittering blue sea and stretch back all the way to the Balkans, where they gradually disappear into a misty haze. Streams and waterfalls rush down the mountain side to Butrint, into rivers that flow into wetland nature reserves, deep blue lagoons and ultimately the sea. This incredible view is so loved by visitors that many have invested in Property in the region. This stunning coastline area is fondly referred to by locals as “Kensington on sea” because of the increase in Prestigious Villas – three such Properties have been created by our conceptual designer. A few Kilometers further along the coast, a small road set amongst dense woodland and olive groves snakes downward from Kendroma to the lovely pebble beach of Agni - the most popular viewing point for a spectacular full moon ascending the night sky from behind the Albanian mountains, and another popular area for Land investments. Tables at Agni’s beachside Tavernas are much in demand at the time of the full moon. As you journey on; the road winds uphill as the view sweeps down to the picturesque fishing hamlet of Kaloura and the beaches of Kerasia and Kalami– where Lawrence Durrell (Author of Prospero’s Cell) lived and swam in a tiny rock pool below Saint Arsenius Shrine. The Corfu Straits become narrower here and the normally azure sea surrounding Corfu turns luminous silver and aquamarine. The charming little harbour of Kaloura boasts one excellent Fish Taverna with tables directly on the keyside. Beyond the bay, on the hill above lush green headland, a weaving side road flanked by steep olive groves descends to the fishing village of Agios Stefanos. The natural horseshoe bay attracts sea faring visitors from all over the Island to enjoy the pretty surrounding countryside and dine at one of the beach side Taverna’s. Property and land prices are a little higher in this sought after area of Corfu compared to those of the West coast, although there are definitely still some bargains to be found, especially old stone house for renovation. Continuing along this undulating coast road with its dazzling sea and mountain views you will soon arrive at Kassiopi; where the remains of an Ancient Byzantine Castle stand on the once strategically important headland. Kassiopi is the most visited sea-side Village on the North East coast: offering a fabulous variety of excellent restaurants and night life of modern discos and traditional Greek music bars where talented local dancers perform every evening. Wandering around the Village you will find all modern amenities, Taverna’s and cafes, boutiques, gift shops, and the Corfu New Life Properties office and Art Gallery presenting original paintings by celebrated local artists. The horseshoe shaped harbour is a popular meeting place, especially at sundown, when the Albanian mountains change from grey-blue to hazy pink. Nearby beaches of Avlaki Imerolia shingle beaches and excellent beachside fish Taverna’s. Several beautiful new Villas have been built in this area and are currently for sale through our Kassiopi office. All along this delightful North East coast road the densely wooded foothills of Corfu’s ubiquitous Mount Pantokrator conceal traditional villages where life continues at a time honoured pace – quaint village shops, Kaffenions, narrow winding streets leading to tiny clusters of unique stone houses built into the natural landscape, ancient churches with arched bell towers - where I’m told; sanctuary still applies to all who enter therein. For those who venture into the mountains a genuine welcome is assured – gentle mannered village people will often invite travelers into their homes for a glass of home made wine and a snack – one such villager explained; “The saints were often humble travelers, and blessed those who welcomed them in” The inland villages of Agios Markos, Spartillas, Zigos, Klimatia, Episkepsi, Petalia, Valinio, Loutses and Lafki are definitely worth a visit.
From here on, beaches are mostly soft sand - beginning at Kalamaki. Close by is New Perithia, a long time favorite with discerning British holiday makers, many of whom have bought property in the area. Visitors to Harry’s Taverna can enjoy delicious Traditional Corfiot and cosmopolitan dishes, guaranteed to please. The Ancient Byzantine village of Old Perithia is a fifteen minute drive up a steep and winding road into the foot-hills of Mount Pantokrator – definitely worth the effort to see this incredible place – currently in the process of restoration – many of the old houses are available to purchase at a very reasonable price. Within the village are traditional eating houses, an ouzeria and local honey stall. Located below New Perithia is the Antioniti Lagoon and Salt Lake at Agios Spiridon beach - a favorite of Gerald Durrell when he was a boy floating his little boat: “bootle bum trinket” and still home to the “white sand lilies” growing in the dunes every summer, as mentioned in his book; “My family and other animals” A sea water inlet connects the beach to the lake – now a designated nature reserve covering 100 acres of protected wild life habitat (over 95 different species have been sighted here) The warm shallow water is popular during the summer months (reputed to be of great benefit to aching joints) but in winter the area is isolated and the tiny beach-side church built years ago by local fisherman stands alone against the wind and the surging sea. Between sea and lake, a coastal path above secluded bays leads to a rugged headland where the river outlet flows to the sea – a foot-bridge leads you to seven kilometres of sandy beach, passing the Northern sea-side Town of Acharavi, all the way to Roda. From Roda the main N/W road levels out for a couple of kilometres, curving uphill again as it passes Agnos. On the brow of the hill an asphalt road coils down to Astrekiri Bay, where the River Agnos runs into the sea and a rugged tree covered headland protects the long sandy beach. One excellent beachside Fish Taverna near the Marina welcomes locals and visitors alike. Above Astrekiri is the tranquil village of Karousades. On the opposite ridge is Kavalouri – “The village of Venetian Mansions” where some of the houses have been restored and others are in the process. You may miss them at first glance as you drive around the village because the Venetians tended to understate their wealth in the humble villages so as not to offend the local people – the elaborate carved pillars and arched terraces are generally on the far side, facing the sea. At the other end of the spectrum, a few kilometres further on is animated and fun filled Sidari – created for those who enjoy a lively holiday experience. The nearby narrow sea canal - Canal D’Amour, attracts romantic souls to swim from one end to the other in the hope that they will meet their true love soon after, as promised by local legend – every summer there are affirmations from couples returning to the Island for their wedding ceremony. Leaving Sidari, the coast road separates from the major road which leads inland to the central region – this is the main road from the North to Corfu town. The smaller coast road and passes through Peroulades, where a small lane leads down to the farthest Northerly point at Cape Drastis. Steep cliffs tower above the bay on either side, and gazing out to sea, especially at sunset is a popular evening pastime for local Greeks and visitors alike

WEST TO SOUTH AND SOUTH EAST.

Moving onward to the West of the Island, where buying property and land is currently much less expensive, the sandy beaches at Avliotes, Agia Pelagia, Agios Stefanos and Arillas are ideal for swimming and sea sports; including wind surfing when the afternoon Maestros blows around the cape. Arillas is one of the boarding places for a day trip to the Islands of Erikousia, Orthoni and Mathraki. The nearby peninsula provides an incredible view to the Diopontian Islands and the Gravia Islets – reputed to be the petrified ships of Odysseus. The three kilometer sandy beach of Agios Georgios – locally known as Pagi Bay can be accessed via the coast road passing Afionas, but unless you want to keep your foot on the brake all the way down the steep Cliff-side hill you may be better off traveling inland a little way via Kavadades, Dafni, Pagi and then Prinilas – a delightful village where the sea air is permeated with smell of freshly baked bread from the local roadside bakery. From Prinilas two little roads lead to Agios Georgios beach. Behind Pagi a surfaced road takes you upward and over the brow of a steep hill from where the panoramic view is sensational; across the bay of Agios Georgios to the Diapontian Islands and the Gravia Islets closer to the coast. This route takes you through the villages of Vatonas, Alimmatades and down to Krini, from where you can reach Angelokastro – the remains of a 13th Century Byzantine Castle – the place of refuge from marauders and pirates. The strategic position and clear view across the West Coast made the Castle a major defense point for the Island for many centuries. From Krini the road climbs up to the pretty village of Lakonas where tiny streets twist and turn to reveal clusters of old stone houses built into the rock face. The view from here sweeps down to Paleokastritsa Bay; with its two peninsulas and five beautiful coves backed by steep wooded mountain side - one of the most photographed beaches on Corfu – it is said that the sea in the bay changes its shade of blue atleast twenty times a day. The Monastery of the Blessed Virgin on the northerly mountain ridge, founded in 1225 is now a Museum housing many extraordinary Byzantine Icons.

Heading South now, passing the traditional villages of Liapades, Kanakades, Marmero, Giannades and Ermones – where traces of a Bronze Age settlement have been uncovered. South of Ermones is Vatos boasting two Byzantine Churches. All along this region small roads lead down to beautiful secluded beaches offering warm sea, soft sand and tranquility. Glifada is another very popular seaside resort on this picturesque coast line. Pelekas; located on the hillside above Glifada is famed for its spectacular sunsets at “Kaisers Throne – Kaiser Wilhelm’s would regularly have a throne like chair carried to the spot for him to rest and enjoy the amazing sundown views. Nearby Sinaradas is a large village with an interesting Folk Museum set within an authentic traditional Corfiot dwelling of the nineteenth century displaying artifacts of the period. From Sinaradas a steep road twists down to Agios Gordis Beach; famous for it’s Orholith - a large rock formation rising out of the sea. The road continues along a very attractive route providing brilliant views to the fabulous sandy beach of Paramonas; surrounded by dramatic rocks with tiny islets further out to sea - the beach boasts two excellent sea-side Tavernas. Above is the very traditional and picturesque village of Agios Matheos – famous for its delicious pale wine - Kakotrighis. White washed steps lead to a fascinating array of old stone houses built into the rugged foot-hills of Mount Agios. Higher up on the top of Gamilion Oros is a 4th Century Monastery where a resident monk will offer travelers a refreshing drink from a well so deep that the water is always icy cold whatever the weather and the cave within the grounds reputedly leads all the way down to the sea. Back on the coast road, a little further on is the peaceful little beach of Prasoudi, definitely a good place to relax. From here the road twists and turns beneath Mount Prasoudi passing several secluded bays to Cape Gardikiand lovely Alonaki Beach at the edge of Lake Korission – a 6,000 sq metre wetland nature reserve protecting a rare ecosystem of endangered flora and fauna. Set in the olive groves above are the remains of the octagonal 13 century Kardiki Castle – local legend tells of a stunningly beautiful princess living here in isolation apart from her courtiers and that the doors can only be opened with solid silver keys – architectural edifices within the grounds have been carefully preserved Nearby Halikounas Beach which links to the long sandy beach of Agios Georgios; combines woodland, rolling sand dunes, and sparkling blue sea, and offers a truly memorable sunset on the horizon. Inland from Halikounas is Agirades: an architecturally interesting village with an impressive Venetian bell tower. There are a number of delightful beaches in the area, accessed by tiny side roads. The well surfaced main road from Agirades takes you Perivouli where you can drive in comfort to the farthest southern resort of Kavos – an extremely busy and vibrant holiday destination attracting fun seeking youths from across the globe. Driving from Kavos, on the road alongside Lefkimi Beach you pass a small Port providing ferry service to Igoumenitsa. The road continues to Lefkimi Town – the administrative centre and main agricultural core of this region. The nearby river at Potami passes through the Town underneath a quaint bridge, where local fishermen tie up their boats and mend their nets. The river was once a means of transporting farm produce to the sea and on to Corfu Town. Alikes; situated on headland of Lefkimi, was until recently the home of a salt production enterprise – first established in the 15th Century. Heading along the coast towards Corfu Town you will pass the villages of Agios Nicholaos, Petriti, Korakades and Boukari – all have fine sandy beaches with warm shallow water. This is old style Corfu; where olive, wine, vegetable and fruit production keep local people busy and many women still dress in traditional manner, traveling the fields and lanes by donkey. Property in this region is a lot less costly than other parts of the Island and many charming little houses in need of renovation can be bought at a very reasonable price, A few kilometers inland is Mauratika – popular with holiday makers and offering a blend of Traditional and modern amenities. Back on the coast road to Benitsas the view is easy on the eye – hills of indigenous woodland above a clear blue sea, passing the remains of Kaisers Bridge - built to allow Kiser Wilhelm private access from the Achillion Palace to the beach. The neo-classic style Palace built in the 19th Century for Empress Elisabeth of Austria and named after the Greek hero Achiles, houses a small museum of personal items and can be accessed via an inland road through the villages of Kinopiastes and Agios Deka on the slopes of Corfu’s second highest mountain. Corfu Town is the Kanoni Peninsula over looking the much photographed tiny Mouse Island. Located on the headland is the Mon Repo Estate – once the home of the Greek Royal family, and the place where Prince Phillip, husband of Queen Elisabeth of the United Kingdom was born. The splendorous Villa is now open to the public and within the grounds stand two Ancient Doric Temples dating from around 500 BC and dedicated to Hera and Poseidon. Passing the village of Anemomylas the nearby sweep alongside Garitsa Bay brings you the Eastern port of Ancient Corfu and one time harbour of Alkinoos. From here you approach the excavated area of Paleopolis – “The Old Venietian City”. Corfu Old Town where a labyrinth of marble paved streets twist and turn to markets, gift shops, cafes and Venetian houses is a crowded and intriguing place to visit. Property for sale in and around the town is highly sought after and not that easy to come across. We recommend viewing: The Liston. The Esplanade. The Old Fortress. The Archeological Museum. The Cathedral. Saint Spyridon Church. St Giorgio Palace. The Byzantine Museum. The Ancient Port.

CENTRAL CORFU

From the indigenous woodland surrounding Kokkini you will pass through stunning countryside to the Ropa Valley, stretching across a plain of approximately 2,500 acres. Originally a vast lake, the area has since been drained to provide a network of ditches and canals which carry rain water from the surrounding hills to the river and the sea. The valley is a very important wetlands habitat for a diverse array of endangered wildlife and home to over 150 species of resident and migrating birds. Set within the flat green valley is an excellent golf course built to competition standard, and a horse riding stables. Growing fruit, vegetables, and grapes is the main occupation of the residents here and the nearby villages offer some beautiful country side views - many of the magnificent trees in this area are hundreds of years old.
There are still many excellent opportunities for the Home buyer in this region, with house prices consistently reasonable, however, with recent trends in Property value; this can expect to change in the near future.