The Corfu Trail

The Corfu Trail is a long-distance footpath which runs the length of the island, from Arkoudillas at Corfu's southernmost tip to Cape Agia Ekaterini at its northernmost point. Approximately 220 kilometers long and taking around 10 days to walk, it meanders through all the island's rural municipalities and avoids heavily developed areas. It links the very best of the island's beauty spots, biotopes, beaches, picturesque villages, monuments, monasteries and diverse landscapes.

The Trail has been financed partly by the European Union's Interreg II programme and partly from a private source on the island. Works included clearing of blocked paths, waymarking and construction of information stands at the start, centre and end of the route. No new footpaths were created since the Trail uses rights of way already in existence. Waymark signs are yellow aluminum and are attached to trees, walls and other permanent structures, supplemented in places by yellow paint markers.

Since the most spectacular scenery and the biggest concentration of highlights are in the north of the island, walkers are advised to follow the route from south to north, though it is fully waymarked in both directions.
The course of the walk passes through Paleokastritsa, along one of the boundaries of the campsite, making it an ideal stopping point for people intent on walking the trail from start to finish. Alternatively people staying in Paleokastritsa can have the chance to walk part of the trail during the course of their holiday.

Southwards from Paleokastritsa, walkers may take a slightly difficult path (good footwear is essential) to the village of Liapades. From there walkers can follow a series of tracks through the shady olive groves to Kanakades. The route then joins the Ropa Valley River and walkers can have a pleasant stroll towards the golf course and on to the village of Vatos. From there the route climbs steeply over the mountain ridge before descending to the coast towards the Monastery and then on to the beach at Mytriotissa. From there it is an upward path to the village of Pelekas.

Northwards from Paleokastritsa there is an interesting walk taking in some of the most scenic views on Corfu. Start the walk just past the campsite and follow the boundary of the campsite - the route is well marked and at some points uses the main road to Lakones. Stop off to admire the view from Bella Vista, visited by royalty and presidents over the years. Carry on to the village of Krini. The trail then carries northwards. It is a must to visit Angelokastro, a recently renovated Byzantine fortress and visit the heritage museum in the village of Makrades. Return to Paleokastritsa by one of the many donkey paths that head back to resort.

Experienced walkers should be able to complete either of these two walks within a day. If doing the southward walk we advise you take a taxi to the point where you intend to start i.e. Pelekas and walk back to Paleokastritsa, rather than relying on finding a taxi at the end of the day.

The trail is run by a non profit making organization and donations would be appreciated. A proportion of income from the sale of the guide book will also be used for trail maintenance and new infrastructure.