Best time to go hiking in Corfu
It is crucial to keep in mind that if you're thinking about going hiking in Corfu, you should be prepared and familiar with the terrain and climate of the area. When you are aware of these things, hiking will be fantastic. The months of April through July are ideal for hiking Corfu. You can take a hike on the bright summer days during this time because the weather is warm and dry. You can try swimming in the Mediterranean as well; the water is very fresh. Since Corfu has a diverse landscape, one of its main advantages, you will appreciate the abundance of hiking trails.1. Asprokavos to Santa Barbara trail
Spreading from the western coast of the island to the eastern part and back, is this moderate to challenging hiking trail. Depending on your speed, it will take you one to two days to finish the 23 km track. From Asprokavos, the trail leads to a small lake where you can see turtles and various bird species. As you travel to Lefkimmi from here, you will descend through olive groves and breathtakingly beautiful, verdant fields. Lefkimmi is one of the oldest towns in the area, and by standing on the elevation and taking in the views of the valley and Gardeno river, you can discover the best of the area. At the end of the trail, you can eat and drink authentic locally produced Greek food and drinks while socializing with the locals.
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2-3 days
Length: 23 kms
2. Vlacherna trail
If you are a beginner looking for a challenge and some experience, or if you are visiting the area with your family, this is the ideal hiking trail for you. Since there is not much elevation gain, you can easily enjoy your hike and complete it quickly. Two kilometers of the trail can be completed in an hour. From the highest point, you can see the magnificent sea, nearby historic structures, and churches.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1-2 hours
Length: 2 kms
3. Old town hiking trail
When you visit Corfu, you can start your trip off by hiking along this trail. Because it allows you to meet other hikers and learn about Greek history, it is ideal for both novice and experienced hikers. This trail, which travels from the old town through Kerkyra, is perfect for giving you a taste of what the town has to offer. As there is no elevation gain, the old town circuit is easy to complete. The loop is 5.5 kilometers long, and you can choose to stroll it slowly so you can observe what the locals are doing and their culture. Depending on your pace, the hike will take you 1.5 hours to complete. You can discover so much along the trail by looking at the clothing, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other items available in the markets nearby, among other things. As you make your way to Corfu's old town, you can pass by the soap factory. The trail is simple because, after passing the soap factory, you will see the fronts of the homes in Corfu town. The old town's alleys are charming, and by looking at the building, you can learn more about the area's history.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Length: 5.5 kms
4. Twin bay hiking trail
When visiting Corfu, many visitors often overlook this hiking trail. It is the ideal location for balancing elevation changes with those of the coastal town. The trail starts in Arillas and ends in Timoni's double bay. The 9.5-kilometer hiking trail has an elevation change of more than 800 meters and is rated as moderate to difficult. You should be prepared to tackle the trail by wearing appropriate hiking boots and carrying enough water and food since the hike will take you about 3 hours to complete. If you decide to hike this trail in the summer, you should make sure you have enough sunscreen on you to shield your face from UV rays and sunburns. You will encounter an ascent along the trail that will lead you to the mountain village of Afionas, where you can take in views of the Ionian Sea and the Corfiot islands. It is the ideal location for photo sessions and rest breaks during trek. You descend the mountain until you arrive at Timoni. Here, you can go swimming or interact with the locals.
Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult
Time: 3-4 hours
Length: 9.5 kms
5. Benitses and mount Stavros loop
Although it is 4.3 kilometers long and located on the eastern side of the island, this section of the Corfu trail is ideal for beginners. It is important to finish the trail in the morning to prevent sunstroke because hikers have to travel through an area with little to no shade. The region is beautifully viewed from this hiking trail, and you can take in the craggy rock formations, verdant mountains, and seashore. On this hiking trail, you'll come across a number of historic buildings.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1-2 hours
Length: 4.3 kms
6. Benitses to Pelekas hiking trail
It will take you a full day to complete this 16-kilometer hiking trail, or you can break it up into two segments if you want to take your time. Beginning in Benitses and the villages of Ano, the trail leads along the verdant green forests to the valley of the Messonghi River via a footpath and a track. Once you arrive, take the ascending path that winds through the forests until you reach Pelekas. The difficulty level of the trail is rated as moderate to hard. To prevent heat stroke and sunburn, it's critical that you have all of your supplies on hand.
Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult
Time: 14-15 hours or 1-2 days
Length: 16 kms
7. Mount Pantokrator hiking trail
One of the toughest hiking trails you can find in Corfu is this one. The 12-kilometer trail has an elevation change of more than 1000 meters. Due to the difficulty of this trail, it may take you a couple of days to complete it, or 10 to 12 hours if you want to finish it in a day. As you travel along this incredible trail, you will encounter a lot of fauna and flora. It's critical to realize that this trail is demanding and that you must be physically fit to complete it. The highest mountain on the island, Mount Pantokrator, offers some of the best views in the area from its summit. Before winding through Palies Sinies, the trail begins in the tiny town of Nissaki. You will see a lot of ancient ruins while hiking, which will help you better understand what life was like for the local ancient Greeks. It is important to bring enough water with you when hiking this trail because it is long and the sun can be very hot.
Difficulty: Difficult
Time: 10-12 hours or 1-2 days
Length: 12kms
8. The Corfu Trail
This medium-to-difficult hiking trail is ideal for devoted hikers who want to experience Greece's top hiking trails. Depending on your pace and the speed of your guide, the trail will take you a week or less to complete. You should be prepared to explore the best trail in the area because this hiking trail is intended for experienced hikers only. Since its establishment in 2001, the hiking trail has become incredibly well-known among hikers all over the world. You should make a point of visiting the untouched areas of the island that are covered by this trail. You will have more to see and explore during your hike on the Corfu trail because of the varied topography. On the Corfu hiking trail, you will experience the best of Greece, whether it be the forests, mountains, or the breathtaking coastline. The trail starts in Kavos and proceeds through cliffs, mountain paths, and shorelines before coming to an end at the Saint Spiridon beach. It is the ideal hiking trail because, at the end of the hike, you can swim and take advantage of the local cuisine and drinks at the nearby bars and restaurants.
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1-2 weeks
Length: 180 kms
9. Ermones Beach - Agios Georgios Hill - Myrtiotissa Beach Loop
You can treat this portion of the Corfu trail as a standalone adventure because it provides all the best views and features a variety of landscape types. Both novices and experts will find it ideal. The Ermones trail starts at the beach in Ermones, and it ascends through the quaint community of Vatos. When you reach the summit, you can see the Ropa valley and other breathtaking views. The coastal views start to become visible as you proceed, once you have descended the trail and entered the olive groves. You will reach Myrtiotissa beach as you turn to face the coastal strip in reverse. It is simple to access and take pleasure in the hike on this well-maintained hiking trail. It is about four kilometers from here. You should be ready for it because you can go at a slower pace and there are significant elevation changes.
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 3-4 hours
Length: 8.2 kms
10. Cape Drastis Loop
The route leads to the picturesque Drastis cape and the surrounding countryside from Peroulades, a traditional medieval settlement. The region is made up of scattered olive groves and small forests. Sharp white shores add interest from a geological standpoint and intensify the beauty of the landscape. In this cozy corner of Corfu, there are so many fascinating components that work well together to tie all the beautiful elements perfectly. Take this 6.9 kilometer loop trail for a beautiful adventure. It takes an average of 2 hours to complete what is typically thought of as an easy route. Since running, walking, and hiking are all very popular activities here, you might run into other people while exploring.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2 hours
Length: 6.9 kms
11. Agios Stylianos
An amazing short route on the peninsula of Afionas in Corfu's northeast. The route begins at the small town of Afionas and descends to the peninsula's edge. There, it travels between the identical Porto Timoni beaches that are formed on either side of the neck that nature has naturally formed. It then ascends to the chapel of Agios Stylianos at the tip of the peninsula. Beautiful scenery and breathtaking views of Agios Georgios Bay, the ocean, and the northwest islets. Make sure that you visit this 3.1 km long loop trail. It takes an average of 1 to complete and is typically regarded as a simple route and hence perfect for beginners. This trail is a popular spot and hence always bustling with hikers and visitors. This trail is operational all year round.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1- 2 hour
Length: 3.1 kms
12. Erimitis Beach Hike
An excellent route can be found in this area of Corfu's east coast, where beaches, capes, and lakes combine to form the Erimitis, a significant wetland. Starting in Agios Stefanos, the route winds along the coastline, passing by the wetland's three lakes, six beaches, and other locations. Only on foot or by sea are you able to enter the region. In the town of Kassiopi, the route comes to an end to the northwest. This 6.8-km point-to-point trail in the vicinity of Sinies is definitely worth exploring. It takes an average of 1 hour 30 minutes to complete this route, which is typically regarded as easy. Running, hiking, and bird watching are all very popular in this zone.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1-2 hours
Length: 6.8 kms
13. Pantokrator Monastery
The route ascends the eastern slopes of Mount Pantokratoras and begins in the Kefalohori village of Agios Mattheos (Ai Mathias) in central-southern Corfu. Additionally, there is the Pantokratoras Monastery, an abandoned monastery that was most likely built at the start of the 14th century. The route back is along the ridge to the north, where it meets the dirt road and descends to the starting point. This 6.4-km loop trail is close to Agios Mattheos, and although it is a well-traveled trail for walking, running, and hiking, you can still find some peace and quiet during the quiet periods of the day.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2-3 hours
Length: 6.4 kms
14. Corfu town walk
Discover this 7.1-kilometer loop trail in Corfu. It takes an average of one to two hours to complete what is typically thought of as an easy route. A memorable stroll through the walls and between the two ancient fortresses in the heart of Corfu town. War and time have largely spared most structures. In between tiny alleys, cobblestone streets, picturesque squares, and the sea, the visitor can thus take in a little treasure of architecture and tradition. The entire city serves as an open-air museum that showcases the various eras of its history.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1-2 hours
Length: 7.1 kms
15. Kaminaki beach
This pleasant coastal route starts from Kaminaki beach in the northeast of Corfu, travels through the nearby beaches and bays, and ends at Kerasia beach. The view of the sea and the opposite Albanian coasts, the forested slopes that descend to the shore, the alternation of lovely beaches and rocky capes, and the company of interesting people all contribute to the pleasant feelings. It typically takes 2 to 3 hours to complete this route. Although this is a well-traveled trail for walking, running, and hiking, you can still find some peace and quiet during the day. The trail is lovely to visit at any time of the year and is open all year. If you like to travel with a pet, you would be glad to know that In certain areas of this trail, dogs are allowed off-leash as well.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2-3 hours
Length: 10.3 kms
16. Corfu Radar
Ano Garouna is the starting point of this circular route in the center of Corfu. The path that initially leads to the Pantokratoras Monastery and Agii Deka Chapel is followed as the course ascends. From there, it continues to the summit of Agii Deka, where Corfu's radar is situated. The route circles back to the monastery, where it meets an easterly dirt road that leads to the starting location. This trail offers numerous breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, cities, and the ocean.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1-2 hours
Length: 3.9 kms
17. Kavos - Asprokavos Cape - Monastery of Panagia Arkoulida
This route encircles the lush Cape Asprokavos and the southern end of Corfu. It requires an average of 2 hours to complete and is typically regarded as a moderately difficult route. The route begins to the east, close to the town of Kavos, and travels south to the cape's edge. From there, it heads northwest, passes the Panagia Arkoudila Monastery, then turns north before turning east along the Moschopoulos River until it reaches the starting point after passing the small artificial lake. This place is as serene as it is adventurous. Hiking by a lake or a river allows you to stop and rest at any point where you can take in a breathtaking view.
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2 hours
Length: 7.1 kms
18. Nymphes Waterfalls
Explore this 5.1-km out-and-back trail in the Corfu town of Nymfes. It takes an average of one to two hours to complete what is typically thought of as an easy route. The trail is lovely to visit at any time of the year and is open all year. This path leads to a magical location just outside of Nymphes, on Pantokratoras, the island's highest mountain. These are Corfu's most impressive waterfalls, with rapid waterfalls and lush vegetation reminiscent of Greek mythology at a height of about 15 meters. This place, with its striking and mesmerizing beauty, will transport you into an unforgettable tale of your own.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1-2 hours
Length: 5.1 kms
19. Yannades - Liapades - Liapades beach
This hike connects Yannades village with Liapades and the beach in the western part of Corfu. Located a short distance from the sea, the route travels through the island province's rural and semi-rural landscape. The hiker is treated to a very lovely experience as hills, forests, olive groves, and endless views of the sea alternate and encompass the trail. At the end of the trail, you will find a beach waiting at the end of the path for you to take a dip in the blue waters to refresh yourself. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2-3 hours
Length: 9 kms
20. Arillas Trail
There is a recently opened walking path with red and white signs that begins at Arillas Beach between the restaurants Thalassa and Kostas On the Beach. The route follows the Arillas stream all the way to the bridge and then continues all the way to the olive groves in the agricultural area of Magoulades village, which have ancient olive trees that are over 400 years old. Due to the lack of orientational signs in the past, it leads to areas that visitors have not been able to access easily until today. The roads were primarily built so that everyone's harvest could be accessed and transported to the neighborhood olive press. Visuals of the countryside and the sea are a delightful sight. A different route is taken to make the return. The trail comes to an end at the Corfu Microbrewery, where you can either stop for a free beer sample and inside tour or continue walking until you reach the beach once more.
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2-3 hours
Length: 8.7 kms
21. Loop Around Old Perithia
Hike to the charming, historically significant village of Corfu, which is also likely the island's oldest. Old Perithia Village, which was constructed in the 14th century during the Byzantine era, is thought to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited villages on Corfu. Even though only 4-5 people live there year-round, the village is now deserted. Given that the stone houses are primarily based on Venetian architecture, it is a superb example of architecture. It is still one of those time period's best-preserved villages, With its stone houses and ruins, the village, which was built 650 meters up on Mount Pantokrator's slopes, has grown to be a popular short walk for both locals and tourists. The streets are also distinctive because they are cobblestone. The hiker will be greeted by Pantokratoras, Corfu's highest mountain, as they pass by old homes. Despite the absence of permanent residents, the village has a few tavernas, making it the ideal place for lunch.
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 7-8 hours
Length: 22.2 kms
Tips for Hiking
- Hike in a group: If you're traveling on a trail with few explorers, always bring at least one other person with you. It is better to be in a group than tackle an uncomfortable or dangerous situation all alone.
- Water and Food: Water is your best traveling companion because mountains are tough and reveal difficulties whether you're climbing up or down them. Sweating and other respiratory losses will lower your blood volume, forcing your heart to work much harder. If you wait until you're thirsty, you'll already be dehydrated, so try to sip on water every 20 minutes throughout the day in small, frequent amounts. A filling breakfast can provide you with the energy you need to get through the day. Your energy needs will increase while you are trekking, much like hydration. To keep your energy levels up, try to eat small, frequently spaced meals and snacks on the go. Small snacks, fruits, and nuts are regularly available, convenient to carry and eat while on the go, and great for boosting energy.
- Sun Screen: Whether you visit during the summer or winter months, always carry a sun protectant to avoid sunburns.
- Choose the right shoes and gear: Bring comfortable and adequate clothes and gear to make sure you have a fun and adventurous experience.