Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian Islands archipelago, and it’s one of those places that brings people back year after year, to explore another pocket or path. It was famously, for many years, home to the British naturalist and writer, Gerald Durrell, and anyone who has read the books or seen the screen adaptations, knows it’s a place of poetry and peace. So when you’re working out what to do in Corfu, first of all read My Family and Other Animals, and then choose from some of our family of natural adventures below.
Highlights of walking in Corfu
The Corfu Trail
The Corfu Trail is one of the finest ways to explore the island, following a fairly strenuous 200km adventure that traverses Corfu, starting in the south and ending in the far north. We have several options for taking on this Greek epic: you can walk the complete trail in two weeks, trekking up to the island’s highest point, Mount Pantokrator (905m), exploring the vast beaches and juniper dunes in the south, as well as the rugged gorges of the north; or choose to just walk the first section, Corfu Trail (South), which is a five day foray that has more of a focus on beaches than peaks, dunes over dramatic gorges.
In addition, we also have a couple of holidays that feature the trail’s highlights. Such as this eight day itinerary which, with some transfers, allows you to still find some of the most delicious treats on this meze of adventures. These include the beaches and coastal ridge of the south, and a trek to the summit of Agii Deka (576m), Corfu’s second highest peak.
Mount Pantokrator
This other eight day itinerary takes you higher, however, with a final push up to Mount Pantokrator, which is the island’s highest mountain at 906m. Our trail only takes you to its saddle, not the summit, which is still at 750m, with plenty to see along the way, including the Byzantine village of Old Perithia, which has six churches and a couple of traditional tavernas. This itinerary also includes a rest day in Corfu Town, which is always a treat. Please note that there is also an option to summit Mount Pantokrator on our Complete Corfu Trail holiday.
Corfu Town
A prime example of the archipelago’s Venetian past, Corfu’s fortified Old Centre, with three forts to protect its position and trading strength in the Ionian Sea, was constructed by Venetians and is now protected by UNESCO. It’s an exquisite capital, with history oozing from every pore, and no shortage of Ouzo either. For cultural shots though, don’t miss the Old Fortress, the Palace of St Michael and St George and the winding streets and sacred places hidden amongst the Mouragia and Campiello neighbourhoods. The Museum of Asian Art is also a must, especially as it’s within a stone’s throw of a beautiful beach. Classical meets coast, that’s what Corfu Town is all about.
Kalami and Gerald Durrell’s Corfu
If you want to follow in the footsteps of Gerald and his writer brother Lawrence Durrell, head to the north-west coast, where you spend some time in their home area of Kalami on this ten day walking holiday. Three days, in fact, so that you can find out more about the family’s famous white house, the coastal paths that surround it, its horseshoe bay and some superb island views. As well as plenty of walking, wondering and writing perhaps, as you explore other secluded coves, the flanks of Mount Pantrokrator and the ancient village of Mengoulas.
Liapades
Before you head to the north-east on this same ten day walking holiday, Liapades proffers a luminous start to this natural adventure. Spend three nights in this coastal treat of a 15th-century Venetian village, which is far from the world of mass tourism. The old part has narrow winding streets, stone houses and a pace of life that is totally aligned with our slow tourism ethos. In addition, the Ionian does its idyllic thing at an array of beaches including Gefyra (Liapades’ main beach) or the lesser-known Rovinia, Limni, Iliodoros and Stelari. All top spots to cool down after trails along the Olive Way and Roman Way as well as the nearby site of Paleokastritsa Monastery, with more details below.
Paleokastritsa Monastery
This is one of Corfu’s most magnificent monasteries, and still very much a working one. Dedicated to the Panagia (Virgin Mary) of Paleokastritsa, its yellow walls and bell tower are a local landmark that glows on the top of the hill. This Byzantine beauty dates back to the early 13th century, although the current order has been there since the 18th century, and it’s easily accessible on foot from Liapades on our aforementioned walking holiday.
There are various ways to ascend, but whichever way you choose, it’s worth it, following olive and cypress tree-lined routes that lead up to a place where the monks have been making olive oil for centuries. They also have the most incredible views, with an option for a very different perspective on the way back, taking a boat to Liapades, so that you can immerse yourself fully in the rocky coastline.
“Each day had a tranquillity, a timelessness about it so that you wished it would never end. But then the dark skin of the night would peel off and there would be a fresh day waiting for us, glossy and colourful as a child’s transfer and with the same tinge of unreality.” – My Family and Other Animals, by Gerald Durrell.
Cycling in Corfu
Given that Corfu is one of the greenest Ionian Islands, it’s also a favourite with cyclists. Our self-guided cycling holiday covers a gloriously green circuit, starting and ending in Corfu Town. From here, you head to Paramonas, on the west coast, where you spend two more nights. This gives you a chance to enjoy its sandy beach after trails to nearby seaside villages of Boukari and Petriti, a couple of climbs to inland villages and then a descent to the bird habitat of Korission Lagoon. Our cycling holiday also takes in some of the ups and downs around Mount Pantokrator, with plenty of ascents to push you, but always with beaches to plunge into afterwards.
”The self-guided tour with The Natural Adventure was a scenic adventure I would happily have over and again. We encountered wonderful scenery, generous friendly locals and delicious food. The accommodations were delightful. Some of the climbs were quite steep – and with the extra weight of the panniers I think the e-bikes were a must. Help was readily to hand when requested – with great service from the local bike company.” – Dom from Australia on our Cycling in Corfu holiday.
Best time to go to Corfu
If you plan to walk the complete Corfu Trail, it has two walking windows: April to June and September to October. Although the Corfu Trail (South) doesn’t take a break in July and August, so you’re fine to book that one for peak season, but we recommend booking early. months when you have the trails and tavernas with a more tranquil vibe. If you are prepared for the heat (30-33C), and a very early riser, this Corfu Trail and Mount Pantokrator walking holiday also operates straight through from the end of April to October, as some of the walks are at higher elevations.
Maximum temperatures during the shoulder season in Corfu range from 19C in April or 23C in May, going up to 28C in June and then down a degree to 27C in September, dipping down to a still glorious 22C in October. Sea temperatures during these same periods range from 16C in April to 22C in October. You gotta love it when the sea matches the air temperature, especially in autumn.
If you are hoping to explore Gerald Durrell’s Corfu on this walking holiday, it’s open for bookings to travel between April and June, and also September and October for the same reasons as above. However, Durrell fans will also be keen to go wildlife watching and one of the most visible is the butterfly, of which there are over 75 species on the island, the majority of which can be seen in May. The Corfu Butterfly Conservation group does Trojan work to protect and record all the species. There are a lot of people flying about at Easter in Corfu too, with Orthodox Easter usually falling between early April and early May. Be prepared to witness a time of devotion, tradition and colourful creations. Corfu wins the prize for Easter eccentricities though when, on Orthodox Holy Saturday people gather at their windows and throw an array of ceramics and pottery down onto the streets.
We hope you’ve enjoyed careering around Corfu, and that it inspires you to get your mountain boots or cycling shoes out and book a trip that works for you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information. If Greece is your go-to for adventure, you may also enjoy these blogs: Six of the best hikes in Greece; A guide to walking on Crete; Walking on the Greek islands, Guide to the Zagori region, and Best time to go to Greece.
