Overview
A Greek epic of a holiday, walking the complete Corfu Trail highlights over eight days. The trail is one of the finest ways to explore the island, dipping in and out of the most dramatic bits of this 200km adventure into its heart. Highlights of this Corfu hiking trail include the coastal ridge between Gardenos and Santa Barbara, exploring the vast beaches and juniper dunes in the south, as well as a trek to the summit of Agii Deka 576m. Since the Corfu Trail was established in 2001, it still remains one of Greece’s best kept secrets and, by far, one of the best Corfu walks and hikes.
- Arkoudilas
- Lefkimmi
- Santa Barbara/ Marathia Beach
- Paramonas
- Agii Deka (576m)
- Benitses
- Agios Georgios
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Asprokavos loop | 12km
Arrive at Corfu Airport and meet your driver for a complimentary transfer to the hotel, where there is a welcome meeting about the Corfu Trail. Asprokavos is the southernmost point of Corfu, known for its dramatic high cliffs and unspoilt panoramic vistas. If arriving in the morning, we recommend an afternoon loop walk to Spartera. The shortest walk of the Corfu Trail leads to Corfu’s southernmost tip. Along the way, we recommend a visit to the ruins of Arkoudillas Monastery before descending to the sandy beach below. If time allows, take a dip in the sea to cool off before heading up to Spartera to take in this traditional village, filled with narrow, flower-lined streets and traditional stone houses.
- Accommodation: Mediterranean Blue Hotel or similar in Asprokavos
- Walking for the day: 12km, 3.5h, ↑250m
Day 2: Asprokavos – Santa Barbara | 23km
Begin the day following the Corfu Trail past small lakes and through olive groves to reach Lefkimmi, a small town offering a true glimpse of traditional Corfiot life. Descend to the river where there is a perfectly-timed taverna for refreshments. Continue on towards Gardenos, and walk along the coastal ridge which has spectacular views of the island before ending the day in the beach town of Santa Barbara.
- Accommodation: Perfect Ten Taverna & Studios or similar in Santa Barbara
- Walking for the day: 23km, 6.5h, ↑350m
Day 3: Santa Barbara – Paramonas | 20km
Today’s walk heads along the west coast of Corfu, up through sand dunes and along the shore of Corfu´s biggest saltwater lagoon, Korission. Finally, leave the coast and continue through ancient olive groves to descend to the small fishing village of Paramonas. Spend the evening sampling local fish dishes overlooking the water.
- Accommodation: Varagoulis Giannis & Lenas Apartments or similar in Paramonas
- Walking for the day: 20km, 6h, ↑150m
Day 4: Paramonas – Benitses | 17.5km
Breakfast at Sunset Tavern on the beach in Paramonas, in preparation for the climb over the coastal ridge for yet more spectacular views. On the descent, you walk through small villages such as Ano and Kato Pavliana, to continue down to cross the Messongi River Valley to Stroggili. The trail climbs again, leading to Komianata and Stravros, rewarding you with beautiful views. Finally, follow the Agii Deka water springs to end the day in Benitses. This quiet fishing village is the perfect place to relax with a traditionally-prepared stifado in a beach front taverna.
- Accommodation: Bella Vista hotel or similar in Benitses
- Walking for the day: 17.5km, 6h, ↑700m
Day 5: Agii Deka (Stavros) – Pelekas | 18km
Start the day with a short transfer to Agii Deka Mountain, Corfu’s second highest peak. At Ano Garouna, follow a steep trail to the summit of Agii Deka before descending to the village. Continue on to Sinarades where, if time allows, we recommend a visit to the Folk Museum (payable locally). Continue to take in the viewpoint at Aerostato before arriving at your final destination, the traditional hilltop village of Pelekas.
- Accommodation: Jimmy’s Pelekas or similar in Pelekas
- Walking for the day: 18km, 6-7h, ↑650m
Day 6: Giannades – Agios Georgios | 23km
Being with a short car ride to Giannades, before a steep and rocky footpath leads up towards the old village of Lakones, where the views over the west coast and Paleokastritsa are stunning. Leave Lakones following olive groves and walk as far as Krini where, if time allows, we recommend a visit to Angelokastro, a Byzantine castle that served to protect the north of the island from pirate attacks (payable locally). Finally descend on a footpath that zig zags down to Agios Georgios beach with breathtaking views, and bring the day to a close with a dip in crystal clear waters.
- Accommodation: Belle Helene Hotel or similar in Agios Georgios Pagi
- Walking for the day: 23km, 7-8h, ↑600m
Day 7: Agios Georgios – Rekini | 14km
Start with a steep climb from Agios Georgios, heading through olive groves to the traditional villages of Prinilas and Pagoi. Descend through a fertile valley alongside the river through Aspiotades to Agros and Agios Athanasios. We recommend a visit to Pantokrator Monastery before walking through the valley and more olive groves to reach the road junction at Rekini. Take the local bus (payable locally, €2-3) or a taxi to Roda. End the day with a refreshing Greek frappé (iced coffee) and a stroll through the town.
- Accommodation: Pegasus Hotel or similar in Roda
- Walking for the day: 14km, 4-5h, ↑400m
Day 8: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
What to expect
Accommodation while hiking in Corfu
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of mostly small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view default hotels
- Mediterranean Blue Hotel (Asprokavos)
- Perfect Ten Taverna & Studios (Santa Barbara)
- Varagoulis Giannis & Lenas Apartments (Paramonas)
- Bella Vista Hotel (Benitses)
- Alexandros Pension (Pelekas)
- Belle Helene Hotel (Agios Georgios)
- Pegasus Hotel (Roda)
Accommodation is subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel or guesthouse being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days, with a half board option available to order on site. In towns, there are multiple restaurants and taverns where you can sample the incredible local cuisine.
Difficulty and terrain
This hiking in Corfu holiday is rated moderate and is suitable for regular hikers with a good level of fitness (read more about difficulty grades). With daily distances ranging from 12-13km, the terrain varies from steep and exposed rocky footpaths to cobbled paths and asphalted roads.
Routes are well signposted. We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never shorten the way through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This self-guided Corfu Trail holiday is available to start between April and June and between September and October as July and August are too hot for walking.
The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date during the season. For more information on when to go, see our blog Best time to go to Greece.
Getting to our Corfu walks and hikes holidays
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Corfu Airport (CFU). Complimentary airport transfers from/to Corfu airport are included.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- Detailed pre-departure holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions and road notes, maps with daily routes and optional hikes marked
- Luggage transport (one piece per person, max 20kg)
- Complimentary airport transfers to/from Corfu Airport in daytime
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers from/to airports other than Corfu Airport or outside the day hours
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Bus/taxi transfer on day seven
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable locally)
- Accommodation tourist tax ( €1-6per night)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers. However, a supplement will be charged as the cost of rooms and also luggage or private transfers (when applicable) is not shared. Please note that solo travellers are always accommodated in their own room. For logistical reasons, we don’t offer an option for solo travellers to share rooms with other solo travellers
- Extra nights in Corfu Town or along the trail are bookable upon request
- Transfer supplement applies for airport arrivals/departures between 21.00 and 08.00
