Most visitors come to Corfu for the beaches, but the island's interior hides an entirely different world. Ancient olive groves, abandoned villages, mountain peaks with panoramic views, and the famous 220-kilometre Corfu Trail that runs the entire length of the island from south to north. Whether you are a serious trekker or prefer gentle countryside strolls, Corfu has a walk for you.
The Corfu Trail - An Overview
Created in 2001 by Hilary Whitton Paipeti, the Corfu Trail is a long-distance walking path that traverses the island from Kavos in the south to Cape Agios Stefanos in the north. At approximately 220 kilometres, it takes most walkers 8 to 12 days to complete, passing through traditional villages, over mountain ridges, along dramatic coastline, and through some of the largest and oldest olive groves in Europe.
The trail is marked with yellow waymarkers and aluminium signs, though navigation can be tricky in places where new development has altered the original route. The companion guidebook (available locally) is highly recommended. You do not need to walk the entire trail - many of its best sections work perfectly as standalone day hikes.
Best Day Hikes in Corfu
1 Mount Pantokrator Summit
The highest point on Corfu at 906 metres, Mount Pantokrator rewards those who climb it with one of the most spectacular panoramas in the Ionian Islands. On clear days, you can see the Greek mainland, Albania just across the strait, the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos to the south, and on exceptional days, the Italian coast to the northwest.
The most popular hiking route starts from the abandoned village of Old Perithia, itself a fascinating destination. Once home to over 1,200 people, Old Perithia was largely abandoned in the 20th century when residents moved to the coast. Several stone buildings have been restored as tavernas, and the atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful. The trail from Old Perithia to the summit follows ancient paths through scrubland and opens up to incredible views as you gain altitude.
At the summit, you will find the Pantokrator Monastery (rebuilt in the 14th century) and a telecommunications tower. The monastery is usually open and worth a visit. Start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and bring plenty of water - there are no facilities on the trail.
Start point: Old Perithia village (parking available)
2 Angelokastro Fortress Walk
Angelokastro (Castle of the Angels) is a 13th-century Byzantine fortress perched on a dramatic rocky peak above Paleokastritsa. The walk up to the fortress follows a path that has been used for nearly 800 years, and the views from the top are simply extraordinary. The entire west coast of Corfu spreads out below you, with the deep blue bays of Paleokastritsa glittering in the sunlight.
The fortress itself is well-preserved and free to explore. Two small churches inside the walls contain faded frescoes, and the cisterns that once collected rainwater are still visible. The summit provides a full 360-degree view that includes both coasts of Corfu and the mountains of mainland Greece. This is one of those places where history and landscape combine to create something truly memorable.
You can extend the walk by following trails through the surrounding olive groves and connecting to paths down to the coast at Paleokastritsa. This area is part of the traditional village network that makes Corfu's interior so special.
Start point: Krini village or Makrades (well-signposted)
3 Corfu Trail Section: Pelekas to Sinarades
This section of the Corfu Trail is one of the most varied and enjoyable day hikes on the island. Starting from the hilltop village of Pelekas (famous for its sunset viewpoint, Kaiser's Throne), the trail descends through olive groves and farmland, passes through the quiet villages of Kompitsi and Kastellani, and ends in the traditional village of Sinarades.
Along the way, you will walk through some of the largest and oldest olive groves in Corfu - some trees are estimated to be 500 years old, their gnarled trunks twisted into extraordinary shapes. The trail passes old churches, stone walls, and seasonal streams, providing a snapshot of rural Corfu that has changed little in centuries.
Sinarades has a small folklore museum and several tavernas where you can refuel. Arrange a taxi back to Pelekas, or if you are feeling energetic, take the bus to Corfu Town and then back.
Start point: Pelekas village centre
4 Korission Lagoon Nature Walk
For a completely flat and gentle walk, the trail around Lake Korission in the south of the island is ideal. This large coastal lagoon is a Natura 2000 protected area and one of the most important wetland habitats in the Ionian Islands. The walk takes you along the sandy strip that separates the lagoon from the sea, through dunes, past cedar forests, and along the shores of the lagoon itself.
The birdwatching here is exceptional. Depending on the season, you may see flamingos, herons, egrets, cormorants, and dozens of species of wading birds. The spring migration (April-May) is particularly spectacular. The surrounding dunes are covered in wild lilies, orchids, and sea daffodils.
The sand along the coast side of the lagoon is some of the finest on the island, and the beach here (Issos/Halikounas) is quiet, wild, and beautiful - a perfect place for a swim after your walk. This is Corfu at its most natural and unspoiled.
Start point: Issos Beach parking or Halikounas village
5 Old Perithia Ghost Village Walk
Old Perithia deserves a walk even if you do not plan to climb Mount Pantokrator. This medieval mountain village, the oldest on Corfu, sits at 450 metres elevation on the slopes of the island's highest peak. At its peak, it had over 130 houses, 8 churches, and a population exceeding 1,000 people. Today, only a handful of residents remain, and many buildings stand as atmospheric ruins.
A walking loop around and through the village takes you past beautifully weathered stone houses, abandoned churches with peeling frescoes, and overgrown gardens where fig trees and grape vines have reclaimed the land. The silence is profound - broken only by birdsong and the rustle of wind through the old walls.
Several buildings have been lovingly restored as tavernas serving excellent traditional food. The combination of atmospheric ruins, mountain air, and authentic cuisine makes this one of the most memorable outings on the island. Visit our traditional villages guide for more Corfu countryside experiences.
Start point: Old Perithia village parking
6 Paleokastritsa Coastal Path
This trail links Paleokastritsa with the village of Liapades, following the coastline above the dramatic sea cliffs and hidden coves of the west coast. The views along this walk are genuinely jaw-dropping - you look straight down into turquoise coves and secret beaches that are only accessible by boat.
The trail starts near the Paleokastritsa monastery and follows goat paths along the clifftops. You will pass through fragrant macchia (Mediterranean scrubland), olive groves, and wild herb gardens. In spring, the wildflowers are extraordinary. The path passes above Rovinia Beach, one of Corfu's most beautiful hidden coves, where you can detour down for a swim.
End the walk in Liapades, a charming village where you can have lunch at a traditional taverna before taking a taxi or bus back. Read more about this beautiful coastline in our Paleokastritsa guide.
Start point: Paleokastritsa monastery
What to Pack for Hiking in Corfu
Practical Hiking Tips
Best season: March-May for wildflowers and green landscapes. October-November for warm weather without summer crowds. Avoid July-August midday heat.
Start early: Begin walks before 9 AM in summer. The morning light is beautiful and temperatures are comfortable.
Dogs: Stray dogs are common in rural Corfu and are generally friendly but can be startling. Carry a walking stick if you are nervous.
Snakes: The Aesculapian snake and the nose-horned viper live on Corfu. Stay on marked paths, watch where you step, and wear long trousers and closed shoes. Encounters are rare.
Navigation: Download the AllTrails or Komoot apps, which have Corfu trails with GPS tracks. Mobile signal is available in most of the island but can be spotty in deep valleys.
Base camp: Ef Zin Villa in Skripero is perfectly located for accessing trails across the island. The countryside location means many walks start right from your doorstep.
Hike Corfu from Ef Zin Villa
Our countryside villa in Skripero is the ideal base for hikers. Surrounded by olive groves and traditional paths, with easy access to both coast and mountain trails. Come home after a day's walking to your private pool and peaceful garden.
View Villa & Book Your StayFrequently Asked Questions
The Corfu Trail is approximately 220 kilometres long, running from the southern tip of the island at Kavos to the northern cape at Agios Stefanos. Most hikers complete it in 8-12 days, covering 20-30 km per day. It can also be divided into individual day hike sections.
Yes, Corfu offers walks for all levels. Easy coastal paths at Paleokastritsa and flat trails around Korission Lagoon suit beginners. The village-to-village walks through the interior are moderate. Only Mount Pantokrator and some Corfu Trail sections are challenging.
Spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) are ideal for hiking. Spring brings wildflowers and green landscapes, while autumn offers warm swimming after walks. Summer (June-August) is too hot for long walks during midday. Winter is mild but can be rainy.
Most popular trails are well-marked and do not require a guide. The Corfu Trail is waymarked with yellow blazes. However, local guides add tremendous value through knowledge of history, flora, and hidden spots. Several companies offer guided walks, typically costing 30-50 euros per person for a half-day.
Yes, the most popular route from Old Perithia to the summit takes about 2-3 hours going up and 1.5-2 hours coming down. The total distance is approximately 8 km return. On clear days, you can see Albania, mainland Greece, and even Italy from the 906-metre summit.