Most guests who book with us have the beach as their main plan — and rightly so. But every year, around day four, someone asks: “Are there any good walks on the island?” The answer is an emphatic yes, and the list below is the one we hand over. These are the trails we send guests on when they want a different kind of Corfu day — the olive groves, the ghost villages, the mountain paths, the old-fortress views.
The Island You Don’t Reach by Swimming
Corfu is surprisingly green inland. Roughly four million olive trees — many over 500 years old — carpet the interior, and footpaths between them have been in use for centuries. There’s a 220-kilometre long-distance trail (the Corfu Trail) that runs the whole length of the island, but you don’t need to commit to all of it. These are six walks worth a morning or a full day.
1. Mount Pantokrator from Old Perithia Challenging
8 km return · 4–5 hours
The big one. 906 metres, the highest point on Corfu. On clear days you can see Albania, mainland Greece, Paxos, and occasionally Italy. Start from Old Perithia (the beautifully atmospheric abandoned mountain village) and follow ancient paths to the monastery at the summit. Early start essential — before 8 AM from April to October. Not for casual walkers; proper shoes and plenty of water.
2. Angelokastro Fortress Moderate
5 km circuit · 2–3 hours
This is the walk we recommend most often. A 13th-century Byzantine hilltop fortress above Paleokastritsa, with a footpath that has been in use for nearly 800 years. Free to enter. The summit view across both coasts is unforgettable, and the surrounding villages of Krini and Makrades serve excellent lunch. Perfect half-day.
3. Pelekas to Sinarades Moderate
10 km one-way · 3–4 hours
A section of the Corfu Trail that captures the interior at its best — ancient olive groves, sleepy villages, sunset viewpoint at Kaiser’s Throne (Pelekas) at the start. End at Sinarades, which has a small folklore museum and tavernas. Arrange a taxi back from Sinarades.
4. Korission Lagoon Easy
6 km loop · 2–3 hours · flat
Our favourite to send guests with kids. Completely flat, through dunes and cedar woodland alongside a Natura 2000 protected lagoon. Flamingos in spring and autumn, herons and cormorants year-round. Finish with a swim at Halikounas Beach, which stays quiet even in August. Bring binoculars if you have them.
5. Old Perithia Village Walk Easy
4 km loop · 2 hours
A walk that feels like stepping 150 years back in time. Old Perithia, the oldest village on Corfu at 450 m elevation, was largely abandoned in the 20th century. Walk the lanes, peer into the ruined houses, and eat lunch at one of the restored tavernas inside the village. We genuinely think this is one of the most memorable afternoons you can have on Corfu.
6. Paleokastritsa Coastal Path Moderate
7 km one-way · 3–4 hours
For guests who love dramatic coastal scenery. A clifftop path from Paleokastritsa to Liapades, passing above Rovinia Beach (one of the most beautiful hidden coves on the island). Detour down for a swim; end with lunch at a taverna in Liapades.
Our Walking Advice for Guests
Season: March–May and October–November are best. Summer: start before 9 AM and be back by noon.
Footwear: Trainers are fine for the flat walks; proper walking shoes needed for Pantokrator and the coastal path.
Water: No shops on most of these routes. Take more than you think you need.
Snakes: Non-venomous mostly, one venomous species, rarely seen. Long trousers and closed shoes in spring.
Apps: AllTrails and Komoot have GPS tracks for everything above — download offline.
Guided: Local guides run half-day walks for 30–50 euros per person, mostly March–November. Worth it for Pantokrator or the long Corfu Trail sections.
Getting to the Trailheads
Almost all of these walks need a car — public buses don’t reach the trailheads.
★ Herbie Cars — Our Rental Partner
Delivered to the house. Free delivery, honest rates, 4x4s available for the mountain trailheads.
Book a car →★ Town Stay for Access to the Interior?
Some of our guests discover they want to split the trip — beach house for one week, town apartment for another. Our partner Oikia 4 in the Old Town pairs perfectly with our beach houses.
View beach houses →For the wider travel picture — drives, beaches, day trips beyond walks — our friends at CorfuRide have the complete reference. See also traditional villages for where to eat after the walk and Paleokastritsa guide for the cliffs section.