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Central Corfu, inland, Palaiokastritsa, Corfu Town
~ 60 km, route, Normal Duration 3.5 – 4 hours
(Click on the map to enlarge)
We depart from the New Port. On our excursion we will cross the central Corfu heading north-west to Palaiokastritsa.
We follow the national road until we reach our first destination, the area near the picturesque village of Doukades.
Leaving the national road, we take a sinuous provincial road. On our way, we pass by an ancient olive grove, the branches of which form arches giving us the impression that nature is embracing us. As we go higher, on our right we have a breathtaking panoramic view. Our first stop will be at the top of the hill in the area called Alleimatades. There, we will enjoy the magnificent view of Corfu Town, Ropa’s Valley, and the west coast facing the Adriatic Sea.
Then, we continue our excursion following the provincial road, and at a 500 m altitude, we see vineyards both on our left and right side. Before reaching the village Vistonas and on our left, we see the Angelokastro castle for the first time. After the village, in the area called “Helidoni”, the Agios Georgios bay is a spectacular view from above [phot. 4] with the small islands of Mathraki, Othonoi and Ereikousa emerging from the blue Adriatic Sea. Here, you can walk by the vineyards that produce pure local traditional wine. You can taste it and buy it straight from the producer at very low prices. Right after the village of Makrades, we turn right passing through the traditional village of Krini and we descend the steep slope, facing the amazing Angelokastro castle as we are very close, rising up to the sky in its lush greenness, having the blue Adriatic Sea as a background [phot 5.]. This used to be the westernmost outpost of the Despotate of Epirus. It is an imposing Byzantine fortress, built in the 13th century, which successfully resisted the Turkish siege in 1571. Inside the castle, there are the ruins of rooms, warehouses and two churches built in a cave. Next to the castle, on the edge of the cliff, there is a cafeteria – restaurant. There, we shall have our first stop for coffee, refreshments or lunch. The view from this point is spectacular!
Next, we follow the road that passes through the ancient village of Lakones, having on our right the immaculate view of the western side of the island (steep stony cliffs). We can stand for a while on the natural balcony of “Kastellino” (a local tavern), wherefrom we can photograph the whole enchanting area of Palaiokastritsa with its numerous bays and its beaches on either side, as well as the Monastery of Virgin Mary.
We continue our excursion, reaching Palaiokastritsa [phot. 7]. The whole area is touristically developed and can provide anything. There are hotels, rooms for rent and summer residences. The landscape is enchanting. Besides the main beach, there are paths leading to smaller bays, appropriate for swimming [phot. 8]. In the area, there is also the famous monastery of Virgin Mary, established in 1225 [phot. 9]. Here, there is a museum with Byzantine and Postbyzantine icons. Legend has it that the small island named Kolovri, situated right in the middle of the bay, is actually a pirate ship, which was stoned by Virgin Mary, in order to protect the Monastery and the local population. A visit to the Monastery is highly recommended.
Note: You can prolong the duration of the excursion, so that you can taste the sea food, such as fish, lobster, shrimps, etc. The fish taverns “Vrachos” on the central beach and “Alipas” in the homonym port are ideal. There are also boats awaiting you in the port to take you to the various sea caves that are scattered in the whole area. The area is ideal for scuba diving and a small round with Glass bottom boats, to see its marvelous crystal clear rich blue and green bottom of the sea.
On our way back, from a different road, we go through the inland and the unique valley of the island, “Ropa’s Valley”. A huge, lush green open area, totally different from the olive groves we saw, which serves as an agricultural zone and grassland [phot. 10].
After the Valley, we return to Corfu Town from its southern part, in order to visit the Paleochristian Temple in the ancient settlement, built in the 5th century AD with materials from ancient buildings [phot. 11]. Parts of the mosaic floor can be found in the Byzantine Museum of Antivouniotissa in Corfu Town. The temple is built in the area of the Ancient forum of Corfu [phot. 12]. The area is next to Mon Repos Palace [phot. 13], at a distance of 2 km from the well known sight of “Kanoni”.
The excursion continues passing by the charming bay of Garitsa [phot. 14] heading for the greatest square in the Balkans, “Esplanade”, situated in the center of the Old Town of Corfu [phot. 15] and the Old Fortress [phot. 16]. From there, we head for the Old Port. On our right, we see the Saint Michael and Saint George Palace and after we pass the Saint George Arch, we reach the area called “Mouraya” or balcony of Corfu. At this point the road is at a higher level from the sea. On our left, we see the old tall buildings of “Kampielo”, the old town of Corfu and on our right, from approximately 20 meters height, we see the sea and Vidos Island, as well as the highest mountain of Corfu, “Mount Pantokratoras” in the background.
Next, we see the New Fortress that used to protect the old port. Both fortresses of Corfu Town were built centuries ago by the Venetians, who were experts in defensive fortifications. Right after, we enter the New Port where cruise ships dock. Here our excursion will come to an end (alternatively, we can leave you in Esplanade, where you can have coffee in the famous Liston and wander around in the Old Town [phot. 17] or do your shopping.
During the excursions there is the possibility to do some alterations, concerning time, stops or visit other destinations that are near our route and have not been mentioned, depending on your interests and preferences.
All the photographs are posted by courtesy of Vangelis Koulouris [www.photostories.gr] member of the union and taxi owner. Most of them have been taken during professional transfers, and share the same conditions that exist during the excursions for our guests.
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