Walking on Corfu - Sunflower Books

The diverse landscapes of Corfu

Corfu, a jewel in the Ionian Sea, is not just a sun-soaked destination for beach lovers. Its diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to verdant valleys, offer a fantastic environment for walkers and nature enthusiasts.

Our guidebook to walking on Corfu is your ideal companion. We’ve listed some of our favourite walks below.

Cape Agia Ekaterinis (Walk 1)

This short walk is suitable for everyone, from kids to grannies. But if you find the rocky coastal path hard going, you can switch to the track a short way inland for an out-and-back walk.

Cape Ekaterinis, with its lagoon, tidal streams, and small coves, is very picturesque – and tranquil outside high season. Pines and cypress trees also make a pleasant change from the ubiquitous olive.

Acharavi panorama circuit (Walk 3)

A walker suggested this flower-filled ‘panorama hike’ to us. It has been brilliantly waymarked by a resident, with blue waymarks or arrows on trees, telephone poles or walls at strategic junctions.

And it certainly is panoramic: on these ancient trails on the flanks of Pantokrator, you’ll have wonderful views of northern Corfu and nearby Albania, while trailing orchids and other wildflowers.

Circuit from Nimfes via two monis (Walk 10)

This walk calls at two of the island’s little-visited monis, each in a different setting. You head from a luxuriant valley full of gardens and trees up to the drier, stonier, olive-clad slopes.
Climbing to the summit of a rocky peak, you’re surrounded by soft pink heather and shiny-leafed strawberry trees.

Nimfes boasts a nine-spout fountain but, after a wet period, an amazingly impressive (for Corfu) waterfall.

Grand circuit from Paleokastritsa (Walk 16)

It’s hard to imagine Paleokastritsa as a humble fishing village before the onset of tourism. Set amid a sequence of turquoise bays and rocky coves, backed by tumbling green hillsides and the dominant bulk of Mt Arakli, it must have been incomparably beautiful.

This walk makes a circuit up the flanks of Mt Arakli, giving unsurpassed views of the Bay of Liapades.

It follows old stone-paved paths and donkey tracks, visiting three attractive hillside villages on the way and then, returning towards the coast, it leads you to a steep climb up to the rocky fortress of Angelokastro.

Ropa Plain circuit (Walk 20)

This is a ramble full of bucolic charm. You pass by ponds, through thickets of tangled foliage, and cross grassy fields. On route you call at Ag Noufures, the charming abandoned monastery shown overleaf.

There are no significant ups and downs, so you can just stride out.

Mt Ag Mattheos (Walk 27)

The panoramic view over the south of the island from Mt Ag Mattheos is well worth the climb. It’s best done in the late afternoon, when it’s cooler and the light is softer.

While the track that you follow on the ascent is wide and ugly, scarring the whole mountainside, the descent path through the kermes oak wood (one of the few left on the island), is ample compensation.

The best time to walk on Corfu

The kindest months for walking on Corfu are on either side of summer: April to June and September to October. July and August (with temperatures in the 30°s) are hot and sticky; the only walking you’ll enjoy at this time is to and from the beach.

Rain

Spring is announced in April with warmth in the sun and an extravaganza of wild flowers, but the rain isn’t over yet. By June a rainy day is considered unlucky, and in July and August, a phenomenon.

Towards the end of September there’s a freshness in the air again, with an occasional passing thunderstorm.

In October it’s time for a fleece and, as the month progresses, the cloudy days turn to rainy days. It’s not the time for a beach holiday, but the haze-free cerulean sky and lush green fields, with their lavish pockets of autumn flowers, make this an exhilarating time to walk.

Wind

In summer the prevailing wind is the maestros, a strong nor’westerly which offers slight relief from the relentless hot days and gives cool, more comfortable nights.

Another, but less common wind, is the pounentes — an ineffectual westerly breeze. A wind that will bother you on rare occasions is the sirocco — a hot, sticky, uncomfortable southeasterly that blows for short periods between July and August. It’s recognised by its hazy skies.

The prevailing winter wind is the ostria, a damp, mild wind from the south. January and February are the coldest months, with temperatures dropping.

Ideal winter walking weather is brought by the crisply-cool levante, which guarantees clear sunny days.

Outside summer — mid June to mid September — be prepared for all kinds of unpredictable weather! Happy hiking.

In summary

Corfu’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality make it an unforgettable destination for walkers. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual stroller, the island offers something for everyone. Use our guidebook to walking on Corfu to experience the very best that this island has to offer.