This beautiful circular walk offers a journey through both history and nature, centered around Old Perithia, Corfu’s oldest and most atmospheric heritage village. The trail takes you up into the hills surrounding this “ghost village,” following ancient cobbled paths (kalderimia) and dirt tracks through a classic Corfiot mountain landscape. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic vistas, pass by several tiny historic chapels, and immerse yourself in the profound tranquility of the Pantokrator foothills before returning to the village for a well-deserved traditional lunch.
Easy to Moderate
A relatively gentle walk with some gradual inclines. The main challenge is the uneven surface of the cobbled paths, which requires sturdy footwear.
| ⏳ Time Needed 1.5 – 2 Hours (loop) |
⭐ Don’t Miss Lunch at a village taverna |
📍 Plan Your Day Combine with Mount Pantokrator visit |
The Old Perithia Loop Trail is a captivating circular walk that provides a deeper exploration of the historic “ghost village” of Old Perithia and its stunning natural surroundings on Mount Pantokrator. It’s a journey through time, as you follow ancient cobbled paths (kalderimia) and dirt tracks once used by villagers.
The trail ascends into the peaceful hills, offering increasingly magnificent panoramic views of the northern Corfiot coastline and, on clear days, the distant mountains of Albania. You’ll discover tiny, historic chapels dotted throughout the landscape, providing glimpses into the past. This walk beautifully combines natural beauty with rich history, culminating in the chance to enjoy a traditional meal in one of Old Perithia’s charming tavernas.
The Old Perithia Loop Trail is a circular route of approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles), designed to be started and finished from the village itself. The map below shows the general area. The trail typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours to complete at a leisurely pace, allowing for stops to admire the views and take photos. The trail is generally well-marked with signs and coloured paint marks. To note, Google maps may not be completely accurate and it is always worth seeking advice before any hike from local tourist information centres or well known hiking websites/apps.
The adventure begins right in the heart of Old Perithia. It’s highly recommended to take some time to wander through the village’s atmospheric, semi-restored stone houses and count its eight historic churches. The trail usually starts from the main car park area, leading you directly into the surrounding hills. Look for signs or paint marks on rocks that guide you onto the correct paths.
As you leave the village, the path gently ascends into the hills of the Pantokrator foothills. You’ll walk on charming old cobbled tracks, which, while beautiful, require sturdy footwear due to their uneven nature. The scenery opens up to provide spectacular panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, Corfu’s northern coastline, and the dramatic Albanian mountains across the strait. You’ll pass by several small, rustic historic chapels nestled in the landscape, reminders of a bygone era.
The loop trail gradually brings you back down towards Old Perithia. The descent offers different perspectives of the landscape and the village itself. Upon returning, the ultimate reward awaits: a traditional lunch at one of Old Perithia’s acclaimed tavernas. These family-run establishments are known for their authentic Corfiot dishes and warm hospitality, providing the perfect end to your historic hike.
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Always plan hikes with caution, Discover Corfu does not, and will not, take responsibility for any loss, damage, or injury as a result of taking part in any island hikes, trails, or activities.
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