Hiking on Corfu - Corfu Trail

Upon arrival at Corfu airport, transfer awaits to your hotel in the village of Mesoggi, located on Corfu's east coast, a couple of miles south of Corfu town. Mesoggi is a tranquil former fishing village with a long sandy beach, low-key atmosphere and a pleasant pace. Here the journey begins gently with time to settle in, take a dip in the sea or stroll along the beach in the evening light.

Taxi takes you to the start of the hike at Issos Beach on Corfu's west coast, next to the Korission lagoon. This dramatic location may be recognized from the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. The area is an important nature reserve and a paradise for wildlife. Much grows here and during spring and autumn you may spot herons, kingfishers and other bird species. Turtles also live in the salt lagoon.

From the lagoon you hike across the island towards the east coast. The path leads up through olive groves and vineyards in the direction of the village of Chlomatiana. Here you'll find the pleasant restaurant Archontiko, with extensive views over the sea. This is followed by a pleasant descent through silver-gleaming olive trees back to Mesoggi.

From Messoggi you take the local bus along the coast to Benitses, a journey of about twenty minutes. Here begins today's circular hike that takes you up through a cool and shady forest area. Along the way you pass historic irrigation systems from the eighteenth century, built during the British period on the island.

The path continues through lush olive groves until you reach the village of Agioi Deka, where you can fill your water bottle with fresh spring water. Via rural country roads you continue hiking down towards Pikantika and Achilleio, two charming villages with genuine countryside feel. A steeper climb along a beautiful and romantic path leads you up to the viewpoint at the church of Agia Kyriaki, where the reward is extensive views. This is followed by a steep descent through dense forest back to Benitses.

Before the return journey you can settle down at a café by the old square and enjoy the atmosphere before the bus takes you back to Messoggi.

In the morning the taxi drives you to Stroggili, where you join the Corfu Trail. A pleasant path leads you up on the slopes of Agioi Deka, Corfu's second highest mountain at 676 meters above sea level. You follow historic mule tracks through traditional mountain villages and pass a beautiful monastery nestled in the landscape.

When you reach the village of Sinarades you take the bus onwards to Corfu town. Your hotel is located in the old town center, a UNESCO World Heritage site where history feels present in every alley and cobbled street.

The day is devoted entirely to Corfu town, one of Greece's most fascinating historic cities and rightfully UNESCO-listed. You stroll along picturesque streets and through colorful alleys, admire the Venetian-influenced architecture and can visit the mighty fortress from the sixteenth century. The archaeological museum is well worth a visit and the city's restaurants and tavernas offer excellent opportunities to enjoy the local cuisine.

From the hotel in Corfu town there is transfer to Rekini, where today's hike begins. You follow the Corfu Trail along the foot of the Pantokrator mountains in the northern part of the island. Here you hike through a Corfu where time seems to have stood still. Cobblestone-covered paths, quiet villages and genuine countryside characterize the day.

You pass among other places the village of Sokraki, known for its traditional and refreshing ginger beer. During spring, orchids bloom on the slopes around Pantokrator and give the hike extra color. The hike ends in Spartylas, where several cafés invite you to take a break. With a glass in hand you look out over the deep blue sea, with Albania as a silhouette in the distance. Taxi then takes you to Barbati.

The last day of the hiking trip offers some of the most magnificent views on all of Corfu. You start at about 350 meters altitude and hike up via old mule tracks and gravel roads to a high mountain pass, with extensive views towards Albania's mountains in the north.

During the day you pass three mountain villages. Mengoulas is completely abandoned, with ruins of stone houses slowly being taken over by nature. Even more fascinating is the almost abandoned Old Perithia, a Byzantine village with six old churches and a couple of very pleasant tavernas. Here there are good opportunities to have lunch before the final stage.

The descent towards the coast goes through green valleys and forest, and the very last stretch follows wetlands near the sea, an unexpected and very beautiful ending. The hike ends in Agios Spyridon on Corfu's north coast, the absolute endpoint of the Corfu Trail. From here transfer takes place back to Barbati.

After breakfast you get transfer to the airport for the journey home, filled with memories from Corfu's varied landscape, mountains, villages and coast.