Walking the Corfu Trail (South)

Arrive in Corfu Town (Kerkyra), one of Greece's most elegant island capitals. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Corfu Town at any time. If you would like to receive an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Corfu International Airport (CFU) which is around 10 minutes' drive from the hotel. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to stroll the narrow streets of the 'Old Quarter' which lies above the port. On either side of this are two forts: Paleo Frourio (Venetian) and Neo Frourio (Venetian). Stay: Konstantinoupolis Hotel (Comfortable)

This morning we drive south out of Corfu Town, starting our hike from just south of Kavos, we head out on a track to the southern tip of Corfu, where the ruined monastery of Arkoudillas stands. A footpath leads down to the island's southernmost beach, a seemingly endless stretch of golden sand. Leaving the beach at its northern end, we follow uphill tracks through agricultural land to Spartera and to our accommodation in Asprokavos. We stay in a simple resort style hotel with three accommodation blocks, a main building containing a bar, restaurant and swimming pool. All rooms are twin share with en suite facilities. This property has been graded simple due to its basic furnishings and décor.

Today's 12 kilometre/7.4 miles walk is expected to take around 3.5 hours with 436 metres/1430 feet of ascent and descent. Stay: Mediterranean Blue Resort (Simple) (B/D)

On this walk, you cross the southern part of the island to the east and back to the western coast. From Asprokavos you follow a track around a pretty and peaceful small lake where you might see birds and turtles. Afterwards you will descend through olive groves and fields to Lefkimmi. Here, your path takes you through the various neighbourhoods and historic city centre of Lefkimmi. Leaving the second biggest town of the island, you will descend into the green valley of the Gardeno River. The last part of today's walk leads you up again, so you have wonderful views of both the east and west coast of the island, before you descend to Santa Barbara. Tonight we stay in studios attached to a traditional family ran taverna, where we can taste authentic homemade dishes. The simple but spacious rooms are air-conditioned with a balcony and located very close to the beach.

Today's 23 kilometre/14.2 miles walk is expected to take around seven hours with 530 metres/1739 feet of ascent and descent. Stay: Perfect Ten Taverna (Simple) (B)

A day of almost level walking during which we follow the beach. Our way leads on through sand dunes covered with a forest of cedar trees. Then, crossing a footbridge, we reach Lake Korission. The Trail then follows tracks and a section of road to reach Paramonas, a small fisherman's hamlet on the west coast, our next overnight stop. We stay in simple apartments, surrounded by fruit trees. The accommodation is run by a Corfiot couple and comprises of plainly decorated en-suite rooms with minimal furnishings. Sea views can be enjoyed from the ground floor terrace. It's a short downhill walk to the beach where breakfast is served in the beach front restaurant.

Today's 20 kilometre/12.4 miles walk is expected to take around 6 hours with 300 metres/984 feet of ascent and 250 metres/820 feet of descent. Stay: Varagoulis Apartments (Simple) (B)

A sharp climb early in the walk takes us over the coastal ridge, with great views, and inland to the villages of Ano and Kato Pavliana. Footpaths and tracks take us down through Vouniatades, then we cross the Messongi River Valley by way of tracks through olive groves and across heathland. Through Strongili, the Trail heads uphill again, on an old cobbled way which leads to Komianata, from here we continue on foot down to the picturesque fishing village of Benitses.

Today's 20 kilometre/12.4 miles walk is expected to take around 6 hours with 780 metres/2559 feet of ascent and 800 metres/2624 feet of descent. Stay: Bella Vista Hotel (Simple) (B)

From Benitses we take a bus back to Stavros, and our walk continues with a delightful footpath skirting Agii Deka Mountain, before we make a very sharp ascent to the summit of Agii Deka, Corfu's second highest peak. Here, an abandoned monastery in a walled garden makes an ideal rest stop. Our way continues down a cobbled mule path to Agii Deka village then along minor roads and tracks to Sinarades, where you might like to visit the Folk Museum (depending on opening times) and admire the picturesque architecture of this large village. Then the Trail leads along undulating tracks with very fine views over the west coast and inland to Pelekas. From here we take the bus back to our accommodation in Benitses.

Today's 19 kilometre/11.8 miles walk is expected to take around 6.5 hours with 750 metres/2460 feet of ascent and 800 metres/2624 feet of descent. Stay: Bella Vista Hotel (Simple) (B)

This morning we take the bus to Pelekas where we start our walk. Half an hour's downhill walk takes us to Myrtiotissa, 'the so-called' loveliest beach in the world' (now used by nudists) and one of the Durrell family's favourites. Climbing now, we have to regain the height we have lost (and more), with a steep ascent on a gravel and concrete track. The west coast views are simply spectacular. Passing the village of Vatos, the terrain levels out and our way follows the bank of the Ropa River (with possible terrapin sightings), bordered by pastures and willow trees. Leaving the river, the Trail ascends into olive-blanketed hills, where tracks lead to Liapades, an ancient village full of lovely old mansion houses. We stay in nearby Liapades beach, surrounded by green hillsides with a beautiful pebble beach and some small cafes and restaurants.

Today's 24 kilometre/14.9 miles walk is expected to take around seven hours with 680 metres/2231 feet of ascent and 850 metres/2788 feet of descent. Stay: Cricketers Taverna and Studios (Comfortable) (B/D)

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Liapades Beach.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Liapades at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Corfu International Airport (CFU) which is around 30 minutes' drive from the hotel. (B)