Corfu Trail Walking - North & 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 7 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 mile 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 mile 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 mile walk is expected to take around 7 hours with 680 metres/2231 feet of ascent and 850 metres/2788 feet of descent. (B/D)

Today is left free to explore. Situated below the traditional village of Liapades, and surrounded by green hillsides Liapades Beach has a sand and single beach and some small cafes and restaurants. You may also like to join an optional boat trip up the west coast of Corfu from Paleokastritsa to Ermones beach (boat sailing is dependent on weatherea conditions). You can also wander around the famous Paleokastritsa Monastery situated on an spectacular promontory, a 2 hour walk or short water-taxi ride away (own cost). Stay: Cricketers Taverna and Studios (Comfortable) (B/D)

First thing this morning we negotiate a steep and fairly difficult ascent up to Lakones and Bella Vista (the best view in Europe). After a kilometre of unavoidable road we take a break for lunch. In the afternoon our walk continues across olive groves to Krini, through Lily Valley and on down one of Greece's most remarkable footpaths, The Doneky Path, which zigzags down a wide track to reach the sweeping bay of Agios Georgios. Our accommodation tonight is in the pleasant beach resort of Agios Georgios, where it may be possible to hire wind surfers. The wide empty beach north of the resort was used for scenes in the James Bond film 'For your eyes only'.

Today's 14.5 kilometre/9 mile walk is expected to take around 4 hours with 49o metres/1607 feet of ascent and 490 metres/1607 feet of descent. Stay: Belle Helene Hotel (Comfortable) (B/D)

A sharp climb from Agios Georgios to the village of Prinilas starts today's walk. We descend from here to the picturesque village of Pagi. Tracks and a quiet road take us through agricultural land alongside the Megapotamos River and over the ridge through Aspiotades, to the two sprawling villages of Agros and Agios Athanasios, where our way leads through the alleyways. Leaving the villages, a quiet road leads past the wealthy convent of Agios Athanasios and tracks take us on to the road junction at Rekini. From here we plan to take a bus for the short journey to the nearest accommodation on the north coast at Roda.

Today's 12 kilometre/17.4 mile walk is expected to take around 4.5 hours with 600 metres/1968 feet of ascent and 500 metres/1640 feet of descent. Stay: Pegasus Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

A local bus takes us back to the Corfu Trail. Starting our walk from Rekini, we take the unmade road to Valanio, a village deep in the middle of nowhere. Then tracks funnel us up a deep valley. Along a cobbled path, we enter Sokraki, where the village square with its happy atmosphere calls for a stop. Then to Spartillas, where a chartered bus is waiting to take us down to our accommodation at the picturesque coastal village of Kalami. Here, in the White House, Lawrence Durrell wrote Prospero's Cell. The little bay in Kalami is lined with white pebbles and has a panoramic backdrop of mountainous Albania. For the next three nights we stay at Thomas's Place, a family ran taverna. Located on Kalami Bay, the group will be spread over a variety of simple apartments.

Today's 13.5 kilometre/8.3 mile walk is expected to take around 4.5 hours with 710 metres/2329 feet of ascent and 375/1230 feet metres of descent; we are transferred to Kalami from the top of the village. Stay: Thomas's Place (Simple) (B)

Today the real mountain terrain beckons. We transfer by bus back to Spartillas and start our walk: immediately we are on a steep mountain footpath climbing a gully to a fantastic viewpoint at Taxiarchis Chapel - a ruin with fresco-covered walls. We ascend further to cross the Karst Plateau, Corfu's wildest scenery, under the summit of Pantokrator. Then we make our way to the very top, at 917 metre/3008 feet, and visit the monastery, with its views across to the mountains of Albania. Descending now with fine views and some rough sections we reach the deserted village of Polie Perithia where we stop at a taverna before we descend the final stretch of the Corfu trail ending at the most northerly point of the island.

Today's challenging 22.5 kilometre/13.9 mile walk is expected to take around 8.5 hours with 640 metres/2099 feet of ascent and 1050 metres/3445 feet of descent. The optional climb of an additional 3 kilometre/1.8 miles to the summit will take approximately 1 hour with an additional ascent and descent of 250 metres/820 feet. Stay: Thomas's Place (Simple) (B)

Today you may choose to relax in your free time or alternatively you could walk the 5 hour, 15.5 kilometre/9.6 mile round trip from Kalami to Mengoulas. Stay: Thomas's Place (Simple) (B)

We return to Corfu Town's old port by bus this morning. This afternoon your tour leader will accompany us on a walking orientation tour of the main points of interest in the marvellous Venetian town centre. There may well be time to take a bus to the picture postcard location of Kanoni to perhaps explore the archaeological sites and walk across the causeway to visit Vlacherna Church. Intriguing Mouse Island can also be visited by boat, departing from the peninsula's small jetty. Alternatively, spend the rest of your time exploring more of Corfu Town: there is certainly plenty to keep you occupied. The town has some sophisticated restaurants to round off your tour in style. Stay: Konstantinoupolis Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Corfu Town.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Corfu Town at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Corfu International Airport (CFU) which is around 10 minutes' drive from the hotel. (B)