The Corfu Trail
 

The Corfu Trail is a long-distance footpath which runs the length of the island, from Arkoudillas at Corfu's southernmost tip to Cape Agia Ekaterini at its northernmost point. Approximately 220 kilometres long and taking around 10 days to walk, it meanders through all the island's rural municipalities and avoids heavily developed areas. It links the very best of the island's beauty spots, biotopes, beaches, picturesque villages, monuments, monasteries and diverse landscapes.

The Trail has been financed partly by the European Union's Interreg II programme and partly from a private source on the island. Works included clearing of blocked paths, waymarking and construction of information stands at the start, centre and end of the route. No new footpaths were created since the Trail uses rights of way already in existence. Waymark signs are yellow aluminium and are attached to trees, walls and other permanent structures, supplemented in places by yellow paint markers.

Since the most spectacular scenery and the biggest concentration of highlights are in the north of the island, walkers are advised to follow the route from south to north, though it is fully waymarked in both directions.

As the geographical centre of the route and easily accessible from Corfu Town,Pelekas is an ideal starting point for walks in both directions, to the north and the south.

Northwards from Pelekas, the route heads down to Myrtiotissa beach, then takes the footpath past the Monastery. Leaving the coast, it climbs steeply over the mountain ridge and then descends to the village of Vatos. Continuing past the golf course, it runs along the east bank of the Ropa River, crossing it at a bridge to follow the other bank. The route leaves the river to pass through Kanakades, whereafter it heads for the hills again, taking a series of tracks through shady olive groves and finally reaching the picturesque village of Liapades. Walkers may continue on a difficult path to Paleokastritsa.

Southwards from Pelekas, the route takes a shady track which runs along the ridge high above the coast. It passes Yialiscari and continues, with beautiful vistas of the west coast, to Aerostato, one of Corfu's most famous viewpoints. Passing through the alleyways of Sinarades, it heads for the villages of Kamara, Alepohori and Agii Deka. Then it makes a steep ascent on an ancient cobbled footpath to the summit of Agii Deka Mountain, descending equally steeply to Ano Garouna. A lovely path leads from here around the flanks of the mountain to Stavros. Walkers may complete either of these two walks within a day. We advise you take a taxi to the point where you intend to start (Liapades or Stavros) and walk back to Pelekas, rather than relying on finding a taxi at the end of the day. You may also use the Trail out of Pelekas as part of a circular walk, heading to one of the in-between villages and returning by a different route.

The trail is run by a non profit making organisation. In order to maintain footpaths and signs, we would be grateful if you would leave at a designated location close to your entry point in Pelekas the sum of 3 Euros for your use of the trail (any distance or number of days). A proportion of income from the sale of the guide book will also be used for trail maintenance and new infrastructure.