Things to Do in Corfu: Photographic Delights

With thousands of holidaymakers taking flights to Corfu each year, you’d expect this popular holiday island to be covered from every photographic angle. But a few beautiful sites remain, relatively untouched by the FlickR paparazzi. You’ll need to hire a car or quad bike and set off for a day’s adventuring.

Paleokastritsa

Featured in the Bond Film “For Your Eyes Only”, Palokastritsa is a small resort town in west, central Corfu. A monastery sits high on a hilltop, surrounded by three sweeping sandy bays, it’s home to eight orthodox monks who go about their business in traditional black robes.

(Please respect the dress code. Women should have their shoulders covered and shorts are frowned upon.)

The monastery contains a small garden area and an enclosure that houses a number of peacocks. Several footpaths lead out from the monastery walls and budding landscape photographers will be delighted by the many stunning seascapes waiting to be captured.

If you’re heading to Paleokastritsa from Corfu town or Sidari, Troumpetas pass is well worth the detour. You’ll find it above the village of Skipero.

Kassiopi

Boasting a beautiful harbour, a ruined castle, several white beaches and crystal clear waters. Kassiopi has something for everyone and is especially picturesque in the early morning light.

You’ll find the village on the north east coast of Corfu and that rocky backdrop, across the sea, is Albania.

Kassiopi is home to a smattering of shops and tavernas; it’s small and oozes the traditional old village feeling.  In the summer months it can be popular with English and Italian visitors who come looking for peace and tranquillity.

The best accommodation, tavernas and restaurants are situated right on the old harbour, you’ll do well to stay here.

Mount Pantokrator

The road to the summit of Pantokrator is fantastic, but not for the faint of heart. Standing at 906m, (2,972 ft), it’s by far the highest peak on the island.

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll find a small tourist café and a beautiful monastery where visitors gather to wonder at the marvellous painted ceiling.

In the immediate vicinity of Pantokrator you’re treated to an island wide view of Corfu, to the east Albania is plain to see and glancing west on a clear day, Italy is a small blur on the distant horizon.

Taking things a little slower, a round trip from the ancient village of Old Perithia, is an arduous two hour hike.