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Best known as a tourist destination, the Ionian island of Corfu is also home to a long distance walking trail - the Corfu Trail. This specially devised itinerary takes in the highlights of the Corfu trail, and combines it with the fascinating sights of this Greek island including its Venetian architecture, white beaches, clear blue waters and lush vegetation. Walking on Corfu means walking in a symphony of green and blue. You will find that on this lush, green mountainous island the spectacular blue sea is never out of sight. Half way through the trip you have a day off the high trails to wander through the old Town of Corfu with its glorious past, maze of streets lined with alfresco cafes and markets and its dazzling Byzantine buildings. Starting the walk along the wetlands of Lake Koryssion you will follow the yellow markings of the Corfu Trail then cross the island from the west to the east coast. A circular walk from Benitses will take you along the Benitses Aqueduct, a remarkable irrigation system from the 19th century. You will reach the summit of Agii Deka during a long walk following the Corfu Trail again. Finally, you head north and explore two walks in the northern section of the Corfu Trail: from Rekini across the Pantokrator until the finish at Agios Spyridonas. With evenings spent in coastal villages and towns, there are plenty of opportunities to swim in the sea and dine in local tavernas.
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25kg of CO2-e PP per day
(203kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Travel to Corfu
After arrival on Corfu Airport you will be transferred to your hotel in the village Messonghi located on the east coast of Corfu, 19km south of Corfu town. Messonghi is a quiet former fishing village with a lovely sandy beach and relaxed atmosphere.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Walk from Korission Lagoon to Messonghi (4.5hrs)
A taxi takes you to the start of the walk on Issos Beach on the western side of Corfu near the Korission Lagoon. This lagoon may bring to mind scenes from the James Bond movie ‘For Your Eyes Only’. The coastal area is a haven for wildlife. You will see a lot of juniper as well. In the spring and autumn you may see many different species of birds, such as egrets and kingfishers. In the saltwater lake are terrapins (small turtles) as well. From the lake you head back to the east coast via Chlomatiana walking uphill along olive groves and vineyards. In Chlomatiana there is a lovely restaurant ‘Archontiko’ from which you have terrific views over the sea. There follows a pleasant descent through olive groves back to Messonghi. 16km/10mi, +175m/574ft, -180m/590ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Round walk from Benitses (5hrs)
From Messonghi take the public bus to the coastal town of Benitses for approximately 20 minutes. From here you ascend through a nice, shady forested area. You come across historic irrigation waterworks dating back to the 19th century and built by the British at that time. Through lush green olive groves you ascend to the village Agioi Deka where you can top up your water bottle with fresh spring water. Via rural country roads you descend to Pikantika and Achilleio, two picturesque villages. Later ascend to the lovely view point at the church of Agia Kyriaki. From here you descend steeply through dense forest to Benitses. You may relax in one of the numerous cafes in the old town square before taking the bus back to Messonghi. 15km/9.3mi, +-600m/1968ft
Day 4
From Stroggili to Sinarades along the Corfu trail (6hrs)
We transfer you in the morning by taxi to Stroggili where you join the Corfu Trail. A pleasant footpath takes you onto the slopes of Agioi Deka, the second highest peak of Corfu (676m). You follow historic mule tracks past traditional mountain villages and a beautiful monastery. Once you reach Sinarades take a bus to Corfu Town. Your hotel is located in the old town of Corfu, a world heritage site. 17km/10mi, +785m/2575ft, -705m/2313ft
Day 5
Corfu town - rest day
A day in Corfu town gives you the opportunity to fully enjoy this historic city on foot. You will explore picturesque paths, colourful and charming alleys, admire the architecture seemingly influenced by the Venetians and you may visit the dominating 16th century fortress. There is a very interesting archaeological museum as well and dining possibilities are excellent.
Day 6
From Rekini to Spartylas along the Corfu Trail (4.5hrs)
From your hotel in Corfu town you will be transferred to Rekini, where you begin your walk along the foot of the Pantokrator Mountains in Northern Corfu. Following the Corfu Trail once more, you walk through an area of Corfu that time seems to have forgotten. Quiet cobbled trails, sleepy villages like Sokraki are famous for its ginger beer. Rural Corfu at its very best! Those walking in spring will be spoilt by the display of orchids on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator. The walk ends in Spartyllas, where there are several café’s. Sipping a drink you may see the deep blue sea and Albania on the horizon. From Spartyllas a taxi will pick you up and take you to Barbati. 12km/7.45mi, +575m/1886ft, -220m/722ft
Day 7
Walk across the Pantokrator Mountain (7hrs)
Today’s finale takes you to the saddle of the Pantokrator for stunning views of the nearby Albanian mountains. You start at 350m altitude and ascend via old mule tracks and dirt roads to a high saddle. You will come across three mountain villages. Mengoulas is an abandoned village with ruined stone buildings. More interesting is the almost abandoned Byzantine village of Old Perithia, with 6 old churches and a couple of nice taverns. This is a good place to stop for lunch, before making the final descent to the coast. The track runs through a green valley and forest. The very last section along wetlands near the coast is quite spectacular. Your walk ends in Agios Spyridon on Corfu’s northern coast. This is also the very end of the Corfu Trail. From here you will be transferred back to Barbati. 21km/13mi, +400m/1312ft, -750m/2460ft
Day 8
Departure from Corfu
After breakfast transfer to the airport and departure.
What's included
What's not included
This trip features a range of charming 2-star to 4-star hotels. In Messonghi, the hotel offers a relaxed beachfront setting. During your stay in Corfu Town, accommodations are located in the heart of the historic Old Town. The final nights are spent at a resort in Barbati with a beautiful pool and picturesque surroundings. Each property is selected for its comfort, excellent amenities, and proximity to key points along the Corfu Trail.
The walks are mostly unsurfaced tracks: cobbled mule-paths, foot paths, and short sections on tarmac roads.
GRADE 3 - Daily walks of 4 to 7 hours each day over hilly to steep terrain. There are numerous ups and downs in any hike on Corfu so your preparation should include climbing and descending steps. A reasonable level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, stair walking and jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.
With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.
9Days
Moderate
8Days
Introductory to Moderate