Explore Greece Plan your trips Take your trips with you Experience & visit places in 360 images and videos
Let us guide you!
Are you travelling in Greece but don't know where to start? Do you want to plan your trip?
What is Dimoleon
Dimoleon offers a trip planner and mobile argumentative application that will guide you every where around your trips
Our picks
Most liked places

Sekania beach
undefined
Place
Zakynthos

Ropa Valley
Initially, a large part of the Ropa Valley was a freshwater lake, which was known as Agios Georgios Lake. The lake naturally overflowed to the sea through Ermones Valley. It was partially drained before 1720 by Conte Nikolaos Theotokis. In 1903, with money from the Zambelis legacy, new, more effective drainage works were carried out. The main drainage canal is Ropa River. Today it is a huge meadow or more properly a wet meadow, with a large part of it being flooded for several months. Thus it combines the biodiversity of meadow ecosystems with that of wetlands. In the deepest part of the former lake is the golf course, in which there are small ponds. Also in the southwestern part we find Lamboviti hill, where the Theotoki estate is located, with dense vegetation and several centuries old trees, including some impressive Pubescent Oaks. The main meadow is covered with herbaceous vegetation, but there are also various trees and shrubs, such as Narrow-leaved Ashes, Field Elms, Almond-leaved Pears, Chaste Trees, White Willows etc. In the golf course and in Lamboviti there are other species, several of which planted by man, such as Black Poplars, eucalyptus tree species and others. All the amphibians of Corfu have been recorded here.

Ammos Beach
Ammos Beach is located in the southern part of the island of Othoni, in front of the homonymous settlement. As its name suggests (ammos = sand), in the western part, this beach is sandy. East of the breakwater it is basicly stony. Most beaches on the island do not have sand.
Place
Diapontia Islands
About

Porto Zoro Beach
It is located on the south side of the island, in the area of Vasilikos. The large rocks located on the coastline and the sandy organized beach create a special setting. Clear shallow waters and fine sand are perfectly suited for families with children. It is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Place
Zakynthos
.jpg)
Church of Koimiseos Theotokou
The church of the Assumtion of Virgin Mary in Anogi is built in the style of a Basilica. The interior decoration is distinguished by the high aesthetic value with hagiographies dating back to around 1680. The earthquake of 1953 caused serious damage, but was soon restored. The visitor can see the built-in clay pitchers for the best acoustics inside, an inscription of 1821 on the stone monuments, but also the Venetian bell tower. The church celebrates on the 15th of August.
Place
Ithaka
About
Our Lady of the Angels
Church of the presentation of the Virgin Mary in the town, next to the Mansion Roma. It was built in 1687 by the priest Filaretos Kalogeropoulos or Laboudis, who dedicated it in his will (1715) to the association of the Notaries of Zakynthos. The outer facade of the church and the bell tower, in the Spanish plataresco style, was decorated with stone reliefs carved on tuff cornerstone. The arched doorway was decorated with a portal made of two Corinthian columns, and a broken entablature. The reliefs emerged from the drum of the pediment and depicted the Virgin holding the baby Jesus. At the top two angels wore a diadem and at the bottom she was praised by six-winged worshippers. Below there were different symbolic representations: the sun, the moon, stars and a coat of arms with a cross in the middle and the initials IXNKA Jesus Chirst conquers all. It was decorated with great works of art from the late 17th century and early 18th century. The prevailing icon of Christ as King of Kings and Great High Priest is the work of Panagiotis Doxaras (1691), repaired by Nikolaos Koutouzis. Among the magnificent carved woodcarvings "the Meeting of Elizabeth and Mary" by S. Stenda and "the healing of the ten lepers", unknown, dated 1723. The bell tower, continuous with the church, also had interesting reliefs and its own doorway, leading to a courtyard with an external staircase to the women's gallery. The church was restored after the earthquakes of 1953.
Place
Zante Town
Outdoor Activities
With so much to do and see in Greece, the opportunities are truly endless. Check any activities that you might like and plun your trip.
Costal Marine Area from Argostoli gulf to Vlahata
The proposed site covers the marine area from the entrance of Argostoli Gulf and expands towards the village of Lourdata, following the coastline and Mounda Bay to the south-east point of the island. The sea bed has a smooth inclination and the substrate is sandy with a small amount of limestone rock. On the limestone rocks distinctive zones of Cytoseira crinata and calcareous Rhodophyceae dominate. Additionally, large amounts of the Rhodophyceae Laurencia papillosa and the Chlorophyceae Dasycladus vermicularis cover a substantial portion of the hard substrate.Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.
Location
Kefalonia Island
Coordinates
0 - 0

In the cyclopean walls
The Cyclopean Walls: Razata - Grouspa Cave - Cyclopean Walls (ancient Krani)
The walker’s orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.
Route’s type: tree structurel (the starting point and return point are the same)
Route’s duration: 1 hour
Route’s length: 3,100 metres
Level of difficulty: easy
Suggested season: all seasons, weather permitting.
The route
The route starts at the borders of the settlement of Razmata on the national road Argostoli - Sami at the junction with a smaller asphalt road leading to the chapel of Profitis Ilias. At the junction, there is a sign of the Geopark for the Grouspa cave and a large information sign "Cyclopean Walls of Krani". We follow the road in the direction of Profitis Ilias where we meet it after about 600 meters. The route is gentle, flat and passes through olive trees and small properties.
After Profitis Ilias the road becomes dirt, without any difficulties, while the scenery remains the same. Six hundred metres later, we turn east towards the Grouspa cave. The road gradually turns into a well-marked path, and when we reach the cave, increased caution is required due to the dangerous nature of the place.
We return to the main road and continue south towards the walls where we meet them, after a while. At the beginning of the archaeological site an uphill path leads us to the cyclopean walls and the viewpoint. The Cyclopean walls are an imposing sight, especially considering the era in which they were constructed, while from the viewpoint we gaze not only at the lagoon of Koutavos and Argostoli, but also at the hill of Tilegrafos and the back coast of Lixouri. The view combined with the walls create an unforgettable sight and a special experience.
The duration of the walk is approximately one hour without counting any stops- visits of the various sights of the route (Grouspa Cave, Cyclopean Walls). The return time, which is necessarily done by the same route, is also not counted.
In Kefalonia there are Health Centres in Sami and Hospitals in Argostoli and Lixouri. There are also police services in Fiskardo, Sami, Poros, Lixouri and Argostoli. Citizen Service Centres are in Argostoli, Livathou, Poros and in Agia Efthimia.
Razata
Razata is a settlement of Kefalonia, located 5 km outside Argostoli, on the provincial road that connects the capital of the island with the largest port, Sami. It is, actually, a suburb of Argostoli. They have 507 permanent residents, according to the last census of 2011. The view of Argostoli and Lixouri from here is amazing.
Very close to Razata are located the ruins of the fortification of Ancient Krani, known as the Cyclopean walls, as well as the Grouspa cave.
Grouspa Cave
South of the village of Razata and just before the "Cyclopean Walls", in the area of Faraklata, at an altitude of 137m, we find the Grouspa Cave. It is about 60m long and 24m deep. It consists of two chambers which communicate with each other through a small opening. The first chamber is roofless, because it has been demolished and has formed a downward slope. The dimensions of this baroque entrance, the "Grouspa", are about 10x10 m. and form an almost circular opening. The second chamber of the cave has a roof and very beautiful decoration, made of white stalactites and stalagmites, columns, gourds and curtains in a variety of colours. Seven species of bats live in the cave in groups and abundant cave grasshoppers. At the entrance to the cave there are ferns and fig trees.
Cyclopean walls (ancient Krani)
Three kilometers east of Argostoli, the ruins of ancient Krani, mainly walls, known as "Cyclopean Walls", are preserved in a large area, created in the 7th or 6th century BC. Archaeologists speculate that this was the site of the acropolis, fortified with huge boulders, which, according to popular tradition, only a Cyclops could carry - from which the name derives.
Ancient Krani was one of the four city-states that made up the "Cephalonian Quadrilateral" (500-200 BC). It was located in the cove of the bay of Koutavos, built on the hills overlooking the lowland area of present-day Krania. The valley of Krania, according to the archaeologist Marinatos, was the main area of the ancient city. On the southern slope of the hill, which is called 'Riza' and served as the necropolis of Krania, several carved graves of the pre-Mycenaean era were found, looted and destroyed.
On the northern slopes of the Kastelli hill, some remains of a Doric temple of Dimitra can be seen. In the archaeological museum of Argostoli there is an inscription from the area, with the dedication "Triopis Damatri and Cora", meaning that Triopida dedicates it to Dimitra and her daughter, Persephone.
During the route, the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points:
a) in the settlement of Razata, on the national road of Argostoli - Sami with the junction of the road to the site of the walls, b) at the site of Profitis Ilias, c) at the junction to Grouspa Cave, d) at the site of Grouspa Cave, e) at the entrance of the archaeological site, f) at the archaeological site at the viewpoint.

In Antiniotis lagoon
In Antiniotis Lagoon: Agios Spyridonas Perithias (beach) - Monastery of Agia Ekaterini - Antiniotis Lagoon
The walker’s orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.
Route’s type: mixed
Route’s duration: one hour and fifteen minutes
Route’s length: 4.600 m
Level of difficulty: easy
Suggested season: all seasons, if weather conditions permit it
The route
The route starts from the church of Agios Spyridon and following the road, parallel to the homonymous beach, we head towards the lagoon (Tagio), and after passing the bridge we take the main dirt road. At the first junction we turn north towards the sea and the beautiful beach of Yaliskari. From Yialiskari the identification of the path needs some increased attention (there are blue marks on the stones).
The path, which is easily visible, needs attention because it is located in a rocky area. We continue paying attention next to the sea and with the magnificent view of the Albanian coast and the Ionian Sea. One kilometre from the beach, we meet the lighthouse and after a while the western beach of Antiniotis. We continue in the same direction from the dirt road and after visiting the western Tagio (bridge) and seeing the mouth of the lagoon, we follow the marked path, to the east, leading to the ruins of the Monastery of Agia Ekaterini.
The trail is in a shady and lush environment and it is easily identified.
After about 350 metres of walking, we come across the ruins of the monastery on our left where the hiker has to pay increased attention. In the ruins of the church, the iconostasis and the wall paintings are preserved. After the monastery we also head east where after a while we meet the main dirt road that leads us to the starting point.
As a circular route it can also be done the other way round of the proposed direction.
On the island of Corfu there are:
Citizen Service Centres in the settlements (from north to south): Sidari, Acharavi, Kassiopi, Ipsos, Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town, Achilleion, Moraitika, Argyrades and Lefkimmi.
Police stations in the settlements (from north to south): Karousades, Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town and Lefkimmi.
Numerous private medical offices, medical centres and pharmacies and public health structures exist (from north to south): Avliotes Regional Medical Centre, Acharavi Regional Medical Centre, Agios Athanasios Health Centre, Hospital and Emergency Centre in Corfu Town, Lefkimmi Health Centre.
Antiniotis Lagoon - Kounoufadi Marsh
The Antiniotis Lagoon is an important wetland on the northeastern edge of Corfu. It is located in a Natura 2000 nature protection area, with an area of 460 acres. It consists of the Kounoufadi marsh and the main lagoon. In the past, due to the many mosquitoes in the marsh, it was a malaria vector and for that reason it was uninhabited. Besides, the name of the place indicates the enemy of youth!
Now that the danger of malaria has been overcome, we can safely enjoy wild flowers and reeds, as well as aquatic plants that cannot be found anywhere else in the Ionian Islands. The dunes are home to the sand lily, which is why in the 1930s it was described by the British naturalist Gerald Durrell as 'Lily Lake'. Sixteen different species of orchids can also be found in the Antiniotis Lagoon.
The lagoon is also famous for its large fish farm. The fish species found in the lake are mainly eels, mullets and sea basses. Scientists have observed more than 90 species of migratory birds, including herons and cormorants. The rarest species found in the area is the otter, which lives in large populations in the lagoon. In the marsh we will also find dragonflies and other winged water insects with their characteristic flying and beautiful colours.
In conclusion, it is a precious place, both for its beauty and its environmental importance.
Monastery of Agia Ekaterini
The monastery of Agia Aikaterini is located in the area of the Antiniotis lagoon. The monastery was built at the beginning of the 18th century. However, in its sanctuary there is an elaborate Byzantine arch of the 12th or 13th century. At the basis of the roof of the arch on tiles are engraved the words ΙωCΗΦ ΚΘΓΜΝ (probable meaning Iosif dean)... The bell tower can also be traced back to the Byzantine period. The rest of the church was rebuilt in 1713, according to an inscription on the lintel. The preserved frescoes in its interior date back to that period.
The monastery is enclosed by a high wall. On the north side of the enclosure is the entrance, which is blocked by a large fig tree. In the precincts of the monastery there are ruins of a stone lodge, storerooms, cells and auxiliary buildings. Unfortunately, they are all in a dilapidated state, but it is an important monument that deserves to be restored.
Location
Corfu Island
Trekking route
Coordinates
39.81309029 - 19.85314331

Over the shipwreck
Above the Navagio (shipwreck): Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon- View of the Navagio - and the cave of Agios Gerasimos
The walker’s orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.
Route’s type: linear
Route’s duration: about 30 minutes
Route’s length: 1,500 metres
Level of difficulty: easy
Suggested season: All seasons, weather permitting. In summer, you should avoid midday hours.
The route
A linear route with intense landscape changes and spectacular views of the Navagio. The route starts from the entrance of the Monastery and heads west, via the dirt road, to the chapel located less than two hundred meters away from the Monastery. After visiting the imposing spot with the Cross, we return to the chapel and continue along the path that exists, also to the west. The path is not signposted but most walkers can see it, although it takes a fair amount of attention. The direction is towards the asphalt road and especially towards the dirt plateau next to it (visible from most points on the trail). After reaching the asphalt road, follow it towards the sea and after about six hundred meters, you reach the organized viewing area of the wreck.
After descending the stairs, the path to the second viewpoint (and to the cave of Agios Gerasimos), head north. This is an easy to follow, but unmarked, trail that requires increased caution. The trail goes parallel to the large cliffs that exist in the area but at a sufficient distance in order not to be dangerous. The walker should follow it paying attention and not get disoriented and follow a second parallel path, towards the side of the cliffs, which requires particularly increased caution and experience.
The second viewpoint is easily discernible from a distance and is about three hundred metres from the parking area.
The return is by the same route.
The duration of the hike (without any stops) is about half an hour, not counting the return time.
Note: We suggest that the walker should not proceed towards the cave of Agios Gerasimos and this is because continuing to the cave is considered to be difficult - dangerous for the average walker. In particular, the path leading to the cave from one point onwards is difficult to distinguish and passes through rocky and steep areas. The path must first be opened up and properly marked and then made accessible to average walkers.
On the island of Zakynthos there are:
Citizen Service Centres in the settlements (from north to south) of Alykes, Zakynthos Town, Machairado and Pantokratoras.
Police Station in Katastari and General Police Directorate in Zakynthos Town.
A number of private clinics, medical centres and pharmacies and public health facilities are located in Zakynthos Town, General Hospital, and a Health Centre in Kallithea.
Monastery of Agios Georgios Gremnon
In 1535 two monks, Makarios and Varlaam, arrived in the deserted area of Kremna (or Gremna), in the northwest of Zakynthos. They address the commissioners of the monastery of Anafonitria and ask them to take over the administration of an ancient small temple known as Kato Ai-Giorgis Gremnon. The temple was located on the islet of Agios Georgios, in other words, on the peninsula that today surrounds the beach of Nafagio to the south. After fifteen years of residence on the cape of Agios Georgios, the place was transformed. The monks built a house, cisterns, cultivated vineyards, while others followed their example, shaping the area. Thus, in 1550, initially, and by a later decree of 1554, the Venetian State assigned to the monks all the wider area from Stomio to Halorachi, together with the monastery of Kato Agios Georgios Gremnon, in order to create an autonomous and self-governing monastery.
The monastery has a long and rich history, due to the great personalities who have practiced in it. We mention the monk Gerasimos Notaras (later Agios Gerasimos, patron saint of Kefalonia), but also the Zakynthian theologian and teacher of the Nation, Monk Pachomio Roussanos.
The frescoes in the catholic of the monastery were painted in 1606 by Loukas Romanos, but unfortunately they are not preserved nowadays. The tower of the monastery with its circular base began to be built in 1561 to defend the monks from pirates.
Of particular interest is the history of the monastery's library, which was important and famous. It contained the manuscript codes of the monk Pachomius, which are now in the Marcian Library in Venice and are known as the Nanian Codes, after the Venetian Admiral Nani, who smuggled them to Italy.
During the last few years, a serious effort has been made to restore and maintain the monastery, as well as to systematically record its valuable relics.
Apart from the religious and historical value of the Monastery, we are also in awe of the place itself, where it is built, a wild and imposing place, with an excellent view of the Navagio, the most famous beach of Zakynthos.
Navagio beach
This is the most famous beach of Zakynthos and the most photographed. It is located in a steep place, on the eastern side of the island, near the mountainous village of Anafonitria, and can only be reached by sea. It is surrounded by towering vertical cliffs, its sand is white and its waters have a wonderful turquoise blue colour due to the sulphur springs that come up from the caves in the area.
The German traveler E.L. Salvatos mentions in 1901, for the area of Navagio, that it was a very small beach with black stones. According to older inhabitants of the area, until 1920 there was a very small beach called Spirili. After 1922, landslides initially created the first noteworthy beach, which was approximately up to where the boat is located today. The last landslide after the Navagio created the present beach. There is also the opinion that the ship itself caused the sand to gather around it and formed the beach.
In the past the coast was called Agios Georgios. Today it is called Navagio or "Panagiotis" after the name of the ship that in 1980 was carrying contraband cigarettes of great value, and after sailing for three days between Kefallonia and Zakynthos, it washed up on this particular shore, while the crew escaped to the village of Volimes. The carcass of the ship is still there and is a feature of the beach.
Cave of Agios Gerasimos
In 1952, in the monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon, the monk Gerasimos Notaras (later named as Agios Gerasimos and became the patron saint of Kefalonia) was a monk. One kilometre north of the monastery was a cave, which Agios Gerasimos knew and asked the abbot's permission to practice in it. Agios Gerasimos stayed in the cave for four consecutive years, cultivated a bush and built two cisterns to meet his needs for food and water.
On October 10, 1967, the cave was converted into a church of Agios Gerasimos by the Metropolitan of Zakynthos.
During the route, the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points:
a) at the entrance towards the monastery b) at the chapel (near the Stavros), c) where the path meets the asphalt road, d) in the formed area with a view to the Navagio, e) on the path (where the gate and the stone mantra are), f) at the second viewpoint of the Navagio.
Location
Zakynthos
Trekking route
Coordinates
37.8596674 - 20.62520098

Diapontia Island Complex (Othonoi, Ereikousa, Mathraki Kai Vrachonisides)
Three inhabited and five uninhabited small islands, covered mainly by conifers, tall maquis and olive groves. Othonoi islands has extensive sea cliffs and rocky slopes (max. altitude 385 m.) Most of the
uninhabited islets are covered by low vegetation on a rocky substratum, ideal for nesting seabirds. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.
Location
Coordinates
39.84193174 - 19.40401196
Mt. Ainos National Park
Kefalonia is the biggest island in the Ionian region and Mt. Ainos is the highest Ionian mountain with an altitude exceeding 1,600 m. It is a well known mountain, not only due to its altitude but also due to the
presence of the famous Abies cephalonica forest which is the main element of the vegetation cover in the highest altitude of this mountain. Abies cephalonica is a Greek endemic species and Mt. Ainos is its
"locus classicus". The area of this site consists of three main habitats as follows: a) The Abies forest, very often at moderate altitudes mixed with species of macchie vegetation; b) the rocky slopes which are
characterized by looser vegetation but with only a few very important species, and c) the rocky summit and unforested area which houses most of the endemic species of the Kefalonian and Ionian flora. The
area of the site has been characterized as a National Park. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.
Location
Kefalonia Island
Trekking route
Coordinates
38.20348202 - 20.60322566
Laganas Bay (Geraki cape - Keri) and islets of Marathonisi and Pelouzo
The site includes Laganas Bay and the islets of Marathonisi and Pelouzo on the south coasts of Zakynthos Island. The inner shallow part of the bay (15 m max) is covered by sandy substrate (16% of the area).
Posidonia meadows cover a considerable proportion of the middle part of the bay, developed at a depth range of 10 to 40 m (27% of the area). Rocky reefs cover only 9% of the area, and are mainly located around the islets of Marathonisi and Pelouzo and the eastern and southern limits of the Bay. The outer limits of the Bay reach a maximum depth of 110m (approximately).The coastal zone of Laganas presents high biological significance because of the occurrence of highly important habitats like sandy beaches with psammophytic plant associations, rocky coasts, coastal lakes, river outlets, etc. In these biotopes characteristic and sometimes unique plant and animal associations grow. In the beach of Marathonisi lowland sand-dunes exist which in some areas present extensions to the inland up to 50m. Beyond the beach, dense Mediterranean vegetation occurs (macquis vegetation). The coastal zone of Laganas is extended for some kilometres inland and 10-15 kilometres in the sea and it is considered as a site with high biological importance exactly because of the presence of biotopes as sandy beaches, sea cliffs, coastal lakes, tidal rivers, etc. The area of this site became well known for two main reasons: 1) the sandy beaches of the sites are considered the main egg-laying sites of the Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) in Greece, and maybe the Mediterranean as a whole, and 2) the contradictions between the ecologists who suggest the protection of the area and a proportion of the local population which support tourist development of the area, by hotel building, etc. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.
Location
Zakynthos
Coordinates
0 - 0

At the observatory
At the observatory: Matthaios - Pantokrator
The walker’s orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.
Route’s type: mixed
Route’s duration: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Route’s length: 6.200 m
Level of difficulty: easy
Suggested season: all seasons, if weather conditions permit it
The route
The start, and therefore the end of the route, is indicative since there are other paths and roads that connect the route to the monastery with the settlement. However, this particular route is suggested because the settlement has limited parking space which is getting worse during the summer months and therefore walkers who arrive at Matthaios with their own vehicle should enter the centre of the settlement.
This particular route starts outside the settlement, for the reasons mentioned above, on the dirt road leading to the monastery. At the first big turn ("fourketa"), the marked path starts in a northerly direction. The trail is uphill in a lush and shady environment with a smooth ascent. After a while and to the right, a more difficult and steeper trail begins and ends at the same point but higher. The choice is up to the walker. The two trails are marked with red and blue signs. After the "junction" of the two paths to the east there is an excellent viewpoint towards the Ionian Sea and the Monastery is quite close from this point.
After visiting the Monastery of Pantokrator (if the site is open) we make a western detour of the complex along the wall and we come across two wonderful viewpoints: one looking west and the Ionian Sea and shortly afterwards and the other one, looking east and overlooking the settlement, northern Corfu and the coasts of Epirus and Albania.
The trail continues downhill in a shady, overgrown environment and in some places it becomes steep and requires increased attention. At this part of the route there is a junction where another path leads to Prasoudi beach. After about 600 meters of descent we meet the dirt road (leading to the monastery) and continue downhill to the starting point of the route. Alternatively, about fifty meters after we met the dirt road, a steep path starts on our right, leading us a little lower towards the settlement (not suggested).
After the end of the path it is worth a visit to the Byzantine castle and the Paleolithic cave at Gardiki
On the island of Corfu there are:
Citizen Service Centres in the settlements (from north to south): Sidari, Acharavi, Kassiopi, Ypsos, Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town, Achilleion, Moraitika, Argyrades and Lefkimmi.
Police stations in the settlements (from north to south): Karousades, Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town and Lefkimmi.
Numerous private medical offices, medical centres and pharmacies, while public health structures exist (from north to south): Avliotes Regional Medical Centre, Acharavi Regiona Medical Centre, Agios Athanasios Health Centre, Hospital and Emergency Centre in Corfu Town, Lefkimi Health Centre.
Agios Matthaios
In the fertile plain near the castle of Gardiki, there used to be the village of Zygonos, which was destroyed by Hayreddin Barbarossa. Then the crops were gutted, the population of the countryside was wiped out and about 20,000 Corfiots were sold as slaves. Agios Matthaios was built in the 16th century after this invasion. It is a traditional settlement located about 25 km from Corfu town and has 1,088 inhabitants (2011 census). The settlement is built amphitheatrically and the view of the green countryside is fantastic. Here you will also see the cave that, according to the island's inhabitants, is connected to the sea, the Hole of Pelau.
Its homonymous beach is awarded with the blue flag and is very popular. The deserted beach of Halikounas is also located near the village. The area is also ideal for excursions, such as a visit to the octagonal castle of Gardiki, which dates back to the era of the Epirus Despotate (13th century) and in which or to the monastery of Christ Pantokrator, there are remains of ancient temples.
Monastery of Pantokrator
Near the settlement of Agios Matthaios, in the area of Mesi, is the Monastery of Christ Pantokrator. The ruined monastery, built on the slope of Mount Agios Matthaios, probably dates back to the beginning of the 14th century. In the area there are several abandoned buildings and the church of Pantokrator, as well. The church is of royal type, with arched doors and windows, and a sloping roof. It is celebrated on 6th August.
The Castle of Gardiki
It is located near the village of Agios Matthaios, 23 km from Corfu Town It is a 13th century Byzantine castle and the only medieval fortress that survives in the southern part of the island. It is most likely to have been built during the period of the Despotate of Epirus by the ruler of the Despotate Michael I Angelos Komninos. Its purpose was to protect the border from pirates, but also from the brief raids of the Italian states. Some historians date it to the 11th century, after the fortification of the western border during the Byzantine Empire. It has an octagonal shape with eight rectangular towers in a radial arrangement, the most important of which is the southern tower.
Paleolithic cave in Gardiki
The Paleolithic cave in Gardiki is located in an olive grove at an altitude of 60 meters and it is located very close to the Byzantine fortification of Gardiki and Prasoudi beach.
It is a horizontal cave with two entrances and a length of about 20 meters. Near the southeastern entrance there are large rocks, indicating cave's larger size in the past. It is 13 meters high and has a rocky roof that has succumbed to gradual erosion and massive rainfall, causing water to drip in some places.
It was a base for hunters and gatherers and it is considered as one of the most important prehistoric sites in Greece. The first excavations began in 1965 by Professor Augustus Sordinas. Evidence of human presence was discovered, dating back to the Palaeolithic Age (20,000 BC). The excavations revealed flint tools, animal bones and stones with ochre residue.
During the Palaeolithic period the sea level was much lower and Corfu was not an island but connected to mainland Greece. The separation from Epirus occurred during the Neolithic period, around 10,000 BC, when the sea level rose as the ice melted. Inside the cave you can see the geological situation of the past. The cave is accessible but unsuitable for people with disabilities due to the climbing needed.
Location
Corfu Island
Trekking route
Coordinates
39.48959877 - 19.87101762

From the beach to the lake
From the beach to the lake: Kavos - Panagia Monastery - Moschopoulos Lake - Kavos
The walker’s orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.
Route’s type: circular
Route’s duration: 2 hours
Route’s length: 6,400 m
Level of difficulty: easy
Suggested season: all seasons, if weather conditions permit it
The route:
The route starts from the outskirts of the settlement from a three-way road on the way to Spartera. The route is heading south on the asphalt road which we leave at the first crossroads (about 100 meters later) and head south towards the road, which becomes dirt on the way. The road is driveable but with many problems and is not recommended for public vehicles especially after the junction for the beach of Arkoudila. We continue eastwards, where after crossing a plateau we head towards the ruins of the monastery.
The route is smooth, with adequate shade and very beautiful views of southern Corfu and the Ionian Sea, up to the imposing ruins of the Monastery of Panagia. From this point the road becomes a gentle downhill path through lush and completely shaded surroundings.
The smooth downhill continues until the trail crosses the side stream, the crossing of which is not a difficult task because it is quite narrow and without much water. From the creek onwards the trail becomes uphill and in the last small part (before the road) it becomes very steep and requires increased attention.
After the junction with the road, which leads to the beach, the path continues gently uphill without any problem until the top of the hills that offer excellent views of South Corfu and the Ionian Sea. From here, a smooth downhill path begins until the artificial lake of Moschopoulos. Once we approach the lake it is recommended to follow the southern route over the lake as it offers excellent views towards it. From the lake and beyond, a dirt road, which later becomes asphalt, the road leads to the starting point of the trail.
On the island of Corfu there are:
Citizen Service Centres in the settlements (from north to south): Sidari, Acharavi, Kassiopi, Ypsos, Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town, Achilleion, Moraitika, Argyrades and Lefkimmi.
Police stations in the settlements (from north to south): Karousades, Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town and Lefkimmi.
Numerous private clinics, medical centres and pharmacies, as well as public health structures (from north to south): the Avliotes Regional Medical Centre, the Acharavi Regional Medical Centre, the Agios Athanasios Health Centre, the Hospital and Emergency Centre in Corfu Town, and the Lefkimmi Health Centre.
Arkoudilas
Arkoudilas is a forest area of southern Corfu. It is located above Cape Asprokavos or Cavo Bianco. The name Arkoudilas was probably taken from the bear tree that abounded in the area and not from bears, which are unlikely to have been present in the area. Another version tells us that the name probably came from a corruption of the word Akrodilon, which was the name of Cape Asprokavos in ancient times. The forest of Arkoudila occupies an area of about 250 acres with very rich vegetation (cypresses, skinnias, arbutus, etc.). During the Venetian occupation it was given to the Quartano family by the Venetian Senate as a tithe.
Monastery of Panagia
The Monastery of Panagia Arkoudila is built in the forest and on the top of the hill. The monastery includes the katholikon, built in 1700, according to the carved coat of arms on the bell tower. The bell tower of the church is baroque style and follows the type of Corfiot church architecture. On the right side of the bell tower there is a wall (Mantra) and on the left side there is a kind of fortification (battlements).
Then as an extension of the enclosure there is a two-storey turreted building called DURIS, probably from the English TOR, which means tower. It is located in such a position that it served as a fortress and protected the area from raids by pirates and other invaders. The upper part of the DURI was, as is evident from its construction, the living quarters of the owners or monks, and had a fireplace. The ascent and descent was made by a stone staircase, and there was a wooden catapult protecting it. The ground floor was used as a food store. On the eastern side of the tower, on the upper floor and next to the fireplace, there was a secret tunnel with steps leading to the beach under the hill, apparently for the evacuation and rescue of the monastery's inhabitants in case of danger.
On the north-western side there was a two-storey building with a two-sided staircase construction (Botso), which was the main entrance. The building was used for the accommodation of pilgrims on the day of the celebration of the 15th of August (Assumption of the Virgin Mary), which was celebrated by the monastery, and as the owners' residence. On the north side of the church there is an old stone well.
The Monastery of Arkoudila today is ruined and abandoned.
Kavos
Kavos is a seaside settlement at the outermost point of Corfu, in Lefkimmi, at a distance of about 45km from the town. It was the cavo bianco of the Venetian period, literally the white cape. Off its beach, between Corfu and the mainland coast, the famous naval battle between the Corinthians and Athenians in the Peloponnesian War took place. Kavos is today a tourist destination. Some years ago there were only a few houses among olive trees, few inhabitants and nothing else. Today it is one of the most touristic places in Corfu. It is distinguished for its intense nightlife and as a popular destination. It has an equipped beach with shallow clear waters.
From Kavos one can make daily excursions to Sivota of Thesprotia, Paxos or even Parga. The beach of Arkoudila stretches just below, with access from a dirt road in the Kavos area, while we can also go from its western side to the spot where the locals call it Mikronisi. They are essentially two beaches joined together where they are separated by only a small rock with an arch in the middle. The landscape is magnificent, there are wonderful geological formations of clay deposits, wildly eaten by the elements landscape with precipitated slopes, bushes on the edge of the hill but also a great biodiversity, from ants, butterflies, turtles, scorpions, snakes, insects, as well as turtles Caretta - Caretta.
Location
Corfu Island
Trekking route
Coordinates
39.36568154 - 20.10191436