From Eros to Drastis: Channel of Eros - Cape Drastis     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 (can be done also as mixed) Route’s duration: 1 hour and twenty minutes (one way) Route’s length: 4,400 (one way) Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: all seasons, if weather conditions permit it. In summer, you should avoid midday hours.     The route: This is a route that essentially consists of three sections: a) the (short) route within the core of the settlement of Sidari, from the Eros Canal along the coast and up to the tarmac road, b) a circular route in the hills of the area, and c) a linear route up to Cape Drastis. The walker can do each section separately or as a whole. The main body of the route is the linear route from Eros Canal to Cape Drastis. The first part of the route starts from a parking area near the Eros Canal and the walker, after visiting it, walks around the tourist facilities of the area along the beach and then ends on the main road (asphalt). It is a route with no hills, the majority of which is on a paved path. Then it follows the asphalt road to the west to start the second part of the route. The second part of the route starts on a dirt road that from a certain point onwards is marked with red signs. The route, for a large part of it, is uphill (up to the telecommunication antennas) but not very difficult. This uphill route will reward the visitor with an excellent view of the Ionian Sea, the Diapontic Islands and the Cape of Drastis. At this point the walker has two options, either to continue towards the cape or to return to the starting point through the olive groves and dense vegetation by a particularly beautiful downhill route. The route to the cape from the antennas is a slightly downhill route from a clearly identifiable dirt road that offers excellent views. The return is by the same route, unless the walker has arranged for transport to be waiting for them in the small car park at the cape. Note: Google maps users will get the information that this route can be done by car, which is not true, because the heavy winter rains have significantly damaged the dirt road and made it inaccessible by cars (at least not those without special 4x4 specifications).   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, while public health structures exist, too (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.   Canal d' amour (Canal of Love) Definitely, the most famous beach of Corfu and one of the most beautiful in the world is the Canal of Love or Canal d'amour. It is located between the villages of Sidari and Peroulades, on the northern coast of the island at a distance of about 32 km from Corfu Town. It is a natural sculpture created on sandstone rocks by the erosive effect of the wind and waves. Blue-green waters, small beaches and many caves form an impressive fjord, which changes from year to year as nature never stops sculpting the rocks. Legend has it that whoever swims through the narrow passage of the cave and comes out on the other side of the sea will meet the love of his life. Every summer thousands of tourists visit the small beach, its caves and coves to find love and to benefit from the beneficial properties of the clay that the sea and its unique rocks provide. Cape Drastis After the village of Peroulades, a few kilometers after the busy and touristic Sidari, at the northernmost point of the island, hidden in a beautiful forested landscape, there is a pristine, imposing and at the same time enchanting landscape, Cape Drastis. Its impressive formations, with deep bays, caves, islets and crystal clear waters will show you what the Canal d'amour would have looked like before it was altered by human exploitation. The Dragon can be accessed either by foot or by sea, and this has protected it from human interference, preserving all its natural and virgin beauty.   During the route the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: a) start of the route at the parking area at the Eros Canal, b) at the Eros Canal (on the paved road), c) where the dirt road starts from the asphalt road, d) at the junction of the dirt road in the direction of the march, e) at the viewpoint of the Cape of Drastis, (f) at the junction of the dirt road in the direction of the route, (g) at the small parking area at Cape Drastis, (g) at the viewpoint of Drastis (end of the route at the Cape), (h) at the junction of the dirt road in the direction of the alternative circular route.

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.

On the two beaches: Afionas - Porto Timoni - Afionas 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 (but the starting and the ending point are the same) Route’s duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes Route’s length: 3.200 metres Level of difficulty: difficult Suggested season: all seasons, if weather conditions permit it The route This is a very popular route especially in the summer on a very scenic and interesting route at cape Arilla (or Mourgi). The route starts from the central square of the settlement (next to the Church of Agios Ioannis the Baptist) where it is advisable to have planned to park far away from there (or in the organised parking areas that exist) to avoid possible congestion (especially during the summer months). Following the paved cobbled street of the settlement we reach an excellent view of the Ionian Sea with scattered islands, islets and rocky islets. In front of us and in the back, there is the island of Othona, a little further ahead is Mathraki, while in the foreground are the islands and islets (from south to north): Gravia (or Kravia), Sikia, Gineka, Karavi, Diakopo, Diaplo. The location also offers an excellent view of the sunset. We continue south along a beautiful path which requires extra attention because as time goes by it becomes more and more downhill and rough. After an about 600 metres descent, we reach the viewpoint of the double bay of Timoni with its homonymous isthmus. The view from this point is outstanding but requires special attention due to the cliff in front of us and the lack of protection measures. We continue our descent to the beaches where the blue waters reward us for the difficult descent.  The route continues south, slightly uphill, towards the beautiful chapel of Agios Stylianos, which is located inside a cave. We return to the beaches by the same path. Then the strenuous ascent that will return us to the settlement can be done either by the same route, or follow the east-northeast crossing towards the eastern part of the settlement with a very beautiful view of the bay of Agios Georgios and the opposing mountains of Corfu. This second route is less strenuous. 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 Regional Medical Centre, Agios Athanasios Health Centre, Hospital and Emergency Centre in Corfu Town, Lefkimi Health Centre. Afionas Afionas is built on a mountainous cape in northwestern Corfu and it is located 37 km from Corfu Town. It overlooks the open sea, the rocky islet of Gravia, the Diaponitic Islands and offers unique sunsets. From the right of Afionas we can see the bay of Arillas and from the left the bay of Agios Georgios. It is an old, beautiful settlement with old mansions, colourful houses and stone cobbled streets (cantunia). According to tradition, it owes its name to the local variety of grapes called aphioni, which thrives only in Corfu.  The parish church of the village is Agios Ioannis Lampataris, built in 1636. On June 24, the festival of Agios Ioannis is held, while on the eve of the feast the "Lampata", the custom in which fires are jumped, takes place. Next to the church there is a monument in honour of Ektoras Yialopsos. Ektoras Yialopsos was originally from Afiona and was a naval officer who lost his life in Imia in 1996. Porto Timoni Beaches Below Afiona is the famous double beach Porto Timoni. These are two beaches, separated by a narrow strip of land. The eastern one (the one towards the bay of Agios Georgios) is called Limni and has blue waters, while the other (west towards the Ionian Sea) is Porto Timoni with darker waters. The landscape with the double beach is truly beautiful. On your way you will also  Agios Stylianos After the double beach Porto Timoni and towards the end of the cape, there is Akra Arillas, as it was called in ancient times, or "Head of Mourgi" for the locals, which is actually the chapel of Agios Stylianos carved in a cave. It is a tiny "shelter" for the icon of the saint that gave it its name. According to the legend, a shepherd discovered it in this place among the branches and it was there that the villagers decided to keep it because although the shepherd had tried to place it in the village church, the icon returned back without anyone having taken it. A Neolithic settlement of the 2nd millennium BC has been discovered in the area, the findings of which are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Corfu. The islets of Gravia (or Kravia), Sykia, Gynaika, Diakopo or Diaplo, Karavi, Lipso, Plaka. Gravia or Kravia, Sykia and Gynaika, are three rocky and uninhabited islands, in front of the bay of Arillas, with rich bushy vegetation and a beautiful seabed, either for diving or for a swim with a mask. They are three of the rocky islets that are part of the complex of the Diapontia Islands and are located north, between Corfu and Mathraki.  In Gravia there is a pebbly beach with crystal clear waters, for those who have a boat and can get there or for those who want to rent a boat from Arillas. There are also a few wild goats living on Gravia, which will not approach you. Diaplo is also a small uninhabited rocky islet northwest of Corfu that belongs to the complex of the Diapontia Islands and it also belongs administratively to Mathraki. It is an elongated islet with steep, rocky shores. It has crystal clear, turquoise waters and an interesting seabed. It has lush vegetation with low bushes and several animals nest on its shores, such as hares, seagulls and sea crows. In the past there used to be several donkeys, too. In the centre of Diaplos is the chapel of Ai-Nikolas, a unique building of the island. According to mythology, the rocky islets near Diaplo, Karavi, Lipso and Plaka represented the ship, the boat and the anchor of the pirates who landed on the island to plunder it, but were martyred by Ai-Nikolas.

This area lying on the SW coast of the island of Kerkyra (Corfu), is of great importance not only as a wetland but also because of the biological and aesthetic value of the sandy beaches close to the lagoon. At the southern sandy beach, the presence on the island of the unique Juniperus stands and the petrified sand-dunes create an area of great aesthetic value. The site consists of: the Korission Lake (the largest lake in Kerkyra), the surrounding lake and seashores which are charcterized by varied and important Mediterranean vegetation types and the Prasoudi island. Among them are: 1) The cruceanelletum maritimae which has the eastern limits of its distribution range here in the Korission area. This area is also the single locality in Greece from where Crucianella maritima has been reported, and 2) The Juniperous phoencea stands growing on the southern sandy beaches of the area which seem to be the unique remnants of such a forest in the islands of Corfu. The site is also characterized by the petrifed sand-dunes which create an area of great aesthetic value. The most important part of the site is that separating the sea from Korission Lake (between Garziki Point and the beginning of Agios Georgios beach). This is a complex, interesting and almost unaltered ecosystem, one of the few remaining natural ecosystems in Corfu which has not been greatly changed by tourist development. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.

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.

Until few years ago the wetland had been used as a salt-works operation, but in 1988 this activity was abandoned. Since then, in relation to the growth of tourism in the island, a lot of changes have taken place in this site. Although the existing information regarding the flora and vegetation of the area is restricted to that of sedimentary coast, it is evident that a very rich flora and many coastal vegetation types exist, characterized by the dominance of different halophytic species, like Arthrocnemum glaucum, A. fruticosum, Halocnemum strobilaceum, Schoenus nigricans, Juncus subulatus, Salicornia europaea, Cakile maritima, Salsola kali, etc. It is to be pointed out, however, that the sedimentary coasts constitute only a small proportion of the whole wetland and as a consequence, existing biodiversity in the area is not restricted to the vegetation types mentioned above. The lagoon(s) , the wet and salt meadows (east of the main lagoon ), the small rivers and the neighbouring hills with their characteristic vegetation (Arbutus sp., Erica sp, Quercus coccifera, Pistacia lentiscus etc.) also seem to play an important role in the structure and function of the ecosystem as a whole. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.

Tour of Koutavos: The Koutavos Lagoon in Argostoli 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: 1 hour and a half Route’s length: 4,900 meters Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: All seasons, weather permitting. During summer, you should avoid midday hours. The route: It is a relaxing flat trail around the artificial lake of Koutavos. The course begins at the start of the De Bosset Bridge in the town of Argostoli, which we cross, enjoying the lake on one side and the bay of Argostoli on the other. By the time we reach the opposite side, we head southeast along the Argostoli - Sami highway, which requires increased attention due to the traffic. After the bridge and in less than 300 meters, we reach an organized viewing area overlooking the whole peninsula and the town of Argostoli. We continue our southeastern course along the national road paying close attention and after passing the degraded area of warehouses and other facilities (really, why are they there?) we enter the eucalyptus forest and the landscape changes, highlighting the environmental value of the lake and the area. In the eucalyptus forest there are organized paths that lead us directly to the organized and beautifully landscaped coastal pedestrian - bicycle path of the city. On our way, we observe the lake environment with its water birds and special flora. Gradually, the pedestrian path leads us to the urban environment of the city and our starting point. Except for the part of the walk that takes place on the national road and requires increased caution, the rest of the route is completely easy-going and relaxing, combining the urban environment of the city with the special landscape of the lake. The duration of the march is estimated at one and a half hours, due to the increased caution required when marching on the asphalt road, which is assumed to have increased traffic. As a circular route it can also be done from the reverse direction. 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. Artificial Lake Koutavos  Koutavos (Italian: Cutavo) or Argostoli Lagoon, is a lagoon in Kefalonia, located southeast of the mouth of the bay of Argostoli. It has an ellipsoid shape with a maximum length of about 6.5 km and a minimum of 1.1 km, and an extent of 1300 acres. Its depth is very shallow, up to one fathom (about 1.8 m). Its calm waters reflect the opposite hill. It takes its name from the ancient word 'kottavos', which means 'basin'. It is one of the most important wetlands of Kefalonia. Black grouses, ducks, swans, gulls and many species of fish live here. In earlier years it was a swamp, dangerous for public health because of the malaria, carried by the numerous mosquitoes. It essentially changed its form in 1813 with the construction of the bridge that bounded it, separating the Koutavos lagoon from the bay. The bridge is 1 km long and was built by the English during the British occupation. The De Bosset Bridge, or Devosetou Bridge, was named after its builder, the Swiss engineer Charles De Bosset, an officer of the British army and commander of Kefalonia. It is the largest stone bridge over the sea in the world. In 1813, a four-sided obelisk made of carved stones was also built, rising from the sea. It is called the "Kolona", it was built in honour of the bridge's creators and it still exists today. The bridge has been a pedestrian walkway since July 2005, following a decision by the Ministry of Culture. Argostoli Argostoli is the capital of Kefalonia and the largest city of the island, with a population of 9,748 permanent residents, according to the last census (2011). It is built on the hills around the lagoon of Koutavos. The area has been inhabited since 1600. In 1757 the Venetian rulers of Kefalonia decided to move the capital of the island, which until then was the Castle of Agios Georgios, to Argostoli. The town of Argostoli was the scene of some of the most important historical moments of the whole island, such as the burning of the 'Golden Bible', the Libro d'Oro, in the square of Campana, which put an end to the discrimination between the nobility and the people. But also, one of the most important battles between the rebellious Kefalonians and the English garrison, in 1849, was fought on the city's De Bosset stone bridge. The town of Argostoli, before the devastating earthquakes of 1953, had buildings of great architectural value, both public and private, with many Western European influences. Today the heart of the city beats around the central square and between Lithostrotos and Siteboron street, where we will find museums, a library, statues, theatres, neoclassical buildings, but also many shops, cafes and bars. During the route, the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: (a) at the start of the route at the beginning of the De Bosset bridge (on the town side); (b) at the end of the De Bosset bridge (opposite the town); (c) at the viewpoint next to the asphalt road; (d) on the asphalt road before the facilities; (e) at the eastern start of the path (in the woodland); (f) on the landscaped path at the height of the football pitch.

This wetland situated on the northern coast of the island of Kerkyra (Corfu) is important for the threatened species Lutra lutra as well as for the ecological balance in the area. In addition, the site is characterized by a variety of habitats, and human activities have not yet exerted much influence upon it. This is of great importance for an island like Kerkyra which shows great tourist development and great pressure due to building construction. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.

Marine reptiles: The site includes the coastal marine area (up to the 50m isobath) from the entrance of Argostoli Gulf until Mounta Bay to the south-easternmost point of the island. It also includes the beach and the dunes of Mounta beach. Marine habitats (subregion: PARAKTIA THALASSIA ZONI APO ARGOSTOLI EOS ORMO MOUNTA): In 2015, the site was extended to include the marine area between Vlachata and Mounta bay, where numerous caves, shallow reefs and extensive Posidonia beds occur. The area was also extended 2nm off coast to comprise ecologically important and vulnerable rhodolith beds and coralligenous formations. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.