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.

In Erikousa: Porto - Fiki - Gitonies - Potamos - Porto The walker’s/tourist'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 20 minutes Route’s length: 4.700m Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: summer, due to sea’s limitation and ship’s winter routes The route Erikousa is a very beautiful and "sweet" island that has a dense network of small roads (usually concrete) and a dense network of paths, and in combination with the fact that there are very few vehicles and the distances are really short - indicatively, it is mentioned that Cape Skotini (northernmost point) is at a distance of 2800m from Cape Stamoleka (southernmost point), the walker can take any route they want through the lush nature and therefore the proposed route is only indicative. The route starts from Porto and heads north - northwest leaving behind Porto and its beach. The route is alongside and with a view of the sea, the hill of Katergos (which has been flattened for the needs of the heliport) and the wonderful geological formations of the beach. We reach the area of Fiki and the old harbor of the island, where we will see what remains of it. Afterwards, reaching the area "Gitonies", we change direction and we head east to the lush interior of the island and the "river" mentioned on the GIS maps.  The route presents a wide variety of vegetation and view while the walker often encounters signs for paths that lead to different places. Generally, the direction is eastwards, towards the hill, where, if the walker wishes, they can modify the route slightly and climb towards the opposing settlement. On the way we head south towards the beach and the harbor, where after a while we pass in front of the active primary school of the island and the beautifully landscaped area with the two churches. In the background is the power station for the island's needs. Continuing parallel to the beach of Porto, we reach the starting point of our course. As a circular route it can also be done in the reverse of the suggested direction. It can also be done by car and in this sense is also offered for the disabled persons. In the settlement of Porto there is a Community Office, a Police Station, a Medical office and a Pharmacy. Erikousa The second largest of Diapontia Islands is Erikoussa (Erikoússa) or Erikousa (Eríkousa), oldest name: Merlere or Merlera. According to the 2011 census it has 496 inhabitants. The highest point of the island is Santardo which has an altitude of about 130 meters. It is located north of Corfu and it is the northernmost point of the Ionian Islands. It owes its name to the Eriki (or Reiki) bush, which grows all over the island and blooms in October. It is a green island, full of olive trees, cypresses, wild herbs and plants, with blue waters and white beaches. One of the island's main attractions is its traditional olive oil mill, which is still in full operation today. Important Erikousa’s beaches are Porto and Bragini.

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.

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.  

The route Othoni, provides a dense network of paths of all kinds, paved, cobbled streets, concrete, earthy, etc., which leads to all of the parts of the island and the beaches. In combination with the low traffic, their rich nature and the low altitudes, it is an ideal place for hiking. Therefore, each walker can configure his own route as he wishes. In this sense, the presented route is indicative. The route starts from the coastal road of Ammos, which turns north - northwest, where after about 150 meters the path that leads us to Stavros begins. The trail is gently uphill in a lush environment, easily visible and there are informative wooden signs. Going uphill, we see the view from the whole island, while on our right hand is the area of Argyratika, not long after Pagalatika. Shortly after we meet the road, which we follow for about 90 meters, we find the path again where Stavros is less than 500 meters away. From Stavros, if we wish, we proceed towards Daphne and/or Chorio, otherwise we head east along the road to Damaskatika. Following the quiet road we will meet a junction on our left hand towards the beautiful beach of Fiki (the beach is about 1,500 meters from the junction and the way back is somehow uphill - altitude difference of 150 meters). From Damaskatika, we descend south towards Ammos and the port. The path is actually a narrow concrete road that is mostly downhill. The walker will encounter several intersections before reaching the beach, so following the route requires attention. The island has a Regional Medical office and a Police Station. Othoni Othoni is located at the westernmost point of the country. It is the largest of the Diapontic Islands, located north of Corfu and belonging to the Ionian Islands Region. It has 393 inhabitants (2011) and it is divided into 2 areas (Ano and Kato Panda). The first name of the island according to ancient texts (Hesychius, 3rd century BC) was Othronos. It was also called Fidonisi, because of the many snakes it had, and Phanos, because of its lighthouse. According to mythology, in ancient times it was Ogygia, the island of the nymph Calypso. Odysseus fell in love with her and stayed with her for seven years.  The island was conquered by the Franks (in the 11th century) and the Venetians (in the 12th century), while, at the same time, it was often attacked by pirates. In 1537, the famous pirate Hayreddin Barbarossa massacred the island's inhabitants. According to tradition, the event is commemorated by the white stone cross of 1833 on the Kalodiki hill. In 1815, the English conquered the Othonians. With the treaty signed in 1864, the Ionian Islands - and with them the Diapontia Islands - passed permanently to Greek sovereignty.  In the west of the island, near the beach of Aspri Ammos (access is available only through private boats), there is the Cave of Kalypso, 100m long, 10m wide and 20m high and the old churches of Agia Triada (late 17th century), Panagia (17th century), Agios Georgios and Agia Paraskevi. At the northeastern edge, at cape Kastri, at the top of the hill at an altitude of 100m, near the ruins of the venetian fortress, there is the lighthouse of the island. It was built in 1872, it is 13m high and it is the first lighthouse that those sailing from the north to the Ionian Sea encounter. The main occupations of the current inhabitants are tourism, fishing and olive oil production. The island is full of olive trees which produce the olive oil, with a high content of high quality oil. Most of them are over 300-400 years old and more than seven metres high. There are also cypress trees on almost all the mountain slopes and many fruit trees. The tall mulberry (or Skamnia) and fig (or Skeria) trees are found in almost all the districts and gardens. Oregano, sage and many other herbs thrive. There are also several rabbits and wild rabbits. The common form of reptile is a kind of viper. Othoni is one of the first stations of migratory birds in southeastern Europe from Libya, especially of warblers. Among marine mammals: the bottlenose dolphin and at least three species of sharks (including the well-known great white shark) have been observed, while occasionally, near the cave of Kalypso, movements of monachus monachus mediterranean monk seal are also observed. The zooplankton in the small bays of the island and especially in Fiki is so abundant that at night, when there is tranquility, it literally illuminates the seabed. The local festival takes place on 15 August, on the feast of Panagia. 

From the Monastery to Paleomonastero: Monastery - Cave of Spiliotissa in Orthonies 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 (the starting and ending point are the same) Route’s duration: 50 minutes Route’s length: 2,200 metres Level of difficulty: medium Suggested season: All seasons, weather permitting.Thus, it is recommended to be done in spring when nature is at its finest and the weather is mild, since the route includes steep downhill and uphill sections. The route It is a linear route, where the return is made necessarily by the same route. The route starts from the entrance of the monastery where we head towards the old mill which is discrete to the north-northwest. The path, which at the beginning is not easily visible since it is not marked, starts from the mill. At the first junction, head south-southwest (on your left) and follow the downhill path with caution. Then, the path becomes steeply downhill and a strap has been placed for support to help us. When we reach the lowest point of the trail, the little river, we need to be careful to continue on the trail because the wooden signpost that is in place has come out of place. The trail continues uphill to the paleomonastiro (cave) where the climb requires increased caution. The landscape is beautiful and peaceful through lush vegetation while at the bottom of the ravine it seems like you are out of this world. The return is by the same route. The duration of the hike (excluding any stops) is around an hour. 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, as well as public health facilities are located in Zakynthos Town, General Hospital, and Health Centre in Kallithea. Orthonies Orthonies is a mountainous settlement of Zakynthos, perched on the northwestern part of the mountain Vrachionas, at an altitude of 454 meters above sea level. The settlement is built amphitheatrically. The houses are stone houses with tiles according to the traditional Zakynthian tradition. The surrounding area is green with many vineyards and olive groves. It is about 25 km by the road from Zakynthos town. According to the 2011 census the population is 232 inhabitants. There is also the historic Monastery of Spiliotissa, founded in the mid-16th century. Monastery of Spiliotissa The Monastery of the Holy Virgin Spiliotissa is located about three kilometers from the settlement of Orthias. It was founded in the middle of the 16th century by the monk Ioannikio Katsiva, who in his middle age made the Hierarch and Abbot of Anafonitria, Dionysios Siguros, later Saint and Patron Saint of Zakynthos, his legal and Catholic Commissioner. The monastery possessed a large property, which allowed it to be organized as a building complex. The monastery also had a library, rich in books and manuscripts. In the second travel volume of the researcher Archduke of Austria Louis Salvador (published by Basta 2008, p. 237), we find a description of the monastery, circa 1900: "Among bushy slopes, the monastery is presented in a monastic valley, walled and with the church in the middle. It is a large building from the beginning of the 16th century, with a long façade with ten windows, and in front of it, stands an abandoned windmill. Above the entrance creating a vaulted corridor is a bell tower. In the courtyard of the building, with its porches supported on thickly worked columns, are two cisterns. On the right stands a house existing since 1775, used for the hospitality of strangers, with a roofed terrace held up by columns, from which a beautiful view is presented towards the strait called the Great Lagada, after the Volimes. In the courtyard we see clumps of laurel trees. At the present time twelve monks are monking in the monastery. The church has a porch with three arches..." The monastery's katholikon and bell tower were left standing by the 1953 earthquakes. In recent years, with the efforts of Metropolis of Zakynthos and Strophades, the monastery has been largely restored and the remarkable 16th century iconostasis has been preserved. On September 8, the feast of Genesiou of Virgin Mary, a Divine Liturgy is celebrated, as well as a feast in the precincts of the monastery. Paleomonastiro (cave) This is the cave on the slopes of mount Kentro, to the left of Megali Lagada, where the old chapel-cave has been located for four hundred years, with a vaulted door on rocky ground and rocky walls inside as well as an arched dome. In the past, monks lived in the old chapel and had built houses and a cemetery. The icon of the Virgin Mary, black and covered with silver, was found in this place, which is why it was named Panagia Spiliotissa. According to local tradition, it is believed that the icon was hidden there since the times of the Iconoclasts. The icon was transferred in the 16th century to the nearby plateau, where the monastery of Spiliotissa was built. During the route, the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: a) at the start of the route at the entrance of the monastery, b) at the old mill, c) at the brook at the lowest point of the route, d) at paleomonastiro

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.

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.

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.