The site consists of a group of calcareous islands and islets which are characterized by rocky and eroded coasts, as well as of the surrounding sea area confined by the isobath of 50 m. The biggest islands of this group, Paxoi and Antipaxoi also show an interesting topography. Paxoi is the only island of this group which is permanently inhabited. The flora of the area consists of about 450 taxa. The majority of them,c. 65%, are typical mediterranean elements but 2 species, namely Centaurea paxorum and Limonium antipaxorum, are local endemics. The main natural vegetation type which dominates in the site seems to be evergreen shrubs or tree-like shrubs belonging to either Oleo-Ceratonion (Ceratonia siliqua, Olea europaea, Pistacia lentiscus, Calycotome villosa, Quercus coccifera etc.) or Quercion ilicis (Phyllirea media, Rhamnus alaternus, Pistacia terebinthus, Arbutus adrachne etc). Clusters of Mediterranean conifers (Juniperus phoenicea, Pinus halepensis and Cupressus sempervirens) are not uncommon within both the above mentioned vegetation types. Juniperus phoenicea and Pinus halepensis seem to be localized in the northwestern and southeastern part (islet Mogonisi) of Paxoi island respectively. In the rocky coasts, the vegetation zone is characterized by the presence of several plant species adapted to the corresponding conditions viz. Crithmum maritimum, Silene sedoides, Reichardia picroides, Daucus carota, Brassica cretica, Limonium antipaxorum, Centaurea antipaxorum etc. In the central part of Paxoi island, the degradation of the Oleo-Ceratonion and Quercus ilicis, due to the human activities of deforestation (fires, olive groves, vineyards, etc), is obvious and the secondary vegetation type of phrygana (Coridothymion) is observed.The site is a foraging area of marine turtles and hence it extents to the isobath of 50m. Marine habitats (subregion: NISOI PAXOI KAI ANTIPAXOI): In 2015, the site was extended 2nm off coast to comprise important and sensitive circalittoral and deep habitats. The total area now spans about 200km2 of seabed surface, frequently exceeding depths of 200m. The western coasts of the islands are steep-sloping and rather exposed to wave action, while the eastern coasts are more sheltered and milder sloping. Several islets, reefs and shoals add to the geographic and topographic complexity of the site. Cetaceans (subregion: NISOI PAXOI KAI ANTIPAXOI KAI EVRYTERH THALASSIA ZONI APO NOTIA KERKYRA EOS AKROTIRIO AGIOS THOMAS (PREVEZA)): The site consists of a group of calcareous islands and islets which are characterized by rocky and eroded coasts and of all their surrounding territorial sea area, including the waters around south Corfu and off the neighboring west mainland coasts. The vast majority of the site's sea area consists of shallow (<200 m) waters inhabited by both coastal dolphin species: bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and common dolphin (Delphinus delphis). In the west part of the site, west of Paxoi-Antipaxoi Islands, the depth increases rapidly offering appropriate habitat for slope and pelagic cetacean species. The striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), the Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) and the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) inhabit or cross this area. The Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) is also likely to cross the area according to strandings of this species that have occurred in the wider zone. However, it has not been recorded so far. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.

From Lakka to Loggos: Lakka - Aronatika - Grammatikaiika - Rantatika - Loggos 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: 2 hours Route’s length: 6,500 metres Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: all seasons, weather permitting The route The route starts from the settlement of Lakka, from where a beautifully landscaped path begins over the western beaches of the settlement, where the walker enjoys the view of the beautiful homonymous bay. A landslide has occurred at one point and increased caution is required. After about 700 metres the path meets a concrete road, which is followed south going uphill. The road passes through olive groves, in a largely shady environment, dotted with beautiful buildings. We continue along the same road for about two kilometres and after passing Aronatika, we follow the path that continues along a wall of privately owned land (there are signs). From this point we very soon reach the wonderful and unique bay of Ipapanti with its vertical cliffs and caves. The view of the bay, which requires increased attention, is breathtaking. There, apart from the vertical rocks and the bay in the background, we enjoy the endless blue of the Ionian Sea. We then head towards the area of Rantatika and the enchanting and evocative site of the church of Ipapanti through a pretty downhill path. The area is shady and overgrown with olive trees, cypresses and other vegetation. After passing Rantatika, we continue our downhill course through the lush vegetation of the ravine and after passing the stream (which doesn't present any difficulty) we climb up the stone cobbled road towards Loggos, where we meet the main asphalt road. At the junction we see the old English tank of 1862 and continue our slightly downhill course from the main asphalt road which leads us to Loggos. At some point, we take a short detour, taking a shortcut through a path, which takes us back to the central asphalt. Less than a kilometre later, we find Loggos with its beautiful beaches, its welcoming shops and the evocative ruins of the old soap factory. In Paxos there is: Health Centre, Police Station and Citizen Service Centre (KEP). Lakka Lakka is a settlement in the North of Paxos. It is nestled at the bottom of a sheltered bay, popular with boats of all kinds for the safety it offers. It takes its name from its Souliotes inhabitants, who, persecuted by Ali Pasha of Ioannina, fled to Paxos.  In its streets you will find small picturesque stone houses. It is surrounded by green hills and has very nice beaches, such as Monodentri and Harami beach. Near Lakka there are also very interesting sea caves. Among them is the most remarkable cave of Hypapanti. Among the sights of the settlement is the Byzantine church of Ipapanti, which dates back to 1600. The church has an impressive bell tower and a well-crafted iconostasis. Also worth visiting is the stone lighthouse, which was built in 1832, is 36 metres high and rises 108 metres above sea level. Loggos Loggos is a small, but very picturesque settlement of Paxos, nestled in pine trees and olive trees. It is 5 km away from Gaios and has about 200 inhabitants.  From the harbour of Loggos, we can, by renting a small boat, navigate the turquoise beaches of the island and its sea caves. Very close to Longos are the exceptional beaches of Levrechio, Marmari, Kipos and Kipiadis. At the edge of the settlement dominates the old oil and soap factory of Anemogiannis, next to the primary school. It is also worth visiting the church of Zoodochos Pigi, whose existence is mentioned since 1739, in order to admire its hagiographies. Every year in the first days of September, Loggos hosts a particularly interesting classical music festival.  Anemogianni Soap Factory in Loggos On our left hand, as we face the harbour of Loggos, we find an imposing ruined building, which is now being repaired. It is the old soap factory of the brothers Stefanos and Ioannis Anemogiannis. It was first operated at the end of the 19th century as an oilseed processing factory, unique in the Balkans in terms of size and equipment. In 1932, under the leadership of Spyros Anemogiannis, a chemist, the expansion of the factory began, which evolved into a soap factory. In its peak, the factory employed 60-70 workers. In the 1960s, after two fires, the factory began to decline. It was finally closed in the 1980s.

Between Ampelakia and Atherinos: Vathi - Ampelakia Bay - Atherinos Bay - Katomeri - Vathi 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: 7,200 metres Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: All seasons, weather permitting. In summer, you should avoid midday, as there are no shady places along most of the route. The route The route starts from the beautiful seaside square in Vathi with its playground and tall trees. From the square, we head north and immediately east through the narrow streets of the village. We climb slightly off the asphalt road and at the first major junction we head northeast (in the direction of the iconostasis) towards the beach of Ampelakia. From there, we continue along the coast, going around the peninsula between Ampelakia and Atherinos, where the road has now become dirt, but without any problems along the way. This peninsula is very little built up and so we can better enjoy the nature and the wonderful scenery of the archipelago, Lefkada and the coast of Central Greece. The island is lush green with crystal blue waters and lacy shores, while its bays host many boats, especially during the summer months. Going around the peninsula, at some point the dirt road becomes concrete and then meets the main asphalt road at the port of Atherinos. From there, we climb up a small concrete road towards Katomeri. When we meet the asphalt road we head southwest, where in less than 500 meters we have reached the settlement. Katomeri has beautiful old stone-built houses and cobbled streets, so it reminds us of earlier times. From the centre of the settlement we descend north towards Vathi, along the beautifully landscaped road with spacious pavements, and reach the end of our circular route. Meganisi has a Health Centre and a Police Station in Katomeri. It does not have a Citizen's Service Centre. The nearest Citizen's Centre is in Nydri, Lefkada. Meganisi Meganisi is called so because it is the largest island of the Lefkada Princes Islands cluster. It has an area of 20,100 sq. km., highest point at 301 meters and a population of 1,041 inhabitants according to the 2011 census. Its inhabitants are engaged in tourism, agriculture, animal farming and fishing. The island is accessible by regular ferry services from Nydri. The ferry docks at the port of Spartochori, Spilia, and the journey takes about 25 minutes. In ancient times Meganisi was called Tafos or Tafias and belonged to the so-called Tafios Islands, along with the other islands between Akarnania and Lefkada, such as Kalamos (formerly Karnos), Kastos, Atokos and Arkoudi. During the Bronze Age it was the centre of the pirate people of Tilevoes, who were also called Tafioi from the ancient name of Meganisi and had dominated the surrounding sea. With the fall of Tilevoesi, Meganisi followed the historical course of Lefkada until our days. It is said that during the period of the Greek-Italian war, the legendary submarine Papanikolis had its secret base in a sea cave of Meganisi. Meganisi is a green paradise in the Ionian Sea with unspoilt beaches, traditional villages, dozens of bays and enchanting sea caves. In the northern part the bays Limonari, Elia, Atherinos and Ampelakia are full of sailing boats and have a lot of tourists. The beaches of Kechrinia, Fanari, Spilia, Roka, Pasoumaki and Agios Ioannis with their turquoise waters are ideal for swimming and diving explorations. The three villages of the island, Spartochori, Katomeri and Vathi, each have their own special charm. During the route, the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: a) at the central square in Vathi, b) at the junction of the road to the east (near the white iconostasis), c) at the narrowest point of the peninsula (at the junction), d) at the port of Atherinos (where the cement road begins), e) at the square (heroes' square) of Katomeri.

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.

Keri Lake Tour: Tour of the lake and the beach of Keri 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: 40 minutes Route’s length: 2,300 metres Level of difficulty: easy Suggested season: All seasons, weather permitting. In summer, you should avoid midday hours. The route It is a slightly circular flat route around the lake. The route starts from the parking area and proceeds northwest along the dirt road. Although it is not a marked route, it is easy for walkers to follow. Alternatively, the route can be done by car, with a little attention, because the road, although it is a dirt road, for the biggest part does not present any difficulty. In this sense, the route is also suitable for people with disabilities. The route can also be taken in the opposite direction. During the route, the walker can enjoy - observe the lake's habitat while having a constant view of the Zakynthos Marine Park and Marathonisi. The duration of the hike (without any stops) is around forty minutes. 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. Lake Keri It is a quite large marsh, about 1.5 km long and 800 m wide, which ends at the homonymous beach. It is bounded on the west by a mountain range to the north and by small stony hills to the east. It used to be a malaria hotspot, especially in the summer months. The water of the lake, which flows through the sandy shore into the sea, is usually brackish. Many marsh turtles and two species of fish live in it. Marathonisi Marathonisi is a small island in the Laganas Bay of Zakynthos, opposite to Marathia beach in Keri. It is included in the Natura 2000 protection programme, because it is home to Caretta Caretta sea turtles. A small monachus monachus seal has also found shelter in a small cave there, one of the many on the island. Marathonisi has lush vegetation, two beautiful beaches, one with pebbles, from which you can swim to a huge cave, and another, a long strip of sandy beach, which the sea turtle uses to lay its eggs. All in all it has beautiful caves and crystal clear waters.  The island was inhabited until the Second World War, and today it is uninhabited and unbuilt. Because it belongs to the Zakynthos National Marine Park, anchoring is prohibited, although it can be visited by boat. A few minutes by boat from the island, there are also the Caves of Keri, of exceptional natural beauty. During the route, the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: a) start of the route, b) in front of the "Petrines Villes" rooms, c) at the first junction, d) at the second junction, e) at the end of the route.

High in Exogi: Exogi - Monastiri Panagias Eleousis - Mountain tour - Exogi 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: 2 hours and 30 minutes Route’s length: 6.300m Level of difficulty: difficult Suggested season: spring The route This route can be accomplished in two ways: a) from the beginning, the whole route to be accomplished on foot , b) from the beginning of the route up until the monastery of Panagia Eleousis (antennas) by car and then downhill on foot. In the second case, we have to pay attention in order to ensure that the car is at the end of the route (at the junction of the path with the asphalt road below the settlement). The route starts on medium quality asphalt, uphill, through dense vegetation. In case of driving a vehicle, it requires increased caution. In the village of Exogi there are old traditional houses, while the churches of Evangelismos and the Church of Isodia of Theotokos (the Presentation of the Virgin Mary) stand out. After the village, the quality of the road deteriorates and becomes more uphill. The view on the top rewards the visitor (although the necessary antennas are disturbing). The visitor can see in all directions from Kefalonia to the mountains of Central Greece and the islands of the Ionian Sea, while the whole of northern Ithaca unfolds in front of them. Duhera, Afales, Platrithias, Stavros, Frikes are just some of the places that he or she can see from above. From the monastery, the route goes downhill on a very rough path that can be characterized more as a mountaineering path than as a hiking path. The trail starts outside the monastery (behind the cistern) under the antennas. The signage is faded and needs attention. The walker must take care not to miss the dense markings that are located in the path. The view remains breathtaking. Increased caution on the trail is required. In the middle of the descent, the walker comes across the ruins of an old threshing floor while he or she has a spectacular view of Fiskardo and the rest of Kefalonia. The beach of Ammoudi at our feet is low and sparkling. There are no shady places on the route, so far. Then the path becomes smoother and slowly improves and from some point, onwards, the path leads through a beautiful forest. The trail needs attention here too, because the recent bad weather (Ιanos) has brought down several trees that disturbed the trail and it is easy for the hiker to become disoriented. After the forest, the hiker has a view of the Stavros and Polis bay. The trail now becomes smooth through shady vegetation. The duration of the hike from Pernarakia (including local difficulties), without counting any stops, is at least one and a half hour up until the central asphalt road. If the walker does the entire route on foot, he or she should expect to walk for about three hours (on average) because of the uphill nature of the route and the local difficulties. The recommended season is spring because a large part of the route is not shady and it is exposed to the wind. In Ithaca there are: A Medical Centre in Vathi and a Regional Medical officein Stavros, a Police Station in Vathi and a Citizen Service Centre (KEP) also in Vathi. Exogi Exogi is a mountainous settlement of Ithaca, built at an altitude of 340 meters from the sea, which is why its name means "Out of the Earth"! Its small houses are built on the hillside, one above the other. Exogi is one of the oldest settlements of Ithaca. It was founded by the Venetians at the beginning of the sixteenth century and it was the third most important settlement of Ithaca, because of its amazing view and the security it offered from the pirates. Today it has few inhabitants, but in the middle of the 18th century it had 1,400 inhabitants. Around the village, the land had been formed with berms and it used to produce raisins, olive oil, wine, flax, products which were exported from the port of Frikes. The village's patron saint is Agia Marina (Saint Marina) with the characteristic blue dome and the traditional festival on 17 July. On some house doorsteps in Exogi there is a strange mask, like a carnival mask. It is the "Moros", the mask that was placed there to guard the house from evil spirits. Monastery of Panagia Eleousa At a distance of 2 km from the settlement of Exogi, at the top of the mountain, at the location "Pernarakia", the old monastery of Panagia Eleousa is built. Next to the church there are a cell and a bell tower. The monastery is old and it was built at least in the 17th century. It is reported that it had been functioning until the First World War. Afterwards, the care and renovation of the monastery was undertaken by hieromonk Iakovos Mavrokefalos, abbot (1919-1944) of I. M. Romvos Aet/nia, as he intended to retire there. However, he was executed by the German conquerors in 1944 and today his grave is in the monastery's precinct. The Virgin Mary in Pernarakia is celebrated on Easter Tuesday.  Polis beach (Archaeological site-cave) Polis beach with its green waters and pebbles is located below Stavros, the main village of northern Ithaca. The slopes that surround the bay are covered with cypresses and holly trees. The name of the beach of Polis comes from the ancient city which, according to tradition, lies submerged in the waters of the bay. According to a report by Alexia Komneni, the city of 'Jerusalem', which was located here, was submerged by a great earthquake in 967 AD. In the northwest of the bay of Polis, there is the Cave of Loizos. In the 19th century, it used to belong to S. Loizos, from whom it took its name. Loizos, while digging there to open a furnace, accidentally found important findings of great historical value. The shells of the vessels, which were found in large numbers, prove that the cave was used as a place of worship, at least from the Mycenaean period up until Roman times. Among the archaeological finds of the cave is the famous shell with the inscription 'EYHEN ODYCCEI'. The cave was destroyed by the 1953 earthquakes and it is not open to visitors today. All the findings are currently housed in the Archaeological Collection of Stavros. During the route, the walker will encounter QR information signs at the following points: a) the start of the route (on the asphalt road at the junction of the path), b) in Exogi (at the church of the Isodia of Theotokos), c) at the monastery of Panagia Eleousis (Pernarakia), d) at the old threshing floor, e) at the stable.

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.

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. From a geological point of view, limestones and dolomites constitute the bedrock of Mt. Kalon Oros. The slopes of south and southwest exposure have steep gradients whilst all other slopes are characterized by gentle gradients. The vegetation cover presents a low diversity since it is mainly composed of macchia with the dominant species of Quercus coccifera, Pistacia lentiscus and Arbutus unedo. Macchia vegetation is very dense on eastern and northern exposed slopes, while on the south and southwestern slopes it is very sparse. In higher altitudes up to the peak, rocky grasslands with sparse individuals of Quercus coccifera occur on the west exposed slopes. These areas were cultivated in the past (olive trees, vineyards) but are now abandoned. Source: Natura2000 viewer, European Comission.

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.