NORTH CORFU
Northern Corfu is defined by its diverse terrain. The coastline is jagged and dramatic, with hidden coves and pebble beaches lapped by the turquoise Ionian Sea. Inland, the landscape rises steeply into the mountains, where villages perch on hillsides and offer spectacular views over the sea to Albania.
#KASSIOPI
Located on the northeastern coast, Kassiopi blends traditional village life with low-key tourism. Its harbor is lined with restaurants (SouSouro Taverna), cafés (Cou Cou apparel bar), and lovely souvenir shops while above the village lie the remains of a Byzantine-Venetian castle, offering panoramic views frpm Albania’s town Sarandë and Ksamil village as well as the Greek mainland. Several beaches are accessible on foot.
Recommended beaches ⛱️
👉🏼 A small beach referred as “Romantysczna Plaza" on google maps. It’s a secluded beach not far away from the old harbor, accessible on foot with natural shade and a calm atmsophere. You will need to go to the end of the port on the right side, walk in front of Taverna Tavernaki and follow the path alongside the sea until you reach the beach. The end of the path is a bit rocky but it is normal, continue until you reach a downhill with ropes on the side to help you walk down
👉🏼 Paralia Mpataria - Bataria beach - Kanoni. A bit more touristy maybe but very nice. You can rent 2 sun-beds and umbrellas to protect you from the sun for 17 euros (price can change according to the season). You have a beautiful view of the Albanian shores and the overall setting is really welcoming.
#PANTOKRATOR & OLD PERITHIA
At the heart of the region is Mount Pantokrator (906m)—the highest point on the island. From its summit, on clear days, you can see all of Corfu, the Greek mainland, Albania, and even the mountains of Italy across the sea. A paved road leads to the top, where a monastery and a café provide a resting spot for hikers and drivers alike.
Perhaps the most famous of Corfu’s "ghost villages," Old Perithia sits high on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator. Dating back to the 14th century, it was once a bustling settlement, but as the threat of piracy diminished, people returned to the coast, leaving the village largely abandoned. Today, several houses and tavernas have been restored, making it a popular destination for hikers and history lovers.
# SIDARI/MELITSA/PEROULADES
Sidari (and Melitsa - right next to Sidari one would not even realize they changed area) is a coastal little town. It is definitely a touristic destination but, I managed to find some real beauty in this place.
👉🏼 How to get there: You can take a bus from Corfu Town (1:15 minutes) or go there by car/scooter.
N.B: I recommend renting a scooter 🛵 from a family run shop not mentioned on Google maps. E-mail is: bikesclubsidari@yahoo.gr and phone number is +30 6932 646371. Close to Canal d’Amour and Katerina’s taverna.
👉🏼 What to do: Visit Kanali tou Erota (Canal d’amour), hike to Cape Drasti, watch the sunset in Peroulades, read a book or daydream on one of the benches overlooking Albania, go to Apotripiti beach (small beach away from the tourists).
👉🏼 Where to eat 🍴 or have a coffee ☕️: Eviva (coffee and breakfast + the owner is a sweetheart, you’ll feel your in a safe place, try their orange cake its 10/10!!), Lalupa (coffee and breakfast on the beach - drinks later on), Tou aloni tou soukiou (a bit of-center, a family business serving local food, I wish I had the opportunity to go!), Orchad (diner), Kantina Grill for Gyros.
👉🏼 Where to stay 🏡: I stayed at Seahorse Hotel and apartments, a bit far from the center but if you have a mean of transport or like walking it is totally fine. The owner is a very chill man. Life is peaceful there.
# SOKRAKI
This village is definitely the most difficult to reach due to it’s reaaally curvy roads. But its absolutely worth it! You have a great panoramic view from which you can see Corfu’s Old town, other hill villages, the sea, butterflies and birds. The village itself is adorable with its little squares sheltered by an enormous tree. It is located so high that you feel you are on the top of the world.
# BARBATI (Mparmpati)
This village is located on the North East coast of Corfu Island, close to Ypsos. This very small village is worth going to if you want to spend some time away from the more touristic areas while staying quite close to the main attractions.
👉🏼 Beach recommendation ⛱️: A small beach with no name which is really cute and hidden - You need to enter and go down the stairs from La Skala bar and you’ll arrive on a cute stony little beach with warm-ish water. A gem!
👉🏼 Good place for breakfast 🥐☕️: Kanile coffee shop
👉🏼 Where to stay: Akrogiali apartments, they are just in front of that little beach and La Skala beach bar
# AFIONAS (Porto Timoni)
Afionas village is between Sidari and Palaiokastrista. It is home to the famous beach Porto timoni but the village itself is already a must see.
👉🏼 How to get there: Scooter, Quad or car (parking available - 2 euros for a scooter, 5 euros for a car)
👉🏼 What to do: Visit the village (it is really small) but really cute with small shops - go to the Porto Timoni view point - hike down (then back up) to Porto Timoni beach
👉🏼 Where to eat 🍴 or have a coffee ☕️: I HIGHLY recommend Anemos, it is located just before the hike to Porto Timoni (on top of the village), with a beautiful setting, adorable waiters and delicious food. I recommend having the oven Feta with sesame, honey, and sundried tomatoes as well as the beetroot salad. The Sofrito (vege or meat) looks delicious as well as the grilled calamari. I had a hard time choosing.
