Take a break from Corfu’s beaches and visit the impressive Mount Pantokrator. At 2,927 feet (906 metres) tall, this is Corfu’s highest mountain. It dominates the island’s northeast region. Drive or hike to the mountain top and pause to explore traditional Greek villages on the way. Visit the monastery at the summit. Enjoy panoramic views and splendid photo opportunities of the island and surroundings.
You can drive, hike or cycle to the top of Mount Pantokrator, depending on your energy level. Rent a car or a taxi and drive along the zigzagging mountain road. It starts halfway between Ipsos and Barbati Beach on Corfu’s northeast coast. Pass through Spartilas, a medieval village with nice views of Corfu’s eastern beaches. Continue to Strinilas, one of the island’s highest villages. Sample a locally brewed sweet moscato wine at one of the village’s taverns. The mountain peak is a short drive from Strinilas.
An alternative drive starts at the northwest village of Sidari and passes rural mountain villages, including Lafki and Petaleia. Consider driving up via one route and returning via another.
A good place to begin a hike up the mountain is at the 14th-century village Old Perithia, which sits in the mountain’s northern foothills. The 3-hour round trip travels through thick forests, olive groves and rocky terrain. It is part of the Corfu Trail, a series of walking trails that traverse the island.
The rewards for reaching the summit of Mount Pantokrator are spectacular panoramic views of Corfu’s green countryside and sweeping coastlines. Look east to mainland Greece and Albania, south to the Ionian island of Paxos and north to the Diapontia Islands. On an exceptionally clear day it is possible to see the southern tip of Italy. While here, visit the 17th-century monastery or have lunch or a coffee at the small café.
Mount Pantokrator rises from the northeast region of Corfu, about a 1-hour drive from Corfu Town. If you are walking to the summit, be sure to start your return before dark. Some of the trails are not marked well enough to navigate after dusk
