Sightseeing in Corfu
Achillion Palace
Achillion Palace, which is located in the village of Gastouri, was selected by Elizabeth (Sissy) the Empress of Austria in 1980 as her summer refuge to relax. Later the palace changed hands and was bought by the Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany. Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany built an unusual bridge which for accuracy is stone built jetty where he set out on his yacht for swimming trips. This beautiful Palace in picturesque gardens overlooks the sea and Corfu town is definitely one of the best places to visit in Corfu.
At the Northern part of the Island is located the Mount Pantokrator which is the highest mountain of the Island with an altitude of 906 meters. The route will compensate you since the top view is stunning. On your way you will meet the Strinilas Village, the settlement with the highest altitude in Corfu, which worth a visit. From the top, you will have the chance to see the Islands of Paxos and Anti Paxos. Over 80 miles away, is located Southern tip of Italy.
The ancient ruin of Angelokastro
The ancient ruin of Angelokastro, perched high on a rock overlooking the sea and the beautiful bays of Paleokastritsa, can be easily reached by car from Agios Georgios, through a route which offers magnificent views: Drive to the northern end of the bay and follow the signs to Pagi. On entering the village of Pagi turn right at the second junction (sign posted Prinilas). Go up the steep hill through several hairpin bends and proceed straight through Prinilas. Keep going uphill. The road now turns inland towards Makrades village. For a breathtaking viewpoint – a fairly steep walk is involved up a long winding trail of steps – turn right in the center of Makrades village towards Krini, go through Krini village and follow the signs to Angelokastro.
The village of Pagi (real spelling Pagoi), pronounced with the soft Greek “g” so it is almost Payee, means “Rocks” after the nearby dominating rock features. But others say the name is from the Greek word ‘Pagos’ (‘ice’) and is because of the icy cold waters of the village spring. Whichever are correct Pagi is an interesting old place. Nestling on the side of a wooded valley this small hill village is set about 2 km from the sea. This dates back to the time when pirates roamed the Mediterranean and for their protection the inhabitants built their houses away from the sea. Most visitors to the area only know Pagi as the village with the narrow road through which they must carefully drive every time they take the “main road” from Agios Georgios towards Corfu town. However those prepared to pause a while will find a world so different from the busy flowing avenues of modern European cities. I hope to encourage you to enjoy the real Corfu by finding time to wander into Pagi. Seek out the local businesses of this little village that miss most of the tourist trade which passes straight through in typical hurried fashion.
The village of Pagi
The village of Pagi (real spelling Pagoi), pronounced with the soft Greek “g” so it is almost Payee, means “Rocks” after the nearby dominating rock features. But others say the name is from the Greek word ‘Pagos’ (‘ice’) and is because of the icy cold waters of the village spring. Whichever are correct Pagi is an interesting old place. Nestling on the side of a wooded valley this small hill village is set about 2 km from the sea. This dates back to the time when pirates roamed the Mediterranean and for their protection the inhabitants built their houses away from the sea. Most visitors to the area only know Pagi as the village with the narrow road through which they must carefully drive every time they take the “main road” from Agios Georgios towards Corfu town.
Old Perithia is an abandoned village
Old Perithia is an abandoned village, located between Acharavi and Kassiopi. It is strange driving in the mountains, coming across this deserted village with a few sheep and a couple of Tavernas in the middle! Perithia was built in Byzantine times around the 14th century when people fled their coastal homes in fear of the pirates raiding there coastal villages. Even when this threat subsided the villagers were still not able to return to their original villages and homes due to an outbreak of malaria carrying mosquitoes. Old Perithia grew and boasted eight churches, each one belonging to a different family in the village.
