Mount Pantokrátor 

Mount Pantokrator is the highest mountain on Corfu and it’s easy to drive to the top for spectacular views of Albania, Corfu, and even sometimes to Italy.

The View from Mount Pantokrator on CorfuThe View from Mount Pantokrator

It isn't just that Mount Pantokrátor is the highest point on the island. Visit the top and see the abundant wildlife, and the views which really make you appreciate the scenery in this part of the world, and you might understand why the monastery and mountain are named for Christ Pantokrátor: the Judge of All.

Top Tip

You might want to learn how to pronounce the name properly. The accent on the letter 'a' shows where the slight stress is on the word. In Greek all vowels are evenly stressed except for the one with the accent, which gets a little more emphasis and is usually the penultimate vowel in the word. So it's Panto-crater, and not Pan-tock-ratter.

The Dominating Mount Pantokrator

Flying into Corfu sometimes gives you a great view of its highest mountain, Pantokrátor. It is 906 m (2,972 ft) high, a whole 270 m (900 ft) higher than the second highest peak on the island, Áyii Déka. Its bulk totally dominates this north-east corner of the island, forcing the main road to stick very close to the coast, especially in a few places where the lower slopes come tumbling down almost to the sea.

Until recently, visitors had to walk to the top from one of the villages lower down, but a good concrete road now goes all the way from the village of Petália. It is a wonderful drive (see our Mount Pantokrator Drive), but many people still do hike up to the top for that personal sense of achievement.

Top Tip

You can drive right up the mountain these days, to the entrance to the monastery, but parking is along the roadside. The closer you go, the trickier it can be to turn round, and there are some steep drop-offs at the side of the road. Nervous types might prefer to park lower down, near a better turning point.

Numerous Orchids

Any time is a good time to visit the mountain and surrounding area, but the late spring months of April and May are the best times, when the flowers are really flourishing. The unspoilt slopes of Pantokrátor are a botanist's paradise at this time of year, and you won't even need to venture off the path to see orchids.

Among the ones growing here have been spotted both the brown and yellow bee orchids, man orchids, monkey orchids and tooth orchids. Other spring blooming plants include crocuses, iris, marigolds, borage, anemones, and gladioli.

Our Pick of Greek Islands Guides

Rough-Guide-Greek-Islands-2022.png

Birdwatching

Ornithologists can sometimes be seen scouring the skies with their binoculars, having perhaps spotted a golden eagle or an Egyptian vulture soaring on the warm thermals. Peregrine and other falcons occur here too, along with goshawks, buzzards, and kestrels. 

Less picturesque when you reach the top of the mountain are the radio and TV masts which were put up in 1971 and which mar the view of the monastery, requiring photographers to be creative in keeping them out of their shots. Perhaps one day when the world goes totally digital the masts can be removed to return the view to its former more natural look.

Admire the Views

Before visiting the monastery you will want to stop and admire the views. You can see all around the island, and to the east are the mountains of Albania which merge to the south into the mountains of northern Greece.

If you look in the other direction, towards the northwest, it is said that on a very clear day you can make out the coast of Italy, which is remarkable given that it is about 130 km (81 miles) away. Look south and you will make out the island of Paxós, and perhaps Lefkás beyond that.

Top Tip

You might want to take a sweater with you. Even on a warm day there can be a cool breeze at the top.

Monastery of Ipsilos Pantokrátor

After taking in the views, and perhaps a visit to the small café and the gift shop, you will want to allow time for seeing the small monastery church. It is only small but it is quite beautiful and historic, and shamefully ignored in many books about Corfu. 

The exact date when the monastery was founded is not known, but it is thought to be early 14th century. There are certainly documents from the 1340s indicating the collecting of money for the building of a temple on this spot, where buildings of some kind may have already been in existence.

Hidden Gem

Steps at the rear of the monastery church lead up to a platform which many people miss, yet it gives you a good overall view of the interior and brings you closer to some of the wall paintings.

Inside the church the walls are covered in frescoes, and some of them have been dated back to those earliest times. They really are breath-taking, beautifully detailed, and oozing history.

Taking a Break

There is a small café at the summit selling drinks, snacks, and light meals. How could you better a view like this?

There are a few other small buildings around the church, but nothing that can be entered as the place is still home to just two monks, who look after it and welcome any donations towards its upkeep.

Other Corfu Pages

  • Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to stay in north-west and central Corfu including luxury mansions, inexpensive rooms, and resort hotels.

    Where to Stay in North-West and Central Corfu

    Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to stay in north-west and central Corfu including luxury mansions, inexpensive rooms, and resort hotels.

  • There are two sides to every Greek island, the tourist and the traditional, and this drive from Corfu Town through northern Corfu shows the two faces of Corfu.

    Northern Corfu Drive

    There are two sides to every Greek island, the tourist and the traditional, and this drive from Corfu Town through northern Corfu shows the two faces of Corfu.

  • Greece Travel Secrets picks where to stay in northern Corfu with budget and luxury hotels in Sidari, Daphnila Bay, Kontokali, Ipsos, Barbati and more.

    Where to Stay in Northern Corfu

    Greece Travel Secrets picks where to stay in northern Corfu with budget and luxury hotels in Sidari, Daphnila Bay, Kontokali, Ipsos, Barbati and more.

  • Sidari is a popular holiday resort on the north coast of Corfu with beaches and unusual rock formations as well as plenty of places to eat and to stay.

    Sidari

    Sidari is a popular holiday resort on the north coast of Corfu with beaches and unusual rock formations as well as plenty of places to eat and to stay.

  • Corfu’s wildlife includes rare and colourful birds, snakes, lizards, fireflies, and insects, with plenty of places to watch the wildlife like lakes and lagoons.

    Corfu Wildlife

    Corfu’s wildlife includes rare and colourful birds, snakes, lizards, fireflies, and insects, with plenty of places to watch the wildlife like lakes and lagoons.

  • Kassiopi is a popular tourist resort on the northeast coast of Corfu with a sandy beach, Byzantine fortress, old church, and lots of places to stay and to eat.

    Kassiopi

    Kassiopi is a popular tourist resort on the northeast coast of Corfu with a sandy beach, Byzantine fortress, old church, and lots of places to stay and to eat.

  • This Lawrence Durrell walk takes you from Kaminaki Beach in northern Corfu to the White House in Kalami where the writer Lawrence Durrell lived for four year.

    A Lawrence Durrell Walk

    This Lawrence Durrell walk takes you from Kaminaki Beach in northern Corfu to the White House in Kalami where the writer Lawrence Durrell lived for four year.

  • Paleokastritsa is on the west coast of Corfu and is one of the most popular holiday spots. This page gives information on beaches, boat trips, weather and map.

    Paleokastritsa, Corfu

    Paleokastritsa is on the west coast of Corfu and is one of the most popular holiday spots. This page gives information on beaches, boat trips, weather and map.

  • Greece Travel Secrets picks the best time to visit Corfu, with a monthly summary of the weather, plus hotel prices and special events to help plan a visit.

    Best Time to Visit Corfu

    Greece Travel Secrets picks the best time to visit Corfu, with a monthly summary of the weather, plus hotel prices and special events to help plan a visit.

  • Greece Travel Secrets has its list of favourite places where you can eat in north-west Corfu, including in Paleokastritsa, Pelekas, and Ayios Stefanos.

    Where to Eat in North-West Corfu

    Greece Travel Secrets has its list of favourite places where you can eat in north-west Corfu, including in Paleokastritsa, Pelekas, and Ayios Stefanos.

  • This is the Greece Travel Secrets selection of where to eat in northern Corfu, from classy restaurants and traditional tavernas to beachside fish tavernas.

    Where to Eat in Northern Corfu

    This is the Greece Travel Secrets selection of where to eat in northern Corfu, from classy restaurants and traditional tavernas to beachside fish tavernas.

  • Donna Dailey of Greece Travel Secrets visits Albania by boat from Corfu Town, staying overnight and seeing archaeological sites with Sipa Tours.

    Visiting Albania from Corfu

    Donna Dailey of Greece Travel Secrets visits Albania by boat from Corfu Town, staying overnight and seeing archaeological sites with Sipa Tours.

  • The Corfu Climate page describes the hours of sun, the rain, the winds, to help you plan the best time to visit this Ionian island.

    Corfu Climate: Sun, Rain, Winds

    The Corfu Climate page describes the hours of sun, the rain, the winds, to help you plan the best time to visit this Ionian island.

  • North-West Corfu’s beaches and villages include busy resorts, quiet beaches, hill villages, and places ideal for watching the sunset,

    North-West Corfu Beaches and Villages

    North-West Corfu’s beaches and villages include busy resorts, quiet beaches, hill villages, and places ideal for watching the sunset,

  • The Korission Lagoon on the west coast of Corfu is also called Lake Korission and has abundant wildlife, especially birds, and one of the best beaches on Corfu.

    Korission Lagoon

    The Korission Lagoon on the west coast of Corfu is also called Lake Korission and has abundant wildlife, especially birds, and one of the best beaches on Corfu.

  • The main two Corfu saints are Saint Spyridon, the patron saint of Corfu who saved the island four times from disaster, and Saint Theodora Augusta.

    Two Corfu Saints

    The main two Corfu saints are Saint Spyridon, the patron saint of Corfu who saved the island four times from disaster, and Saint Theodora Augusta.

  • From Nero to Nicolas Cage, the invasion of Corfu goes back to Roman times and through to Hollywood today!

    The Invasion of Corfu

    From Nero to Nicolas Cage, the invasion of Corfu goes back to Roman times and through to Hollywood today!

  • Greece Travel Secrets’ pick of where to stay in southern Corfu including hotels in Moraïtika, Paramonas, Messonghi, Agios Georgios, and near Benitses.

    Where to Stay in Southern Corfu

    Greece Travel Secrets’ pick of where to stay in southern Corfu including hotels in Moraïtika, Paramonas, Messonghi, Agios Georgios, and near Benitses.

  • This guide to southern Corfu’s beaches and villages includes busy resorts, quiet beach, hill villages and the southernmost tip of Corfu at Cape Asprókavos.

    Southern Corfu Beaches and Villages

    This guide to southern Corfu’s beaches and villages includes busy resorts, quiet beach, hill villages and the southernmost tip of Corfu at Cape Asprókavos.

  • These Corfu shopping tips include advice on buying souvenirs like ceramics, jewelry, gold, silver, wood carvings, and food and drink, with tips on haggling.

    Corfu Shopping Tips

    These Corfu shopping tips include advice on buying souvenirs like ceramics, jewelry, gold, silver, wood carvings, and food and drink, with tips on haggling.

  • Corfu writers and artists inspired by the island include both residents and visitors, like Gerald and Lawrence Durrell, Edward Lear, and Henry Miller.

    Corfu Writers and Artists

    Corfu writers and artists inspired by the island include both residents and visitors, like Gerald and Lawrence Durrell, Edward Lear, and Henry Miller.

  • Corfu or Kerkyra is the main island in the Greek Ionian islands with Corfu Town being one of the most attractive of Greek island capitals.

    Corfu

    Corfu or Kerkyra is the main island in the Greek Ionian islands with Corfu Town being one of the most attractive of Greek island capitals.

  • The Achilleion Palace is one of the most visited sights on Corfu and contains a museum and impressive gardens with wonderful views over the coast.

    The Achilleion Palace

    The Achilleion Palace is one of the most visited sights on Corfu and contains a museum and impressive gardens with wonderful views over the coast.

  • Corfu’s marine life includes dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and rare Mediterranean monk seals.

    Corfu’s Marine Life

    Corfu’s marine life includes dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and rare Mediterranean monk seals.

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Latest Posts

  1. Kastoria’s Hidden Delights: 3 Must-Visit Stops in Western Macedonia

    From world-famous giant beans and crisp mountain apples to alpine-raised beef and legendary chestnuts, Kastoria is a food lover’s paradise waiting to be explored.

    Read More

  2. Kerameikos: An Oasis in the Ancient City

    The Kerameikos archaeological site provides a peaceful escape, transporting visitors to the history-rich northwestern gates of ancient Athens.

    Read More

  3. Greece Tops Mediterranean in Hotel Satisfaction Ratings

    Greek hotels lead the pack with 87% guest satisfaction, surpassing Spain, Italy, and France, but challenges remain in peak-season management.

    Read More

  4. Frygana Honey: The Rare Wild Lavender Honey of Serifos

    The honey derived from the wild lavender of Serifos is a premium Greek product. Beekeeper Nikos Kokolakis produces one of the finest varieties on the island.

    Read More

  5. Top 5 Archaeological Discoveries in Greece in 2024

    From a mysterious Minoan structure to a rediscovered ancient city, these five archaeological finds from 2024 offer fresh perspectives on Greece’s rich history.

    Read More

  6. Food Tours in Athens

    athens-greek-food-tour-3.webp
    Greekality is a Greek company offering food tours in Athens including street food tours, wine and nightlife tours, vegan tours and cooking classes.

    Read More

  7. Patras – Pyrgos Motorway in Western Peloponnese to Open by December 2025

    The 75-kilometer-long Patras–Pyrgos Motorway in the western Peloponnese is expected to be completed and open to traffic by December 2025, significantly upgrading the region’s road transport system and…

    Read More

  8. Adverse Weather in Greece: Heavy Rain, Snowfall, and Winds Cause Disruptions

    Greece continued to face severe weather conditions on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, as heavy rainfall, storms, and snowfall affected many areas. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) reporte…

    Read More

  9. Tap2Ride: Athens Public Transport Rolls Out Digital Ticketing System

    Athens public transport is ushering in a new digital era this week with the introduction of its innovative “tap2ride” ticketing system.

    Read More

  10. The Greek Holiday Calendar 2025

    Will there be a holiday or national celebration taking place during your trip to Greece? Find out here.

    Read More