The Corfu Trail

The Corfu Trail runs from the southernmost point of Corfu at Cape Asprokavos and winds for 220km (137 miles) to the northernmost point near Andinioti Lagoon.

The Corfu TrailThe Corfu Trail

When Hilary Whitton Paipeti first came to Corfu as a holiday rep at the start of the 1980s, she had no intention of staying, but she fell in love with the island. More than that, though, she has contributed something to island life of which she can be forever proud, for Hilary is the woman who created the island's only long-distance footpath: the Corfu Trail.

'I worked as a rep for two years,' she says, 'and by then I was totally in love with Corfu. I went into journalism and publishing, and have been publishing The Corfiot Magazine for 15 years now. It's aimed at the local community and is published monthly all year round, but in summer it does carry information on what's going on for the benefit of the visitors.

I also publish regional magazines that people will find in the different resorts around the island. More recently I've also been doing real estate and real estate development.'

Creation of the Corfu Trail

One of the reasons behind Hilary's venture into the property market is tied in with the Corfu Trail. Part of its original aim was to link the villages of the island, and bring some life back into those whose population was dwindling as young people moved down to the coast to work in the holiday business, or moved away to Athens and beyond.

'Some of the villages inland were being left to disintegrate,' Hilary says, 'and yet they have some beautiful Venetian architecture. I wanted walkers to stop and at least have a coffee in the local kefeneon, but preferably be able to stay overnight. The problem is that in some villages there is no accommodation, so walkers have to leave the Trail for their overnight stay, and return the next morning. Now I'm actively working to encourage people to buy properties in these villages, with the express purpose of opening them as small guesthouses.'

Corfu LandscapeCorfu Landscape

Corfu’s Pennine Way

Hilary's energy is beyond doubt, yet she has to credit her father with the idea for the Corfu Trail. Hilary was already leading walks on the island (another of her many different hats), and had written The Corfu Book of Walks, when her father suggested she put together a long-distance path, the Corfu equivalent of the Pennine Way.

'It was a great idea,' Hilary says, 'but nothing happened for a while. Then on one of my walks I met a German guy, Fried Aumann, who said he thought he might be able to get help with EU funding, and put up the rest of the money himself, so he is the one who people must thank for bringing the Trail into existence.'

Some Cool Corfu Souvenirs

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Paleokastritsa Luggage Tag

Corfu-Cypresses-Capri-leggings.jpg

Corfu Cypresses Capri Leggings

Corfu-t-shirt.jpg

Corfu T-shirt

Corfu-tote-bag.jpg

Corfu Tote Bag

Hilary met Fried in 1999, and by May 2001 she was leading the first group of walkers to tackle the trail. The route runs from the southernmost point of Corfu at Cape Asprokavos and winds for about 220km (137 miles) to emerge at the northernmost point near the Andinioti Lagoon.

Our Pick of Greek Islands Guides

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Corfu Trail from South to North

'I recommend doing it from south to north,' Hilary advises, 'for several reasons. It's flatter in the south so that gives people time to build up a bit of stamina. Also the best scenery is in the north so it builds up to that, as well. And it also means that the sun is on your back and not in your face for most of the way. The whole trip should take about 10 days, doing 4-6 hours walking a day without pushing yourself.'

Anyone can arrange to do the trail for themselves, and Hilary has written a guide to it, but it does take some planning. Instead you can book it all through Aperghi Travel in Corfu Town, who will not only book the accommodation but arrange for your luggage to be transferred each day and give you a copy of Hilary's book as well. And if you meet her on the trail, no doubt she would be delighted to sign it for you.

Video of the Corfu Trail

Hilary’s Corfu Trail Tips

• The best times of year are May-June and September-October.

• Even in August, don't assume it will be fine weather. Corfu is very changeable. Always take wet weather gear.

• You should take a sun hat with you, and lots of water.

• Take a mobile phone with you, but also a number to ring. There's no point in having a phone if you don't know where to ring for help.

• In summer you could do most of the walk in walking sandals, except for the mountainous bits at the end when you should wear good boots with ankle support.

• Carry a stick, too. Be aware of snakes. They are not a major problem but they are there so check the ground in front of you if it's overgrown and you can't see where you're treading.

More Information on the Corfu Trail

Visit the Corfu Trail website.

Other Corfu Pages

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Corfu olives are an important part of this Greek island's economy, with an estimated 3-4 million trees producing olive oil of exceptional quality.

    Corfu Olives

    Corfu olives are an important part of this Greek island's economy, with an estimated 3-4 million trees producing olive oil of exceptional quality.

  • 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.

  • The best things to do on Corfu include visiting Palaiokastritsa, a day trip to Albania, seeing the Achilleion Palace, and the museums in Corfu Town.

    Best Things to Do on Corfu

    The best things to do on Corfu include visiting Palaiokastritsa, a day trip to Albania, seeing the Achilleion Palace, and the museums in Corfu Town.

  • The best beaches on Corfu, chosen by Greece Travel Secrets, include Paleokastritsa, Mirtiotissa, Sidari and Cape Asprokavos.

    Best Beaches on Corfu

    The best beaches on Corfu, chosen by Greece Travel Secrets, include Paleokastritsa, Mirtiotissa, Sidari and Cape Asprokavos.

  • 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.

  • The history of Corfu and cricket goes back to 1823 when the island was under British rule, which left them with a legacy of loving both cricket and ginger beer.

    Corfu and Cricket

    The history of Corfu and cricket goes back to 1823 when the island was under British rule, which left them with a legacy of loving both cricket and ginger beer.

  • This Southern Corfu drive starts and ends in Moraïtika, taking in hill villages, secluded beaches, lovely views, and a visit to Gardiki Castle.

    Southern Corfu Drive

    This Southern Corfu drive starts and ends in Moraïtika, taking in hill villages, secluded beaches, lovely views, and a visit to Gardiki Castle.

  • 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.

  • Information for travelers on Corfu Food and Drink including restaurants and tavernas, Corfiot specialties, desserts, wine and other Greek drinks like ouzo.

    Corfu Food and Drink

    Information for travelers on Corfu Food and Drink including restaurants and tavernas, Corfiot specialties, desserts, wine and other Greek drinks like ouzo.

  • 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.

  • Corfu Town is the capital of Corfu and of the Ionian Islands and has museums, two forts, several museums, churches, and many other attractions.

    Corfu Town

    Corfu Town is the capital of Corfu and of the Ionian Islands and has museums, two forts, several museums, churches, and many other attractions.

  • These fun facts about Corfu include how the island got its name, who wrote the Greek National Anthem, and the eccentric Englishman, the Earl of Guilford.

    Fun Facts about Corfu

    These fun facts about Corfu include how the island got its name, who wrote the Greek National Anthem, and the eccentric Englishman, the Earl of Guilford.

  • 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.

  • Corfu Town’s Old Fortress is the town’s most striking landmark, standing east of the Old Town on top of a rocky promontory.

    Corfu Town’s Old Fortress

    Corfu Town’s Old Fortress is the town’s most striking landmark, standing east of the Old Town on top of a rocky promontory.

  • 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.

  • There are three islands off the northwest coast of Corfu, Erikouusa, Othoni and Mathraki, popular with day-trippers from resorts like Sidari.

    Corfu Offshore Islands

    There are three islands off the northwest coast of Corfu, Erikouusa, Othoni and Mathraki, popular with day-trippers from resorts like Sidari.

  • 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.

  • Kalami in north-west Corfu is a hidden gem which many people know about because writer Lawrence Durrell once lived here in The White House.

    Kalámi

    Kalami in north-west Corfu is a hidden gem which many people know about because writer Lawrence Durrell once lived here in The White House.

  • 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.

  • Northern Corfu’s beaches and villages include busy resorts and secluded beaches, with several hill and mountain villages well worth visiting.

    Northern Corfu Beaches and Villages

    Northern Corfu’s beaches and villages include busy resorts and secluded beaches, with several hill and mountain villages well worth visiting.

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