Corfu's West Coast

Corfu Pearl is more like self catering accommodation than an hotel so buy some tea, coffee and milk before you get there. Normaly Inntravel like to finish their walking holidays an a high but this was not one of those occasions. We were lucky enough to meet some companionable fellow walkers both English and Dutch. Good to be able to smim in the sea.

This was an interesting walk, largely passing through olive groves and quiet villages, on old tracks and the occasional sandy beach, though with some road walking as well.  We encountered eagles, buzzards and a pine marten, as well as many unidentified butterflies. The weather was generally very good, though there was heavy rain on the morning of arrival and morning of departure, but this had no effect on our enjoyment of the holiday.

Highlights: Lots of friendly tavernas for refreshments throughout the route. Friday night Greek night at Jimmy’s Taverna in Pelekas. Friendly nature of other Inntravel walkers. Super friendly Athena at the Corfu Pearl. Unrivalled views of a spectacular coastline. Chatty and informative taxi drivers from Spiros Taxis. Costa’s Steak House in Liapades. Be careful on the return leg from Paleokastritsa (day 6 option B). The stretches off the pavement with large tourist buses roaring past is a bit hairy.

The Chinese and Asian Museum in Corfu Town was excellent, and worth much more time than we could allow for it. The long walk to Agios Georgios should be on Day 6, thereby allowing a day's rest after the even longer walk on Day 4.

Lovely walking routes, challenging in many parts but well described and allowing us to visit the quiet untouristy parts of Corfu yet staying in very comfortable local hotels and having the opportunity to sample excellent Greek food and wine with the added joy of being able to enjoy the lovely coast from the water at the end of the holiday.

We thoroughly enjoyed walking through this spectacular and lovely landscape, although I found some of the very steep and rocky sections quite challenging. Walking poles I would say are essential for all but the super fit. We loved swimming and snorkelling (at one point I watched a cormorant under water at close quarters, which was magical) in the very warm sea. We also went on a boat ride to Palaeokastritsa and the caves.

As far as the hotels went the Corfu Pearl was outstanding, not only in the accommodation but in the friendly welcome and helpfulness of the family and the outstanding cooking of our hostess. One fantastic meal after another! We brought back some of their homemade olive oil.

A superb walk, with great variety of terrain, scenery and experiences. Excellent accommodation and a well waymarked route with excellent walking notes. Quite challenging in places but well worth all the effort. Much recommended.

Be aware that if you go early September, it will be very hot.  Some days we were walking in 32 degrees which made some of the ascents tough.  Make sure you carry plenty of water.  There are also a lot of wasps around at that time of year - particularly bad at breakfast at Paramonas.  We would recommend eating evening meals at dusk to avoid being plagued by wasps.  The coast line is very beautiful and I feel the views  on the walk from Liapades to Agios Giordios on day 5 are better than the Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast with far fewer people around too.  We will always remember the incredible sunsets - especially from the terrace at Levant Hotel.

This was our first walking holiday abroad. We really enjoyed walking in peace through beautiful countryside. It was an additional pleasure to be able to spend time on beaches at most stops. The attention to detail by Inntravel was the reason it all ran so smoothly - all we had to do was walk and read the instructions! The hotels were well placed, everyone we met was welcoming, and a simple "Kalimera" to the many locals we passed was returned with an approving smile. The views during the walks were amazing, particularly on the last day as we started our descent into Agios Georgios. 

This walking holiday was one of my favourite of those I have done. Corfu is moutainous, beautiful, (hot) and lush in June - and we saw all sorts of flowers, citrus trees, butterflies, birds, lizards, insects, and of course cats. The countryside is really beautiful, quite varied as you travel, and the sea crystal clear and perfect for swimming. The hotels was all great choices, and we really enjoyed an extra night in Corfu Pearl - which is great for the hospitality, pool, homegrown produce and homecooked meals, extra walks, and easy-assess to the tiny town square for food or drinks in the evening - very relaxing. My second choice for an extra night would be Hotel Paramonas, which is simple and clean, and next to the sea, and has a fun restaurant/bar next door.

Some of the views that you just happen upon are really beautiful; north Cornwall in the sun!

A lovely break - the spring flowers by the roadside were a highlight. The mix of walking and relaxation was perfect for us.

A tip - we wanted to visit Corfu Town surroundings so we took bus 2A to Konoki for 2.50 Euros return. A cafe looking down over the lagoon, the monastery, the bridge and the airstrip made a lovely day.

INNTRAVEL NOTE: These customers booked our add-on in Corfu Town after our walk along Corfu's West Coast - The Emperor's Playground

We had an excellent holiday in keeping with our experience of Inntravel. Corfu in May was warm and sunny without being hot - ideal for this kind of holiday. A richly green island with the coast rarely far away.  A good contrast moving north from the rural quiet around Paramonas and Agios Mattheos  to the comparatively  tourist-focussed areas around Liapades. So many good points including the friendliness, countryside with cypress trees and wild flowers, watching the world go by in a village square, the food, the walking, the miles of olive groves and simply being on Corfu away from any crowds. We liked  the hotels and their differences.

Along the way we enjoyed:

• The baker’s shop as you arrive in Agios Mattheos from Paramonas - good for bread and coffee
• Chri’s Taverna in Pentati
• Aspros Taverna in Liapades - which has excellent food including fish and vegetarian options

HIGHLIGHTS: Levant hotel's high location providing wonderful views from either side. Around Liapedes: to Agios Georgios walk as you reach the dramatic cleft in the escarpment the view is magnificent. Walking through the olive groves and soaking up the atmosphere of Corfu.

This was our first experience of Inntravel and it surpassed our expectations. The family run Corfu Pearl hotel was a particular highlight. Athina was delightful and the food, including the packed lunch, was delicious (best packed lunch of the holiday!).

We found the detailed notes for the walk very helpful, accurate and well researched, making them very up to date.

We intend to try other Inntravel holidays in the future.

In summary, we had a wonderful time on a trip that was well coordinated and almost seamless as we moved from hotel to hotel. We have used other travel companies before but Inntravel was far and away the easiest to work with, provided the best route notes, and was readily available if issues arose during our vacation. We will use you again.

Mention of Panorama resturant in Peroulades was excellent if expensive for a farewell meal on last night. Excellent location and great sunset.

Lovely walks, excellent logistics, Corfu Pearl and Loulia were a good experience. Other hotels' service and walking notes accuracy weren't up to the standards we've come to expect from Inntravel.