Glyfada, Corfu
Glyfada (Glifada) is a beach on the western coast of Corfu, almost opposite Corfu Town on the eastern coast. The distance from Glyfada to the capital is 16 km, and the nearest village is Pelekas, 3 km away. Glyfada is a suitable place for people who plan to rest on the beach all day long, since the road going down to the beach is very steep and narrow, with hairpin turns, and it does not predispose to multiple daily trips by car. The place also boasts beautiful sunsets like the rest beaches on the west coast of the island.
The beach is wide, with soft yellow sand. The water is clean and shallow many meters away from the shore, very suitable for kids even when there are waves. Next to the shore there a few rocks used as jumping boards and for diving. On the beach you will also find showers, cabins and a beach volley court. Some water sports and boats to rent are available.
At Glyfada beach there are two large hotels, a gated complex of houses and apartments to rent and a couple of small hotels. You will also find a restaurant, mini market, coffee house and a cocktail bar near the shore but no shops or services.
Agios Gordios
Agios Gordios is a resort village situated in a bay on the west coast of Corfu. Despite the beach size, the place is calm and in the evenings you can enjoy the sunset. In the area there are many pine trees and the air is fresh even in the biggest heat. Sometimes the name of Agios Gordios is confused with Agios Georgios but be careful because these are two (actually three) very different places.
Agios Gordios has several hotels and many studios to rent, a few restaurants and cocktail bars around the coast. There are also supermarkets, souvenir shops and ATM. The beach is long and wide, with soft yellow sand and shallow water. The beach is Blue Flag awarded and has showers and changing cabins, water sports and boats to rent are also available. There are often waves due to the exposed location but the sea bottom is quite shallow dozens of meters away from the shore.
Pelekas
Pelekas is a small but lively picturesque village situated on a hilltop on the west coast of Corfu. It is known mainly for Kaiser Throne – a spot with panoramic view from which you can see almost the entire island from above.
Since the village is built on a hill, the streets are small and narrow and driving through it is a bit uncomfortable but it has wonderful view of the sea and the sunset. Part of the village overlooks the east coast and Corfu Town, and the other part has view toward the west seaside. There are rooms to rent in small hotels, tavernas, cafes, two bakeries and a supermarket. The beach of Pelekas is called Kontogialos or Pelekas Beach and it is 1 km away from the village. It is sandy, with several beach bars and volleyball nets. Another beach nearby is Glyfada, sandy and shallow.
Kaiser Throne is on the top of Pelekas and you can reach it by car or on foot through the oldest part of the village. We do recommend the second as thus you can have a walk in the tiny alleys and see authentic old houses. Parking is available either at the village entrance (at a small parking lot) or in front of Kaiser Throne. highlights: village on a hilltop with view of the sea and the sunset, village in Corfu, Ionian Islands, Greece
Sinarades
Sinarades (Synarades) is a large and old village in the west part of Corfu, above the beach of Agios Gordios. The village is like an open-air museum with its traditional stone buildings and old churches. Walking in its narrow alleys you will feel the authentic spirit of this Ionian island.
At the small square of Sinarades there is some space where you can leave your car. Two small cafeterias and a taverna operate there all year round but in order to explore the village you need to turn into the alleys between the houses around. Some of the houses are made of stone with wooden balconies and window covers, others are painted in yellow, orange, pink or dark green colors. Sinarades dates back to 10 century and in some places the buildings remind of a Greek castro, with very thick walls and arches. Away from the main street you will hardly meet any of the local residents, so it is very peaceful.
In Sinarades there is a small folklore museum but the village itself is more interesting for a walk. A few km away from the village, in an area called Aspes you can visit the Cliff of Aerostato – it is a place with panoramic view from which you can see the surrounding coast from above, including the beach of Agios Gordios. highlights: large and old village above Agios Gordios, village in Corfu, Ionian Islands, Greece
Kato Garouna
Kato Garouna (meaning “Lower Garouna”) is an old inland village of Corfu, located close to the resort of Agios Gordios. It lies on a hill overlooking the hill where Ano Garouna village is built and probably its original residents moved from there, in order to be closer to the seaside. The beach of Agios Gordios is about 3 km away from Kato Garouna.
Kato Garouna has old houses and churches, most of them in the highest part of the village. It is a good place for a walk if you want to spend some time away from the beach, like in cloudy days. The road which enters the village will lead you to a square with enough space for parking and two seasonal cafeterias. The most interesting part is above the square and you need to follow the street which is closed for vehicles. At the top of the hill is located the church of Agios Nikolaos, with stone belfry and an interesting sculpture in the yard.
About 2 km west of Kato Garouna up in the mountain you can go to the small church of Agios Panteleimonas. This is also the name of the mountain, and it is most visited because of its panoramic view over the bay of Agios Gordios. Paragliding is also organized from this spot. highlights: old village above Agios Gordios, village in Corfu, Ionian Islands, Greece
Info: feelgreece.com
