Glyfada is a beach rather than a village with a beach. Possibly the most famous beach in Corfu, it has been awarded a Blue Flag for its endless soft, golden sand and clear, blue water, the surrounding landscape is quite rocky and naturally being on the West coast the sunsets are stunning. This cosmopolitan beach hosts thousands of visitors each year and the young crowd can be noisy and lively. With accommodation to suit every budget the beachside bars and tavernas are busy day and night. The beach and its facilities are well organized, water skiing and beach volleyball are amongst the activities on offer. Amenities for those self catering are limited and car hire is recommended.
Only 13km from Corfu Town on the West Coast of the Island is Pelekas. The village is small but quite busy, with a nice choice of restaurants with good sea views. Although the beach is small it is quite unspoilt and has a few facilities. Above the village is The Kaiser’s Lookout, where Kaiser Wilhelm II often went to admire the view and watch the stunning sunsets.
The Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary (13th century). The Byzantine church, a single nave basilica is at the centre of the monastery complex however, the monk’s cells and the courtyard date from the 18th century. The Monastery is home to eight monks, who hold traditional masses. The museum has Byzantine and Post Byzantine icons; the most notable is the beautiful Dormition of the Virgin Mary.
1000ft up a steep cliff on the north west coast is the Fortress of Angelokastro. The exact date of its construction is unknown although the first documented evidence of its existance is 1272. It was one of the most important fortifications and formed a defensive triangle with Kassiopi Castle on the north east coast and Gardiki Castle in the south.
At 906m high Mount Pantokrator is the highest point on Corfu. On a clear day at the summit, and despite it being 130km away, it is possible to see Italy, as well as the whole of Corfu and Albania. At the top is café for tourists who have reached the summit either on foot or by car, a well and a telecommunications tower. The church dates from 1689; however in 1347 the first monastery was built with the help of the Perithians.