Barbati is a small coastal village that has recently become more popular. The village is at the foot of Mount Pantokrator, and the beach is set in a natural bay surrounded by a lush green landscape. It is generally a quiet resort that has a good selection of restaurants and bars. Car hire is recommended as Barbati is a good base for exploring the north east coast and inland to the villages of Spartilas and Old Perithia. The public bus to and from Corfu Town is a good regular service.
Historically, a small traditional fishing village, the town itself has been heavily developed and with more luxury villas now outside it, but it remains a summer social centre heavily visited by tourists.
Nature, by way of the sea and wind, created the Canal d’Amour. The sandstone has been eroded by the elements and the grooves that scarred the rock face formed the channel.
There are legends attached to these stunning rock formations, the most famous being that if a couple swim together in the Canal they will stay together forever and if the Canal is in shade whoever swims in the water will always be lucky in love.
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 who have reached the summit, 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.
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.