Nissaki, Corfu, Greece.

Explore the island of Corfu.

A brief tour of the island.

Explore Corfu Town via the menu on the left.

There is no denying that the location of your holiday base here in Nissaki is a beautiful part of the island and you can be forgiven if you want to relax by the pool at the apartments or on the beach by the sea.  However there are many places around the island that are a must to visit if you take the opportunity and hire a car. Here are just a few examples of what the island has to offer. 

Old Perithia.

Old Perithia lies in a hollow in the northern slopes of Mt. Pantokrator.  It was originally built there to escape attacks from pirate raiders, but became deserted in more recent safer times as the inhabitants migrated back to the coast.  Many of the village houses are now being restored and a few people are even living again there.  The buildings, especially the many churches reward exploration and there are two tavernas to provide refreshment in the village square.

Paleokastritsa.

Paleokastritsa is on the north west coast of the island and lies along a string of little bays with a backdrop of sheer cliffs and tree covered slopes.  The most breathtaking views are from high above the resort on the mountain road or from the little monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary perched on a promontory at the western end of Paleokastritsa.  It is possible to visit the church and its flower - filled gardens, but modest clothing is required.  Down on the beaches, there are numerous tavernas, boat trips and watersports for the enjoyment of visitors.

Vlacherna and Pontikonissi.

Vlacherna and Pontikonissi (Mouse Island) must constitute the most photographed view of Corfu.  They lie at the southern end of the Kanoni peninsula and manage to retain their beauty despite the proximity of the airport runway.  The island of Vlacherna and the convent of the Virgin Mary with its pretty Venetian belfry are reached by a narrow causeway and from here boats ferry visitors across to Mouse Island.  The monastery buildings have gone from the island, but the little Byzantine church of Pantokrator still stands.  There are those who favour the myth that Pontikonissi is the ship of Odysseus petrified by an angry Poseidon,

Mount Pantokrator.

Mount Pantokrator at 906 metres is the island's highest peak.  The slopes surrounding the summit are in parts quite treeless and desolate, creating a lonely, wilderness atmosphere.  However, there is a tarmac road from the village of Strinilas leading to the top of the mountain with its church, monastery buildings, cafe and unfortunate sprouting of radio masts and other aerials.  The present church replaces an earlier one built in the 14th century and it attracts pilgrims from all over Greece.  Dedicated to Christ Pantokrator, the church has a beautiful interior with many recently restored frescos.