Patounis Soap Factory
A 150-year-old family soap factory in Corfu, offering authentic tours and handmade olive oil soaps.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free tour, authentic experience
Patounis Soap Factory
Best Time
Free tour, authentic experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 150-year-old family soap factory in Corfu, offering authentic tours and handmade olive oil soaps.
"This tour is like a hug. It is comforting and relaxing in a way that most of modern life is not."
🎯 Arrive Early for Tours
The free noon tour is popular! Aim to arrive 10-15 mins early, especially in busy seasons, to get a good spot.
🎁 Great Souvenir Spot
Patounis soaps are high-quality, fairly priced, and make unique, authentic souvenirs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Traditional Soap-Making Tour
Witness over 150 years of soap-making history and techniques. A truly authentic and heartwarming experience.
Authentic Olive Oil Soaps
Purchase pure, handmade soaps crafted with traditional methods and local olive oil. Perfect for souvenirs.
A Glimpse into the Past
Step back in time in this preserved 1891 factory, a living museum of a cherished craft.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Supporting Local Artisans
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Tours
The free noon tour is popular! Aim to arrive 10-15 mins early, especially in busy seasons, to get a good spot.
🎁 Great Souvenir Spot
Patounis soaps are high-quality, fairly priced, and make unique, authentic souvenirs.
🕰️ A Step Back in Time
The factory feels like a living museum. Embrace the history and traditional methods.
🤝 Family Welcome
Expect a warm, personal welcome from the family who runs the factory.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Tours
The free noon tour is popular! Aim to arrive 10-15 mins early, especially in busy seasons, to get a good spot.
🎁 Great Souvenir Spot
Patounis soaps are high-quality, fairly priced, and make unique, authentic souvenirs.
🕰️ A Step Back in Time
The factory feels like a living museum. Embrace the history and traditional methods.
🤝 Family Welcome
Expect a warm, personal welcome from the family who runs the factory.
🌿 Natural & Chemical-Free
Their soaps are made with 100% local olive oil, free from chemicals and preservatives.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Patounis Soap Factory for its authentic, heartwarming tours and the high quality of its traditional olive oil soaps. The family's passion and the factory's historic atmosphere create a memorable experience, with many finding the prices fair and the soaps perfect for souvenirs. Some note that the factory is a small, historic building, which is part of its charm.
"Amazing tour, and excellent quality soaps. We got to understand everything on how they're made, and have been made for 130 (!) years. Impressive presentation of the whole soap making process. Overall grateful for the experience.
The factory's shop offers their original soaps obviously, but what was impressive was the fairness of the prices, which are a tad lower here than found in the rest of the city. Definitely worth a visit! Great-simple packaging, ideal for original souvenirs-gifts."
Santianna Stathopoulou
"This tour is like a hug. It is comforting and relaxing in a way that most of modern life is not. Whether you're intrigued by soapmaking or have never thought much about it (like me), this tour is for you. Do yourself a favor and spend 30 minutes with the Patounis family.
We did not have a reservation and waited about 10 minutes for the noon tour. The tour is free and did not require tickets of any kind. Busier seasons might be different!"
Carissa Martin
"Join the midday tour for the best experience, but regardless of when you visit, you are warmly welcomed and offered lots of information about the business and its products. I've revisited twice for more items. The owners work without pushing to appropriately promote other long running and culturally important museums and businesses on the island and beyond.
Excellent products and a dreamlike factory."
Lauren Webb
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Patounis Soap Factory is conveniently located in the historic center of Corfu Town, making it easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the old town. If you're arriving from further afield on the island, local buses are a common and affordable option to reach Corfu Town.
Parking in Corfu Town can be challenging. It's best to utilize public parking lots on the outskirts of the old town and walk to the factory. This avoids navigating narrow, restricted streets.
Yes, the Patounis Soap Factory is within walking distance from the cruise port in Corfu Town, typically around a 15-20 minute stroll through the charming streets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, reservations are not typically required for the free noon tour. However, arriving a bit early is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure a spot.
The guided tour at Patounis Soap Factory is completely free! It's a wonderful opportunity to learn about their heritage and craft without any cost.
The factory is generally open Monday to Friday. The highlight is the daily tour, which usually takes place at noon. It's always a good idea to check their social media or website for the most up-to-date hours, especially outside of peak season.
The factory is an old building, so accessibility might be a consideration. While the main tour area is generally manageable, it's advisable to contact them directly if you have specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Products
Patounis specializes in traditional, handmade olive oil soaps. They are known for being pure, natural, and free from chemicals and preservatives, using locally sourced olive oil. 
Yes, reviews indicate that the prices at the factory shop are fair, often even a bit lower than what you might find for the same products elsewhere in Corfu Town.
Given that the soaps are made with natural ingredients like olive oil and are free from harsh chemicals, they are generally considered suitable for sensitive skin.
While the primary experience is visiting the factory, some visitors have inquired about international sales. It's best to check their official channels or inquire directly at the factory for current availability outside of Greece.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the factory, allowing you to capture the historic machinery and the soap-making process. It's always polite to be mindful of other visitors and the staff.
The most photogenic spots include the vintage soap-cutting tools, the vats where the soap is made, and the displays of the finished soap bars. The overall atmosphere of the old factory is also very picturesque.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a hands-on (though not literally!) learning opportunity that's different from typical tourist attractions. The family's welcoming nature extends to children, making it a comfortable visit. Plus, purchasing a bar of their natural soap is a practical and memorable souvenir that kids might even enjoy using at home.
🎁 Souvenir Hunters
Unlike mass-produced trinkets, these soaps are a testament to local craftsmanship and natural ingredients. The prices are considered very fair, making it easy to pick up several bars as gifts for friends and family, or to treat yourself to a piece of Corfu's heritage.
🌿 Eco-Conscious Travelers
The factory's long-standing tradition also speaks to a sustainable approach to business, focusing on quality and longevity over rapid production. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Patounis Soap
+1Visitors often describe the experience as a 'hug' – comforting, relaxing, and deeply human. This sentiment stems from the genuine passion and dedication of the Patounis family. They share their story and philosophy with visitors, highlighting the importance of natural ingredients and time-honored methods. The factory is certified by Natrue as natural cosmetics, underscoring their commitment to quality and purity.
This dedication makes a visit to Patounis a truly special and memorable encounter with a cherished tradition. The patounis soap products are not only high-quality but also represent a tangible piece of Corfu's history. The fair pricing at the factory shop makes these authentic souvenirs accessible, allowing visitors to take a piece of this legacy home with them. It's a chance to support a local business that actively contributes to the cultural richness of the island.
Experiencing the Free Factory Tour
+1During the tour, you might see live demonstrations of how the soap is cut, a skill honed over decades by the 'soap masters.' The guides, often members of the Patounis family, share their knowledge and passion with warmth and enthusiasm. This personal touch is what makes the experience so heartwarming and memorable for visitors.
While the tour is free, it's wise to arrive a little before noon, especially during the busy tourist season, as it can get crowded. The tour lasts about 30 minutes, providing a concise yet comprehensive insight into this unique craft. It’s an excellent way to understand the value and tradition behind each bar of corfu soap factory's renowned products.
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