Old Perithia
Corfu's oldest inhabited village, a medieval 'ghost town' with stone ruins, churches, and authentic tavernas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light on ruins
Old Perithia
Best Time
Golden hour light on ruins

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Corfu's oldest inhabited village, a medieval 'ghost town' with stone ruins, churches, and authentic tavernas.
"An amazing and exiting narrow road up to the mountain that makes you question your decision. But once you arrive, you realize it was worth it."
🚗 Challenging Drive Ahead
The road is narrow and winding. Drive slowly and carefully, especially if you're not used to mountain roads.
🚶♀️ Wander and Explore
Give yourself at least an hour to explore the ruins and soak in the unique atmosphere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Stone Ruins
Throughout the village
Explore the crumbling mansions and Byzantine churches that whisper tales of Venetian elegance and pirate refuge.

Local Tavernas
Village square
Savor authentic local dishes and experience warm hospitality at the charming restaurants.
Syriotis Family Apiary
Beehives
Visit the local honey farm to learn about beekeeping and taste delicious, locally produced honey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Mountain Road
Embrace the History and Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Challenging Drive Ahead
The road is narrow and winding. Drive slowly and carefully, especially if you're not used to mountain roads.
🚶♀️ Wander and Explore
Give yourself at least an hour to explore the ruins and soak in the unique atmosphere.
🍯 Taste Local Honey
Don't miss the chance to try delicious local honey from the Syriotis family apiary.
🍽️ Enjoy Traditional Food
The local tavernas offer high-quality, traditional Greek cuisine.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Challenging Drive Ahead
The road is narrow and winding. Drive slowly and carefully, especially if you're not used to mountain roads.
🚶♀️ Wander and Explore
Give yourself at least an hour to explore the ruins and soak in the unique atmosphere.
🍯 Taste Local Honey
Don't miss the chance to try delicious local honey from the Syriotis family apiary.
🍽️ Enjoy Traditional Food
The local tavernas offer high-quality, traditional Greek cuisine.
🅿️ Parking Caution
Be mindful of the gravelly car park; some spots can be tricky to exit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Old Perithia for its unique historical atmosphere, stunning mountain views, and authentic local tavernas. The challenging drive is often cited as a memorable part of the experience, though some find the village can be explored quickly. The local honey is a popular recommendation.
"Just a really old abandoned city that recently got renovation started. There are some nice old ruins, and the view from the road is amazing, however the drive is challenging, the road is narrow and you can go around the whole village in half an hour. Two working tavernas in the town square. Not really worth the time."
Bo Manassiev
"Really worth a visit, very interesting to walk around this site. A few lovely tavernas and shops with very friendly locals. Would be great to have heard more about the history. Be wary of the car park, there's plenty of space but some spaces can be hard to get out of due to the gravelly surface."
Alice Dewhirst
"An amazing and exiting narrow road up to the mountain that makes you question your decision. But once you arrive, you realize it was worth it. The 150 years old ruins on one side and a beautiful view with mountains and the ocean on the other side.
It’s a beautiful gem, a ghost town where nature is slowly taking over.
The cafeterias and restaurants are ran by locals and the menu is traditional Greek cuisine. High quality!"
Tolga Demir
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Old Perithia is by car. The drive from Corfu Town takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The road is narrow and winding, so drive cautiously.
Consider renting a car for flexibility, or inquire about local tours that might include this destination.Yes, the road is described as narrow and winding, which can be challenging for some drivers. It's recommended to take your time and be extra careful, especially if you're not accustomed to mountain roads.
While less common, some organized tours might include Old Perithia. Public transport is limited for reaching this remote village. Renting a car offers the most freedom to explore at your own pace.
The route typically involves heading north from Corfu Town towards Kassiopi, then following signs for Old Perithia. The journey itself offers beautiful scenery.
Yes, there is a car park available. However, be aware that the surface is gravelly, and some spaces might be difficult to exit from.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees to visit Old Perithia. It's an open-air historical site that you can explore freely.
Old Perithia is accessible at all times as it's an outdoor village. However, the tavernas and shops have their own operating hours, typically open during daylight and early evening.
The ruins are part of the village and are freely accessible. There are no specific tickets required to view the historical structures.
While not always advertised, you might find local guides or information available at the tavernas. Some organized tours from other parts of Corfu may also include Old Perithia.
The restaurants and shops generally operate during daylight hours and into the early evening. It's advisable to check their specific hours if you plan to dine or shop.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can wander through the medieval stone ruins, explore the churches, enjoy traditional Greek food at the tavernas, and visit the local honey farm.
Most visitors spend about half an hour to an hour exploring the village itself. However, you might want to allocate more time if you plan to have a meal or visit the apiary.
Yes, it's a great place for walking and exploring the historical site. Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven.
You'll enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and, from certain vantage points, the ocean. The setting is quite picturesque.
Restrooms are typically available at the tavernas and restaurants within the village.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are a couple of lovely tavernas in the village square that serve traditional Greek cuisine.
The restaurants offer authentic local dishes and traditional Greek cuisine, known for its high quality.
Traditional Greek cuisine often includes many vegetable-based dishes. It's best to ask the tavernas directly about their specific offerings.
Prices are generally considered reasonable for the quality of food and the unique dining experience.
Yes, you can buy local honey from the Syriotis family apiary and other local products from the gift shops.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the medieval stone ruins, the charming village streets, the iconic arch, and the stunning mountain and sea views. The golden hour light is particularly beautiful.
While drone photography can offer unique perspectives, be mindful of local regulations and respect the historical and residential nature of the site.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good opportunities.
Always ask for permission before photographing individuals or their businesses to be respectful.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the ruins and landscapes. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking around the uneven terrain. The local tavernas offer a chance for a relaxed meal, and the honey farm is a fascinating stop for children to learn about where their food comes from. Keep an eye on younger children as some areas have steep drops or crumbling structures.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Be prepared for a challenging but rewarding drive. The winding nature of the road requires concentration, but the vistas are well worth the effort. Once you arrive, the unique atmosphere of the ancient village provides a perfect contrast to the modern adventure of the drive.
🏛️ History Buffs
Take your time to explore the ruins and imagine the lives of those who once inhabited this remote mountain village. The Venetian influences in the architecture and the sheer age of the structures make it a significant historical site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Old Perithia
Over time, as piracy decreased and coastal living became safer and more convenient, the population gradually moved down towards the coast. This led to Old Perithia becoming largely abandoned, earning it the nickname 'ghost town.' However, a few dedicated locals and families have maintained a presence, and recent efforts have seen some of the historic buildings renovated into charming tavernas, guesthouses, and shops, breathing new life into this ancient settlement.
Today, visiting Old Perithia offers a unique journey back in time. The stone-built houses, many in various states of ruin, stand as silent witnesses to centuries of history. The village is dotted with numerous churches, some still standing proud, others in decay, each telling a part of its story. The surrounding landscape, with its diverse flora and fauna, adds to the enchanting atmosphere of this heritage-protected site.
Culinary Delights and Local Produce
Beyond the savory dishes, Old Perithia is also known for its local produce, particularly honey. The Syriotis family apiary is a highlight for many visitors, offering a chance to learn about beekeeping and purchase different varieties of delicious, locally sourced honey. This direct connection to the land and its products adds a unique dimension to the visitor experience, allowing them to take a tangible piece of Old Perithia home with them.
When visiting the tavernas, expect classic Greek dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Many reviewers highlight the quality and authenticity of the food, making it a worthwhile stop after exploring the historical ruins. It's an opportunity to not only refuel but also to engage with the local culture and traditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit