Old Perithia - Bendita Patria building
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Old Perithia

4.5
·3k reviews·Περίθεια, Greece

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoon

Golden hour light on ruins

CrowdMedium
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Old Perithia - Bendita Patria building

Old Perithia

Best Time

Afternoon

Golden hour light on ruins

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(3k reviews)

"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."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Stone Ruins

Medieval Stone Ruins

Throughout the village

Explore the crumbling mansions and Byzantine churches that whisper tales of Venetian elegance and pirate refuge.

Instagram
Local Tavernas

Local Tavernas

Village square

Savor authentic local dishes and experience warm hospitality at the charming restaurants.

InstagramReddit
Syriotis Family Apiary

Syriotis Family Apiary

Beehives

Visit the local honey farm to learn about beekeeping and taste delicious, locally produced honey.

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Mountain Road

The drive to Old Perithia is an adventure itself! Expect a narrow, winding mountain road that some find challenging. Take your time, especially if you're not used to such routes. The views are spectacular, but focus on the drive first. Reddit

Embrace the History and Charm

Old Perithia is Corfu's oldest inhabited settlement, a 'ghost town' where nature is reclaiming medieval stone houses and churches. While some renovations are underway, the ruins offer a glimpse into its past. Allow time to wander and soak in the atmosphere. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on ruins
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Welcome to forgotten town of Old Perithia, the oldest permanently inhabited settlement in Corfu, with records dating back to the 14th century! 📜🏛️
bokehm0n
4.8K likes • 184.5K views

🚗 Challenging Drive Ahead

The road is narrow and winding. Drive slowly and carefully, especially if you're not used to mountain roads. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Explore

Give yourself at least an hour to explore the ruins and soak in the unique atmosphere. Reddit

Where to find this secret old town? ⬇️ 📍Old Perithia, Corfu A must see historic old town in the northeast of Corfu! An abandoned village full of ruins. Now filled with cute bnb’s and quaint little restaurants. 📌 Save for future trips 📌 Follow @travelwiththeblyths for more travel inspiration History | Corfu | Greece | attraction | itinerary | Must see | £ | Day out | Greek islands | Drone | ...
travelwiththeblyths
0 likes • 890 views
A visit to Old Perithia is always a unique experience and it goes without saying that it always ends with a visit to @foros_taverna to taste authentic local dishes and enjoy the hospitality of Thomas @thomassiriotis and family❤️ #oldperithia #localfood #unescoworldheritage #corfu #summer2024 #forostaverna
villanena_studiosuites
34 likes • 562 views

🍯 Taste Local Honey

Don't miss the chance to try delicious local honey from the Syriotis family apiary. InstagramReddit

🍽️ Enjoy Traditional Food

The local tavernas offer high-quality, traditional Greek cuisine. InstagramReddit

The greatest joy and energy i get from my job is when people are visiting me at my beehives "Syriotis family apiary" at Old Perithia heritage protected site to show their grandchildren and children where the honey they consume is coming from and where they should be buying their honey in the future.Trust is based on reliability,lies don't last for long.Our beekeeping is our identity,Syriotis famil...
oldperithiasbeekeeper
49 likes • 423 views

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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Explore

Give yourself at least an hour to explore the ruins and soak in the unique atmosphere. Reddit

🍯 Taste Local Honey

Don't miss the chance to try delicious local honey from the Syriotis family apiary. InstagramReddit

🍽️ Enjoy Traditional Food

The local tavernas offer high-quality, traditional Greek cuisine. InstagramReddit

🅿️ Parking Caution

Be mindful of the gravelly car park; some spots can be tricky to exit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

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. InstagramReddit+1

"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

Unique historical atmosphere
Scenic mountain drive
Authentic local food

What People Dislike

Challenging road
Can be explored quickly

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. Reddit Consider renting a car for flexibility, or inquire about local tours that might include this destination. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

The route typically involves heading north from Corfu Town towards Kassiopi, then following signs for Old Perithia. The journey itself offers beautiful scenery. Instagram

Yes, there is a car park available. However, be aware that the surface is gravelly, and some spaces might be difficult to exit from. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no entrance fees to visit Old Perithia. It's an open-air historical site that you can explore freely. Instagram

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. Instagram

The ruins are part of the village and are freely accessible. There are no specific tickets required to view the historical structures. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit+1

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. Reddit

Yes, it's a great place for walking and exploring the historical site. Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven. Reddit

You'll enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and, from certain vantage points, the ocean. The setting is quite picturesque. Reddit

Restrooms are typically available at the tavernas and restaurants within the village. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are a couple of lovely tavernas in the village square that serve traditional Greek cuisine. InstagramReddit+1

The restaurants offer authentic local dishes and traditional Greek cuisine, known for its high quality. InstagramReddit

Traditional Greek cuisine often includes many vegetable-based dishes. It's best to ask the tavernas directly about their specific offerings. Reddit

Prices are generally considered reasonable for the quality of food and the unique dining experience. Reddit

Yes, you can buy local honey from the Syriotis family apiary and other local products from the gift shops. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 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. InstagramReddit

While drone photography can offer unique perspectives, be mindful of local regulations and respect the historical and residential nature of the site. Instagram

Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good opportunities. Reddit

Always ask for permission before photographing individuals or their businesses to be respectful. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the ruins and landscapes. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Old Perithia offers a unique historical adventure for families. The drive up the mountain can be exciting for kids, and the 'ghost town' aspect of the ruins sparks imagination. Reddit Exploring the stone houses and imagining life centuries ago can be a fun educational experience. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit Keep an eye on younger children as some areas have steep drops or crumbling structures. Reddit

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

The journey to Old Perithia is as much a part of the experience as the destination itself. The narrow, winding mountain road offers stunning panoramic views of Corfu's coastline and the Ionian Sea, making it a scenic drive for those who enjoy exploring by car. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

Old Perithia is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. As Corfu's oldest inhabited settlement, its medieval stone architecture and numerous churches offer a tangible connection to the past. TikTokInstagram The village's history as a refuge from pirates and its subsequent decline provide a compelling narrative. Reddit

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Old Perithia

Old Perithia, also known as Paleo Perithia, is a remarkably preserved medieval village and the oldest permanently inhabited settlement in Corfu. Its history dates back to the 14th century. The village was strategically built high on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator to offer refuge from pirate raids that plagued the coastal areas of Corfu. This isolation allowed it to flourish, becoming a prosperous center with numerous churches and grand houses, reflecting Venetian architectural influences. TikTokInstagram

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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

Culinary Delights and Local Produce

The dining experience in Old Perithia is a significant draw for visitors, offering a taste of authentic Corfiot cuisine. The village boasts a few traditional tavernas, notably those run by local families who pride themselves on serving high-quality, homemade dishes. These establishments are often praised for their warm hospitality and the delicious flavors of their traditional Greek fare. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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