Upper (Ano) and Lower (Kato) Pavliana Corfu: where nature paints!
The nature of Corfu is superb. Probably when the Almighty was creating the world and saw Corfu, He grabbed the artistic inspiration and began to paint beautiful landscapes and villages. Thus all the villages of Corfu are lovely touches in a vast green background, blending with the calm blue of the Ionian Sea.
Such a touch of the great painter, are both villages of Corfu, Ano and Kato Pavliana.
The villages are located on the slopes of the mountain Pavliana. They are characterized by old stone houses and narrow neighborhoods. These villages are bordering with Pentati village, Saint Matthew and Garouna. The villages are also close to some beaches such as the Paramonas, Agios Gordios and Saint Nicholas.
In the old days, houses in Pavliana were built mainly of stone and other durable materials to withstand earthquakes. The roof tops were constructing by Byzantine tiles. They had cellars (storage) but the furniture in the houses was minimal. Even today, they use the famous ognistres (oven tool), limekiln on and bougiates (manufacture of charcoal).
Tradition flows through dance and music on the island of Corfu and the Pavliana residents expressed themselves through this tradition. Many of them have composed songs, while during festivals held in the village, people are dancing with handmade costumes of Corfu. In the village there are two Cultural Associations. The Environmental Association and the Association of Forest Protection; members are responsible for the protection of the natural wealth of the village. Founded in 2005-2006 and belongs to the chapel of Prophet Elias and crucifixes. The Cultural Association’s main objective is also the protection of the local cultural wealth, and it is expressed through the organization of theatrical performances in the village.
The small village of Agios Gordios is surrounded by green olive-clad mountains that lead down to a long golden sandy beach with crystal clear water. At the village you can find everything you might need. There are many hotels, apartments, studios, restaurants, bars, shops, supermarkets and all the kind of services.There is a full range of restaurants offering a variety of tastes including Traditional Greek, Mediterranean, international and Mexican; a few of these are by the sea. The quality and the service of Agios gordios restaurants are at high levels. Prices are very good and can satisfy all budgets.
The beach of Agios Gordios is a beautiful long sandy beach (about 1.5 km long) which has also private areas for nudists and to those who enjoy privacy. On the busy part of the beach (about 600 meters) you can either opt for relaxation (there are beds and umbrellas for hire) or get a bit more involved. There are boats, canoes and pedallos for hire that offer the opportunity for some explorations. And last but not least, (for the really active) there is a diving centre and water sports.Within 3 Km from Agios Gordios, there are 3 traditional Greek villages (Kato Garouna, Pentati & Sinarades) where you can go by foot through picturesque paths and enjoy the beauty of the nature.
Paramonas beach is located at the south west corner of the Mesis region. From the village of Agios Mattheos, a road leads down to Paramonas, an excellent sandy beach with some small islets off-shore and two or three taverns beside the waves. To the south are the clean and peaceful little beaches of Prasoudi, Kavouli, and Skidi, worth keeping in mind if you seek solitude during the peak season. Because of Paramonas’ healthy and relaxing environment, it has been used in various film commercial production purposes. Some of the biggest and most influential stars have set foot in this alluring beach. A lot of them often return to this place not to work but for recreational and vacation purposes. Because of this, Paramonas has become one of the most sought-after vacation places in Greece.
Chalikounas Beach: Chalikounas Lake – also called Korission Lake – is a lagoon on the south-west side of Corfu in a setting very different from any other you will find on Corfu Island. Chalikounas Beach is the strip of sand that separates the lagoon from the sea. It is a protected site as it is a habitat for several rare species of birds (120 have been found so far). The beach is mostly sandy with shallow waters. It’s always clean but this beach has no facilities at all! Due to its status as a protected area any facility is prohibited but there are a couple of ”kantines” or kiosks at either end of the beach for soft drinks. There is a simple taverna, noted for its fish, on the approach to the lagoon. There are a few sun beds for rent front of the wooden kiosks (operating also as beach bars) which you will probably need as the sun can get fierce here. Korission lake was created by the Venetians who digged a canal to the sea and they filled 6 acres with sea water. Following the dirt road you reach the old fisherman huts. Some of the primitive flat-type boats they used for fishing are still there. A tiny bridge will lead you after to the cedar forest and rare flowers like orchids. Chalikounas is not a busy beach. Even if you show up during the peak season you will still be several meters away from others on the beach. It’s ideal for some privacy and relaxation but if it gets dark the mosquitoes from the lake could become an issue. It goes without saying that the area has no accommodation!
Kontogialos beach is very popular among the locals, especially the young as it is relatively close to the city (13 km) but, it is also one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. It resembles the adjacent Glyfada beach. Different roads lead to these two beaches. It is certain that before you reach Kontogialos beach you will have the opportunity to enjoy the view overlooking this wonderful, verdant bay. Kontogialos beach is covered with fine, golden sand and it is surrounded by high hills, full of olive and pine trees. Its waters deepen smoothly and its sandy sea bed is suitable for having fun in the water. On the beach you will find many beach bars & taverns. It is a fully organized beach with parasols and deck-chairs and there is the possibility to engage in sea sports. There is also a beach volleyball court. A few decades ago, the settlement of Kontogialos and its beautiful beach was the favorite destination of the hippies but, today it attracts people of all ages, both locals and tourists. In order to get to Kontogialos beach, you must pass through the very beautiful village of Pelekas. This is why the beach is also called Pelekas beach.
Glyfada Beach is one of the most popular Corfu beaches, packed with swimmers and sunbathers at all times of the day. The beach is long, wide and sandy and caters mainly to young people as it offers several beach bars and cafes. It is well-organized with water sports facilities, long chairs and umbrellas. Sometimes the area is windy, causing the sea to become wavy, so better look at the weather before you go!
Kynopiastes: A traditional village of the Messi Region of Corfu, only 9,5 km away from Kato Pavliana, which you have to visit . Old mansions of the 17th to 19th centuries, a marble church, a 17th century monastery and a museum (and the only one on the island) devoted to the olive tree with some of the most famous restaurants on the island, are the reasons for which we suggest you visit it. It is on the way leading to the tourist resorts of Agios Gordios and near the tourist resorts Glyfada, Ermones, Benitses and to the villages Kato Garouna, Sinarades.
The narrow tiled paths invite you to walk on them; looking at the small squares and at the houses which preserve the traditional colors. The main church is devoted to the Virgin Mary and it is in the central square. It is a traditional church with unique architecture and an impressive marble entrance. Inside, there are frescoes of the 18th century Ionian School of Painting. At the edge of the village there is the monastery of Agia Paraskevi, built in the 17th century. At Kynopiastes there are some of the most famous taverns in Corfu, which serve traditional Corfiot dishes. One of them is the world famous tavern « Trypas », which has hosted Kings , like the Kings of Greece and England, Presidents of Countries, like Francois Mitterand (France), stars of the European and American cinema and music, like Jane Fonda , Anthony Quinn etc.
Garouna Village: Ano Garouna Corfu is a picturesque village built amphitheater-like on the hillside. Just opposite, you will see another village on the other side of the hill, Kato Garouna. Ano Garouna is famous for the tradition of sculpture and carving stone. Great place; perfect for those who love excursions in nature. Make sure you also visit the monastery of St. Panteleimon, located 2 km away from Ano Garouna at an altitude of 450 meters.
The village of Kato Garouna is built at an altitude of 200 meters, 140m below the Ano Garouna village. It is worth mentioning the efforts of the cultural association of Kato Garouna. The valuable contribution of the association in maintaining and disseminating the cultural heritage of the island of Corfu lies in the existence of a unique and complex polyphonic orchestra in the island, which was founded in 1958 and which has participated in festivals at the Municipal Theatre of Corfu, Italy, Ithaca and Ancient Olympia and festivals that take place every summer in Foros (the Old Square of the village).
Agios Mattheos is a beautiful mountainous village located 6 Km from Kato Pavliana. Its population reaches 1500 inhabitants who are mainly involved in agriculture. The village is built amidst lush forests on the slopes a mountain surrounded by many charming stone houses. . It is a village with great personality, fine traditional cafes line the main street and it has a philharmonic orchestra, founded in 1965. Agios Mattheos consists of both modern and old buildings, monasteries and beautiful churches. Near the summit stands the Monastery of Pantokrator (the Almighty), built at the start of the 4th century AD. Its remarkable all-night festival takes place on August 6th, and is well worth seeing. Nearby is the entrance to a cave which is said to lead down to the sea. The historical value of the place is undisputed, for here traces of Mesolithic Man have been found. The Gardiki Castle is one of the most impressive ancient sites in the village.
Pentati village is situated on a hill overlooking the sea, above the famous Ortholithi rock, and is a good example of a traditional Greek village. It has a few taverns and cafes where you can experience the original Greek way of life. From Pentati village you can enjoy a panoramic view of Agios Gordios beach with its stunning sunset and take amazing photographs. You can also visit the picturesque small harbor “fioroula” which is located not more than 1km from the village.
Kouramades is a small traditional village in the hinterland of the island between the villages Kastellani, Kalafationes and Sinarades. In Kouramades one will see many old Corfiot houses, adorned with palm trees and bougainvillea. It is a quiet village and its inhabitants mainly engage in agriculture. In the village you will find a bakery, coffee shops, some restaurants and grill houses. The first church to be seen when entering the village is Agios Panteleimon. This is a small church with simple architecture dating from the late 15th century. Onto a wooded hill lies the Monastery Agia Kyriaki with its church, cells, and hospice, library and ancillary areas.