Corfu Trail from Liapades to Agios Georgios

What it is

It is stage 7 of the Corfu Trail, the long-distance path that crosses Corfu from end to end, about 178 km in 11 stages, from Asprokavos in the south to Agios Spyridon in the north. This stretch links Liapades, beside Paleokastritsa, with Agios Georgios bay, in the north-west: 13 km, about 350 m of cumulative ascent and four hours' walking, according to the official route. It is one of the most varied stages of the trail: cliff above the sea, cobbled paths among olive trees, mountain villages, a viewpoint over Paleokastritsa and a zigzag descent to the beach.

The route, step by step

1. The headland above the sea. You leave Liapades along a path that crosses a promontory high above the sea. The trail itself describes it as difficult: it is narrow, stony and exposed. It ends at the Paleokastritsa road.

2. Climb to Lakones. You cross the main road and start climbing on cobbled paths among olive trees. In about an hour you reach the historic village of Lakones. Here you have to walk nearly a kilometre along the village road, with traffic: keep to the edge and in single file.

3. The Bella Vista viewpoint. At the exit from Lakones is the Bella Vista viewpoint, with Paleokastritsa and its coves at your feet. It is the best place to stop for something to eat.

4. Krini and Angelokastro. The path continues to Krini. From here you can detour to Angelokastro castle, a quarter of an hour's climb from its box office; it is open April to October and closed on Tuesdays. It adds a good hour to the day if you go in.

5. The Valley of the Lilies and the descent. Then you cross the Valley of the Lilies and come to the most spectacular stretch: a steep zigzag descent down the cliff.

6. On to Agios Georgios. At the end, a track among olive trees and the seashore bring you to Agios Georgios, the long beach of the north-west bay. From here, Porto Timoni is on the other side of the Afionas promontory.

Difficulty and who it is for

It is a medium stage by distance and ascent, but with technical stretches: the path at the start and the final descent require sure footing and boots with a good sole. It is not for small children or for dogs unused to the mountains. With teenagers who walk, yes. If you only want a piece, the most rewarding is from Lakones to Bella Vista and Krini.

When to go, water and shade

Spring and autumn are the best seasons: mild temperatures and, in September and October, the sea still warm on arrival. In July and August set out at dawn, because the headland and descent stretches are in the sun. The olive groves give shade, the promontory and the cliff do not.

Lakones and Krini are the villages on the way; between them and outside them do not count on springs: carry at least two litres per person. If a storm threatens, do not enter the headland stretch or the cliff descent, which are slippery in mud: from Lakones or Krini you can call a taxi.

How to start and get back

Liapades is beside Paleokastritsa. If you go by car, leave it in Liapades and come back from Agios Georgios by taxi, because the two ends are on different branches of the coast. If you stay at the Camping Paleokastritsa, you are almost at the start.

The green KTEL buses reach Paleokastritsa from the town; check timetables on the green bus station page.

With accommodation sorted

If you want to do the whole Corfu Trail or in sections, Anna Aperghi Travel & Tourism, the Corfu agency that maintains the trail's website, organises self-guided programmes with accommodation booked at the end of each stage, and also guided departures in spring. It does not publish prices: you have to ask for a quote.