Map of Corfu

For any information or reservation write to:Vincent Soueref

0030.26610.35909(uffic)
0030.26610.93209(FAX)

0030.6977.292182(cell)

The region of
G Y R O

The region of Gyro extends over 120 square kilometers and contains around 60 villages. Most of these were estabilished as a result of the need for the local farmers to be close to their fields during the time of the olive harvest, from october to january. The 14,000 residents of the region are, like those in the rest of Corfu, employed in olive cultivation and tourism.

The ranges of hills in the south and west drop towards the north-west shor, forming the narrow, verdurous valleys of Tyflopotamos (Rekini River), Kounavades, Sidari, Magoulades and Velonades. The rivers and the streams which run down this valleys have contributed to the evolution of wetlands habitat and idyllic countryside. The Tyflos or Phonissa River rises in the centre of Gyro and forms a dance network of waterways which drain the mountainous massif of northern Corfu, as well as the water of many springs, to an outflow in the bay of Sidari. Here fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals find refuge, among them tartles, otters, pine martens and foxes, as well as migrating birds. The Agnos river, located a little to the east, also flows all year round, running in to the sea at Astrakeri. A trip around the peaks of the hills offers a wonderful view down over picturesque settlements and bays, and on the horizon, the Diapontian islands can be seeing. The northern coasts of Gyro are composed of vast, sandy beaches.

Astrakeri: Is a bay with a quiet beach and a few little tavernas. On May Day, the Karousades Cultural Society puts on an unusual and very jolly fiesta on the seashore. Not to be missed if you are in Corfu during that period.

Karoussades: A village of some 1300 inhabitants, was established in 20 b.C. by the Karousses, refugees from the Pontian region of the Black Sea. During the Byzantine period, it was a command post with a well developed economy. In 1453, the Theotokis family settled in the village, establishing a great dynasty which went on to play a leading roule in the economic and political life of the island. Theyr grand mansion, built in 1500, is preseved today.

Sidari: Is a top tourist resort which is renowned all over the world. The soft rock of the coastline, which has been chiselled into many forms, gives the region a special charm.

sidari love canal

Peroulades: it is a traditional village with a rich architectural inheritance from Venetian times. You will see arches, doorways, old-style grocers stores and the ruins of the house where the poet Andreas Kalvos lived. From this point a road leads to the wonderful shoreline at Cape Drastis.
The western shores of Gyro feature sandy, level sdhorelines and clear open sea. Agios stefanos, Agia Pelagia and Arillas are excellent for swimming, as well as windsurfing when the weather permits.

Afionas: is a peninsula which provides a fantastic view towards Agiou Georgiou Bay an over the open sea. From here you can see the island of Karavi (Ship), which, rising from the sea, has prompted many myths and legends. According to Pliny, it was the petrified ship of the Phaeceans, which had carried Odysseus back to his homeland, while in the nearby villages thy speak of the historical queen Pamphlagona, who ruled her own city. It was said that her husband went away to fight a foreign queen, but instead he feel in love with her, and they fled together on his boat. The deceived pamphlagona invoked Saint Nicholas, who punished her untrue husband by turning his boat to stone.
The village of Afionas was first inhabitated in the 6th century b.C., but it was abandoned shortly afterwards and re-inhabitated by a race of dark people, probably members of a Mongolian tribe. From the centre of the village, you can take a footpath wich, after a walk of about half an hour, leads you down to the lovely Porto Timoni. At this spot, you will come across the ruins of defenses built by Pyrrhus of Epirus around 300 b.C.. On the northwestern side of the headland you can discern excavations made by Dorpfeld, who, while seeking the Palace of Alkinoos, uncovered a Neolithic settlementdating from around 3000 b.C..

Agiou Georgiou (Pagi): beach sweeps around the bay of the same name, and has a vary cold water. The evening Maestros makes if a favourite venue for fans of wind-surfing. At the southern end of the beach, hust where the road runs out, a footpath leads, after a walk of some ten minutes, to the picturesque "fisherman's taverna".

Pagi: Is a pretty village which managed to avoid being raided by pirates and barbarians, and now many of its attractive old houses have been restored to accomodate tourists. From here you can take a mostly unmade road which leads to Vistonas, passable and running through some lovely areas.

Krini: Is the spot where you must spot and quench your thirst from the well of icy water wich stands in the little village square. Or you can order a Greek coffee at the adjacent cafè, and sip it untilthe sun's heat dies a little, then, rested, set out for Angelokastro.

Angelokastro: Is a Byzantine fortress, probably built in the 13th century by Michael, Despot of Epirus. It is located on a rock 160 metres above sea level, washed by the waves on three sides, and a narrow passage links with terra firma. In 1537, 3000 people from surrounding villages took refuge in the fortress, fleeing from the Turks. Until its abandonement during Venetian times, the fortress was never taken by force. At the summits stands the little church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, while close up to the north-west wall a cave forms the chapel of Agia Kyriaki. The view takes the breath away, giving you the impression that Angelokastrp was christened thus because up there it's easy to believe that angels exist.

angelokastro paleokastritsa
komus (liapades)

Lakones: Is a most picturesque village with narrow streets. Close by is the famed Bella Vista, which they say has the best view in the Mediterranean. The village owes its name to its founders, refugees from Lakonia in the Peloponnese, who estabilished a settlement at this spot.

Paleokastritsa: Is located about 25 kilometers from town, linked to it by the widest and best laid out road on the island. It consists of two large peninsulas and five coves, and the harmony of lush vegetation, precipitous cliffs and sandy shores has estabilished it as a top class resort. The northern headland belongs to the Monastery of Blessed Virgin Mary, which was founded in 1225. The building which exists today is later, and houses a museum with Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons. Alipa Bay, as well as the installations of a NATO base, has a small port where yachts and fishing boats anchor. In the area around Paleokastritsa, you will fin some of the island's biggest hotels, best restaurants and liveliest bars. A special note should be taken of the surrounding sea depths, a favourite spot for scuba diving and fishing with a harpoon.

liapades Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Kolouri: Is the name of the rock which rises out of the sea in the bay of Paleokastritsa. It is one of the candidates for the petrified ship of Odysseus.

Liapades: Is the beautifully built village of 900 inhabitants, renowned for its wine produced from the kakotrygis variety.

roda sidari love canal
arillas

The villages in the central section of Gyro are quiet and picturesque, far from the bustle of tourist development.

Kyprianades: Has very ancient roots, and once was prosperous and well populated. Today, few folk remain, but it is worth visiting this corner of Corfu, to marvel at the surrounding natura beauty. The Tyflos River, with its wonderful flora and fauna, passes close by. As well as eels and turtles, freshwater whitebait and spawn live in the river. Riverbank footpaths lead to "kefalovriso" (the "spring source"), where you can drink clean, cool water from Pantokrator.

Agii Douli: Is a pictoresque village with Venetian houses and Byzantine origins. The "agii douli" ("Holy slaves") were the servants who worked the land belonging to the Church in Byzantine times.

Skripero: Is a large village spreading on the hillside, with old mansions, with a tradition of good music and folklore. Its philarmonic orchestra was founded at the turn of the century. The albanian word for hillside is skrip, and may have a direct relationship with the name of the village, altough the italian "scrivere" (write) remains from the time when Skripero was the capital of the Municipality of Epilimnion, the base for local authorities such as magistrates and police.

For any information or reservation write to:Vincent Soueref

0030.26610.35909(uffic)
0030.26610.93209(FAX)

0030.6977.292182(cell)