Stavros, Caves, Mountain of Pantokrator Chapel - South Central Corfu

Duration: 
 3 hrs
Rating: Moderate




You will experience traditional small mountain Greek village, prepared walking paths in amongst cypress trees with a mixture of Greek and Italian buildings.

As you approach the start and end point of this mountain walk you may notice the Italian influence on the architecture of this quiet mountain village. 
This wonderful walk takes you on a circuit of the high ridge of Stavros. 
We reach a delightful chapel by a mountain footpath, and then return along a way of a track. 
Throughout, the views are spectacular.
Start on the Stavros road, outside Kalithea taverna next to the church.
We pass the houses of Dafnata then take the main path above olive   trees. 

 Looking right, the vista is the Strongili valley, the Korision Lake and the mountain villages of Garouna, Agios Mathaios and Vouniatades.
Periodic breaks in the trees give excellent photo opportunities and good excuses for a rest, with views of the wooded countryside composed of olive groves and orchards of oranges and lemons.



Still ascending, a short climb and minor detour finds us at a magnificently situated cave. Years ago this cave was used as a shelter. Hundreds of rooks nesting here will rise and flee as you approach.
A short climb and minor detour finds us at a magnificently situated chapel, built on a rocky outcrop jutting from the hillside.
At the top of a longish climb, the path undulates along the hillside, and then descends to the little chapel of Pantokrator, set on a pinnacle above the valley. 
You will come across many small chapels such as this on Corfu and while some are family owned most, such as this one are left open and you can go in and admire this Greek Orthodox chapel.
A break here gives excellent photo opportunities and good excuses for a rest and a picnic.
Once sufficiently rested we begin the descent back down through a mountain track by a different route, that emerges back at the village of Stavros.
At this point we leave the paths behind and follow a route known to locals through the top of the mountain with magnificent views.
Here we have a choice ; you can finish of the walk. Or alternatively you can have a short walk back to the village and the chance to admire the traditional old Greek buildings interspersed with the Italian influenced architecture. In either case a cold drink awaits you at the friendly taverna, perhaps a cold beer or a fresh squeezed orange juice.

Equipment: 

You will require walking boots and walking socks for support and comfort while walking. It is advisable to wear light long sleeve shirts and light trousers in addition to a sun hat, sun cream sunglasses. You should bring a rucksack, as it will be necessary to carry your lunch, personal items and at least one litres of water.

Food: 

You will not need to bring a large amount of food, however, certainly bring some. This is the sort of walk where you might bring some snacks and fruit. There is a shop on route and we will finish at a beach side tavern. The best rule of thumb is always to come away from a walk with some food spare.

Availability:

This guided walk is available on Monday’s.
Our walking season is all year round.
For a personal bespoke Walking Program that will include this guided walk on alternative days please contact us to discuss your requirements:  walkingcorfu1@gmail.com

Walking conditions: 

The majority of this walk is on clean paths, there is an optional section that is quite adventurous. There are some steep uphill sections but these are quite short; the overall altitude gain is low to moderate.The views are stunning from the summit. Approximately half the walk is on single-track footpaths. This tour involves a strenuous 3-mile walk so you must be in good physical condition with the ability to walk uphill for extended periods of time.

Stops & Breaks: 

There will be many stops allowing to take on water and one meal break, there are many photo oppertunitys which will not be passed.

Meeting point: 

The walk begins from Stavros Village ( view map here ), outside Kalithea taverna next to the church , you require to be at the meeting point for 9:00.  Specific instructions will be provided on booking this guided walk.