Old Perithia, The Oldest Village on the Island of Corfu

Considered centuries ago to be the perfect hiding place from potential pirate attacks, Old Perithia nestles beneath Mount Pantokrator at an altitude of over 900 meters.

Where is Old Perithia, How to Get There, and Distances From Other Resorts

The Old Perithia village is located 51 kilometers away from Corfu Town, in the northeastern part of the island.

Starting from Corfu Town, it will take you about an hour and a half to drive to Old Perithia.

It is located just 13.8 kilometers from the center of Acharavi resort (a heads-up for those planning to stay there) and at a similar distance from the center of Kassiopi resort.

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It is recommended to drive to Old Perithia via the coastal road, and on the section between Acharavi and Kassiopi, turn towards the village following a sign. The turn is right at the "Ice Dream" gelateria. From there, you’ll have about 15 more minutes of driving to reach the village.

Distances to Old Perithia from other resorts on the island:

• Distance from Dassia to Old Perithia: 36 kilometers
• Distance from Sidari to Old Perithia: 26 kilometers
• Distance from Paleokastritsa to Old Perithia: 40 kilometers
• Distance from Agios Gordios to Old Perithia: 59 kilometers
• Distance from Moraitika to Old Perithia: 68 kilometers
• Distance from Lefkimmi to Old Perithia: 91 kilometers
• Distance from Kavos to Old Perithia: 96 kilometers

What to Know About Old Perithia: What You Can See Here

Old Perithia traces its origins to the Byzantine era, having been established around the 14th century, driven by the desire of coastal residents to protect themselves from pirate attacks.

The village is considered to be the oldest permanently inhabited settlement on the island of Corfu (the first recorded mention dates back to 1357, but it is believed that Old Perithia is even older).

It reached its peak around the 17th century when it became the wealthiest village on the island, with over 130 Venetian-style houses, 8 churches, and more than 1,000 inhabitants.

Gradually, as pirate attacks no longer posed a threat and tourism began to develop on the island of Corfu (in the 1960s), the villagers relocated, returning to the coastline.

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The village was thus abandoned, and many of the houses fell into disrepair. However, starting in 2010, thanks to the initiative of a couple who restored three buildings, Old Perithia began to come back to life.

Around 35% of the houses here are currently restored or in the process of being restored.

Old Perithia has been featured in various press articles, including in world-renowned publications such as National Geographic, in tourist guides, and on websites like TripAdvisor, becoming a magnet for tourists who want to visit a place so deeply marked by time, yet so picturesque and peaceful.

Currently, there is only one accommodation available in Old Perithia, along with several tavernas (O Foros, Taverna Evdokia, Taverna the Old Perithia, Ognistra, and Gabriel’s Steps) and a family-run honey shop. Additionally, you can visit some of the village’s historical landmarks, small churches, and old houses—all set in an idyllic environment, perfect for walking enthusiasts and especially for photography lovers.

Other Attractions Near Old Perithia

Something tells us that the unique beauty of this place will be all you need to relax and escape, for a few hours, from the hustle and bustle of the larger resorts. However, if you feel you have the time and energy for more, it’s good to know that relatively nearby you can also visit:

Agios Spiridon Beach is one of the closest beaches from Old Perithia. It is about 9.7 kilometers away, in the Antinioti Lagoon area.

The beach is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, and has a gentle entry into the sea.

Also nearby, you’ll find Gialiskari Beach, a wild, unorganized beach. It offers stunning views of the Albanian coast.

It's recommended to park your car where the paved road ends (about 1 km before the beach). Special footwear is advisable, as there are stones and rocks at the entrance to the sea.

Hint: Be careful not to confuse it with Yaliskari, another beach on the west coast of the island of Corfu.

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The resort of Sidari and its beautiful beaches are also at a relatively reasonable distance from Old Perithia.

You have 25 kilometers to cover between the two, and in Sidari, you'll find the famous Canal D'Amour, as well as Apotripiti Beach and the central beach (much more spacious, organized, with tavernas and bars in the back area).

Old Perithia is one of the most beautiful traditional villages on the island of Corfu, and the fact that this place is gradually rising from the ashes is yet another reason to pay it a visit.