Discover Peritheia: Old Houses and Village Paths

Peritheia appeals to travelers who do not view historic architecture and walking routes separately. There are around 130 houses in Old Perithia; most were built in the Venetian architectural style. The houses and paved village lanes are made of stone. The combination of building materials, lanes and construction gives the village a distinctive character. Old Perithia lies on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator and is considered Corfu’s oldest village.

A Historic Stone Village

The history of Old Perithia dates back to the 13th century; today, the village is considered abandoned. Its historical setting and settlement character go hand in hand: the focus is not just on individual buildings, but on the village as a whole. The predominantly Venetian architecture shapes the houses, while stone characterizes both the houses and the paths.

Walking Routes, a Summit Hike and the Corfu Trail

There are walking routes in Old Perithia. A route of about one hour leads from there along a gravel road to the summit of Mount Pantokrator and is considered manageable even for beginners. You can set aside this approximate amount of time for the summit hike. Old Perithia is also listed as a daily stage location on the Corfu Trail. You can therefore consider the local walking routes, the path to the summit and its inclusion in the stage list as different ways to explore on foot.

Corfu: City History and Museums

Corfu Old Town offers a different historical focus. Its urban fabric has been almost entirely preserved; the buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The Old Town and its two fortresses are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This allows you to distinguish between two different historical highlights on Corfu: village architecture in Old Perithia and the urban fabric of Corfu Old Town.

The Museum of Asian Art in Corfu Old Town houses more than 11,000 objects from China, Japan, India, the Himalayas and Central Asia. The collection’s varied regions of origin make it a distinct art theme, with a different focus from the architectural history of Old Perithia.

The Archaeological Museum of Corfu displays the Gorgon Medusa pediment from the great Temple of Artemis, created in 585 BC and excavated in 1911 near the Monastery of Aghioi Theodoroi. The museum was built primarily to exhibit this pediment.

The Museum of Asian Art can be reached from Corfu Port by bus route 2 on the Mantouki–Kanoni line. Check the timetable before your trip.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Accommodation

When looking for a holiday apartment in Peritheia, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your holiday. If Old Perithia, its stone houses and paths are your priority, you can prioritize Peritheia as your search location. If you are more interested in museums and city history, consider Corfu Old Town as a separate cultural focus when planning your trip.

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