Old Perithia: Discover Corfu's Oldest Village
Discover Old Perithia, the oldest village on Corfu, with its stone houses, historic churches, traditional taverns, and great local spots.
October 8, 2026
In Corfu, sometimes all it takes is to leave the coast and head a little higher up to feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Head to Old Perithia, or Palia Perithia, in the mountains of the island’s northeast. Considered the oldest village in Corfu, this historic village was almost entirely abandoned before gradually coming back to life. Stone houses, narrow streets, ancient churches, taverns, and mountains all around: if you’re looking to discover a more authentic side of Corfu, be sure to make room for Old Perithia in your itinerary.
The earliest written records of Old Perithia date back to the 14th century. Situated at the foot of Mount Pantokrator, the village developed far from the coast and, over the centuries, grew into a significant community of shepherds, farmers, and merchants.
Then life gradually shifted toward the coast. As coastal villages and tourism developed, Old Perithia gradually lost its residents.
Today, it’s precisely this mix that gives the town its charm. Some houses have been restored, while others still bear the marks of time. Here, there’s no need for a complicated itinerary: just walk around, take it all in, and take your time.
Our tip: Don't just stop by to snap a few photos before heading back. Old Perithia is worth taking your time to explore.
This is one of Old Perithia’s most remarkable features: the village has eight churches, a testament to its former importance. Some have stood the test of time, while others now bear the marks of the passage of time.
At the entrance to the village, it’s hard to miss the church and its bell tower, which stand out against the mountains.
That's another thing we love about this place: traces of history are everywhere, without making you feel like you're visiting a museum.
Old Perithia may have been nearly abandoned, but it's no longer really a ghost town.
Over the past few years, several buildings have been restored, taverns have reopened, and the village has once again become a popular destination for those who want to discover another side of Corfu.
But behind these old walls, there are also those who continue to keep local traditions alive.
Among them, the Syriotis family carries on a beekeeping tradition that has been passed down through several generations. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about the work of bees and taste the honey produced on-site.
And since we're on the subject of great places to visit…
Our tip: Stop by Gina’s at the Evdokia Tavern. This is the spot we recommend for extending your visit over a meal and enjoying the village without worrying about the time.
A stroll through the narrow streets, some local honey, and a tavern: in the end, that’s another way to discover Old Perithia.
And if you really don't feel like leaving, you can even spend the night in the village.
The Merchant’s House is a bed-and-breakfast located in restored historic homes in Old Perithia. The project has contributed to the village’s revitalization while striving to preserve the architecture and atmosphere of the area.
It’s also an ideal spot for digital nomads seeking peace and quiet: a high-speed Starlink connection for work, followed by the absolute tranquility of the old village once you close your laptop. Connected when you need to be, disconnected the rest of the time.
A rather unique way to combine remote work in Corfu with tranquility and a digital detox, nestled in the heart of the mountains.
Choose this for: working online, living offline.
Old Perithia lies at the foot of Mount Pantokrator, Corfu’s highest peak. In other words, this place is a far cry from the classic image of the island as nothing but beaches and turquoise waters.
This is a great stop to include in a day trip to northern Corfu: visit the village in the morning, have lunch there, explore the mountains, and—why not?—head back to the coast afterward.
Our tip: Don’t treat Old Perithia as just another item to check off your list. Enjoy the journey and make it a full day of exploring the northern part of the island.
And if you’d like to discover another side of Corfu during your stay, check out our selection of the 5 must-see beaches on Corfu, featuring secluded coves and turquoise waters.
Because Corfu is more than just its beaches.
Old Perithia offers a different way to explore the island: its history, heritage, traditions, and, above all, an atmosphere that’s completely different from that of the coast.
People come here to explore an old mountain village. They end up stopping in front of an old house, chatting at a tavern, or leaving with some local honey.
And it’s often at times like these that we discover the side of Corfu we like best.
To take it a step further, check out our activities in Corfu and explore the island—from the sea to the mountains, villages, and traditions.
Old Perithia is located in the mountains of northeastern Corfu, at the foot of Mount Pantokrator. The village is accessible by road and can easily be included in a day trip to explore the northern part of the island.
Set aside half a day if you really want to enjoy it: stroll through the narrow streets, explore the old houses and churches, stop by some local producers, and have lunch there. The appeal of Old Perithia is precisely that you shouldn’t rush through it.
There are several taverns in the village. Our recommendation Kerkyra : Evdokia Tavern, run by Gina. A great spot to take a break after your visit and enjoy the village atmosphere.
Don’t necessarily look for a series of monuments to check off your list. The charm of Old Perithia lies above all in its overall atmosphere: the stone houses, the narrow streets, the eight churches, and the buildings that have been left partly in ruins. Take this opportunity to learn about the Syriotis family’s work with bees and honey.
Take advantage of your visit to explore northern Corfu. Old Perithia is located at the foot of Mount Pantokrator, making it easy to combine a visit to the village with a hike in the mountains, then head back down to the coast to continue your day.
