Mount Pantokrator stands at 906 metres above sea level — the highest point on Corfu. From the summit you can see Albania to the east, mainland Greece to the south, and almost the entire island stretched out below you. The drive up is one of the most rewarding half-days you can have here.
Which road to take
There are two paved approaches to the summit:
Route 1: Via Strinilas (recommended)
The longer but more spectacular drive. Start from Corfu Town heading north-east via Pyrgi, then turn inland near Spartilas. The road climbs through pine forests, past the village of Strinilas (the highest village on Corfu, 552 m), and continues up the final switchbacks to the summit. Drive time: 60-70 minutes from Corfu Town.
Route 2: Via Petalia / Loutses
The shorter approach from the north coast. Start in Acharavi or Kassiopi, head inland through the village of Petalia or Loutses, and join the summit road. Drive time: 30-40 minutes from Acharavi.
Both roads are paved end-to-end. The last 2-3 km up to the summit are narrow with switchbacks — drive in 2nd gear, stay close to the right edge, and use your horn at blind corners.
Which car do I need?
Any standard rental will reach the summit comfortably. Our Peugeot 208, Citroen C3, Hyundai Bayon — all of them have done this drive hundreds of times. The road is paved and accessible to two-wheel-drive cars year-round (except very rarely in deep winter, which is irrelevant for tourist season).
If you have full luggage and four passengers, a slightly larger car like the Fiat Tipo or our SUVs makes the climb more comfortable on a hot August afternoon.
At the summit
The monastery (Moni Pantokratoros)
The 17th-century monastery is open to visitors most days (free, donations welcome). A small café next door serves Greek coffee, fresh juice and snacks. The view from the courtyard is one of the most photographed in the Ionian.
Telecom towers
Yes, the summit also hosts television and radio antennas. They make for unusual photos but block one direction of the view. Walk around the monastery for the cleaner panorama.
Hiking
Several marked trails radiate from the summit, the most popular being the descent to Old Perithia (about 90 minutes downhill). Wear proper shoes — the paths are stony.
Old Perithia — the abandoned village
Eight kilometres below the summit on the northern side lies Old Perithia, an abandoned medieval village partially restored over the past two decades. Park at the entrance (free), walk the cobbled lanes, and stop for lunch at one of the four tavernas — Foros, Taverna Skerco, The Old School or O Manthos. All four serve outstanding traditional Corfiot food. Foros (the oldest) is our pick for slow-cooked sofrito.
Old Perithia is on UNESCO\'s tentative list and well worth 2-3 hours of your day. The combination "summit panorama + lunch in Old Perithia" is the most rewarding self-drive day on Corfu.
Practical tips
- Time to allow: 5-6 hours round trip (including lunch).
- Best time of day: Morning for the clearest view (afternoon haze obscures Albania). Sunset at the summit is also excellent but the drive down in the dark is challenging — stay for sunset only if you are confident driving switchbacks at night.
- Fuel: No petrol stations between Spartilas and the summit. Fill up before leaving the coastal road.
- Water & snacks: Carry both. The summit café is small and seasonal.
- Mobile signal: Excellent at the summit (the antennas help). Patchy on the upper switchbacks.
- Cool weather: The summit is regularly 8-10°C cooler than the coast. Bring a light jacket even in August.
Combining with other stops
If you have a full day:
- Morning: Drive up via Strinilas, visit the summit and monastery.
- Lunch: Old Perithia.
- Afternoon: Drive down to Acharavi for a swim, or to Kassiopi for a coastal walk.
- Evening: Sunset and dinner on the coast before driving back to your base.
For more ideas, see our day trips guide and 5-day itinerary.