Mount Pantokrator

Mount Pantokrator is the highest peak on Corfu, rising to 906 metres in the north of the island, Greece, above the village of Strinilas. A paved road climbs to the summit, so the view can be reached by car or taxi without a hike, though walking routes also lead up from the surrounding villages. At the top stand a small monastery, whose church dates from about 1689 and replaced earlier buildings, a seasonal cafe, and a cluster of telecommunication masts that are visible in photographs. The panorama is the main attraction. On a clear day the view covers almost the entire island, from the northern coast and the Diapontia Islands to the lagoons of the south, and across the water to the mountains of Albania and the Greek mainland. Visitors can walk around the summit platform, step into the monastery church when it is open, and sit at the cafe for a drink. The best light is in the morning, when the air is usually clearest, whereas haze often builds later in the day and can hide the distant views. Wind can be strong at the summit, and temperatures are noticeably cooler than at the coast, so a light jacket is useful even in summer. The drive up from Strinilas has steep sections with hairpin bends and narrow stretches, so careful driving is needed, and the road can be busy with minibuses and tour vehicles around midday. Most visits take one to two hours, with extra time for the stunning drive and walking. Sunset is popular, though returning down the winding road in the dark requires care. The mountain is also a gateway to the villages of the north, including Old Perithia, which lies on its slopes and is often combined with the summit in a single day trip. Entry to the summit is free.