Old Perithia

Old Perithia is a mostly abandoned mountain village on the northern slopes of Mount Pantokrator in north Corfu, Greece, set in a high valley about 45 km from Corfu Town. Its origins go back to about the 14th century, when residents moved inland to escape coastal pirate raids, and it grew into the island's wealthiest settlement, with stone mansions and a lively community. In the 20th century people gradually left for the coast and abroad, and the village fell silent. Today it consists of dozens of ruined and partly restored stone houses, narrow lanes, and eight churches scattered across the valley. Some buildings have been restored as guesthouses and homes, and a handful of tavernas around the central square serve local dishes such as rabbit stifado, sausages and fresh salads under the plane trees. Visitors can wander freely through the lanes, look into roofless houses with their old fireplaces and stairways, and visit the churches, including the Church of Agios Iakovos and Agios Sotiros, when open. The setting is a major part of the experience, with Pantokrator rising above and the valley opening towards the northern coast and the sea. The best photographs come from the edges of the village, where the stone houses stand against the green hillside. A visit takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, longer with lunch. The village is quietest in the morning and in the off-season, and it fills at lunchtime in summer when tour groups and walkers arrive at the tavernas. Tavernas open almost daily in the summer season and at weekends in winter. The roads leading to the village are narrow and winding, and parking is limited near the centre, so arriving early helps. The site is open access and free, and hiking trails link it to the summit of Pantokrator and to coastal villages for those who want to extend the visit.