Cape Drastis Cliffs, Peroulades

Cape Drastis is a headland of layered white and ochre sandstone cliffs near the village of Peroulades on the north coast of Corfu, in the Ionian Islands of Greece. The cliffs drop steeply into the sea, and the frame offered is one of striped rock, hidden coves and, at the western end, a narrow rock formation extending into the water known locally as the Peroulades observation point. The coast faces north-west, so the cliffs and the open sea lie directly in the path of the setting sun from late spring to early autumn. Sunset is the standout time, when the sandstone turns orange and pink and long shadows define the layers of rock. Early morning leaves the cliffs in shade, while midday sun is harsh and bleaches the pale rock. May to October is the main season, with clearer horizons in early summer and September. The headland is a popular sunset spot, particularly in July and August, when visitors gather along the cliff edge; arriving about an hour early secures a position for a tripod. Setting up away from the unfenced edge is important, since the cliffs are steep, crumbly and drop sharply to the sea, and strong wind can make long exposures difficult. There is no entrance fee. Drone flights are subject to Greek aviation rules, and wind along the cliffs makes them risky. A wide-angle lens captures the layered cliffs, and a graduated ND filter balances the bright sunset sky against the darker rock. There are no facilities at the cape, so water should be carried, with tavernas in Peroulades providing restrooms.