Old Perithia Abandoned Village

Old Perithia is the oldest settlement on Corfu, set in a high valley beneath Mount Pantokrator in the north-east of the island, in the Ionian Islands of Greece. Largely abandoned during the twentieth century, its stone houses, Venetian-era churches and bell towers now stand partly in ruin, with a handful of tavernas operating in restored buildings. The frame offered is one of weathered stone, collapsed roofs, fig and olive trees reclaiming courtyards, and the steep mountain slope rising directly behind the village. The valley opens toward the north-east, so early morning light rakes across the facades and the surrounding hills, while late afternoon provides warm side-light before the sun drops behind the ridge, bringing shade earlier than on the coast. Overcast days suit the textured stone and avoid harsh shadows inside narrow lanes. April to June and September to November are the best months, with green hillsides in spring and softer light in autumn. The village is quiet in the early morning and late afternoon, but the taverna terraces and lanes fill around lunchtime in summer as day-trippers arrive. Tripods work well in the open squares and along the main lane, though they should not obstruct the pathways used by taverna patrons. There is no entrance fee to walk through the village. Many buildings are unstable ruins, so photographers should avoid entering them. Drone flights are subject to Greek aviation rules, and the quiet setting makes noise disruptive. A wide-angle lens suits the lanes and church interiors, while a standard zoom handles details such as doorways and stonework. Tavernas provide restrooms and water for customers.