Lefkimmi: Whatever we say about Lefkimmi is inadequate. It is a different world, a separate one. On the roads, women riding donkeys return from their fields. In the west, rare cedar woods border Lake Korission. At the southern tip of the region, the atmospheric forest of Arkoudillas surrounds the Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary, dating from 1700. To the east a lighthouse stands on the Lefkimmi headland, by the 15th century salt-pans. More vines grow in these fields than anywhere else in Corfu.
Marathias: kilometres beyond Argyrades, it was built at the start of the 20th century by residents of Old Marathias, which once stood opposite on a hill to the east. In 1816, this area suffered an epidemic of plague, and the governor ordered the destruction by fire of dwellings hit by the pestilence. The result of this prophylactic official intervention was that the village of Roumanades was completely destroyed, while in Marathias a few houses were saved. The people decided to abandon the ruined village, building instead the one which stands today. Continuing along the road, we reach Perivoli, where the church is dedicated to Agii Saranda (Forty Saints), and has frescoes dating from 1704. Roads lead from Marathias and Perivoli to Maltas, a vast beach with all the features of these southern shores – fine sand and shallow water
Kavos: modern tourist resort with tavernas and restaurants, clubs and bars, and a busy beach, a magnet for young people from all over the world, especially from Britain. It is a place which offers frenetic activity all day long. Boats leave from Kavos for Paxos, Antipaxos and Sivota. On 8th July the festival of the church of Agios Prokopios takes place, with a procession the evening before in which the Bishop of Corfu and the local philharmonic orchestras participate. Away from the busy centre of Kavos, it is easy to find secluded spots amongst the olive groves, places such as Evyeniadis, Armeno, and Pantatika, all of which are most attractive to families
Arkoudilas: located at the southernmost tip of Corfu, this is in complete contrast to Kavos. A dense forest of cypress trees and shrubs covers some 250 stremmata (80 acres),bringing to mind the perfect setting for myths and fairy-tales. A walk amidst the luxuriant vegetation in the depths of the seemingly endless woods, is ideal at any time of day, and you can take as long as you need to find Little Red Riding Hood. The forest ends at a sheer cliff overlooking the sea, where the view of Asprokavos headland takes the breath away. The name Arkoudillas comes from the French ‘arc de l’isle’ – the island’s archway, an idiom referring to the farthest edge of land, while in ancient times it was called Amphipagas. The Monastery of the Blessed Virgin, dating from 1700, is located here, with its walls and fortifications, with the storerooms of the monks and secret trapdoors. The former overlords of the area, the Quartano family, have left their mark in the form of their family emblem, showing the Lion of Venice, an ear of maize, grapes and a pomegranate. By way of a narrow footpath you can descend to the deserted beach, to swim in crystal-clear water. Beyond Arkoudillas, the beach of Ai-Gordis is for those who believe nature to be the most important aspect of our existence.
Agios Georgios: just before the village of Argirades, a road to the right runs down to the beach of Agios Georgios. Essentially Halikounas and Agios Georgios are one huge beach, 10 kilometres in length, with sand dunes, fine sand and shallow water. In such a vast expanse, you can be sure of finding a secluded spot to yourself; even at the height of the tourist season. In the centre of Agios Georgios, though, things are somewhat different: hotels and rented accommodation, restaurants and bars, ski, jet-ski, paragliding, parachuting, volleyball, and, as you can imagine, people everywhere. In the middle of Argyrades a road junction is signposted to Neohoraki, Roumanades, Vassilatika, Kouspades, Korakades and Petriti, all villages on the east coast and all well worth a visit
Argyrades: at a distance of 33 kilometres from Corfu town, it is a substantial village with a population of 2000 inhabitants. The alleyways, the arcades and the architectural style of the houses are strongly reminiscent of the Venetian era
Vitalades: is reached by way of a right turn off the main road just after Perivoli, following the sign. Two separate roads lead to two different beaches: Gardeno, where the river of that name flows into the sea, and there are tavernas and a broad seashore; and Megalo Horo, where you will find complete solitude
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