You will always find a warm welcome in Pelekas, Corfu
Pelekas, its beaches and surrounding area, really does have something for everyone. Sandy beaches and tavernas fringed by timeless olive groves. Water-sports and nightlife. Traditional food and drink. Good accommodation. For more than 30 years Pelekas has been a favourite hideaway for independent holiday makers who return to Corfu year after year. If you are looking for a new holiday destination, either in the quieter months at the beginning and end of the summer, or the livelier days and nights in July and August, then we would recommend Pelekas.
Local beaches
Along the west coast, within easy reach of Pelekas, are some of Corfu's best beaches, with wide stretches of deep, golden sand. Nearest to the village is the beach of Kontogialos (Pelekas Beach) with its golden sand gently sloping into the sea. There are four tavernas along the beach and a new hotel behind it. The beach can be accessed by one of three roads and there is adequate parking at the northern end. Outside the high season in August it is still a quiet and beautiful spot. The beach is monitored by lifeguards and a warning flag system is in operation. At Ermones (4 km), the Ropa River flows down a valley and out to sea at the place where Odysseus is reputed to have been washed ashore and rescued by Nausica. Situated on a bay, it has a small beach of shingle and pebble. There is a diving school and the whole setting is dominated by a hillside hotel. Nearby Mirtiotissa (3 km) is still described by some enthusiasts as the most beautiful beach in Europe. Sheer cliffs covered with trees and shrubs drop directly to the sand creating a sense of wonderful isolation. At both ends of the long beach curl rocky promontories offering marvellous snorkelling in crystal blue water. Mirtiotissa is unofficially recognized as the island's nudist beach. A winding road from Pelekas drops down to Glyfada (2 km). Against a backdrop of crumbling cliffs with rock formations at either end, this large sandy beach is one of the finest and most popular on the island. Swimming is superb; the water is initially shallow, but deepens farther out and there can be a strong undercurrent at the northern end (as on many beaches along the west coast). Swimmers must obey the safety flag if it is flying. Gialiskari (2 km) is a small, protected, sandy beach situated between Kontogialos and Agios Giordis. Pine trees come right down to the water's edge. Two tavernas provide meals and local wine.
Other local attractions
- Corfu Golf Club's beautiful course has been praised by many as one of the best kept in Europe. It was designed by the famous Swiss based architect Donald Harradine and he has blended the natural resources of the lovely Ropa Valley with man made hazards to make the course a good but fair test. The treelined fairways and the sandtraps combine with the several lakes and meandering streams, to make an attractive picture against a backcloth of high hills. It is equally enjoyable for the scratch player as it is for the long handicap one. From a golfing point of view it is at its best in early or late summer. Corfu Golf Club is 5 km from Pelekas.
- Aqualand is one of the most amazing water adventure parks in Europe. It is located in the centre of the island, on the main road to Glyfada, 6km from Pelekas. It is 75,000 square metres in size with free parking for 600 cars. Inside the park you will find a large variety of water attractions and facilities, making it a fun day out for all the family.
- The Corfu Trail is a long-distance footpath which runs the length of the island. Approximately 220 kilometres long and taking around 10 days to walk, it meanders through all the island's rural municipalities and avoids heavily developed areas. It links the very best of the island's beauty spots, biotopes, beaches, picturesque villages, monuments, monasteries and diverse landscapes. As the geographical centre of the route Pelekas is an ideal starting point for walks in both directions, to the north and the south.
How to get to Pelekas
- From the ferry port - On leaving the port turn right and follow the road along the coast for one and a half kilometres until you reach a set of traffic lights. At these lights turn left and follow the main road for another one and a half kilometres. At the first crossroads turn right and continue on this road for about six kilometres. At Skorpios Supermarket turn left and follow this road to Pelekas.
- From the airport - On leaving the airport turn left and go to the first road junction at the end of the runway. Here turn left and continue as far as the traffic lights and the sign for Pelekas. Turn right and five hundred metres later turn left. Continue on this road for about six kilometres. At Skorpios Supermarket turn left and follow this road to Pelekas.
- By bus - There is a regular bus service (number11) to Pelekas from San Rocco Square in the centre of Corfu Town. You must buy a ticket at the kiosk before boarding the bus. Buses leave at 07.00, 10.00, 12.00, 14.15, 16.00, 18.00 and 20.30. (A slightly different timetable operates at the weekend.) The journey takes 30 minutes.
- By taxi - Taxis from the port and airport are more expensive than those from San Rocco Square. However, no journey should be more than about 25 to 30 euros. Agree a price before leaving or insist that the meter is running.
