The Official site of ‘Corfu‘s Oldest Village‘
Παλιά Περίθεια | Old Perithia
One of the island’s most unique places to visit on the island. A Village of Venetian origin that was once a hideaway from pirates, was all but deserted, reclaimed and protected by nature. Established c. 1350, it fell into decline as tourism moved to the coast in the 60s, but has been lovingly and gently coming back to life since 2010*.
Old Perithia ‘Corfu’s Oldest Village‘
Get a taste of the ‘Real Corfu’ here on the official website, with a glimpse at the island’s past. Corfu’s Oldest Village, once the perfect hideaway from pirates, ‘to see the sea but not be seen’, nestles in the mountains beneath Mount Pantokrator at 908m the highest point on the island).
See all the latest news on the blog| press & pr page.
Nowadays, it’s just 15 minutes drive from the sea. Practically abandoned in the 1960s, but since 2010 the village has risen again from c. 15% restored or in process, to over 39% + today.
Julia Bradbury, Greek Islands ITV Jan 2020 episode 2 featured Mark & Saskia an Anglo-Dutch couple who are credited as the catalyst for the village gently coming back to life since 2010.
History – Nature – Wildlife – Walks – Wildflowers – Venetian Architecture – Honey – Local Shop and 5 tavernas – Free Map & Highlights ‘Old Perithia‘
‘A Designated Area of Natural Beauty under Heritage Protection’
A Potted History | Old Perithia 1357 to 2025
This historic ‘Heritage Protected’ village of Paleá (Old) Períthia is situated in the north-east corner of the island, just beneath the highest mountain, Mount Pantokrator. It is the oldest permanently inhabited settlement in Corfu, with records dating back to the 14th century. Once the wealthiest village on the island, by the mid 17th century there were 130 houses of Venetian origin, built entirely by hand surrounded by 8 churches. Originally the village acted as a hideaway from pirate attacks on the island during summer months, ‘to see the sea but not be seen‘. Then in the 1960s with the onset of tourism the inhabitants drifted back down to the coast. From 2010 until today, the village begun its journey back to life after the passion of a couple who restored three ruins and spent the next 12 years caring for the village. It continues to be loved by locals & visitors alike. As night falls, a gentle peace descends over the village, and there beneath the unpolluted night sky nestled in the palm of the island’s highest mountain, is silence. Only occasionally interrupted by the lullaby of natures song.
Scroll through our gallery above & catch a glimpse of what’s in store… see more photos in the Google gallery for Old Perithia.
[photo credits & copyright 2009-2025 [Mark Hendriksen | not to be used or copied without written permission. follow us: Instagram Facebook Twitter Etsy
Press & PR about Old Perithia
For the latest news & media about Old Perithia click here.
Since 2010 when the ‘revival’ began, Old Perithia has featured in numerous, press, tv, magazine and guidebook articles, incl.; TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence from 2015-2021 & Travellers’ Choice 2021. ‘Best Places to Visit on Corfu’ Telegraph Travel. 2023 & 2024 National Geographic Travel Featured Village. Virtuoso Life. BA Highlife. The Independent Indy Travel. DK Eyewitness Guide. The Rough Guide. Fodor’s . Lonely Planet. London Evening Standard, MTV Travel. House & Garden. GREC14N. The Guardian. Woman&Home. Hotel Guru. Sunday Times Travel. Expedia. TrufflePig. Libro d’Oro. Mr Hudson Explores. Jamie Magazine. Brigitte Magazine. Culture Trip. The Financial Times. Norwegian Airlines. Atlas Obscura. Trivago Business. Thomas Cook ‘Recommends’. EasyJet Magazine. Reise Knowhow Guide. As featured on ITV 2012 Corfu ‘A Tale of Two Islands’ & 2020 ‘Greek Island’s with Julia Bradbury’ and recently ‘Adriatic Gardens with Monty Don BBC2 ep. 3
Driving to the Village?
It’s best to get to Old Perithia via the coastal road as Google and other mapping apps may take you on an unsuitable road for anything but a capable 4+4 vehicle so you may get stuck. To get to Old Perithia there’s a turn towards the village off the coastal road between Kassiopi and Acharavi.
The turn just opposite ‘Ice Dreams’ so look out for that and head through New Perithia, Loutses and straight on to Old Perithia. It takes about 15 minutes from Ice Dreams to the village. Then park up away from the old houses… Thank you!!
Old Perithia Corfu 49081 Greece
Please do not drop litter & if you need to go to the toilet, simply ask in any taverna & please just give them a euro, or buy some drinks, to help them with their costs and to help keep the village tidy. ‘Experience Old Perithia’s Magical Past and its vision for the Future.’
We look forward to your visit and thank you for helping preserve Corfu’s Oldest Village.
Check out videos from over the past 15 years… selection below:
Old Perithia | Location, North East Corfu
Old Perithia 