Pélekas: Village Architecture, Churches and Views

When looking for hotels in Pélekas, it helps to distinguish between the village itself and its immediate surroundings. In the village, house architecture, two churches and the Kaiser’s Observatory are the defining features. Nearby, there is also a section of the Corfu Trail and the beaches of Kontogialos and Glyfada. This lets you choose your destination based on different interests: the village setting and views on the one hand, hiking and coastal scenery on the other.

Architecture, Churches and Views

The local architecture includes the houses of Pélekas; the village is also home to the churches of Agios Nikolaos and Panagia Odigitria. The Kaiser’s Observatory is also in Pélekas and offers panoramic views. A footpath to the observatory leads through the village. This brings house architecture, churches and views together as distinct themes in the village. If you are looking for cultural experiences in the village, these details can help guide your choice.

The Corfu Trail and Nearby Routes

The section of the Corfu Trail from Pélekas to Liapades runs through the immediate surroundings. A descent of about half an hour leads to Myrtiotissa; nudists use Myrtiotissa Beach. After this descent, the route climbs steeply along a gravel and concrete track. The section includes 600 metres of ascent. This figure applies to the entire section; the time of about half an hour refers only to the descent to Myrtiotissa. The trail passes through Vatos and crosses the Ropa Valley, climbs to Giannades and continues into olive-covered hills. Paths lead towards Liapades. This section offers views of Corfu’s west coast.

Nearby Beaches

Kontogialos and Glyfada are close to Pélekas and are considered popular beaches on Corfu, with fine sand, shallow water and beach bars. Kontogialos is also a long beach with a gently sloping seabed. At its southern end is “Small Kontogialos,” a small, relatively quiet bay. A small fishing harbour is also located at the southern end of the beach. Kontogialos Beach was a hippie beach in the 1970s and is now considered a lively holiday resort. The beach has umbrellas, sun loungers and water sports; check their current availability locally.

Corfu in the Wider Context

On the wider destination of Corfu, the Old Town adds a distinctive urban cultural dimension to the perspective on local house architecture and churches. Its historic urban fabric is almost entirely preserved; its buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The Old Town and its two fortresses are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Museum of Asian Art in the Old Town houses more than 11,000 objects from China, Japan, India, the Himalayas and Central Asia. Corfu Archaeological Museum displays the Gorgoneion-Medusa pediment of the great Temple of Artemis, created in 585 BC and excavated in 1911 near the Monastery of Aghioi Theodoroi.

Discover more destinations: Agios Stefanos, Perama, Kalami, Aghios Georgios, Kokkini Parelia, Sinarades, Petriti, Pentati.

Go to the main travel overview: Corfu.