Petriti: Cultural Routes, Local History and Fish Cuisine

If you are interested in cultural routes, local history and fish cuisine, Petriti offers several specific points of interest.

Cultural routes and their points of reference

Two cultural routes offer different connections to Petriti. A cultural trail described in 2020 by the Petriti Ecomuseum starts at the Petriti Information Centre. There, visitors can learn more about the ecomuseum and the cultural routes developed as part of the Interreg Fish&Chips project. Another cultural route links the fishing village of Petriti with the old settlement of Korakades and historic villages in the hinterland. Both routes were described in 2020; check current access and conditions before planning to use them.

The ecomuseum route draws attention to the information centre and the cultural routes featured there. The other focuses on the connection between Petriti, Korakades and the historic villages in the hinterland. This gives you a clear distinction when choosing what interests you: one point of reference is the ecomuseum, the other the settlements of the region.

The place name and its history

Petriti was originally called Erypos and lies at the mouth of the Evripos River. The present-day name is attributed to a Byzantine lord named Petritis or Petretinos, who owned the area for a time. The Byzantine lord is said to have received Petriti, probably as a dowry from the Palatinos family; the family name was later associated with the Byzantine Tower of the Palatines. This account thus links the history of the place name to a period of Byzantine rule and a later association with the name. The transfer as a dowry is expressly described as probable—a significant distinction when interpreting this local history.

Tavernas and events

Several traditional tavernas in Petriti have been serving fresh fish right by the sea for years. If fresh fish and a meal by the sea are among your travel interests, this local tradition is a specific point to consider when choosing your destination. Individual businesses and their availability may change; check the current situation before planning a meal at a particular place.

The Petriti Cultural Association was founded in 2011 to preserve customs and traditions. The association’s major events include the Panagia Vlacherna festival and the Varkarola event. If you specifically want to experience one of these festivals, check the dates in advance.

Corfu in its regional context

In the wider destination of Corfu, Corfu Old Town has preserved almost all of its historic urban fabric; its buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The Old Town and its two fortresses are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Museum of Asian Art in the Old Town houses more than 11,000 objects from China, Japan, India, the Himalayas and Central Asia. From Corfu Harbour, the Museum of Asian Art can be reached by bus route 2 on the Mantouki–Kanoni line; check the timetable before travelling.

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