If you are fed up with sitting by the pool and want to see some traditional Greek villages - high up in the mountains then a trip to Strinilas is a must - it is the highest village on the island and a
great place for lunch - you can also combine the trip with a worthwhile visit to the summit of
Mount Pantokrator.
How to get there!
First find the mountain road to Spartilas. This is on the main NE coastal road - between Ipsos and Barbati:
The junction is on the 'brow of a hill' and is signposted "Spartilas 4 and Episkepsi 13"
The drive up to Spartilas offers the usual almost 360
degree hairpin bends - but these afford some exceptional views overlooking part of the NE coast and Corfu town. They also have many 'roadside shrines' - a reminder of previous road accidents!
Continuing up the winding road you reach Spartilas. This is a surprisingly large ancient village - remember that it is only until recently that the coastal areas have become populated - most people lived high in the hills to avoid the marauding pirates - (many of which actually settled in Kassiopi and made it into the fortified town that it is today). If you like, you could stop here for a drink. Why not search out one of the several
Kafeneons?
Head through Spartilas and after about 1km look for the right-hand turning (signposted 'Petaleia 7 and Lafki 12'). This road takes you all the way to Strinalas. You will now notice that you have left the 'olive tree line'. The olive trees on Corfu grow from sea level up to about 350 meters above sea level. The landscape will start changing and become more rugged.
You will go through no other villages on this road. Strinilas is a tiny village set in a shallow dip - to shelter it from the winter weather.
When you arrive you will meet the small village square, shaded by a huge Elm tree. Around the square are three tavernas. Time to stop for lunch!
After lunch, you have a choice. Either go back the way you came, or continue up the mountain to the top! - Click here for directions to
Mount Pantokrator.
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We stopped for lunch at one of the Tavernas. We found it a little bit expensive - the setting though was excellent. Previously we have eaten at this one:
Not sure of the name, but it is on your left as you enter the village. The food was very basic and traditional, but great! They also make their own wine and we were able to go down to the cellar to choose it!
Their are two other tavernas opposite, both have good reports - I would be interested to hear of your experiences.
Outside the tavernas were various 'animal skins', and this reflects the menu on offer. All the food is meat oriented. Wild boar, lamb, deer and rabbit.
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