The village was established during Byzantine times, when pirate raids forced people to abandon
fertile coastal plains for more inaccessible regions. For many years Peritheia was a completely
deserted village, but a few years ago two tavernas opened in the old square and gained a reputation
for good food. Now there are five and a few of the old houses have been bought and restored into
a four star motel. The owner of the “O Foros” taverna, Thomas, told me that there is an old couple
of around 75 years of age that have lived there all of their lives. His taverna is open every day from
the start of May until the end of October and then on weekends thereafter. The food was good and
prices were very reasonable.
The historic village of Old Peritheia is situated in the northeast of the island and is about 35km from
Corfu town. The best way to get there is to take the turn for Loutses from the resorts of Acharavi
or Kassiopi. The road is narrow and winding towards the end, so drive with care! It is said to be the
oldest permanently inhabited settlement in Corfu, dating back some 600 years and sits in a hollow
on Corfu’s highest mountain, Mount Pantokrator which stands at 906 metres. The mountain stands
over the village like a guardian angel protecting it from the outside world. At one time the village
was occupied by over 1500 people but lost all its inhabitants, due to population exchanges over the
last century. There are only 130 stone houses, built entirely by hand, some of which have now fallen
into ruins. The village with its cobbled streets and ancient houses is encircled by eight churches and
set amidst beautiful countryside and bare hills. It is very strange to walk through the village, with
its empty houses and dilapidated roofs, to think that there was once a thriving community living
there. A visit here will give you memories you will never forget. Distinctive and picturesque, Old
Peritheia is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty and is a protected heritage site. All this information was kindly supplied from the books written by Steve Ford and the money raised from sales of these goes to Corfu Charities. Please use the link below to download your own copy and find more information on all the villages listed and more from Steve
fertile coastal plains for more inaccessible regions. For many years Peritheia was a completely
deserted village, but a few years ago two tavernas opened in the old square and gained a reputation
for good food. Now there are five and a few of the old houses have been bought and restored into
a four star motel. The owner of the “O Foros” taverna, Thomas, told me that there is an old couple
of around 75 years of age that have lived there all of their lives. His taverna is open every day from
the start of May until the end of October and then on weekends thereafter. The food was good and
prices were very reasonable.
The historic village of Old Peritheia is situated in the northeast of the island and is about 35km from
Corfu town. The best way to get there is to take the turn for Loutses from the resorts of Acharavi
or Kassiopi. The road is narrow and winding towards the end, so drive with care! It is said to be the
oldest permanently inhabited settlement in Corfu, dating back some 600 years and sits in a hollow
on Corfu’s highest mountain, Mount Pantokrator which stands at 906 metres. The mountain stands
over the village like a guardian angel protecting it from the outside world. At one time the village
was occupied by over 1500 people but lost all its inhabitants, due to population exchanges over the
last century. There are only 130 stone houses, built entirely by hand, some of which have now fallen
into ruins. The village with its cobbled streets and ancient houses is encircled by eight churches and
set amidst beautiful countryside and bare hills. It is very strange to walk through the village, with
its empty houses and dilapidated roofs, to think that there was once a thriving community living
there. A visit here will give you memories you will never forget. Distinctive and picturesque, Old
Peritheia is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty and is a protected heritage site. All this information was kindly supplied from the books written by Steve Ford and the money raised from sales of these goes to Corfu Charities. Please use the link below to download your own copy and find more information on all the villages listed and more from Steve
Websitehttps://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=steve+ford+corfu+villages&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
Emailcorfuvillageseu@gmail.com
Location:Unnamed Road, Perithia 491 00, Greece