Antinioti Lagoon lies in the northeastern part of Corfu, a way-station for many seabirds. In spring the scenery is bewitching since the banks are covered with multi-coloured plants and flowers, with the wild orchids standing out. A few kilometers before we turn for the lagoon is an ascending road that leads us to Peritheia, one of the oldest villages on Corfu.

     Perched on the slopes of Pantokrator, Palia (Old) Peritheia is now deserted; however, the wild scenic beauty and the diversification of its architecture - in contrast to other Corfiot villages- are worth the slight discomfort experienced while ascending up to here. Built of stone, the houses are now in ruins with the passing of time, but we can still discern the former acme of the town. If the weather is clear as we ascend the road, we can enjoy one more picture of Corfu with its indented shores and its deep green vegetation seen from above. Just before we reach the village, which is now starting to have less and less inhabitants during summer, we meet the old and notable Church of Ag. Athanasios, one of the many that used to be in the village. When the locals mention its name they of course refer to this fact (with respect to its holiness).

     As the sun rises higher and the temperature follows close behind, the thought of a sandy beach with clear waters becomes more and more attractive. The northern part of Corfu is just the right place for us to enjoy our swimming. In the open bay of Ag. Georgios we have two significant tourist resorts - Acharavi and Roda. A beach around 8 km long and covered with smooth sand joins the two villages and attracts thousands of visitors throughout the summer.

     The whole region behind Pantokrator is of archeological and historical interest. The diggings brought to light findings from the ancient Greek and Roman periods, many of which can be seen in the Archeological Museum in the town of Corfu. A temple dating back to the 5th C. BC was discovered in Roda and these archeological findings are now housed in the Archeological Museum. Other significant findings are those from the ancient cemetery, which includes the gold statuette of Paris. Remnants of castles have been preserved in the surrounding areas, thus proving the independent running of the northern part of the island from that of the central administration. The old ruins are not however the main attraction for tourists to these beautiful regions; this title is held by the impressive beach, the numerous hotels and rooms for rent, and the restaurants and tavernas where most of the time you can find fresh fish. You can reach the smaller bays by travelling on the modern road. Some of your choices may include the following beaches: Livadakia, Almiros, Ag. Spiridon, Apraos and Kalamaki.

     You have two choices after Roda: you can either travel towards Palaiokastritsa and the town of Corfu, traversing through the interior of the island, or just continue on to the other beaches, stopping off at the wonderful beaches of Ag. Stefanos and Ag. Georgios of Pagon.

     Following your first choice, you will travel along narrow roads situated among olive-trees which impress with their height. Olive trees dominate the vegetation on Corfu. Many of the villages that you come across still maintain their traditional way of life and you may even see villagers wearing their traditional dress and their white head kerchiefs. You can see kum- kwat trees in the yards of the houses - the small Chinese orange that flourish only on Corfu. The green-fingered housewives utilize this delicious Christian monuments on Corfu – the Monastery fruit to the full, preparing liqueur, tasty preserved fruit and crystallized fruit.

     Near the village of Nimfes can be found one of the oldest of Pantokrator of Askitariou, built in 950. The monastery took its name from the asceticism carved in stone. Being a centre through its spiritual radiance, this monastery supported the faith of the Corfiotes for many years and many Byzantine emperors honoured it with their golden bulls. Inside the Church of Pantokrator we can observe exceptional murals with scenes from the Old Testament. We carry on with our travels along the northwestern coastline of Corfu. Leaving behind us Roda we come across an almost virgin beach, Astrakeri, with its golden sand and scenic little harbour. In the neighbouring village of Karousades you can visit the old manor-house of the Theotoki family, one of the most important Corfiot families.

     Together with Pontikonisi and Palaiokastritsa, Sidari is one of the most photographed areas on Corfu. Caiques depart from here for the scenic little islets of Erikousa, Othonoi and Mathraki. Beautiful beaches, all the tourist comforts, intense nightlife and access to many more notable holiday resorts have made Sidari one of the most crowded villages on the island.

     The small sandhills in the surrounding areas add a special charm to the landscape. The most impressive work of Nature however is the Canal d’Amour on the road to Peroulades. This is a natural passageway which was formed by erosion of the soft sandlike rock, with small caves and strips of land extending out into the sea, giving the impression of a fiord.

     The western beaches of the island are different from those in the eastern regions. High, shear rocks fall vertically to the sea, adding a unique charm to the wild seascape. In among the huge olive trees we can discern small communities and villages populated with simple and hospitable inhabitants. The fine black nets are spread out under the hanging olives, collecting this valuable crop. In spring and in the beginning of summer you can smell the oil from the oil-presses in each region. During this period you should be careful since certain by-products of the oil may sometimes reach the road and make driving more dangerous. Western Corfu is famous for its beautiful sunsets, wonderful beaches and world-famous holiday resorts. Here the Corfiot scenery is at its zenith, giving us unforgettable pictures of Nature and the purity of man’s soul. In Peroulades and Avliotes the natural beauty is enhanced by the beautiful view of the setting sun.

     As we approach the Cape of Arilla, the region’s charm becomes more intense. The craggy rocks that meet the dark blue waters, the tall-trunked olive trees and the dark green cypress trees that dot the landscape, the rocks in the sea and the lacy waves that pound on them, and in the distance the endless beach of Ag. Georgios – all blend together to compose a spectacular picture.

     Folklore connects the rocks at Arilla with the site of the mythical palaces of Alcinous where Odysseus was hosted while passing by the island of the Phaeacians. The beach at Ag. Stephanos begins at the cape of Arilla and is a favourite with windsurfers, due to the strong winds in the region. Small hotels, rooms and fish tavernas service tourism in the Ag. Stephanos area. In the piece of mainland between the Bays of Arilla and Ag. Georgios there are fortifications dating back many centuries. It is worth walking up to the tip of the cape or to sail around the small peninsula, discovering untrodden, secluded beaches.

     Returning back towards Armenades, we pass through the mainland villages of the region, virtual retreats with almost no tourist development. Here the children play in the roads and the locals feel obliged to treat the visitor who asks them a question. From Agro we turn towards the village of Pagon. The snake-like road is overshadowed by tall olive trees and luxuriant vegetation. The high percentage of humidity on Corfu has truly helped the crops, producing spectacular olive trees that cannot be found anywhere else in Greece.

     The beach at Ag. Georgios is only about 3 km from the charming village of Pagon. Tourism is developing here without adulteration of the natural beauty. Tavernas, shops, small hotels and rooms complement the necessary comforts for the visitor.Continuing on the road a few more meters, we see the enchanting beach of Ag. Georgios spread out in front of us. An endless strip of fine white- gold sand blends softly with the blue waters, while the sea opens up before us and the horizon appears majestically in the distance.

     This is where you can enjoy the vacation of your dreams. Whether you want to exercise yourself or just relax by lying on the sandy beach, you can find the niche that suits you.Throughout the length of the beach, tavernas and restaurants offer their shade to the sun-drenched visitor, while late in the afternoon an ice cream from one of the colourful shops along the road towards Pagon is truly an enjoyment.

    Leaving Ag. Georgios we can return to Corfu by travelling inland, in a route detailed elsewhere. Another option is to follow the road towards cosmopolitan Palaiokastritsa through the Pass of Troumbeta.