Agios Georgios

This walk makes a good starter as it mostly level and quite short. However some of it is on unmade and little-used paths which can become overgrown and be difficult to see in the early season. You will walk alongside orchards of citrus trees and fields growing vegetables and go past tall clumps of waving bamboos. The track enters quiet groves of mature olive trees whose fascinating trunks have unusual holes from years of pruning away branches. Here the sounds of birds and insects fill the air. You might hear the unusual calls of Golden Orioles or a 'hooping' but colourful Hoopoe. The track edges are alight with colourful but tough wildflowers struggling to survive the heat and dryness of the Corfu summer. In May walkers might spot more tender species such as the elegant Field Gladioli or tiny delicate orchids.

Leave Agios Georgios beach by the Pagi road (Red square on map). After walking for about 500 metres and passing Angelo's Taverna you will take the 1st road on the left, signposted to Dafni.

In about 100 metres you will see some apartments (Villa Dimitra) on your left (Point A on map). Immediately BEFORE this building there is a field footpath which you must take.

Entrance to Footpath before house

Stay on the left walking along the side of a small orchard of citrus fruits. The path leads through some bamboos to the banks of the creek. At this stage walk very softly and you may be lucky to see some wild turtles which quickly plop into the water and dive.

WARNING. The original bridge over the river between points A and B is partly broken and has been bye-passed. The path now leads down a few rough steps cut into the bank which may be difficult for unsteady persons. The shallow stream can usually be stepped across. This might be impassable in early season after a wet spring. If in doubt use the ALTERNATIVE detour.
The ALTERNATIVE is to continue along the Dafni road for another few hundred metres to a T- junction where you turn left and then walk for an equivalent distance to meet the footpath again. (See larger map)


After crossing the creek climb the bank and turn left to regain the original footpath. When it reaches some small cultivated fields of vegetables keep straight on. On reaching the T-junction with the unsurfaced road turn left and in 100 metres turn right just before the entrance to a private house with big gates.

The wide track now enters a peaceful olive grove of lovely mature trees and you have no problems for about 1/2 mile (3/4 km).

Olive Grove

DIFFICULT TURN
Now you must be attentive as the next turn is difficult to find in the bracken and often changes. After passing some metal gates on your right you enter a shady grove of trees. Just before you leave this dark area into a more open part there is (2010) a circle in the track where farm vehicles turn round . Now look out for (see next photo) a little used footpath (vehicle width) on your LEFT going back at a sharp angle which you take. (Point B) (When you are level with the place where the main track turns right you must look to your LEFT to find the path you must take at a sharp 45 degree angle. ) (P.S. If you have reached a ruined farm building on your left you have gone too far. In any case you will not get lost as the track eventually finishes and you have to retrace your steps))

Turn LEFT here

Note: May 2011: the path was very indistinct in the long grass as it had not been used !

After you have turned LEFT here the indistinct path leads through the olive trees and high vegetation and down towards a stream and a small store building which you will see in the distance.

Keeping to the left, step across the stream and the track, now very distinct, goes up hill through a partially open area usually alive with butterflies.

Cross the stream and go up the Hill

At the top of this hill you come to a T-junction with another wider vehicle track (Point C). Turn LEFT. Note that the longer and hillier Extension turns right here)

Now just follow the obvious track. It soon passes some holiday apartments and market gardens and in a short time reaches the main beach road close to the Front Runners motor bike hire shop. Turn left here and follow the road back to the start point in Agios Georgios.

NOTE: For those starting the walk from further up the Pagi road, such as Theo's Hotel, there is a short cut which avoids the beach front etc. Immediately after the road bridge over the creek (Point D) turn left into a footpath which will take you past some private houses and apartments etc before reaching the Pagi road near the Butterfly Bar.

Alternative ending to Walk 1. At Point C above turn right and follow the unmade road up a steep hill until it meets a good tarmac public road. Here turn left which leads along a high ridge with lovely views on both sides. After about half km you come to a junction where you turn right downhill through a large copse with many tall cypress trees. You will soon enter the outskirts of the northern end of Agios Georgios, passing the only "nightclub" and several apartment blocks.
You emerge on the beach road close to Costas Golden Beach Hotel. Turn left to follow the beach back to the start of the walk.