Description
Settlement
The Pantokrator is the highest mountain of Korfu, measuring 917m (1002 yd) difference in altitude. The mountain is located in the north east and is visible from almost any angle of the island. Translated, the name of the mountain means “to control everything”. On top of the mountain, there is a monastery, which dates back to the 17th century. Nowadays, it is only inhabited during the summer months. Further away, one finds a Greek-orthodox church, which is freely accessible during day-time. The monastery is worth a visit especially because of its splendid internal design.
One will eventually also discover the huge steel construction. That is a broadcasting tower. It is the most distinctive building on the mountain due to its height. Many of the visitors have remarked on its appearance, that it sticks out like a sore thumb and thus spoils the overall picture.
View
Making up for it, one can enjoy a clear and impressive view form here. If the weather conditions are favourable enough, one can have a view covering the whole island and sometimes one can even partially see mainland Greek and the Albanian coast. And should you ever get hungry, there is also a local tavern serving Greek food to get you going again.
How to get there
By car
One can easily drive onto the Pantokrator with one's car. Mind that there is only a limited number of car parks available on top. Driving on the main road along the east coast from Kerkyra, you'll get to Pirgi. Just after the village you turn right into the direction of Spartilas. After reaching Spartilas, continue another 1.5 km (0.9 mi) before you turn right towards Strinilas. If you carry on towards Petalia, you have the possibility to turn into the direction towards the Pantokrator before the village. From here you just have to follow the small road uphill and here you are at the car parks. The streets are narrow and partially consist of gravel roads. For experienced car drivers this shouldn't be a problem, though.
