Pelekas and Sinarades
Pelekas and Sinarades are two of the most beautiful villages in central Corfu, known for their rich history and tradition. They still preserve their picturesque narrow streets and characteristic impressive mansions.
The village of Pelekas is located south of Ermones, about 7 kilometers away from them and 13 kilometers from the city of Corfu. It is known for the many mansions that adorn the streets of this settlement, which are built amphitheatrically at an altitude exceeding 200 meters. The village experienced significant development during the 17th and 18th centuries, with its inhabitants engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, and lumbering. At the same time, Pelekas became one of the fastest-growing tourist villages in the Corfiot countryside, hosting the first visitors of mass tourism as early as the 1960s. A unique experience awaits anyone who strolls through the village’s narrow alleys, crossing paths of immense history and tradition while discovering well-hidden secrets known only to the locals.
Hilltop Villages, Kaiser's Throne, Folklore, Beaches, Mansions, and Hidden Corfiot Treasures Near Ermones
The most famous attraction in the village is none other than the renowned “Throne of Kaiser.” This observation point is located at the top of a hill and offers a unique view of central Corfu and the sea. This iron platform was built in the early years of the 20th century by the German Emperor Wilhelm II, who fell in love with the area, especially the sunset over the waters of the Ionian Sea.
Nearby Pelekas are two of the most famous beaches in Corfu. Glyfada and Kontogialos are twin beaches with golden sands and turquoise waters, catering to both those who wish to relax and enjoy swimming with their families and those seeking action and adrenaline through various well-known water sports.
Further south of Pelekas, approximately 10 kilometers from Ermones and 15 kilometers from the city of Corfu, lies the large village of Sinarades. The Sinarades village developed during the Byzantine era, with inhabitants from Southern Italy and beyond. The 17th and 18th centuries brought significant development to the village, which continued until the late 19th century. This is still evidenced today by the various stone mansions, dense building structures, and the arches that decorate the village, representing an important part of its history. In the Sinarades settlement, one can find numerous churches, the most notable being those of Saint Nicholas and Saint Spyridon.
Sinarades is home to the island’s most important folklore museum, where visitors can admire the furnishings of 18th-century homes, and artifacts from rural life, and learn many stories of the place. Like any significant settlement, Sinarades has a philharmonic orchestra, which has participated in all the important events of the village and the island since 1961.
Behind the lush hill on which Sinarades is built lies the famous site of Aerostato, offering stunning views of Corfu’s western coastline and the beach of Agios Gordios. Right below this enchanting location is a beautiful little islet. The islet of Kyra-Dikaia is named after the small church dedicated to the Virgin Mary that is built on it, representing one of Corfu’s best-kept secrets, which even many locals are unaware of. Sinarades offers rental apartments, small hotel units, and traditional tavernas that invite visitors to sample local flavors and embark on a unique gastronomic journey through Corfiot tradition.
These two villages are a must-visit destination for those who have been to and stayed in Ermones, as they offer a completely different set of proposals based on Corfiot tradition, culture, and history. Pelekas and Sinarades captivate visitors with their unique architecture and beauty, guiding them through the Corfu of the past.