The Mountain of Agios Georgios and its Secrets
The mountain of Agios Georgios rises majestically above Ermones and occupies an area that reaches up to about the beach of Glyfada. This particular semi-mountainous mass is known for the special view it offers but also for its amazing natural beauty.
The western slopes of the mountain come in direct contact with the rocky and isolated beaches of the Ionian Sea, while the eastern slopes touch the southern edges of the famous Ropa meadow. The mountain reaches an elevation of 390 meters and offers an ideal position for observing the surrounding area. From there, one can view the heights of central Corfu, the distant peaks of Mount Pantokrator, and the fascinating terrain of the broader region all the way to Paleokastritsa.
A Serene Corfu Escape with Breathtaking Views, Sacred Sites, Hidden Trails, and Natural Beauty
It hosts a multitude of trees and plants that have turned it into a green jewel of the central-western area of the island. Its vegetation is typical of the Corfiot countryside. In the east, you will find olives, cypress, holly, and other trees, while the steep western slopes are covered with a variety of shrubs that create a beautiful mesh of Mediterranean flora. The mountain is crisscrossed by several small paths that locals once used for agricultural work and grazing their animals. Today, these paths have found new life among those who love outdoor activities, especially hiking.
All of Corfu’s mountains, including that of Agios Georgios, hide little secrets and a long history. At its top stands a small chapel dedicated to Saint George, from whom the mountain takes its name. Built around the 13th century, the chapel has withstood the tests of time to this day. Its age is easily noticeable in the worn stones and weathered bells. Despite its antiquity, the chapel is still used once a year, when on Saint George’s Day, April 23rd, the Divine Liturgy is held as part of the annual celebration.
Hidden beneath the imposing cliffs and beside the sea lies the Monastery of Panagia Myrtiotissa. This small monastery is well-known among Corfiots, thanks in part to the nearby beach of the same name, located just a few meters away. The exact date of the monastery’s founding is unknown, but it is estimated to have been built in the mid-18th century. However, it acquired its current form around 1830 under the leadership of the Hieromonk Nektarios Grammenos.
The monastery has a unique history that begins with its very existence. According to tradition, it was founded by Hieromonk Daniel Kangelaris, who served at the Church of Saint Vlasios in the Triklino area. Daniel was the son of an Ottoman ruler who converted to Christianity and was baptized in Venice. Having visited Corfu to venerate Saint Spyridon, he chose to remain and live as a monk at the Church of Saint Vlasios for about two years. The story goes that one night, he was guided by a vision to a cave where he discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary. He named her Myrtidiootissa as he found the icon among myrtle bushes.
The idyllic location of the monastery can only justify this interesting story. Hidden among the hundreds of trees that have provided shade and protection for hundreds of years, it is a destination that everyone should visit. Located about 4.5 kilometers from Ermones Beach, a distance that could be covered on foot by adrenaline and hiking enthusiasts, the mountain of Agios Georgios is an ideal area for those who wish to visit a place that will offer them relaxation and rejuvenation. Situated far from the densely populated and bustling areas of Corfu, it largely preserves its wild natural beauty.