Vatos and Kokkini
The village of Vatos is located near Ermones, approximately 16 kilometers from the city of Corfu. Nestled at the foothills of Mount Agios Georgios, it is one of the oldest in the area. Although Vatos does not seem to be mentioned in documents before the 16th century, the ruins of some of the oldest houses in the area testify to the existence of the settlement for many years before. Vatos features a number of old houses; however, it is not a classic traditional Corfiot village with picturesque narrow streets and imposing mansions, as it consists mainly of relatively new constructions.
Historic Villages near Ermones Offering Nature, Culture, Golf, and Authentic Corfiot Charm and Hospitality
An exception is the parish church of Agios Nikolaos, which boasts several beautiful frescoes dating back to the 13th century. The village hosts many of the visitors of Ermones and the surrounding areas, offering both luxury and standard apartments aimed at satisfying tourists. Vatos seeks to provide a good solution for those who wish to escape from the overly touristy areas of the island and its bustling beaches.
Next to the village of Vatos stands the village of Kokkini, a small, picturesque settlement with traditional houses and narrow, peaceful streets. It is situated on the southern edge of the Ropa Valley, next to green hills that are home to ancient olive trees. The is named after the surname Kokkinis and specifically after the nobleman Kokkinis, who was the captain of one of the four galleys sent by Corfu during the naval battle of Nafpaktos. The Venetians rewarded him with this area, which was granted to him as a fief.
Kokkinis’s mansion can be admired to this day. Having been built at the beginning of the 17th century, it is of particular interest. Its architecture follows the standards of the time and remains in good condition as it is still inhabited today. The village of Kokkini experienced particular development until the beginning of the 20th century, with its inhabitants mainly engaged in the cultivation of the land, the olive mills, and the famous wineries of the area.
The surrounding area offers several activities for visitors who wish to be entertained and have fun. Perhaps the best known of these is golf, a unique sport that requires precision, concentration and excellent technique. The vast area offered by the Corfu Golf Club invites all lovers of the sport to enjoy the game in one of the most beautiful locations of Corfu, surrounded by small ponds and towering poplars. Golf has been a pursuit since the English rule, with many Corfiot noblemen loving the sport and travelling to various countries in Europe to enjoy it. Golf officially came to Corfu in 1971 on the initiative of Charalambos Tsaousoglou, who, at the encouragement of Constantine Karamanlis, built and inaugurated a pioneering golf course on the south side of the Ropa meadow. The Corfu Golf Club has now celebrated over half a century of existence and remains the top choice for all those who truly love this unique sport.
Both the village of Vatos and that of Kokkinis are excellent options for exploration and discovery. The beautiful area that includes Ermones offers some of the most unique activities, not only in Corfu but throughout Greece, such as golf. At the same time, it combines the beauty of nature and history in such a way that a visit to these locations is essential. The Ermones region holds many more hidden gems waiting to be discovered, allowing you to fully experience your visit to Corfu.