Volume 1, Issue 1
Christmas 2008
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In Our Footsteps
Roda is a great base for exploring the rest of Corfu and there are several travel agencies in the village offering a broad spectrum of trips and visits. Whatever activity you are looking for, or however you want to spend your holiday, the agencies are here to help you make the most of your valuable time in Roda. One of the most memorable excursions that we ever made was by coach from Roda to Paleokastritsa to see the monastery. Even with a wheelchair, we managed exceedingly well with the help of the driver and others on the bus. The map of the island looks quite complex, but the reality is that nowhere is very far on Corfu. Setting off at breakfast time we headed for Corfu Town, over the mountains and down to the main Paleo. Road. First stop was a short break at the ‘Mavromatis’ kumquat factory to see how the island’s famous liqueur is made and to wander around their shop, taking in all the other products that are locally made as well.
Back on the coach, it’s just a few minutes down to Paleokastritsa for the main focus of our trip – a visit to the Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Founded in 1225, the Monastery is situated on the top of one of Paleo’s two rocky headlands and houses a Byzantine museum full of artefacts. The grounds of the monastery are an absolute joy, with their plethora of flowers and shady corners it is easy to see how one might retreat to contemplate the world and its values. The views from the monastery are spectacular, with everyone clicking away at the magnificent vistas and down into the turquoise waters below; we were even fortunate enough to see a dolphin in the bay.
A cool drink and a leisurely walk back down the hill to the coach, it was time for the second part of our adventure.
Back on the coach, it’s just a few minutes down to Paleokastritsa for the main focus of our trip – a visit to the Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Founded in 1225, the Monastery is situated on the top of one of Paleo’s two rocky headlands and houses a Byzantine museum full of artefacts. The grounds of the monastery are an absolute joy, with their plethora of flowers and shady corners it is easy to see how one might retreat to contemplate the world and its values. The views from the monastery are spectacular, with everyone clicking away at the magnificent vistas and down into the turquoise waters below; we were even fortunate enough to see a dolphin in the bay.
A cool drink and a leisurely walk back down the hill to the coach, it was time for the second part of our adventure.
Paleokastritsa is built along a lengthy, winding road skirting the coastline and, at the top edge of the village, we turned sharp left on to another road. When we had been at the bottom, by the sea, we had noticed several villages and houses perched high up above us on the hillside, many seemingly without any visible sign of access. Well, now it was time to find out why! Winding our way uphill via a series of hairpin bends, we finally reached the village of Lakones. Every twist of the route gave us a different view of the bay which was getting more spectacular by the minute.
Most of the goods here are traditional and many are made locally; they really are a little different than you will find elsewhere. It should be mentioned that if you ever decide to return here under your own steam, turn in the village for Krini and the 13th century fortress of ‘Angelokastro’. The name of the castle reflects the fact that you are so high you may think that you are closer to the angels - the views will take your breath away. The Monastery at Paleo, which seemed so high at the time, is just a speck down below.
After Makrades, the coach turns for home and travels along a spectacular ridge back
After Makrades, the coach turns for home and travels along a spectacular ridge back
Every pathway to our left, as the coach drove through the village, produced picture postcard glimpses of green hills and blue seas framed by whitewashed houses and steep alleyways.
Just after the village, we stopped for a photo opportunity at the ‘Golden Fox’, a bar and restaurant which overlooks the whole of the bay – the views are quite unbelievable, supposedly the best in the Mediterranean. The terrace below the main building has a lovely ‘horizon’ swimming pool, which has since become one of our favourite places to spend an hour or two cooling off and taking in the view hundreds of metres below. Make sure that you have spare batteries for your cameras!
From Lakones, it’s just a couple of kilometres to Makrades where a short break allows you a few minutes to browse around the handful of shops selling everything from olive wood products to rugs and soaps.
Just after the village, we stopped for a photo opportunity at the ‘Golden Fox’, a bar and restaurant which overlooks the whole of the bay – the views are quite unbelievable, supposedly the best in the Mediterranean. The terrace below the main building has a lovely ‘horizon’ swimming pool, which has since become one of our favourite places to spend an hour or two cooling off and taking in the view hundreds of metres below. Make sure that you have spare batteries for your cameras!
From Lakones, it’s just a couple of kilometres to Makrades where a short break allows you a few minutes to browse around the handful of shops selling everything from olive wood products to rugs and soaps.
towards Troumpeta. There are few villages up here, as it must be quite bleak in the winter. There is, however, a spectacular array of flora and fauna, many needing such elevation to survive. Here, you are above the line at which olive trees will survive comfortably, although you will find several small commercial vineyards. The wild flowers at this altitude are often a month or so behind those on the coast and the drought-tolerant mountain sage can be spectacular, giving early summer visitors a last glimpse of the spring extravaganza. On our journey, we had one final bonus; as we drove slowly along the ridge, with the quarry way below us, and the mainland in the distance, we saw an eagle soaring over the tops of the trees alongside us. Our day was complete.
