As piracy stopped and living close to the sea became safer and more useful, the mountain villages, lost many of their inhabitants, becoming in some cases almost “ghost” villages.
Once upon a time, some 250 years ago, the coast of Corfu was often subjected to raids by Saracen pirates. During this time the locals built their villages as high up the mountains as they could, so they could be protected. As piracy stopped and living close to the sea became safer and more useful, the mountain villages, lost many of their inhabitants, becoming in some cases almost “ghost villages” . One of these is Palia Perithia, listed in Wikipedia as having 3 inhabitants! A big village with all the houses built in traditional stone and cobblestoned roads leading this way and that, Perithia makes for a very different experience and is well worth visiting. The last years have seen a slight return of life to the village in the form of little tavernas and artisan shops.
Heading East from Roda is Corfu’s Northeast Coast. On the way is the bay of Agios Spiridon, fronting Antinioti Lagoon, a protected area with lots of wildlife and fish.
Yet further West, but essentially only about half an hour’s drive from Roda at most, are the seaside villages of Agios Stefanos and Arillas.
Further along the coast, there are great sandstone cliffs and the famous Cape Drastis.
A seaside resort, with lots of shops, from here you can access the famous Canal d’ Amour, a stunning rock formation and swimming area.
