Corfu’s old villages hide colourful houses, stone mansions and flower-filled courtyards. Read to the end for my top three — and No.1 is also my personal favourite.
1Afionas – Colourful Houses & Flower-Filled Courtyards
Best for: colourful houses, flowers, traditional lanes, coastal views and photography.
My No.1 is Afionas — and it is also my personal favourite village on this list.
The old part of Afionas is filled with colourful homes, blue and green shutters, stone walls, bougainvillea, geraniums and tiny courtyards.
Sometimes you only need to turn into one small lane to find a house that looks as though it has been prepared especially for a photograph.
The village sits high above Agios Georgios Pagon and combines traditional architecture with some of the most impressive coastal scenery in northwest Corfu.
Where does the name Afionas come from?
There are several theories. One of the more interesting connects the name with amfioni, an old grape variety associated with Corfu.
Other theories connect the name with mythology or the geographical position of the settlement, so its exact origin remains uncertain.
Village facts
Population: approximately 211 residents.
Location: northwest Corfu.
From Corfu Town: approximately 35–37 km.
Best for: colourful houses, flowers, sunsets and village photography.
What else can you see nearby?
- Porto Timoni
- Agios Georgios Pagon
- Arillas
- Kavadades
- Agios Stefanos Avliotes
Afionas is also the starting point for the famous walk down to Porto Timoni.
Local tip: Go early in the morning if you want to photograph the village without many visitors. For Porto Timoni, take water and wear proper walking shoes.
Read our complete Afionas and Porto Timoni guide.
Driving directions from Corfu Town.
Which Corfu Village Has the Most Beautiful Traditional Houses?
Every village on this list has a different character. Old Perithia is all about stone and history, Chlomos combines Venetian influences with warm colours, while Afionas stands out for its colourful houses, flowers and spectacular setting.
For me, Afionas is No.1 — but this is exactly the kind of list where everyone who knows Corfu will probably have a different favourite.
Explore more in our guide to 10 Corfu villages you must visit or use our Corfu map to plan your next road trip.
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