Perama
Suspended between the deep blue of the Ionian Sea and the silvery green of centuries-old olive groves, Perama reveals itself as on...
Updated 8 July 2026
This season · July · Summer
What to do in Perama now
The story
The story of Perama
A crossroads of eras: the history of Perama
The history of Perama is inextricably linked to that of nearby Paleopolis, the ancient capital of Corfu. Since antiquity, this area served as a vital link for transit toward the south of the island. During the Byzantine period and later under the long Venetian domination, Perama retained its agricultural and strategic vocation; the Venetians, in particular, left an indelible mark on the landscape by promoting the massive planting of olive trees, many of which today are over four centuries old. With the arrival of the British in the 19th century and the interest of European reigning houses, the area turned into an elite holiday destination. The most significant event of the modern era was the construction of imperial residences nearby, which made Perama a sought-after destination for international nobility, an aura of discreet, cosmopolitan elegance it still retains today.
The Pedestrian Bridge: a walk between the waters
One of the most distinctive architectural and functional elements of Perama is the long pedestrian bridge, or causeway, that crosses the Halikiopoulou Lagoon, connecting the town with the Kanoni peninsula. This slender strip of concrete is not just a practical shortcut but a unique sensory experience: walking across it, one finds oneself literally suspended between the open sea and the lagoon, surrounded by small fishing boats, with a close-up view of the Vlacherna Monastery. The bridge has also become famous among aviation enthusiasts, as it lies exactly on the landing path of Corfu Airport, offering a breathtaking spectacle when aircraft pass low overhead, creating a surreal contrast with the peacefulness of the surrounding landscape.
Pontikonisi: the Mouse Island and the myth of Odysseus
Although it lies just a short distance from the coast, Pontikonisi is the visual soul of Perama. According to Homeric legend, this wooded islet is said to be the ship of the Phaeacians which, after bringing Odysseus back to Ithaca, was turned to stone by an enraged Poseidon. The name, meaning 'Mouse Island', comes from its peculiar shape and small size. On the island stands a small 12th-century Byzantine chapel dedicated to Pantokrator, immersed in dense cypress vegetation. The islet can be reached by short boat trips departing from the jetty near Perama. The visit offers a moment of absolute quiet and a different perspective on the Corfiot coast, allowing one to touch, first-hand, a still-vivid piece of Greek mythology.
The Kaiser's Bridge: memories of an emperor
Along the coastal road that leads south from Perama, one comes across the remains of the so-called Kaiser's Bridge. It is an imposing stone-and-iron pier built by the German Emperor Wilhelm II at the beginning of the 20th century. The structure had a purely logistical and private purpose: to allow the sovereign to disembark from his royal yacht and conveniently reach the Achilleion, his summer residence on the hill above at Gastouri, without having to travel the public roads. Although the central section of the bridge was demolished during the Second World War to ease the passage of heavy vehicles, the remaining stumps on the shore and in the sea remain a fascinating monument to the opulence of the Belle Époque and to the deep bond European nobility once had with this stretch of coast.
The Achilleion: the palace of myth and sorrow
Just a few minutes by car, or via a hillside path, from Perama, the Achilleion is one of Greece's most visited monuments. Built in 1890 for Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi), the palace is an ode to classical culture and the hero Achilles, in whom Sisi sought comfort after the loss of her son. The neoclassical architecture, the terraced gardens sloping down toward the sea and the famous statues, including the 'Dying Achilles', create an atmosphere of tragic beauty. Visiting the Achilleion from Perama makes it easy to understand why the empress chose precisely this corner of Corfu: the view from its balconies embraces the entire Bay of Perama, offering a panorama that stretches all the way to the mountains of Epirus on the Greek mainland.
Nature and landscape: between lagoon and hills
The landscape of Perama is marked by extraordinary biodiversity, dominated by the Halikiopoulou Lagoon. This wetland is a precious ecosystem, a refuge for numerous species of migratory and resident birds, such as herons and flamingos, which can be observed especially in the early morning hours. Behind the coastline, the ground rises quickly into hills covered by extremely dense Mediterranean vegetation. Here, the olive tree reigns supreme, but slender cypresses, citrus groves and climbing plants that colour the walls of the houses are also plentiful. Perama's beaches, though narrow and often pebbly, offer exceptionally clear, calm waters, ideal for snorkelling thanks to the rocky seabeds teeming with marine life just a few metres from shore.
Traditions and flavours: the cuisine of the area
Staying in Perama means immersing yourself in the authentic flavours of Corfiot tradition, which blends Greek ingredients with Venetian influences. In the local taverns, it is a must to try 'Pastitsada', a dish made with rooster or veal meat stewed with tomato, cinnamon and spices, served with long pasta. Another gastronomic pillar is 'Sofrito', thin slices of veal cooked in a sauce of white wine, garlic and parsley. One cannot leave the area without having tried the liqueur or sweets made from Kumquat, the small citrus fruit that has become a symbol of the island. Folk culture is still alive in the religious festivals (panigiria) held in nearby villages, where violin and bouzouki music accompanies traditional dances and communal feasts late into the night.
Experiences not to be missed in Perama
- Walk across the causeway toward Kanoni at sunset to take iconic photos of Vlacherna.
- Hire a small motorboat to explore the secluded coves of the eastern coast.
- Go plane spotting from the bridge, feeling the roar of the engines just metres away.
- Hike up to the village of Gastouri along the ancient paths through the olive groves.
- Dine at a seaside tavern, enjoying fresh fish and local white Robola wine.
- Go snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters near the remains of the Kaiser's Bridge.
When to go and how to experience the place
Perama is a destination that changes character with the seasons. Late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October) are the best times: the climate is mild, nature is lush and the tourist crowds are thin, allowing one to enjoy the peace of the lagoon. Summer is vibrant and warm, perfect for those who love seaside life and activity. To experience Perama at its best, the advice is to get around on foot or by local public transport (the blue buses), which frequently connect the area with the centre of Corfu Town, thus avoiding the stress of parking. It is a place that invites you to slow down: take the time for breakfast with a view of Pontikonisi, or for a morning swim when the sea is a flat sheet of blue.
FAQ
È rumoroso alloggiare a Perama a causa dell'aeroporto?
Le spiagge sono adatte ai bambini?
Quanto dista Perama dal centro di Corfù Town?
C'è parcheggio vicino al ponte pedonale?
Si può visitare il monastero di Vlacherna partendo da Perama?
Getting there
- Aeroporto Internazionale di Corfù (CFU) - 4 km
- Non presenti sull'isola
- Da Corfù Town seguire la strada costiera verso sud in direzione Lefkimmi/Gastouri; Perama si incontra subito dopo la penisola di Kanoni.
- Utilizzate la linea 6 dei 'Blue Buses' che collega regolarmente il centro città con Perama e l'Achilleion.
Perfect for
Un paradiso per i fotografi grazie ai riflessi della laguna, al monastero di Vlacherna e agli atterraggi spettacolari degli aerei.
Ideale per chi cerca una vacanza tranquilla in hotel con vista mare, lontano dal caos ma vicino ai servizi della città.
Punto di partenza perfetto per visitare l'Achilleion e i siti storici della vicina Corfù Town.
To see
