Corfu's Oldest - & Tastiest - Village

Located in Corfu’s northeastern corner, just below Mount Pantokrator and surrounded by dense forest, Perithia is the island’s oldest permanently inhabited settlement, with records dating back to the 14th century. The setting was chosen as a safe refuge from the pirates who made regular raids during the summer months. However, far from being a retreat, Perithia’s natural resources – chiefly oak and vineyards - made it the wealthiest village in the whole of Corfu. By the mid-17th century, it boasted 130 houses of Venetian origin, eight churches and a population of around 1,200 people.

Everything changed with the arrival of mass tourism to Corfu in the 1960s. The residents migrated to the coast where there was better money to be made and before long, Perithia was abandoned.

Tourism may have led to the village’s decline, but in the 21st century, it also enabled Perithia’s rebirth. In 2009, a couple called Mark and Saskia Hendriksen visited the ghost village. They fell in love and almost immediately devoted themselves to bringing ‘Old’ Perithia back to life.

They began by restoring an elaborate complex of connected properties into a luxurious Bed and Breakfast. “We thought that this one restoration might serve as a catalyst,” Mark told the Guardian newspaper. “If we could show that there was opportunity here, it might entice back the old villagers.” The plan worked: visitors were drawn to the peace and quiet of the Corfu hills and, as their numbers grew, many of Perithia’s original inhabitants began to return.

By the start of the 2020s, Perithia was home to a full-time population of 20 and 35% of the houses were inhabitable once again. Restoration is being overseen by the Central Archaeological Council, which has classified the village as an historic monument. This designation comes with strict conditions – no cars; streets paved in stone; LED lights only – ensuring Perithia looks much as it did 500 years ago.  But unlike then, the village is home to a thriving restaurant scene, including the renowned O Foros.

This picturesque taverna was the first to open among the village ruins and shot to international fame after Rick Stein featured it in his TV series, Mediterranean Escapes. A late lunch at O Foros following a guided tour of the village is one of the highlights of our Culinary & Cultural Odyssey to Corfu. Why not join us at the table this autumn?