Ag. Deka

Description

Agioi Deka is a very picturesque traditional village, located 11km south of Corfu Town. It is built on the eastern slope of the namesake Mount Agioi Deka, or « Mountain of the Ten Martyrs » in English. In the past, it was called « Mount Galicion ».

Located at an altitude of 200m, it offers scenic views of the surrounding area, the neighboring villages, Corfu Town, and the airport. When the weather is good and the skies are clear, one can even see the city of Igoumenitsa on the opposite coast of the mainland and the mountains of Albania.

Agioi Deka took its name from the Cretan origin of its inhabitants. After the Arabs occupied Crete in 823 AD, many Cretans fled the island to move to other parts of Greece. Some of them settled in Corfu and brought with them the icon of the Holy Ten Martyrs, after which the settlement’s church and the village were named.

Agioi Deka is a typical example of Corfiot architecture. Residents have managed to preserve the village’s traditional character, with its well-kept old houses, olive mills, and limed walls. You will see potted flowers everywhere, giving a colorful tone to the quaint streets.

One of the most famous visitors to ever set foot in Agioi Deka was Oscar Wilde. He was very impressed by the village’s beauty and the poem « Santa Decca » was the outcome of his admiration.

Nearby beaches

Table des matières

Agios Gordios

Agios Gordios is a top-rated beach on the west coast of Central Corfu. It is sandy with azure waters. It is fully organized with umbrellas and sunbeds. Along the coast, there is a selection of tavernas that serve delicious cuisine.

The beach took its name from the homonymous saint, the area’s patron. What makes Agios Gordios genuinely unique is the stunning lush green backdrop of the mountain just behind the beach, which creates a beautiful contrast with the turquoise waters and the golden sand.

At the southern tip of the beach, there is a rock in the sea called Ortholithi. Gazing it from afar, it is impressive as it looks like a sunk ship.

Kontogialos

Kontogialos figures on the list of the island’s top beaches, and rightfully so. It is a place of long, golden sand and crystal clear waters. It is also called Pelekas beach, as it is accessible via the downward road that starts at Pelekas village.

Kontogalios seems like a perfect fit for those who want to enjoy a fun and relaxing day at the beach. Besides sunbeds and umbrellas, there are also watersport facilities for the most adventurous, an upbeat beach bar, and many tavernas and restaurants for all tastes.

Things to do and see in Agioi Deka, Corfu

The Monastery of Pantokrator

If you start from Agioi Deka and take the upward hiking trail which ascends the mountain, you will end up at the Monastery of Pantokrator. There is a small chapel next to it that bears the same name. The views from this spot are simply breathtaking. You can admire both the east and the west side of the island, all the way down to Corfu Town.

Achillion Palace

The Achillion Palace is just a short 5-min drive from Agioi Deka. It is one of the most significant landmarks of Corfu and an impressive sight to see.

It was built in Gastouri for the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sissi. Sissi sought refuge in Achillion in an effort to escape her life’s tragedies. A year before the palace was constructed, she had lost her son, Prince Rudolph of Austria.

The palace was designed by Italian architect Rafaelle Caritto. Sissi was a known philhellene who admired to a great extent Greece and its culture. So, inspiration was drawn from Greek mythology. Ernst Herter, a famous German sculptor, was commissioned to create works of art that paid homage to Achilles, who the palace took its name after. His sculpture Dying Achilles is the centerpiece of the estate’s gardens.

After Sissi’s death, Achillion was purchased by German Kaiser Wilhelm II to be used as a summer residence. After World War I, it became the property of the Greek state.

After 20 years of leasing as a casino (1962-1983), the palace returned to the Hellenic Tourism Organization and now operates as a museum.