Potamos

Description

Potamos, located just 4km off Corfu Town, is a big village now essentially considered a suburb of the city. It was named after the river that runs through the area and flows into the Ionian Sea at the location of Alikes. The bridge crossing the river, called Asyrmatos, is a monument of Venetian artistry.

Potamos is one of the oldest villages on the island and a top-tier picturesque landmark. If you take a stroll around the settlement, you will admire many 16^th-century mansions and buildings.

One of the attractions worth visiting is the church of Agia Eleousa, which was built in 1562. It is located at the top of a hill. Sadly, the church was destroyed in World War II. It was recreated from scratch, and a round stone in the yard is the only piece remaining of the old bell tower. Each year, on September 13^th, the bells ring mournfully to commemorate the unpleasant event.

Another unique place is the old school building, which was erected in 1741. Unfortunately, it has now gone to ruins, but it hosted many primary school pupils in the past.

Potamos extends to the seafront at Potamos Bay. The area stretching alongside the coast is the famous « Emporiko », one of the hubs of Corfu’s nightlife. It hosts many bars, nightclubs, cafés, and restaurants.

Nearby beaches

Table des matières

Gouvia Beach

Gouvia is a small, organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. It has pebbles and sand, and the waters are shallow, so swimming is perfectly safe for small children. There are watersports facilities for a fun day under the sun for those who want to get their adrenaline pumping. Plus, boats depart from Gouvia, offering excursions to nearby locations and beaches.

Kontokali Beach

Kontokali is a Blue Flag awarded beach near Corfu Town (5km), in front of the namesake settlement. It is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas. The beach has soft sand and small pebbles, while the waters are clear and shallow, making it a good choice for the safety of children.

There is a large hotel on the beach, and visitors can use its facilities, like the beach bar, the restaurant, and the showers. The location offers views to the uninhabited islet of Lazaretto, which is just across, and the Old Fortress of Corfu in the distance.

Alikes

Located 4km from Corfu Town, Alikes is a sandy and secluded beach with clear waters that are shallow enough for children to play safely. A patch of juniper trees divides it in half: the north section is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, while the south is pure nature.

On the main road that passes through Alikes, there are all amenities needed for visitors, such as shops, restaurants, tavernas, and bars. Alikes is located right in the middle of one of Corfu’s most touristic zones, along with the neighboring resorts of Gouvia and Dassia to the north. The area offers a vast array of water sports, yachting, scuba diving, and accessible sports facilities for everyone to use. There are also superb dining options, specializing in fresh fish and delicious Corfiot specialties, such as pastitsada (beef or rooster with pasta) and bourdeto (fish cooked in a spicy tomato sauce).

On the south side of the beach, the Potamos River empties into the Ionian Sea, creating an important wetland. During the Venetian rule, the Venetians operated salt pans here. This is what the place took its name from, as « Alikes » means salt pans. They distributed the produce to their colonies on the Dalmatian Coast.

Things to do and see in the area of Potamos, Corfu

The Capodistrias Museum

At a short car ride from Kyra Chrisikou, near the village of Evropouloi, lies the important Capodistrias Museum. It is situated within the Capodistrias family estate in Koukouritsa. The museum is dedicated to Corfiot Ioannis Capodistrias, the first governor of Greece.

Ioannis Capodistrias, a predominant figure of European politics, got in charge of the newly-liberated Greek State after the War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire in the early 19^th century and began an effort to create a modern state, to the standards of the era’s European countries. He was assassinated in Nafplio in 1831.

The museum’s permanent exhibition features personal belongings of Capodistrias, family memorabilia, and various other artifacts. After your visit, you can unwind at the estate’s botanical garden and have a refreshing drink at the museum’s café. There is also a gift shop selling original souvenirs.