Gimari

Description

Gimari is a small yet beautiful traditional village, situated along the main road to Kassiopi, some 25km from Corfu Town.

It is built on a lush green mountain slope that goes all the way down to the sea. The area around Gimari is full of beaches, vegetation, and incredible natural beauty that make it one of the most scenic parts of the island. It is no wonder that more and more people every year come to spend their holidays at this tranquil setting or approach the beautiful bays on their yachts or boats to admire the scenery from out in the open.

In Gimari, traditional tavernas are serving local delicacies and Corfiot specialties. The friendly locals will treat you like one of their own and give you a taste of genuine Greek hospitality. It is a great option for spending the hot afternoon hours in the shade after your refreshing swim at one of the area’s beaches, or, even better, for your dinner when the sun begins to set at this narrow point of the sea strait. You will get the chance to admire the views of the bay of Kalami and the opposite Albanian coast.

Nearby beaches

Table of Contents

Agni Beach

The pristine environment of Agni is not to be missed by anyone who wishes to spend their day at the shore of a small piece of paradise.

This small pebble beach and harbor is nestled in a lush green area, with vegetation reaching down to the sea. The waters deepen steeply, and in combination with the available diving facilities, the bay of Agni, with its rich marine life, is ideal for scuba and snorkeling.

There are a few sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, but Agni is largely unspoiled. Until a few years ago, it was accessible mainly by sea, as land access was possible through pathways. The wooden piers stretching into the sea were built to facilitate visitors who visited the area by boat to enjoy its tranquility and seclusion.

Agni is also famous to both locals and tourists for its seaside tavernas, serving superb fresh fish, delicious seafood, and Corfiot specialties.

Kalami Beach

The beach of Kalami is situated right underneath the namesake settlement, which became famous thanks to the English writer Lawrence Durrell who lived here in the 30s. It lies 28km north of Corfu Town.

Kalami is one of the most popular seaside resorts in this part of Corfu. The Blue Flag awarded beach has small pebbles and crystal clear waters that reflect the green of the pine and cypress trees, which are abundant in the surrounding area. It is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, while there are watersports facilities allowing visitors to spend a fun day in the water, doing canoeing, water skiing, SUP, pedalo, wakeboarding, and more.

In the village, guests can find all amenities, like supermarkets, gift shops, and pharmacies. Kalami is also rich in dining options, with many tavernas, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars, many of which are on the shore.

Chouchoulio Beach

Chouchoulio is a natural paradise and one of the best-kept secrets of Corfu. Free of any human intervention and surrounded by eucalyptus trees, this beach with the incredible and remarkable seabed attracts people who want to enjoy the sea in complete serenity and relaxation.

Chouchoulio is a snorkeling hot spot. The windless waters of pebbles and gravel are so clear that even with a simple mask, swimmers can see all kinds of small fish, even octopuses and crabs, hiding between the rocks.

The beach is not organized, and many visitors arrive by boat and moor at the small pier.

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

The incredibly picturesque fishing harbor of Kouloura

Shortly after Kalami, you will come upon the scenic bay of Kouloura, one of Corfu’s most photographed spots.

The green bay is surrounded by cypress trees that sweep down to the sea, almost touching the fishing and sailing boats tied to the settlement’s horseshoe-shaped harbor. The setting is so picturesque that it makes visitors think time has stood still.

At the edge of the harbor, a few steps lead up to the beautiful chapel of Agios Nikolaos (Petra). In 1085 AD, an Italian ship carrying the holy relic of Agios Nikolaos stopped at Kouloura because of bad weather conditions on its way to Italy.

Next to the harbor, the walk takes you to Villa Anieli, a luxurious and very famous mansion. The Venetians built it as a fortress against raids, and during its years of existence, it has hosted many blue bloods and aristocrats from all over Europe.

There are no other amenities or buildings in Kouloura except for a fish taverna. On the hills towering the bay, many luxury villas welcome mainly wealthy people who come to spend their holidays in this serene environment.