The scenic drive to Mount Pantokrator in Corfu
Mount Pantokrator is a mountain peak at an elevation of 906m (2,972ft) above the sea level, located in Corfu, in the Ionian Islands Region of Greece. The drive offers the best panoramic views of Corfu from above.
Can you drive up Mount Pantokrator?
Set high in the north-eastern part of the island, Mount Pantokrator, also known as Pantocrator and Mount Pantokratoras, is the highest mountain on the island. The road to the summit is totally paved.
Is the road to Mount Pantokrator challenging?
The road to the summit is very steep, hitting an 18% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Starting at Strinilas, the ascent is 4.6 km (2.85 miles) long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 260 meters. The average gradient is 5.65%. The road is pretty narrow and has no guard rails. It has a series of switchbacks that may be uncomfortable for travelers who suffer from motion sickness.
Is the road to Mount Pantokrator worth it?
The road to the summit offers stunning views. It’s said to have the best panoramic views of Corfu from above. Go when the sky is clear or it will be less enjoyable. From the top of the mount Pantokrator you can see the coast of Epiros and Albania, Lake Butrinto, the small islands of Othoni, Erikoussa and Mathraki to the north west of Corfu the hills of Lefkimmi in the south the island of Paxi and in far distance, Kefalonnia. On particularly clear days it is also possible to see Italy, even though it is 130 kilometers away. The summit hosts a café for tourists, a telecommunications station and a monastery. The monastery of the Pantokrator is located on the site of an older Angevin monastery which was built in 1347 and destroyed early in the 16th century. It was then completely rebuilt, starting 1689 with the help of contributions from the people of the surrounding villages. There is nothing left from the older monastery. The facade of the church was built in the 19th century. The parking atop is limited.
How long does it take to drive to Mount Pantokrator?
To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 10 and 15 minutes.