The Traditional Costumes of Corfu

The Ghost Villages of Corfu

Corfu is filled with abandoned villages that serve as silent witnesses to the island's past history and social life. These villages, most of which are located in remote and difficult-to-reach areas, have now become popular destinations for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking tranquility. Among the most notable abandoned villages of Corfu are Old Perithia, Old Sinies, and Zygonos, while Prinilas and Vitoulades also offer significant interest due to their long-forgotten histories.  

From Perithia and beyond

Old Perithia is located on the eastern side of Corfu, at the foot of Mount Pantokrator. This is one of the most well-known abandoned villages on the island, founded in ancient times, and it flourished particularly in the 14th century. Over the years, it became a center for culture and religion. The village was home to several churches and monasteries and served as one of the most important administrative centers in Corfu. Despite its natural beauty and the presence of significant religious structures, the village began to be abandoned in the 20th century. This was due to the isolation and depopulation of the island's mountainous regions, but mainly because of the development of tourism and coastal areas. Today, visitors can walk along the village's ruined streets, admire its old buildings, and feel the magic of its history. A little further south of lies another village lost in time. Old Sinies was once an important center in earlier centuries, experiencing significant development. However, after World War II and the migration of its residents to urban areas, it followed the same path as other abandoned settlements. The area now offers a unique blend of natural beauty and history, making it an ideal destination for exploration.     Located on the southern side of Corfu, near the settlement of Agios Matthaios, Zygonos is one of the island’s most intriguing abandoned villages. The settlement was once a densely populated village, with agriculture being the primary occupation of its residents. Zygonos witnessed significant growth but faced multiple attacks by pirates, with the most famous one being that of the renowned pirate Barbarossa. Gradually, many of the village’s inhabitants abandoned it, and by the 19th century, the village was completely deserted. A few kilometers from Zygonos, another once important village can be found—Prinilas. Known for the workshops and technical skills of its inhabitants, who are said to have helped in the construction of the Gardiki Castle, Prinilas was primarily known for its agricultural and livestock activities. Over time, as it became more distanced from the island’s main economic activities, Prinilas followed the same fate as many other villages and was gradually abandoned. Today, Prinilas exists only as a remnant of local history and the agricultural heritage of Corfu, now completely erased from the map. In northern Corfu, perched on the slope of a mountain, lies another abandoned settlement. Although the buildings in the village are now in a state of abandonment, they retain many characteristics of Corfu’s traditional architecture. This village is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to take a short journey back in time and explore a small part of Corfu’s rural landscape, along with the history and culture it once hosted. The abandoned villages of Corfu, such as , Old Sinies, Zygonos, Prinilas, and Vitoulades, are living monuments to the history and social life of the island. Despite their abandonment, these villages continue to captivate visitors who discover them through tours, hikes, and photography. The abandoned villages of Corfu provide a window into the past, allowing us to understand the social, economic, and political changes that shaped the island. They also remind us of the human presence and the love the former residents had for their land.