Giannades can be understood through its houses and location: small and large family homes reflect distinctive Corfiot architecture, and from part of the village the view stretches to Pantokrator and east towards the Strait of Corfu and the city. If you are planning a stay, you will find specific insights here into the character of the village; elsewhere on Corfu, further cultural and landscape themes offer different perspectives.
Family Houses and Historical Layers
The houses in Giannades are associated with different social groups and periods. During Venetian rule, they were linked to priests, notaries and captains. Under British rule, they belonged to middle-sized landowners; after the Union of 1864, to merchants and teachers. Together with the range of house sizes, this offers a distinctive way to explore Corfiot architecture: local history is reflected not just in one building, but in houses connected with different groups and eras.
The views are not described as being the same throughout the village, either. From part of Giannades, you can see Pantokrator; eastwards, the view stretches to the Strait of Corfu and the city. This gives the location both a landscape setting and a geographical orientation, without every spot in the village offering the same perspective.
Lanes and a Nearby Destination
Narrow streets are part of Giannades’ character. Nearby is the chapel of Agios Kirikos, which local people maintain in excellent condition. If you would like to visit the chapel, it is best to check access in advance.
Corfu: Old Town and Museums
The Old Town of Corfu also offers a distinct focus for culture lovers. Its historic urban fabric has been almost entirely preserved; the buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The Old Town and its two fortresses are UNESCO World Heritage sites. A digital city guide is designed for residents and visitors and offers audiovisual material about more than 80 sights. Check before your trip whether the guide is available.
The museums differ in their collections and themes. The Museum of Asian Art in the Old Town houses more than 11,000 objects from China, Japan, India, the Himalayas and Central Asia. It can be reached from Corfu port on bus line 2, on the Mantouki–Kanoni route; check the timetable before travelling. The Archaeological Museum displays the Gorgon-Medusa pediment from the great Temple of Artemis. It was created in 585 BC and excavated in 1911 near the Monastery of Aghioi Theodoroi. The museum was built primarily to exhibit this pediment.
Achilleion and the Kapodistrias Museum offer further historical insights. The Achilleion summer palace was built in Gastouri in 1892 in the Pompeian style. The Kapodistrias Museum’s permanent exhibition explores the history of Corfu, Europe and Greece through the life of Greece’s first governor. Anyone interested in the everyday life of the island’s aristocracy in the 19th century can find a reconstruction at Casa Parlante, with moving figures and recreated furnishings and interiors.
More Landscape and Cultural Themes on Corfu
For hiking, ancient paths wind through the wooded mountains of Agii Deka, Stavros and Garouna in the Achilleion municipal unit. The 180-kilometre Corfu Trail passes through several settlements; Benitses is one of its 13 daily-stage locations. Festivals, local fairs and cultural events are also held in the villages of the Achilleion municipal unit; specific programmes vary.
Benitses Beach is another distinct example on Corfu: beside the marina, there is a narrow, organised sandy beach with facilities for people with disabilities. These different themes help distinguish Giannades as a village destination from other cultural, hiking and coastal interests on Corfu.
Discover more destinations: Kokkini Parelia, Vitalades, Acharavi, Dassia, Petriti, Nisaki, Chalikounas, PĂ©lekas
For the main travel overview: Corfu.
