The picturesque beaches and lively towns attract the large flow of tourists to the island, leaving Chlomos off the beaten paths… But once you reach its colorful houses and see the breathtaking views, you’ll understand why it’s called the “balcony of Corfu”! The green hilly slopes remain below you, and ahead on the horizon appears the blue of the Ionian Sea and the clear outlines of mainland Greece and Albania…
Where is located and how to get there
The village is located on the southeastern hills of Corfu, at an altitude of about 300 meters. The island’s capital Kerkyra is 27 km away, while the nearby resort village of Messonghi is around 5 km away. Our house was near it (Markatis House) and to climb to Chlomos we used the mountain road through Ag. Dimitrios. Steep and very narrow, and at times it is absolutely impossible for two cars to pass each other!
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The navigation insistently sent us along the northern bypass to the village, but the road there is definitely not passable… Stick to the main road, if you can call it that, to the southern entrance of Chlomos and the small parking lot where you can leave your car – HERE. You can also climb from Linia, located on the main road from Lefkimmi.
See places to stay in Chlomos
More about Chlomos
Chlomos is one of the first villages of Corfu, with an authentic atmosphere and traditional character. Despite the discovered evidence of life since before Christ, the foundations of the current settlement were laid in the 13th century. Its Venetian imprint is still visible today, mainly in the harmonious pastel colors of the houses. And also in some of the temples, where Catholic and Orthodox elements are intertwined. In the 19th century, life for the locals became very difficult and poverty forced them to leave in search of a better future.
What does his name mean
Translated from Greek, the name Chlomos (χλωμός) means “pale“. The main theory of its origin is related to malaria-stricken locals whose faces were extremely pale. Another connects it to the plant “Splonos”, which the locals use for fishing.
Through the alleys
It doesn’t take long to walk around all its narrow, paved streets… They wind around stone houses painted in warm shades of red, pink, yellow, blue, etc. Some of them are beautifully decorated with various plants, but there are also quite a few that are deserted and crumbling… Be sure that you will meet more cats than people along the way! Here, the population of homeless four-legged friends is significant and we can safely call them the masters of the village.
There are buildings erected literally on the edge, and its terraced layout means that almost every home has an incredible view. But it is also revealed by some benches located along the streets. Sit for a moment and enjoy the timelessness and the unfolding panorama… Of course, climb to the church at the top to get the best possible view of the rooftops of Chlomos, the greenery of Corfu and the waters of the Ionian Sea.
💡 In the heart of the village is the former estate of Thomas Palaiologos, brother of Constantine Palaiologos – the last Byzantine emperor.
Dinner with a view
Dining options in Chlomos are limited to just a few traditional tavernas, and the undisputed favorite that stands out from the rest is Balis Taverna. A family-run establishment where you can experience Greek hospitality in its full glory and try some typical island dishes, or as they call them – Corfiot.
One of the must-try dishes is Sofrito – coming from the Italian “so fritto” (lightly fried). Thin beef flakes, floured and lightly fried in a pan, then cooked with a fragrant white sauce of wine, garlic, parsley, vinegar, black pepper and salt. We got it with a side dish of rice and potatoes and it was cooked superbly… Tender and flavorful!
We tried grilled squid, Greek salad, and a few other goodies, and everything was great! The prices are reasonable for Corfu, and the view is amazing – the east coast, bathed in the last rays of the sun…
