Acharavi

Acharavi is the largest centre in the northern region of Corfu and is located between the areas of Kassiopi and Roda. About 40 km from the centre of Corfu, it stretches along a major, main, coastal road with various branches leading to the beach. Positioned on a flat, coastal plain with the Pantokrator mountain in the background it offers various accommodation options, facilities and activities.

According to historical sources, the area in Ancient Greece was called “Ivi” probably in honour of the daughter of Zeus who symbolized youth, and it was obviously a place that was full of life. The city was destroyed in 32 BC by the Roman emperor, Octavian, and its name was thus changed from ‘the city of life’ to ‘the city of the destruction of that life’ – the city of the “thankless life”.

Being a large village, it essentially provides the many services of a functional small town with it having a bank, post office, hairdressers, florists, supermarkets, bakeries and assortment of other shops. There are also many restaurants, cafes and bars that operate both in summer and during the winter.

In terms of transportation, the local bus service operates daily. Car, jeep, motorcycle and bicycle rentals are available for more autonomous or independent transportation. Excursions to explore traditional villages and older parts of the area (Peritheia – Palia Peritheia) also depart from the main road.

Regarding accommodation, the visitor has choice between a variety of types in different price ranges. There are hotels, apartments, studios and luxury villas with swimming pools for rent.

The main beach of Acharavi connects the area of ​​Roda with that of Almyros. It is extensive; a length of three kilometers, and is sandy and shallow making it a safe choice for children. It has sunbeds for rent, showers, beach bars, cafes and tavernas all along the beach. For the more adventurous, there are water sports including diving.

The beach of Saint Spyridon is located five kilometers outside of Acharavi towards the area of ​​Almyros. It consists of two neighbouring sandy bays with shallow water. The  small, characteristic church of Agios Spyridon is at its point. One side is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds for hire and also with showers for bather’s convenience. There are Greek tavernas with traditional and international dishes in this vicinity.

On the other side is Yaliskari Bay. The area is dotted with villas for rent. Behind it is a protected wetland that has formed the Antinioti lagoon.

The museum has collected and exhibited objects, photographs, drawings and texts of Corfu for the last three centuries; elements of the various cultures which reveal personal stories and collective experiences and tie the past with the present. Corfu was inhabited by people with different cultures who left their mark on it, thus shaping the special Corfiot tradition. The museum is located on the main road of Acharavi opposite the archaeological site of the area.

Acharavi, archaeological proofs

The archaeological site is located on the provincial road that leads from Roda to Kassiopi, just opposite the folklore museum of Acharavi. Excavation was carried out in the years 1985-6 and revealed part of a Roman mansion: the baths, an under floor heating system, provision made for hot running water and a system of sewers. The most common finds in the excavation were fragments of household utensils, potsherds (broken pieces of ceramic), glass window panes, decorative metal objects and clothing. Also discovered were an embossed lamp, copper coins and marble tiles. The findings show that the owners had a high standard of living and profited from the yields of the fertile plain of the wider area.