Karousades

The large village of Karousades, situated on the northwest side of Corfu, is a settlement of traditional architecture. The beautiful mansions, the golden-green olive groves and the historical elements will enchant you. 

Located en route to Roda–Sidari, many visitors to the island know its geographical location as it is an excellent area for exploring the important historical locality. 

In the nearby vicinity is the famous Canal D’amour, “the channel of love” as it is commonly known. It is surrounded by the lush olive groves and tall cypress trees. Here the mountainous landscapes of the island, the limestone cliffs and the stunning turquoise of the sea charm tourists and locals alike. This part of the island’s main characteristic is that it has life all year round. 

During the Byzantine Empire, the delightful, big village of Karousades, with its old, stately homes, was also a large administrative center.

In 1453, the Theotoki family settled in Karousades, in a mansion built in 1500.  Preserved to this day, it is known as Theotokides Tower or Karousades Tower. Konstantinos Theotokis, born in Corfu in 1872, lived part of his life in this mansion which depicts the Corfiot life of the time. 

Other refugees came from Pontos to the island of Corfu at the same time, namely around 20 BC.

Another version of the etymology of Karousades is that its name was derived from “Krasades” due to the fact that, in the past, the settlement created their own, very good, wine. Today, their wine is to be found in various parts of the village and in traditional tavernas of the area. 

The Cultural Association of Karousades, which was founded in 1982, is still instrumental in the preservation of the cultural heritage, by reviving the customs and traditions of the area. The association is actively involved with maintenance of the Blood Bank and is also responsible for arranging of ‘information days’ related to the environment, health and daily life. It organizes screening of films, festive and dance events and traditional festivals including the annual, customary “Karousaditika Petegola” and the “Karousaditiko Carnival”.

It maintains departments of traditional dances and employment departments for children, aiming at the creative employment of children and young people in the vicinity. The dance department was founded in 1996 and, since then, participates in events of the Association and other organizations. 

The Corfu Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1980 and is a community Philharmonic with about 65 musicians and a further 50 students. Students receive free theoretical lessons as well as tuition on wind and percussion instruments. To date, the Philharmonic Orchestra has performed at many events and concerts in the Community of Karousades, in the city of Corfu, and in the surrounding Communities and Municipalities and outside the Prefecture. 

On your way through the settlement of Karousades, do not forget to visit the special, religious, architectural monument of the Monastery of Agios Ioannis the Theologian. 

In Karousades there are tavernas with delicious, traditional food well worth trying! They are known hangouts of the locals and the popular choice for regulars who visit the area every year.