Peroulades

Within walking distance – just two kilometers – from the tourist resort of Sidari is the small, antiquated village of Peroulades. Very unlike Sidari, with its cosmopolitan air, Peroulades exudes romance and serenity. It is a village that has remained untouched from a tourist’s point of view, with a strong Venetian element, that offers the visitor to this area a totally different perspective of Corfu.

Entering the settlement, the Venetian seal is visible, mansions with a Venetian walk and coats of arms and roofs with a classic light-colored Byzantine tile, stimulate interest in this very different environment, which was once a thriving community.

The village is not densely populated, however it has accommodation; hotels, apartments and villas and is suitable as a destination for those who want to enjoy a relaxing holiday and the beauty of the unique landscape. There is a mini market and a cafe-bar, with parking above the main point of interest of the area, Loggas Beach, one of the most impressive beaches, not only on the island but also worldwide. The cafe is known for its glass platform, from which there are magnificent, endless views over the steep cliffs, which every visitor seems to try and capture on camera. It is truly a photographer’s paradise!

Loggas Beach, or Sunset Beach, as it is also known, due to the unique sunsets that characterize it, is classified as one of the most spectacular beaches in the world.

Sharp vertical rocks, with sedimentary layers that dive into transparent shallow waters, compose an eerie landscape. The narrow beach with soft sand is often completely lost during bad weather. “The sea eats it” as the locals describe it, caused by high tides or rough seas, resulting in no space to sit on the diminished beach. Visitors should pay attention to the fact that there are also small rock slides that have occurred, as the cliff face is sandstone.

The beach has access via stairs which are well maintained yet steep, making the descent easier than the ascent. Many bathers – as is the case on Sidari beaches – use the clay that is abundant on the surrounding rocks to make masks.

Canal D’Amour (Canal of Love), is the most famous with its rare, geological formation of sandstone rocks which have been eroded by the sea and winds, resulting in porous, ornate shapes. It consists of a small beach and two canals, one on either side. The real “Canal D ‘Amour” is located on the west side, where there is a canal, or open ended cave, through which one can swim to the next beach. The naming of Canal D’Amour comes from the tradition that all couples swimming through it together will remain in love forever.

The beach of Canal d’Amour with its well-photographed, sculpted rocks is located next to Cape Drastis, its twin “little brother”, as it is called, or fraternal beach. There is no tourist infrastructure at Drastis and due to the fact that the area is inaccessible, it has been protected from human intervention and remains pristine. The road leading there is inaccessible and access by boat is recommended.

There are three versions of the origin of the name of the Peroulades. The name Peroulades is said to date back to the time when the Peruvians lived here, as the Venetian lords with the wigs were called. On the other hand, the surname Peroulis prevails in the area, so it is speculated that the moniker was derived from this family name. Finally, according to elderly locals, the village is also called Perlada from “Pera + Hellas” in Greek, due to its location and has transformed over the years into Peroulades.

Peroulades, back in time

The structure of the village is dated to prehistoric times, while there are presumptions that the area was inhabited since the Late Paleolithic Age (12,000 years ago).

Peroulades flourished in the Middle Ages and did not suffer severe damage, as the guards kept long-range firearms to protect the area’s coasts from pirates. The greatest destruction, despite great resistance, was caused by the Genoese in 1403.

The village has produced great spiritual men such as the inspirational poet and writer Kalvos, remnants of whose house are still there.