Pelekas Corfu Guide: Kaiser’s Throne, Beaches, Restaurants & Things To Do
Pelekas is one of Corfu’s most atmospheric hill villages, famous for Kaiser’s Throne, sunset views, traditional tavernas, narrow lanes and easy access to some of the island’s best west-coast beaches, including Glyfada, Kontogialos and Myrtiotissa.
This is not a beach resort in the usual sense. Pelekas village sits high above the coast, with panoramic views across Corfu. The beaches are below the village, reached by car, taxi, bus, shuttle, scooter or a steep walk depending on where you are staying.
Pelekas is ideal if you want a village base with character, views and nearby beaches rather than a hotel strip directly on the sand. It is also a brilliant day trip from Corfu Town, especially if you want to see Kaiser’s Throne, visit Glyfada or have dinner with sunset views.
Choose Pelekas if you want village atmosphere, west-coast sunsets, tavernas, viewpoints and easy access to Glyfada and Kontogialos.
Choose somewhere else if you want the beach directly outside your hotel, big nightlife, a flat resort or lots of large hotel facilities.
Where is Pelekas?
Pelekas is in central-west Corfu, set on a hill above Glyfada Beach, Kontogialos / Pelekas Beach, Myrtiotissa and the surrounding countryside.
Approximate journey times by car or transfer:
Corfu Airport to Pelekas: around 20–35 minutes
Corfu Town to Pelekas: around 20–35 minutes
Glyfada Beach to Pelekas: around 10–15 minutes
Kontogialos / Pelekas Beach to Pelekas: around 5–15 minutes
Myrtiotissa Beach to Pelekas: around 10–20 minutes
Ermones to Pelekas: around 15–25 minutes
Aqualand to Pelekas: around 10–20 minutes
Agios Gordios to Pelekas: around 20–35 minutes
Paleokastritsa to Pelekas: around 45–65 minutes
Corfu Town by City Bus: usually around 25–40 minutes depending on traffic and timetable
Pelekas is one of the best areas if you want to combine a village stay, Corfu Town access and west-coast beach days.
What is Pelekas like?
Pelekas feels traditional, relaxed and scenic. The village is built into the hillside, with winding lanes, small shops, cafés, tavernas, guesthouses and views opening up between the buildings.
It has more character than a simple beach resort, but it is also less convenient if your main priority is walking straight to the sand every morning.
Pelekas is especially good for:
Couples who want sunset views and village dinners
Travellers who want a base near Glyfada
People who like viewpoints and photography
Visitors who want a traditional village close to Corfu Town
Beach lovers with a car
Walkers and Corfu Trail visitors
Day trippers from Corfu Town
Self-catering holidays
People choosing between Pelekas, Glyfada, Agios Gordios and Liapades
It may not suit you if you want flat walks, large hotel resorts, big nightlife or a beach directly on your doorstep.
The best way to enjoy Pelekas is to treat it as a village-and-view base, with beaches nearby rather than right outside.
Kaiser’s Throne
Kaiser’s Throne is the most famous landmark in Pelekas and one of the best viewpoints in Corfu. It sits above the village and offers panoramic views across the island, including hills, villages, coastline and the Ionian Sea.
It is named after Kaiser Wilhelm II, who is said to have enjoyed the view from this spot during his time in Corfu. Today, it is one of the most popular sunset viewpoints on the island.
You can visit during the day for wide island views or in the evening for sunset. The light is especially beautiful around golden hour.
Corfu Travel Co tip: Kaiser’s Throne is one of the best reasons to include Pelekas in a Corfu itinerary, even if you are not staying overnight.
Pelekas Beach / Kontogialos Beach
Pelekas Beach, also known as Kontogialos, sits below the village and is one of the best nearby beaches. It is a sandy west-coast beach with clear water, green cliffs, beach bars and restaurants.
The beach is beautiful, but the road down from Pelekas is steep and winding. If you are staying in the village without a car, check whether your accommodation offers beach transport, or plan taxis, buses or walking carefully.
Kontogialos Beach is good for:
Sand
Swimming
Couples
Families
Beach bars
Sea-view lunches
Sunset
A quieter alternative to Glyfada
Visitors staying in Pelekas village
The sea can sometimes be wavier than east-coast beaches, so always check conditions before swimming, especially with children.
Best beaches near Pelekas
Kontogialos / Pelekas Beach
This is the closest main beach to Pelekas village. It is sandy, scenic and good for a full beach day.
Good for: sand, swimming, couples, families, beach lunches, sunset.
Glyfada Beach
Glyfada is one of Corfu’s most famous sandy beaches and is very close to Pelekas. It has beach bars, sunbeds, watersports, restaurants and a stronger beach-club feel than Kontogialos.
Good for: beach clubs, sunbeds, groups, families, watersports, sunset.
Myrtiotissa Beach
Myrtiotissa is one of Corfu’s most beautiful natural beaches, with a wilder and more secluded feel. It is also known for its long-standing naturist-friendly reputation.
Access can be steep, so check conditions before visiting.
Good for: nature, scenery, quiet swims, couples, adventurous beach days.
Gialiskari Beach
Gialiskari is a smaller beach near Pelekas and can be a good option if you want something quieter and more tucked away than Glyfada.
Good for: peaceful swims, couples, quiet beach days.
Ermones Beach
Ermones is a small west-coast beach with cliffs, green scenery and a quieter atmosphere. It is a good nearby option if you want a change from Glyfada and Kontogialos.
Good for: scenic swims, couples, quieter beach days.
Agios Gordios Beach
Agios Gordios is another excellent west-coast sandy beach within reach of Pelekas. It has a more developed resort feel, watersports, beach restaurants and sunset views.
Good for: sand, watersports, beach bars, couples, families, sunset dinners.
Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa is further north-west and offers dramatic coves, boat trips, caves, clear water and the famous monastery.
Good for: boat trips, snorkelling, scenery, day trips, photos.
Best things to do in Pelekas
1. Visit Kaiser’s Throne
This is the must-do in Pelekas. Walk or drive up to Kaiser’s Throne and take in the panoramic views across Corfu.
Go during the day if you want clear island views.
Go in the evening if you want sunset.
Bring your camera and allow time to stay for the changing light.
2. Explore Pelekas village
Pelekas is worth exploring slowly. Walk through the narrow streets, stop for coffee, browse small shops and enjoy the village atmosphere.
It is much more traditional than a beach resort, so the pleasure is in slowing down rather than looking for big attractions.
3. Have dinner with a view
Pelekas is one of the best places in Corfu for dinner with sunset atmosphere. Several restaurants have terraces, sea views or hillside settings.
Book ahead in peak season if you want a good table, especially around sunset.
4. Spend the day at Kontogialos Beach
Kontogialos is the closest beach to the village and a lovely choice for a sandy beach day. Swim, have lunch by the sea, stay for sunset and enjoy the softer west-coast scenery.
If staying in the village, plan transport back carefully because the climb is steep.
5. Visit Glyfada Beach
Glyfada is one of Corfu’s best-known beaches and is very close to Pelekas. It is ideal if you want sunbeds, beach clubs, watersports and a more energetic beach atmosphere.
This is a great option if you want a “proper beach day” with all the facilities.
6. Visit Myrtiotissa Beach
Myrtiotissa is a beautiful natural beach near Pelekas and Glyfada. It feels wilder, quieter and more secluded.
It is best for visitors who like natural beaches and do not mind a more difficult access route.
7. Visit Aqualand
Aqualand is close to Pelekas and makes a useful family day out. It is especially good if you are staying with children or teenagers and want something different from beach days.
8. Visit Corfu Town
Corfu Town is close enough for an easy day or evening trip from Pelekas. This is one of the benefits of staying here: you can have a village-and-beach base without being far from the island’s capital.
In Corfu Town, visit:
The Old Fortress
Liston
Spianada Square
Saint Spyridon Church
The Old Town lanes
The New Fortress
Faliraki for sea views
Mon Repos
Garitsa Bay
Go in the evening for dinner and cocktails if you want a change from village nights.
9. Walk part of the Corfu Trail
Pelekas is connected with walking routes and is known as a useful point for the Corfu Trail. If you enjoy hiking, this area can be lovely outside the hottest summer hours.
Wear proper shoes, take water and avoid long walks in the midday heat.
10. Visit Sinarades
Sinarades is a traditional village near Pelekas and Agios Gordios. It is a good option if you want another local village stop with older houses, quieter streets and a more everyday Corfu feel.
11. Visit Agios Gordios
Agios Gordios is a good day trip if you want another sandy west-coast beach with a proper resort feel. It has restaurants, bars, watersports and the famous Ortholithi rock.
12. Book a Corfu tour or experience
Pelekas is close enough to Corfu Town and central Corfu to work well for organised tours, food experiences, boat trips and sightseeing days.
You can browse Corfu tours and experiences before you travel if you want to plan one or two special days around your beach time.
13. Hire a car for central-west Corfu exploring
A car is very useful in Pelekas because the village is high above the beaches.
You can compare car rental in Corfu.
Good day trips by car from Pelekas include:
Glyfada Beach
Kontogialos / Pelekas Beach
Myrtiotissa Beach
Ermones
Agios Gordios
Sinarades
Aqualand
Corfu Town
Kanoni
Achilleion and Gastouri
Paleokastritsa
Liapades and Rovinia
14. Explore by scooter or moped
A scooter or moped can be useful around Pelekas, but only if you are confident with steep, winding roads.
You can compare moped and scooter rental in Corfu.
Only choose this if you are properly licensed, insured and comfortable on hills.
Best restaurants in Pelekas
Pelekas has a surprisingly good food scene for a village, with traditional tavernas, sea-view restaurants, pizza, Greek food, casual grills and nearby beach restaurants.
Always check recent reviews and opening times before visiting, especially outside peak season.
Jimmy’s Restaurant
Jimmy’s is one of the best-known restaurant names in Pelekas, popular for Greek, Corfiot and Mediterranean food in a friendly village setting.
Good for: Greek food, Corfiot dishes, couples, families, traditional dinners.
Pink Panther
Pink Panther is a long-standing Pelekas favourite, known for its mix of Greek food, pizza and beautiful views. It is especially useful if you want a relaxed meal with a memorable setting.
Good for: pizza, Greek food, views, couples, families.
Alexandros
Alexandros is another popular Pelekas restaurant option, good for Greek and Mediterranean dishes in a village atmosphere.
Good for: traditional food, couples, family dinners, relaxed evenings.
To Stavrodromi
To Stavrodromi is a useful casual option if you want grilled food, Greek dishes and a simpler local-style meal.
Good for: grills, casual food, families, value meals.
Bella Vista
Bella Vista is a good option if you want traditional Greek food and a terrace-style setting. It works well for dinner after visiting Kaiser’s Throne.
Good for: views, Greek food, couples, relaxed evenings.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a smaller Pelekas option to look out for if you want drinks, casual food or a more relaxed bar-style evening.
Good for: drinks, casual meals, couples, groups.
Ambelonas Corfu
Ambelonas is not right in the village centre, but it is one of the standout food experiences in the wider central Corfu area. It is especially good if you want local products, wine, Corfiot food and a more special meal.
Good for: wine, local food, couples, food lovers, special lunches.
Spyros Bar & Restaurant, Kontogialos
Spyros is a useful beach restaurant option at Kontogialos / Pelekas Beach. It works well for lunch, drinks or dinner close to the sand.
Good for: beach meals, seafood, drinks, families, easy lunches.
Nagual Beach Bar
Nagual is a beach-bar style option at Kontogialos, useful if you want food, drinks, sunbeds and a more relaxed beach atmosphere.
Good for: cocktails, beach days, groups, lunch by the sea.
Naftis Restaurant
Naftis is another beach-area option around Kontogialos and Pelekas Beach, useful for food with sea proximity.
Good for: beach lunches, couples, relaxed dinners.
Best bars and nightlife in Pelekas
Pelekas is not a major nightlife resort. Evenings are more about sunset drinks, village bars, terrace dinners and relaxed conversation.
If you want clubs or a big bar strip, choose Ipsos, Kavos or Sidari instead.
Pink Panther
Pink Panther is useful for food and drinks with views, especially if you want a relaxed evening that does not feel too formal.
Good for: sunset drinks, casual cocktails, couples, groups.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a useful village bar option if you want a relaxed drink after dinner.
Good for: casual drinks, couples, groups, low-key evenings.
Village cafés and bars
Pelekas has small local cafés and bars where evenings feel more traditional than resort-like.
Good for: coffee, wine, relaxed drinks, local atmosphere.
Beach bars at Kontogialos
Kontogialos gives you beach bars and sea-level drinks if you want a more summery beach feel.
Good for: sunset drinks, beach cocktails, casual evenings.
Glyfada for beach-club atmosphere
Glyfada is close by and gives a livelier beach-club mood, especially in peak summer.
Good for: cocktails, groups, music, beach days.
Corfu Town for stylish nightlife
Corfu Town is the best nearby option for a bigger evening out. Go for cocktail bars, wine bars, rooftop drinks, late dinners and Old Town atmosphere.
Good for: cocktails, date nights, rooftop drinks, wine bars.
Where to stay in Pelekas
Pelekas has guesthouses, apartments, small hotels, villas, village stays and nearby beach accommodation around Kontogialos and Glyfada.
Because the village is above the beaches, choose location carefully.
Stay in Pelekas village if you want atmosphere
This is best if you want tavernas, views, local streets and sunset evenings.
Stay near Kaiser’s Throne if views matter most
Some accommodation around the village has beautiful views. Check whether your room or terrace actually faces the sea or countryside.
Stay at Kontogialos if beach access matters most
This is better if you want to be closer to the sand and sea rather than high in the village.
Stay at Glyfada if you want a full beach-resort feel
Glyfada is more beach-focused and better if you want sunbeds, beach bars and a stronger summer beach atmosphere.
Stay in a villa if you want privacy
The Pelekas area has villa and apartment options with views. A car is usually useful.
Getting to Pelekas from Corfu Airport
Pelekas is relatively close to Corfu Airport compared with north and south Corfu resorts. Most journeys take around 20–35 minutes by car or transfer, depending on traffic and exact accommodation.
Private transfer
A private transfer is the easiest option if you have luggage, arrive late, are staying on a hillside or want a smooth start.
You can pre-book a private transfer to Pelekas so your driver is waiting when you arrive.
Low-cost shared transfer
If you want to keep costs lower and do not mind travelling with other passengers or possible hotel drop-offs, a low-cost shared transfer to Pelekas can be a good option.
This works well for solo travellers, couples and budget-conscious visitors.
City Bus Line 11
Pelekas is served by Corfu City Bus Line 11 from San Rocco Square. This makes Pelekas more accessible than many villages if you are staying in Corfu Town or connecting from the airport and port.
For route help, see the Corfu Travel Co Blue Buses guide and airport and port bus timetable guide.
Green Bus
Green Buses are more useful for longer island routes, while Pelekas itself is served by the City Bus network.
Use the Corfu Travel Co Green Bus guide if you are planning wider day trips around Corfu.
Car rental
Car rental is very useful in Pelekas because the village is high above the beaches and nearby places are spread out.
You can compare car rental in Corfu.
Scooter or moped rental
A scooter or moped can work around Pelekas, Glyfada and Kontogialos, but only if you are confident with hills and winding roads.
You can compare moped and scooter rental in Corfu.
Only choose this if you are properly licensed, insured and comfortable on steep roads.
Do you need a car in Pelekas?
You can visit Pelekas without a car using City Bus Line 11, taxis or organised trips. This works especially well for a day trip from Corfu Town.
However, if you are staying in Pelekas for a full holiday, a car is very useful. The village is high above the beaches, and places like Glyfada, Kontogialos, Myrtiotissa, Ermones and Agios Gordios are much easier with transport.
A good compromise is:
Use a private transfer or shared transfer for arrival.
Use City Bus Line 11 for Corfu Town.
Hire a car for beach and village exploring days.
Use taxis for evenings when you want wine or cocktails.
Suggested Pelekas itinerary
Day 1: Arrive, village walk and sunset dinner
Arrive in Pelekas, check in and wander through the village. Visit Kaiser’s Throne for sunset, then have dinner at Jimmy’s, Pink Panther, Alexandros or Bella Vista.
Day 2: Kontogialos Beach day
Spend your first full day at Kontogialos / Pelekas Beach. Swim, relax, have lunch by the sea and stay for sunset if you can.
Day 3: Glyfada Beach
Visit Glyfada for a bigger sandy beach day with sunbeds, beach bars, watersports and a stronger summer atmosphere.
Day 4: Myrtiotissa and Ermones
Use this day for quieter west-coast beaches. Visit Myrtiotissa if you want a natural beach, or Ermones if you want something smaller and easier.
Day 5: Corfu Town
Take the bus, taxi or car into Corfu Town. Visit the Old Fortress, Liston, Spianada Square, Saint Spyridon Church and the Old Town streets.
Stay for dinner and cocktails before returning to Pelekas.
Day 6: Aqualand or Agios Gordios
Choose Aqualand for a family-friendly day, or Agios Gordios for another sandy west-coast beach with a full resort feel.
Day 7: Slow village morning and final view
For your final day, keep it gentle. Have breakfast in the village, revisit Kaiser’s Throne and choose one last beach swim at Kontogialos or Glyfada.
If you want something organised, browse Corfu tours and experiences before you travel and book a final island experience.
Is Pelekas good for families?
Pelekas can be good for families who want a village base, views and nearby beaches. However, families with young children should be aware of hills, steps and the distance between the village and beach.
Families wanting easy beach access may prefer staying at Glyfada, Kontogialos, Agios Gordios, Roda or Moraitika.
Is Pelekas good for couples?
Yes, Pelekas is excellent for couples. It has sunset views, village tavernas, nearby sandy beaches, romantic viewpoints and easy access to Corfu Town.
It is especially good for couples who want charm and scenery rather than nightlife.
Is Pelekas good for nightlife?
No, Pelekas is not a nightlife resort. Evenings are relaxed and centred around tavernas, drinks, sunset views and village atmosphere.
For more nightlife, go to Corfu Town, Glyfada in peak summer, Ipsos or Kavos.
Is Pelekas expensive?
Pelekas can suit different budgets. Village stays and tavernas can be good value, but costs can rise if you rely on taxis, car hire, beach clubs, private transfers and sea-view restaurants.
To make your holiday easier, consider pre-booking:
Best time to visit Pelekas
Pelekas is best from May to October.
May and June are lovely for walking, village evenings and beach days without peak crowds. July and August are busiest and hottest, especially around Glyfada and Kontogialos. September is one of the best months for warm sea, softer evenings and more comfortable exploring.
Because Pelekas is a real village, it can also work outside peak summer better than some beach-only resorts, though beach bars and seasonal services may be reduced.
Pelekas travel tips
Choose Pelekas for views and village atmosphere, not direct beach access.
Visit Kaiser’s Throne at least once.
Check whether your accommodation is in the village, at the beach or on a hillside.
Use City Bus Line 11 for Corfu Town connections.
Use Blue Bus information for airport, port and town connections.
Hire a car if you want easy beach-hopping.
Visit Glyfada for a big beach day.
Visit Kontogialos for the closest beach to Pelekas.
Pack proper shoes if walking between village and beach.
Book sunset restaurants ahead in peak season.
Go to Corfu Town for a bigger night out.
Avoid assuming Pelekas is flat — it is very much a hill village.
Quick answers about Pelekas
Is Pelekas worth visiting?
Yes. Pelekas is worth visiting for Kaiser’s Throne, sunset views, traditional village atmosphere and easy access to Glyfada, Kontogialos and Myrtiotissa beaches.
Is Pelekas a beach resort?
Not exactly. Pelekas village is on a hill above the beach. The nearest beach is Kontogialos / Pelekas Beach, with Glyfada also close by.
What is Pelekas famous for?
Pelekas is famous for Kaiser’s Throne, one of Corfu’s best panoramic viewpoints and sunset spots.
Is Pelekas Beach sandy?
Kontogialos / Pelekas Beach is sandy, although some sections may have stones or shingle depending on conditions.
How far is Pelekas from Corfu Airport?
Pelekas is usually around 20–35 minutes from Corfu Airport by car or transfer, depending on traffic and exact accommodation.
Can you get a bus to Pelekas?
Yes. Pelekas is served by Corfu City Bus Line 11 from San Rocco Square.
Is Pelekas good without a car?
Yes for a short stay or day trip, especially using City Bus Line 11. For beach-hopping and easier access to Glyfada, Kontogialos and Myrtiotissa, a car is useful.
Is Pelekas lively?
Pelekas is lively in a village way during summer evenings, but it is not a nightlife resort.
What is near Pelekas?
Nearby places include Kaiser’s Throne, Glyfada Beach, Kontogialos Beach, Myrtiotissa Beach, Ermones, Aqualand, Sinarades, Agios Gordios and Corfu Town.
Is Pelekas good for couples?
Yes. Pelekas is excellent for couples who want sunset views, village tavernas, nearby beaches and a romantic but relaxed base.
Is Pelekas good for families?
Yes, but choose accommodation carefully. Families who want easy beach access may prefer staying at Glyfada or Kontogialos instead of the hill village.
Final thoughts: is Pelekas the right Corfu base for you?
Pelekas is one of Corfu’s best village bases if you want views, sunsets, tavernas and nearby beaches. It gives you a very different experience from a standard beach resort: more atmosphere, more character and more of a hillside village feeling.
It is not the easiest choice if you want the beach directly outside your door, and it is not a nightlife destination. But if you like scenic places, traditional streets, sunset dinners and easy access to Glyfada and Kontogialos, Pelekas is a wonderful area to include.
Choose Pelekas if you want Kaiser’s Throne, village charm, west-coast beaches and Corfu Town within reach.
Choose somewhere else if you want flat walks, big nightlife, luxury resort facilities or a full beach-strip holiday.
For couples, walkers, photographers and travellers who like places with character, Pelekas is one of Corfu’s most rewarding villages.
