The Location
Approximately
fifteen
kilometers westwards of Corfu,
between the villages of
Pelekas
and Vatos, under the mountain of Agios-Georgios and directly after the
idyllic beach of
“Myrtidiotissa”,
stands the monastery of Virgin Mary of Myrtidiotissa.
The Monastery is placed in the
verdurous
side of the mountain tens meters above the sea. The Monastery sits among a forest of pines and olives that overlook the Ionian sea. This setting of wild beauty inspires awe and reverence that gives way to a deep tranquility upon entering the monastery grounds.
Ways of access:
The Monastery is an isolated place so those wish to visit should be aware that finding it takes some effort. When visiting for the first time, be sure and get a local map that clearly marks the area of Myrtidiotissa or hire a local guide to help navigate the winding roadways.
If you are the sort that enjoys the challenge of discovering such historic landmarks on your own, here are some helpful tips to assist your efforts.
If travelling by bus:
You can hire a tour bus at the central station in the city of Corfu (near the new harbor). Look for the green buses at the station. Tickets are inexpensive and easy to obtain. Once on the road, get off at the bus stop of Myrtidiotissa. There you will see a sign that points the way to continue toward the beach of Myrtidiotissa. You may do this on foot or by taxi. Once you reach the beach, a sign will show you where to continue uphill for 300 meters to reach the entrance of the Monastery.
(Note that the last bus to Corfu leaves at 20:30 daily,
except for Saturday and Sunday)
If travelling by car:
A) Drive westwards from the city of Corfu heading to the beach of Glyfada and Pelekas. About 2 kilometers before the junction for Glyfada beach you will see signs that indicate the direction of the beach of Myrtidiotissa.
Follow these signs and you will reach the entrance of a street that leads to the beach and the monastery.
B) From the city of Corfu take the national road of Pelekas and head towards the village called Pelekas.
Once you get to the village of Pelekas follow the road downhill to Glyfada for approximately 2 kilometers.
In the junction of Glyfada turn right towards Myrtidiotissa and continue for 2 more kilometers. When you reach the next junction continue to the left and in a few meters you will reach the entrance of the street that leads to the beach and the monastery.
