Mpenitses: Beach, Cooking Class and Hiking Trails on Corfu

Mpenitses on Corfu combines coastal character with culinary and cultural experiences. The village was once shaped by fishing and is now a well-known holiday destination. Fish restaurants and tavernas serving seafood are still part of the dining scene. There is also a beach in the village, a marina and hiking options that lead beyond the village.

Beaches between the village and marina

Mpenitses Beach is part of the coastal village and lies on Corfu’s east coast. Coarse sand and pebbles line the shore; the water is calm and the atmosphere relaxed. There is also a small sandy beach beside the marina. It has facilities and offers amenities for people with disabilities. As the condition of such facilities can change, it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.

If you are looking for a different type of shoreline, a larger pebble beach a short distance north of the village offers another place to swim. You can choose between the village beach, the small sandy beach beside the marina and a larger pebble beach nearby.

Marina, cuisine and excursions

Mpenitses Marina serves recreational boats and is a starting point for day trips. Check with the providers directly for the current availability of possible tours. At the same marina, a chef who is regarded as accomplished welcomes participants to a special class on Greek and local gastronomy. They prepare traditional dishes, learn about the techniques and flavours of Corfiot cuisine, and then enjoy the food they have prepared together. For dates and prices, it is best to contact the organiser.

The tavernas and fish restaurants are also part of the village’s culinary identity. The cooking class has a focus of its own: instead of just sampling prepared dishes, participants prepare the food themselves and then share it. If you would like to experience regional cuisine as part of your trip, you can include the class in your holiday plans alongside a restaurant visit.

Hiking around Mpenitses

For longer hikes, the Corfu Trail offers a specific option: an approximately 18-kilometre section runs from the coastal village of Mpenitses on the east coast to the mountain village of Pelekas in the northwest. It can be divided into three shorter hikes, with mountain villages along the way. As part of the larger route, the 180-kilometre Corfu Trail passes through several settlements, and Mpenitses is one of its 13 daily-stage locations.

Another suggested circular hike starts in the old settlement of Mpenitses and passes through Makrata, Chalida, Dafnata and Komianata. It extends into the wider local area. As route conditions can change, check them before setting out. The two hiking options differ in their layout: the Trail section connects two named places and can be split into three hikes, while the circular hike passes through several named stops before returning to its starting point.

History in the village and excursions around Corfu

In the centre of Mpenitses, the Kapsokavadis estate contains the remains of a Roman villa with a bath. Another nearby destination is the Achilleion, listed as 3 kilometres away. Check access arrangements before visiting. Historical sites and excursions thus complement the beach and hiking options, without all the experiences needing to have the same focus.

Corfu Town also offers its own cultural attractions. Its Old Town has preserved almost all of its historic urban fabric; the buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The Old Town and its two fortresses are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Old Town, the Museum of Asian Art houses more than 11,000 objects from China, Japan, India, the Himalayas and Central Asia. From Corfu Port, you can reach the museum on bus route 2, which runs between Mantouki and Kanoni; check the timetable before travelling.

Choose the right location for your trip

Whether Mpenitses suits your plans as a base depends on the activities you want to combine during your holiday: time at the beach, a cooking class at the marina, hikes or a visit to historical sites. The urban bus route 6 connects Mpenitses with Corfu Town. If you want to use this connection, check the latest timetable in advance. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first decide which activities you want and which location best suits them.

Discover more destinations: Gimari, Agios Ioannis, Áno Garoúna, Peritheia, Perivoli, Apraos, Glyfada and Nisaki.

Go to the main travel overview: Corfu.