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Porto Timoni is among the most stunning locations in Corfu. This undeveloped double seashore can solely be reached on foot or by boat, however it’s effectively well worth the effort—the water is a beautiful clear turquoise and ideal for swimming or snorkelling.
This is a well-liked spot so I extremely advocate beginning early to take pleasure in it at its most magical (and coolest). We find it irresistible a lot that we hiked there 3 times.
In this publish, I clarify the best way to get to Porto Timoni with particulars of the hike and different strategies, in addition to tricks to benefit from your go to.
Contents
Where is Porto Timoni Corfu?
Porto Timoni is in northwest Corfu, one of many Ionian Islands in Greece. It’s on the alternative aspect of the island from Corfu Town.
The nearest village, if you’re mountaineering to the seashore, is Afionas, up on a hilltop.
If you wish to entry it by boat or pedalo, the closest place to take action is Agios Georgios Pagon, the place you will discover boat rental firms on the golden sandy bay.
The greatest method to attain Afionas or Agios Georgios if you’re staying elsewhere on the island is to lease a automobile or motorcycle.
There is a bus service to each villages from Corfu Town, however it has very restricted service and is gradual (as much as 2 hours vs 1 hour should you drive your self). Check the routes and timetables on Green Buses.
If you might be staying in Agios Georgios you’ll be able to stroll up the hill to the beginning of the Porto Timoni hike in Afionas. It takes about Half-hour to achieve Afionas should you stroll up the street.
We did see a path marked to Agios Georgios from close to the beginning of the Porto Timoni path, however it seemed fairly overgrown and I doubt it’s effectively maintained.
Here are approximate driving instances to Afionas from different locations in Corfu:
- Agios Georgios Pagon – 5 minutes
- Arillas – 10 minutes
- Sidari – 20 minutes
- Paleokastritsa – 45 minutes
- Kassiopi – 50 minutes
- Corfu Town (Kerkyra) – 1 hour
- Kavos – 2 hours
At the tip of the publish, you’ll discover a Porto Timoni map with the mountaineering path and boat rental firms.
Make certain to take a look at our information to the greatest issues to do in Corfu for tons extra suggestions concerning the island.
Porto Timoni Parking in Afionas
Afionas is a small hilltop village with slender streets and restricted parking.
It’s a preferred vacation spot because of Porto Timoni so free avenue parking fills up rapidly. Please don’t park in entrance of native homes that haven’t any parking indicators.
I like to recommend parking on the automobile park within the centre of Afionas marked “Parking Porton Timoni Afiona” on Google Maps.
It prices €5 for all day and may be very near the beginning of the mountaineering path to Porto Timoni (you’ll see indicators). Look for the blue P signal on the finish of the village.
The automobile park doesn’t open till 9am, however should you arrive earlier than then you’ll be able to simply get avenue parking. We normally park reverse The 3 Brothers restaurant.
When is the Best Time to Visit Porto Timoni Beach?
Porto Timoni is a particularly well-liked vacation spot and each of the seashores are small, in order that they replenish rapidly.
The time you go to the seashore will make all of the distinction between having a particular or mediocre (and presumably disagreeable) expertise.
The damaging Porto Timoni evaluations are all from individuals who arrived later within the day.
The greatest time to go to is low season when the seashore is quieter. Most individuals (together with us) go to in the summertime, although. In that case, you’ll be able to beat the crowds (and warmth) by visiting early—severely, as early as you’ll be able to handle.
You’ll undoubtedly wish to arrive earlier than 10am. By 9am is significantly better, and in order for you an opportunity to have the seashores to your self, get there earlier than 8am.
We visited 3 times in June and July and arrived on the seashore by 8am or 8.30am. We had the seashore to ourselves (or with only a few others) till 9am when extra individuals began to reach.
By mid-morning anticipate the seashore to be crowded and by noon, it may be standing room solely.
Starting early additionally means you climb again up the hill earlier than the warmth will get too insufferable (though it was nonetheless scorching at 9am!).
For us, Porto Timoni is a spot to return for an early morning stroll and swim/snorkel after which we depart when it begins to get busy (and head to Agios Georgios seashore afterwards).
Some individuals do spend all day there, however in that case, carry loads of provides (see What to Bring beneath).
If you wish to catch a Porto Timoni sundown, that is an alternative choice should you don’t wish to stand up early. It’ll be quieter than within the afternoon however don’t anticipate it to your self.
In the summer time it’s additionally a lot hotter within the evenings than within the mornings (it was typically nonetheless 30ºC at 8pm).
In July the solar units in Corfu round 9pm. Make certain you climb again up the hill earlier than it will get darkish.
Where is the Porto Timoni Viewpoint?
If you wish to see the well-known Porto Timoni viewpoint you’ll must hike in fairly than arrive by boat in an effort to see the double seashores from above. I feel that is effectively value doing because it’s a shocking view.
We found that there are literally two wonderful viewpoints and the best way to see them is determined by the path you are taking.
There are two trails all the way down to Porto Timoni beginning a couple of minutes aside in Afionas. The most direct route is marked Hiking Trail 1 with a blue flag on my map beneath. It begins close to Zeus Throne restaurant. See the outline beneath.
Hiking Trail 2 (marked with a purple flag on my map) is barely longer however provides you the chance to see the higher viewpoint. This entails a five-minute detour to the appropriate (marked on the map) whenever you attain a fork and see an indication marked “Cartieri”.
The viewpoint entails scrambling on some rocks (be very cautious!) and offers you the next view the place you’ll be able to see each seashores equally.
Both mountaineering trails finally merge and the second viewpoint (marked on Google Maps as Porto Timoni Viewpoint) is 5-10 minutes earlier than you get to the seashores.
This one is a couple of steps off the trail so is far simpler to entry. Apparently, individuals queue for images right here at busy instances, however we had been all the time alone within the morning.
This is one other great view and I feel most individuals might be pleased with it. You can’t see the seashore on the appropriate fairly as effectively from this one, although.
Note that Google Maps has one other viewpoint marked as “Timoni Beach Half Way View Point”. This is just not midway—it’s close to the beginning of Trail 1 and doesn’t have a view of the dual seashores. It is an effective view of Agios Georgios seashore although.
How Long Does the Hike to Porto Timoni Take?
The stroll from Afionas down the hill to the dual bays of Porto Timoni is 1.1km (0.7 miles) should you take the direct route.
This takes us 20-Half-hour down (relying on what number of images we take) and 25 minutes again up with 139 metres (456 ft) elevation acquire.
When we took the alternate route by way of the perspective it took us 35 minutes to get down and was 1.8km (1.1 miles).
How to Hike to Porto Timoni Beach Corfu
Reaching the seashore requires a hike, not a mild stroll. If you might be used to mountaineering, you’ll discover it a reasonably simple stroll from Afionas to Porto Timoni seashore.
We didn’t discover it too troublesome, however the path may be very rocky and slippery in components so respectable sneakers are a should (no flip-flops!). Small kids and people unsteady on their ft will battle (take a taxi boat as an alternative).
Make certain you utilize the bathroom earlier than you begin as there aren’t any amenities on the seashore. There aren’t any public bathrooms in Afionas, although, and the tavernas gained’t be open should you begin early.
Finding the path is simple. By the automobile park in Afionas, you’ll see an enormous signal (with a photograph) saying Porto Timoni Beach Viewpoint.
Walk down that avenue and also you’ll move Ostria Cafe. It doesn’t open till about 9.30am, however it’s place for a chilly drink after the hike again up (you’ll actually recognize it!).
Continue on the paved path and a bit of additional on there’s a junction with an indication to Porto Timoni Beach Viewpoint pointing to the appropriate. For the direct route go straight on; for the perspective route go proper and discover the path close to Anemos restaurant (see description above).
The direct route path begins simply past the junction with a brief stroll by way of timber.
Then it opens as much as sea views reverse Zeus Throne restaurant. There’s a small signal for Porto Timoni Beach so you recognize you’re heading in the right direction—simply preserve going straight on.
Just previous listed below are some benches with good views of Agios Georgios seashore (mentioned above because the Timoni Beach Half Way View Point though it’s actually not). The view is best later within the day as you’re trying into the solar within the morning.
Continue down the rocky path with superb views of the Ionian Sea all the best way.
After 10 to fifteen minutes you’ll meet the fork the place the opposite path joins up (there’s a blue parking signal however it’s laborious to see till you look across the nook). If you needed to see the higher viewpoint you would stroll again this fashion.
Looking again there are some good views of the cliffs and Agios Georgios seashore.
After 0.9km (15-20 minutes for us), you’ll come to the perspective marked on Google Maps—it’s only a few steps off the rocky path. Be cautious because it’s a bit precarious as you attempt to perch on the rocks and get images.
It’s a shocking, vibrant vista and you may lastly see the gorgeous twin seashores beneath rocky hills coated in lush inexperienced vegetation. The turquoise sea is so clear you’ll be able to see the rocks beneath.
Carry on down the trail. There’s not lengthy to go now and also you’ll have the ability to see the left-hand seashore from the aspect of the trail.
What to Expect at Porto Timoni Beach
The path ends on the seashore on the appropriate, however you’ll be able to simply cross to its twin seashore only a few steps away.
Both seashores are stunning little bays with crystal clear water. I’d select whichever one is quietest or cut up your time between them each.
The seashore on the appropriate is a bit of sandier (however nonetheless principally pebbles), and early within the morning it has probably the most shade. In summer time there have been a couple of pedalos and kayaks right here that I assume you’ll be able to lease later within the day.
Both are pretty for swimming and snorkelling and a dip is one of the simplest ways to chill off from the hike.
The left seashore is immediately within the solar even at 8am (Simon needed to sit in a bit of cave to get some shade!).
The bay right here is smaller, however there’s some wonderful snorkelling particularly alongside the rocks to the left.
It was my favorite snorkelling in Corfu and I noticed a wide range of fish together with some massive faculties. I noticed ornate wrasse, cow bream, five-spotted wrasse, widespread two-banded sea bream, parrotfish, and an enormous college of tiny electrical blue sand smelt.
Once you’re prepared to go away you’ll need to hike out the best way you got here—be ready for a scorching climb!
Or there are a couple of numbers on indicators for water taxis. If it’s necessary to you to not stroll out it’s in all probability greatest to rearrange this upfront. We did have telephone sign.
Please be certain to take all of your garbage out with you (together with cigarette butts)—littering ruins the seashore for everybody.
A Bonus Hike to Another Beach and Chapel
If you might be actually eager you would do an additional hike earlier than you allow. The path continues previous the double seashores to the little chapel of Agios Stylianós which is constructed into the hillside.
The path is rocky, overgrown, and uphill for a lot of the best way, so I solely advocate it if you’re feeling energetic. The return hike of 1.1km took us 25 minutes with a 58m elevation acquire.
Honestly, the chapel is a bit of underwhelming, however there are some good views in the beginning of the path trying again to Porto Timoni.
You may also detour off the path after 10 minutes and clamber over some rocks to get to a small seashore on the opposite aspect of the bay. This is an effective possibility if the principle seashores are very busy.
Porto Timoni Boat Hire
If you have got restricted mobility, are travelling with babies or the aged, or simply don’t fancy the exertion, you’ll be able to nonetheless go to Porto Timoni by water.
Agios Georgios to Porto Timoni by Boat or Pedalo
Water taxis or pedalos are the preferred other ways to achieve Porto Timoni. The nearest launching level is Agios Georgios seashore the place it’s solely a brief hop (at the least with a motor boat) to the left seashore at Porto Timoni.
Note that your ft will get moist if you’re arriving by boat so carry or pack your sneakers.
There are a number of boat rental locations on Agios Georgios. The closest to Porto Timoni are on the appropriate aspect (dealing with the ocean).
Dimitris & Babis Boats run a water taxi to Porto Timoni and can drop you off and decide you up at a time that fits you. For two individuals it prices €28 return.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to lease a pedalo (greatest for households), double kayak, or standup paddleboard (just for the skilled) for €15 for one hour or €25 for 2 hours.
They even have a couple of motor boats to lease however it’s a must to lease these all day (it’s greatest to ebook upfront) they usually value from €100 plus gas.
This is an effective possibility should you additionally wish to go to the gorgeous bays close to Paleokastritsa (which I do advocate). Don’t miss Mikro Kastelli between the 2—it’s my favorite seashore on Corfu.
You don’t want a ship licence to rent a 30HP boat in Corfu. They are simple to function they usually offer you a lesson earlier than you head out.
The draw back of visiting Porto Timoni by water is that almost all boat leases don’t open till 9.30am. You gained’t have the dual seashores to your self then, however it’ll nonetheless be quieter than within the afternoon.
Paleokastritsa to Porto Timoni by Boat
To get from Paleokastritsa to Porto Timoni it makes extra sense to lease a ship in Paleokastritsa fairly than drive the 40-minute winding street to Agios Georgios.
We rented a ship from Corfu Rent a Boat on Ampelaki Beach and extremely advocate them. Prices begin from €80 a day (plus gas), however you’ll must ebook as much as per week upfront to get the cheaper boats in excessive season. See my publish on what to do in Corfu for extra particulars.
What to Bring to Porto Timoni
Remember there aren’t any outlets or different amenities at Porto Timoni so carry every part you want with you.
- Good strolling sneakers – Hiking sandals, trainers, or strolling sneakers are all high-quality however flip-flops are harmful on the slippery rocks. I wore my Teva Verra sandals and Simon has Teva Terra Fi Lite sandals.
- A hat, sun shades, and suncream—It might be scorching!
- Water and snacks – We wish to carry breakfast from a bakery (Melisito Bakery is 10 minutes away and also you’ll seemingly move right here if coming from the south). There’s additionally a bakery known as Melistro in Afionas.
- Swimwear and lightweight towel
- Snorkelling gear (optionally available however beneficial)
- Umbrella and cooler (optionally available) – If you might be planning to remain all day you’ll want an umbrella at the least as there’s no shade.
Porto Timoni Restaurants
There aren’t any cafes or eating places at undeveloped Porto Timoni. The nearest eating places are in Afionas the place the hike begins—there are many choices.
We advocate The Grill for an informal however scrumptious meal of souvlaki and pide. I loved the vegan plate with falafel.
In the evenings, Evdemon has high quality meals (together with vegetarian choices) with probably the most beautiful sea view. It’s greatest at sundown—we went too early within the night and it was too scorching as there’s no shade. Reservations are extremely beneficial.
If you might be visiting Porto Timoni by boat, our favorite place to eat on Agios Georgios seashore is San George Food Bar.
You can eat on their roof terrace, on a desk subsequent to the seashore, or as we do, on their sunbeds (€8 for a pair in excessive season). We ate the Greek panini so many instances! They have vegan choices marked on the menu.
They may also name a Porto Timoni water taxi for you which can decide you up proper there.
Our information to visiting Corfu Greece has extra meals suggestions.
Where to Stay Near Porto Timoni
The nearest resort to the Porto Timoni seashores is Porto Timoni B&B which is subsequent to the path in a peaceable location simply exterior Afionas.
The easy rooms have probably the most superb sea views from the balconies and the terrace the place a scrumptious breakfast is served. Porto Timoni Restaurant can be situated right here.
Other choices close to the beginning of the path in Afionas are Zeus Throne II and The 3 Brothers.
Bear in thoughts that Afionas is excessive up on a hill, so should you’d fairly keep nearer to a seashore, there are many rooms and residences subsequent to the golden sandy seashore of Agios Georgios Pagon. Check out the choices right here.
Porto Timoni Corfu Map
Is Porto Timoni Worth Visiting?
Porto Timoni is among the most stunning seashores in Corfu. We beloved the view from above, the luxurious hills, and the crystal clear water for swimming and snorkelling.
It’s important to go to early (or go to within the low season) because it simply gained’t be as pleasing if you’re sharing with a whole lot of others.
Whether you go to by foot or boat, don’t miss Porto Timoni!
See our detailed information to the greatest issues to do on Corfu for tons extra concepts for exploring the island.
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