Marathias: 5 kilometres beyond Argyrades, it was built at the start of the 20th century by residents of Old Marathias, which once stood opposite on a hill to the east. In 1816, this area suffered an epidemic of plague, and the governor ordered the destruction by fire of dwellings hit by the pestilence. The result of this prophylactic official intervention was that the village of Roumanades was completely destroyed, while in Marathias a few houses were saved. The people decided to abandon the ruined village, building instead the one which stands today. Continuing along the road, we reach Perivoli, where the church is dedicated to Agii Saranda (Forty Saints), and has frescoes dating from 1704. Roads lead from Marathias and Perivoli to Maltas, a vast beach with all the features of these southern shores – fine sand and shallow water.

Vitalades: is reached by way of a right turn off the main road just after Perivoli, following the sign. Two separate roads lead to two different beaches: Gardeno, where the river of that name flows into the sea, and there are tavernas and a broad seashore; and Megalo Horo, where you will find complete solitude.

Ringlades: the first of the settlements which make up Lefkimmi, it must have Byzantine roots, since its name derives from the Ringli family which lived in the region in the Middle Ages. The village has traditional mansions and smaller houses built in simple style, as well as two churches of Byzantine origin, Agii Anaryiri and Agios Arsenios. Ringlades has a very active philharmonic orchestra whose band, choir and dance section lead a traditional festival of great note on 15th August, not to be missed for anything.

Anaplades: situated beside Ringlades, on the road leading towards the sea. There are two theories to explain the origin of its name – according to one, it was founded in 1540 by soldiers from Nauplio (Anapliots), who were fleeing from the Turks. The other theory suggests it has its roots in the old, probably Byzantine, Anopoulaios family.

Alykes: is located on the Lefkimmi promontory, where the lighthouse, a familiar landmark for sailors, welcomes from afar visitors to the island. Here in the 15th century, a salt extraction business was established, which was in operation until quite recently. Buildings and installations of that period still stand, restored and ready to open as a museum.

Molos: is the name of the beach next to Alykes, the place where from long ago, the fishing boats have always moored to allow the fishermen to clean their nets. At dawn you can watch them come in with their baskets full – a fine opportunity to pick up some really fresh fish. These two beaches, with their fine sand and shallow waters, are ideal for family holidays.

Potami: a true river which drains the water from the plain of Lefkimmi, eastward to its outflow at the sea. The Lefkimmi River passes through the town of the same name, running beneath a picturesque bridge, where fishermen tie up their boats, a safe refuge during a hard winter. Small boys dangle fishing lines over the bridge, and Kyra-Maria has a small taverna where she cooks home-style, with red pepper and local olive oil, serving her dishes with Lefkimmi wine and seasoning them with a running commentary of anecdotes related in a remarkably vulgar dialect! This river, mentioned in archives since 1618, has known great glories. It used to be the chief means of transporting local agricultural produce to the sea, and from there to the town of Corfu or to the Epirot mainland, but its usefulness declined gradually from 1970, with the improvements to the island’s road network. At its outflow at Bouka there is a small port where at one time a dockyard functioned. Today, beside this unspoiled, environmentally-protected beach, there is a canteen run by the local community, and a children’s playground, where beach-volley competitions are often organised.

Melikia: this is the next village, which owes its name to the Meliki family, who lived there from the 15th century. Here you should visit the church of Agios Isavros, which has rare wall frescoes and icons from the 16th century. From Melikia a road leads to the new Port of Lefkimmi , with ferry connections to Igoumenitsa (10 nautical miles – one hour), offering an alternative port of entry and exit for the island.

Kavos: a modern tourist resort with tavernas and restaurants, clubs and bars, and a busy beach, a magnet for young people from all over the world, especially from Britain. It is a place which offers frenetic activity all day long. Boats leave from Kavos for Paxos, Antipaxos and Sivota. On 8th July the festival of the church of Agios Prokopios takes place, with a procession the evening before in which the Bishop of Corfu and the local philharmonic orchestras participate. Away from the busy centre of Kavos, it is easy to find secluded spots amongst the olive groves, places such as Evyeniadis, Armeno, and Pantatika, all of which are most attractive to families.

Arkoudillas: located at the southernmost tip of Corfu, this is in complete contrast to Kavos. A dense forest of cypress trees and shrubs covers some 250 stremmata (80 acres),bringing to mind the perfect setting for myths and fairy-tales. A walk amidst the luxuriant vegetation in the depths of the seemingly endless woods, is ideal at any time of day, and you can take as long as you need to find Little Red Riding Hood. The forest ends at a sheer cliff overlooking the sea, where the view of Asprokavos headland takes the breath away. The name Arkoudillas comes from the French ‘arc de l’isle’ – the island’s archway, an idiom referring to the farthest edge of land, while in ancient times it was called Amphipagas. The Monastery of the Blessed Virgin, dating from 1700, is located here, with its walls and fortifications, with the storerooms of the monks and secret trapdoors. The former overlords of the area, the Quartano family, have left their mark in the form of their family emblem, showing the Lion of Venice, an ear of maize, grapes and a pomegranate. By way of a narrow footpath you can descend to the deserted beach, to swim in crystal-clear water. Beyond Arkoudillas, the beach of Ai-Gordis is for those who believe nature to be the most important aspect of our existence.