Sebastian Kowalke

The small chapel Symeon is an absolute insider tip. It stands on a towering rocky outcrop directly above the popular resort of Palaiokastritsa and offers you a fantastic view over the southern half of Corfu and the massif of the Pantocrator. Our circular hike takes you from the sleepy mountain village of Doukades through peaceful olive groves to the view at the chapel. The path is rocky or overgrown in places, so you should definitely wear sturdy shoes.The starting point of the hike is the signposted and free car park in Doukades. From there it goes uphill over the village square and the narrow streets towards the chapel. Behind the last house there is a narrow path along a wall and then in serpentines through a peaceful olive grove.The narrow and rocky path offers you a great view of the small mountain village as you climb. After a while you come across a wide, concrete road. You follow the path to the left. Soon the concrete path becomes a dirt road that leads you along fruit trees, holm oaks and olive trees.At a fork in the road, follow the tour to the left. The path runs over a hill and you can see the white chapel in front of you. The chapel stands on a rocky plateau and from here you can enjoy a fantastic view.Then it goes back to the dirt road. From here the circular route leads you to the left through a terraced olive grove. The path is not always perfectly recognizable and partly overgrown. If this is too adventurous for you, you can hike back to Doukades on the way there.Tip: Back in Doukades, a visit to one of the cozy taverns on the village square is definitely worthwhile.