MOUNT OF GOD by Liana Metal
Mount of God, Pandokrator for
local people, is tallest peak on green island of Kerkyra (Corfu for non Greek), and is situated in northern part of Ionian Sea , between Greek mainland and Albania and Italy. The mountain was named after God, Who is pandokrator, that is to say ,He governs everything.
The myth says that hospitable Pheakes lived on island long ago and their kind king Alkinoos had an only daughter, Nafsica, who first met Ulysses, king of Ithaca, shipwrecked on a beach of island . There is still his petrified ship to see at Paleokastritsa, a popular area on west side of Corfu.
The northern part of island where Pandokrator lies is richest in green. Mount Of God is 918 meters high and has got a monastery on top dedicated to God Savior. From up there visitor can admire a wonderful view to all directions , let alone marvellous dawn and sunset.
Climbing mount is easy, as there are roads and paths right to top and a drive by bike , motor bike or car is feasible. There are numerous villages scattered among green on way up and there are vast olive groves in every direction. The scenery is adorned by an abundance of tree variety as well. You can see tall cypress trees, pine trees, oaks and orchards and vineyards in between. There you can feel smell of wild herbs and flowers lingering in air.
However, road upwards is winding and narrow so traveler should be careful when driving. There are many routes one can follow, depending on area they want to explore. For walkers, route, Ipsos, Ayios Markos, Korakiana, Dassia, and back to Ipsos is most popular and easiest. Up there you can see nature in its full glory , any time of year.
One of most picturesque villages , literary perched on side of mount is Ayios Markos. The houses are built on very edge of narrow road and overlook vast olive groves that reach beach of Ipsos beyond. To reach beach from Ayios Markos you need only 5 to 10 minutes by car or 30 mins brisk walking.
A big village on side of mountain is Korakiana, Crow Nest in English. There used to be lots of crows in this village years ago, but nowadays there is a big variety of singing birds around, offering people a unique melody all year round. Korakiana is perfect village to rent a house or a room or even stay there for good. Some foreign visitors have recently bought real estate at low prices and have built their own houses on mount. It is worth money and time spent on a housing project over there if one likes nature and especially green.
