Last Updated on 17 July 2026 by
If you’ve ever been to the Greek islands, you know that stray cats are everywhere—and Corfu is no exception. But there’s one village that takes its feline population to a whole new level.
Welcome to Chlomos, Corfu’s very own “Cat Kingdom.”
Time seems to stand still here. There are no cars, no flashy boutiques—just charming old streets and more cats than people.
These furry residents are one of the main reasons visitors come here. Yet Chlomos remains a hidden gem, tucked away from the usual tourist crowds.
Curious? Here’s everything you need to know about this picture-purrfect village and its cats.
The most beautiful village on Corfu island
If you’re looking for a side of Corfu that’s peaceful, authentic, and full of cats, Chlomos is well worth a little detour. This picturesque village feels like a step back in time. Here, history and tradition come together in the most beautiful way.
Chlomos is perched on a hillside. It is often called the “balcony village” because its amphitheater-style layout means nearly every house has a breathtaking view. From here, you can gaze out at the Ionian Sea, the rolling plains of Lefkimmi, and even spot the Greek mainland and Albania.
While many travelers stick to Corfu’s burstling beaches and towns, those who seek a more tranquil and authentic experience find Chlomos to be a hidden gem.
Could this be your next favorite spot?
A short history of Chlomos
Chlomos is one of the oldest villages on Corfu, with roots stretching back to the Byzantine era or the early days of Venetian rule in the 13th century. Its hilltop location, sitting 270 meters above sea level, wasn’t chosen at random—villagers needed a strategic vantage point. From this height, they could spot pirate ships and invaders long before they reached Corfu’s shores.
Venetian influence
Between 1386 and 1797, Corfu was under Venetian rule, and Chlomos developed a distinct architectural style that still defines the village today. Narrow alleys wind between stone houses whose facades are painted in warm shades of pink, yellow, and blue. Many of these well-preserved homes remain in the lower part of the village.
The Venetian rule also shaped the village’s religious identity. Small churches and chapels blend Greek Orthodox and Venetian Catholic traditions and still stand as symbols of this period.
Changing rulers and economic struggles
When the Venetians lost control, Corfu briefly fell under French rule before becoming part of the British Protectorate of the Ionian Islands in the 19th century.
Life in Chlomos remained difficult. Agriculture—especially olive cultivation and olive oil production—was the backbone of the local economy, but poverty pushed many villagers to leave in search of a better future.
In 1864, Corfu joined the newly formed Kingdom of Greece, but economic hardships persisted. Many families from Chlomos emigrated to Australia and the United States, and the village slowly began to decline.
War, isolation, and preservation
During World War II, Italian and German forces occupied Corfu. They brought hardships like food shortages and infrastructure damage. Chlomos, however, avoided direct conflict.
In the post-war years, Chlomos remained largely untouched. This isolation preserved its traditional charm but also led to further population decline.
Chlomos today
In recent decades, Corfu’s tourism industry has boomed, yet Chlomos has stayed off the beaten path. Many houses in the lower village have been restored and repainted to appeal to tourists.
Meanwhile, the upper village tells a different story. The houses here are abandoned, and many of the walls have started crumbling.
Cat kingdom
Chlomos has earned the nickname “Cat Kingdom” for a reason—cats outnumber people here.
You’ll see them lounging in the sun, wandering through the narrow alleys, and patiently waiting outside tavernas for a kind-hearted visitor to share a bite.
They tend to gather around the restaurants, inhabited homes, and rental properties at the base of the village, where food and attention are plentiful.
Why are there so many cats in Chlomos?
While the cats here enjoy plenty of food and some shelter, they continue to multiply because none of them have been spayed or neutered. In Greece, spaying and neutering stray animals isn’t as common as in other European countries, and Corfu lags behind islands like Crete and Rhodes in this regard.
One major reason is Greece’s ongoing financial struggles. Although the country has been slowly recovering from the economic crisis that began in 2009, years of austerity measures, high unemployment rates, and economic instability have left many struggling to afford even basic necessities. As a result, funding for animal welfare remains low, and local authorities rarely take action to control stray populations.
Because Chlomos is such a small, isolated village, the large number of stray cats has become part of its identity. They are not just residents—they are woven into the fabric of daily life.
Where to find Chlomos’ cat kingdom
The heart of Chlomos’ feline community is at the base of the village, where most of the daily activity happens. With restaurants, homes, and visitors providing food and attention, the cats prefer to stay in this lively area.
In contrast, the upper part of the village tells a different story. Many houses are abandoned, and there’s little human activity. Without food sources, few cats venture into this part of Chlomos, leaving it quiet and eerily empty compared to the bustling, cat-filled lower village.
Who takes care of the cats of Chlomos?
The locals and restaurant owners of Chlomos take it upon themselves to feed and care for the village’s feline residents. Unlike stray cats in bigger cities like Corfu Town, those in Chlomos benefit from a close-knit community where looking after them is more manageable.
How to help the cats of Chlomos (and Corfu in general)
To be honest, the stray cats of Chlomos are in much better shape than those in other parts of Corfu. The locals feed them regularly, they have plenty of nature to hunt in, and the lack of cars keeps them safe. Compared to places like Agios Giorgios and Kassiopi, where many cats are malnourished or injured, Chlomos’ felines are doing relatively well.
However, there are still ways you can help Corfu’s stray cats, especially those in greater need across the island.
Small organizations helping Corfu’s stray cats
Several small organizations work tirelessly to feed, neuter, and care for stray cats, but they operate on very limited funds. They often rescue one cat at a time, making any support incredibly valuable.
While each group focuses on a specific area, they collaborate to find the best solutions for individual cases.
Here are a few organizations in need of help:
- Kassiopi Cats Meow
- Agios Giorgios Cat Rescue
- Corfu Angel Cats
What you can do to help
- Donate to a local cat rescue – Even a small donation makes a difference. If every tourist contributed just a little, it would add up quickly. Organizing a small fundraiser could also go a long way.
- Give food to local organizations – Instead of feeding strays yourself, donate food to rescue groups that know where to set up feeding stations and which areas to avoid (some hotels and restaurants consider stray cats a nuisance and may poison them).
- Rescue injured cats when possible – Many organizations lack the resources to help every sick or injured cat. If you come across one, consider taking it to a veterinarian yourself.
- Spread the word – The more people know about Corfu’s stray cat situation, the more help these animals can get. Share this article with friends or on social media to raise awareness.
With a little effort, you can make a meaningful difference in these cats’ lives.
Practical information
Location
Chlomos is situated on the southeastern slopes of Corfu, approximately 25 kilometers south of Corfu Town and about 22.7 kilometers from Kavos.
This makes Chlomos a quiet escape from the island’s more touristy areas, yet still close enough for a day trip from most popular destinations on the island.
How to get there
Many visitors choose to hike up to Chlomos, but be warned—it’s a steep climb that requires both stamina and determination.
For an “easier” route, driving is your best bet. However, I say “easier” with caution—the road to Chlomos is full of sharp twists and turns as it winds up the hillside. I wouldn’t be surprised if the locals don’t leave their village too often! If you’re not confident driving on narrow, winding roads, consider hiring a taxi or booking a guided tour to Chlomos instead.
Restaurants in Chlomos
Chlomos has only three restaurants. These are:
- Taverna Cafe Sirtaki: A charming, family-owned spot right at the entrance of the village. They serve up delicious traditional dishes with breathtaking views. My partner and I had lunch there, and we can’t recommend it enough. Also, this place has even more cats than the rest of Chlomos!
- Balis Taverna: A casual spot for light meals, coffee, and drinks. It’s located near Chlomos’ main lookout point.
- Café Snack Bar ‘To Steki’: A small snack bar where you can get light, traditional meals.
Expect to find classic dishes like Greek salad, tzatziki, taramasalata, and grilled meats in these places.
If you’re visiting in the evening, dining here with a view of the sunset is a must!
Where to stay
Because of its remote location, Chlomos isn’t the most practical base for exploring Corfu. I wouldn’t recommend staying here for more than one night. While incredibly charming, the village is small, and there’s not much to do beyond soaking up the atmosphere.
However, if you want to experience the peaceful, cat-filled magic of Chlomos after the day-trippers leave, an overnight stay might be worth it.
There are no hotels in Chlomos, but some beautifully restored houses on the slopes of the village are available as vacation rentals. These homes are among the most colorful and well-maintained in Chlomos, and they offer an authentic stay in this hidden gem of Corfu.
Would you spend a night in the heart of Corfu’s Cat Kingdom?
Final thoughts – Is Chlomos worth visiting?
Absolutely! Even though we were staying in Barbati (Mparmpati), making a detour to Chlomos was totally worth it. We almost didn’t go because it was raining, but I’m so glad we did. The village lived up to all the hype, and even my partner, who isn’t exactly a cat enthusiast, loved it!
Have you already visited Chlomos, or is it now on your must-visit list? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below!
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6 responses
Hello,
The village looks beautiful. The kitties are cute. It is sad that they are all strays .
Lovely collection of photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post.
Have a great weekend.
I would love to visit this place. I think at one time I saw a documentary on this town. Loved your post.
A place where cats outnumber people? Now THAT’S my kind of place!
It is sad that the kitties are not often spayed or neutered there, but it sounds like people really pull together to take care of them, and that is a beautiful thing!
I’d love to visit and stay a couple of days to just enjoy the peace and the pussy cats. Some lovely photos here and I love the actual streets
What a lovely glimpse into Chlomos, Corfu! It sounds like a magical place, especially for cat lovers. The combination of beautiful scenery and friendly felines makes it a dream destination. Can’t wait to visit one day and experience the charm firsthand — thanks for sharing this hidden gem!
I love Chlomos so much, I am in the process of buying a little property there. I can’t wait to start the renovation