The northern shore of Corfu is largely flat, backed by the slopes of Mount Pantokrator and looking across the straits to the mountains of Albania. The scenery here is softer. Shrub-covered hills border a broad coastal plain blessed with an abundance of hayfields, vines and almond trees. The coast road continues past Kassiopi and if you blinked you'd probably miss Almiros with its long sandy beach.

Acharavi is located between Roda and Almiros, and is the capital of the Municipality of Thinali. It has developed as a large tourist centre with numerous hotels, restaurants and bars. Unlike most other resorts, Acharavi has businesses which remain open all year. As well as being the region's administrative centre it now also has several banks.

At the western end of the seven kilometre long beach of Acharavi and Almiros is Roda. The small fishing harbour at the eastern end still functions and is quite picturesque. Of special interest is a Doric temple dedicated to Apollo, dating from the 5th century BC, finds from which are displayed in the Archaeological Museum in Corfu Town. At the major crossroads at Roda one has the choice of turning inland or continuing along the coast.

Inland, ascending the foothills of Pantokrator, the road passes the traditional villages of Sfakera and Nimfes. Nimfes has seen continuous occupation from ancient times, owing to its inaccessibility and to the establishment of a command post there during Venetian rule, which prevented attacks from barbarians and pirates. The Church of Agios Konstantinos (Saint Constantine) was built on ruins of a temple dedicated to Apollo.

Episkepsis is another large village which is considered to be one of the oldest in Corfu. Here, in the square of Agios Vasileios (Saint Basil) on the last Sunday before Lent, there is a festival which features a dance called "Doxa na" where, led by the priest, the men of the village line up according to their age and status. This tradition can be found in other local villages, but nowhere else in Greece.

Kyprianades is another very old village and was once very prosperous and well-populated. Today, few inhabitants remain, but it is worth visiting this area to marvel at its natural beauty. The Tyflos River, with wonderful flora and fauna, passes close by. There are springs where you can drink cool mountain water. And picturesque neighbouring villages such as Agii Douli boast Venetian architecture and Byzantine history. (The "Agii douli" or "Holy Slaves" were the servants who worked the land belonging to the Church in Byzantine times.) Skripero is a large hillside village with a tradition of good music and folklore. Skripero was once the base for local authorities such as magistrates and police.