Space to explore — Mandala and beyond
Leaving the gates of Mandala House, we step into the surrounding world of Magoulades — an old village, both alive and abandoned. The voices of its remaining inhabitants echo in the air, the church bell rings through quiet mornings, and the colour-cracked doors of long-left homes tell stories of their own. A single serpentine road winds through the village, with Mandala House nestled gently in its belly.
From here, a rich tapestry unfolds. This corner of northwest Corfu is home to villages like Arillas, Agios Georgios, Afionas, and Sidari — each offering its own unique rhythm and charm. The natural beauty here is ever-present: forested hills thick with olive trees, golden sand beaches, and cliffs that drop into blue horizons. Facing west, we are gifted daily with breathtaking sunsets and the soft glow of shifting skies.
We’ve gathered a collection of our favourite places — a living guide to explore, expand, and experience the world around Mandala. Let it inspire your own journey. And if you discover something special that belongs here, we would love to hear from you.
As within, so without.
To eat
Locally sourced, lovingly made.
- Ilias Taverna – a classic village taverna with soul
- Evdemon – elevated, seasonal Greek cuisine with a view
- Romeo's Café – laid-back and local, with delicious comfort food
- Akrotiri Café – perched above the cliffs with a view into the sea
- Night Owl – a hidden bar in the hills with great music and energy
To relax
Sunsets, swims, and stillness.
- Arillas beach – a wide, soft-sand bay with a gentle atmosphere
- Agios Georgios – expansive turquoise waters, ideal for long swims
- Agios Stefanos – calm and welcoming, with easy access
- Porto Timoni – a double bay reached by a scenic hike
- Cape Drastis – wild cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal waters
To adventure
Paths for the wanderer and the seeker.
- Arillas trail – a coastal route connecting Arillas and Afionas
- Angelokastro – a Byzantine castle standing high above the sea
- Afionas sunset point – a legendary spot to watch the sky unfold
- Mount Pantokrator – the highest point on the island, with sweeping views
- Old Perithia – a mountain village preserved in time
- Eremitis Nature Reserve – a wild and protected nature reserve, rich with plant and bird life
To connect
Art, movement, and expression.
- Soundgarden – home to ecstatic dance, sound journeys and conscious events
- Ouranos Club – a vibrant space for gatherings, music and exploration
- Arillas Buddhafield – a creative playground for workshops, art, ritual and song
- Corfu Buddha Hall – a sanctuary for movement, meditation and embodiment practices
Explore the magic beyond Mandala
While Mandala House is a world of its own, the land around it is filled with hidden beauty. Walk through ancient olive groves. Swim in the clear Ionian sea. Sit in the sun with a coffee as the day unfolds slowly around you. Let the island guide your senses. Let the rhythm of the land shape your days.
This is a place to reconnect — with nature, with wonder, with yourself.
