Varkarola
Back in 1716, Saint Spiros – the patron saint of Corfu – is said to have saved the island from Turkish invasion. In thanks, the islanders started to celebrate Varkarola, a festival held out at sea in fishing boats. Today, Varkarola mainly takes place on dry land, in Paleokastritsa, about 10 kilometres south down the coastal road from San Stefanos. Live bands and traditional dancing fill the day, with fireworks and a symbolic boat-burning after dark.