- HOME
- Ionian Islands
- Corfu
- Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa
Corfu
Paleokastritsa is both the most popular and most attractive resort on Corfu’s west coast. Many regard it as the most beautiful spot on the whole island.
One of the first to fall for its charms was Sir Frederick Adam, British High Commissioner to the Ionian Islands in the early 19th century. Its appeal then lay in its steep wooded slopes, blue sea and several lovely bays with bathing beaches.
One problem was its comparative inaccessibility, so Sir Frederick had a road built to the village, with the ostensible purpose of erecting a military convalescent home there. The home was never built, but Sir Frederick now found it much easier to take his regular picnics in Paleokastritsa. Such illustrious travellers as the Empress Elizabeth of Austria, Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany and the English writer and artist Edward Lear soon followed in his footsteps.
Paleokastritsa
Beaches and Boat Trips
Today there are fewer trees and many more buildings, but the setting has lost none of its beauty. Paleokastritsa is more of a family resort than many on Corfu, as the swimming is safe in any of its three main coves – Agia Triada, Platakia and Alipa – and off other minor beaches around, although the waters here are notably cold. The beaches are a mix of sand, pebble and shingle, most of them served by a taverna and other facilities – boat trips, water-skiing, canoes and a diving school – in summer.
From the harbour you can take boat trips along the coast to look at the many grottoes in the vicinity, and out around the Rock of Kolovri, which – like Mouse Island off Kanoni – is said to be the petrified ship of Odysseus.
Legends
The palace of Alcinous, King of the Phaeacians and father of Nausicaa (who discovered Odysseus after his shipwreck), is reputed to have stood nearby. According to another legend, the Rock of Kolovri is the ship of an Algerian pirate intent on looting the monastery on the headland. As the ship approached the shore, it was turned to stone in answer to the prayers of the Abbot. Today the rock is the haunt of seabirds.
Our Pick of Greek Islands Guides
Paleokastritsa Facilities
The town itself now has plenty of hotels to choose from, plus villas and rooms to rent. Anyone who is not fully fit should note that some streets are very steep. There is no lack of bars and tavernas and, while it does not attract young single holiday-makers, Paleokastritsa’s popularity makes it a place to avoid if your aim is to find peace and quiet. That having been said, there are quieter beaches a short walk away, and the town’s spectacular location does make it a good base for walkers.
Getting to Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa is on the west coast of Corfu, and is about 16 miles (26 kms) from Corfu Airport. Because you’re going across the island on some slow roads, the drive should take about 45 minutes.
Other Corfu Pages
A Lawrence Durrell Walk
This Lawrence Durrell walk takes you from Kaminaki Beach in northern Corfu to the White House in Kalami where the writer Lawrence Durrell lived for four year.
Where to Stay in Southern Corfu
Greece Travel Secrets’ pick of where to stay in southern Corfu including hotels in Moraïtika, Paramonas, Messonghi, Agios Georgios, and near Benitses.
Where to Stay in Northern Corfu
Greece Travel Secrets picks where to stay in northern Corfu with budget and luxury hotels in Sidari, Daphnila Bay, Kontokali, Ipsos, Barbati and more.
Where to Stay in North-West and Central Corfu
Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to stay in north-west and central Corfu including luxury mansions, inexpensive rooms, and resort hotels.
Where to Eat in Northern Corfu
This is the Greece Travel Secrets selection of where to eat in northern Corfu, from classy restaurants and traditional tavernas to beachside fish tavernas.
Where to Eat in North-West Corfu
Greece Travel Secrets has its list of favourite places where you can eat in north-west Corfu, including in Paleokastritsa, Pelekas, and Ayios Stefanos.
Visiting Albania from Corfu
Donna Dailey of Greece Travel Secrets visits Albania by boat from Corfu Town, staying overnight and seeing archaeological sites with Sipa Tours.
Two Corfu Saints
The main two Corfu saints are Saint Spyridon, the patron saint of Corfu who saved the island four times from disaster, and Saint Theodora Augusta.
The Invasion of Corfu
From Nero to Nicolas Cage, the invasion of Corfu goes back to Roman times and through to Hollywood today!
The Corfu Trail
The Corfu Trail runs from the southernmost point of Corfu at Cape Asprokavos and winds for 220km (137 miles) to the northernmost point near Andinioti Lagoon.
The Achilleion Palace
The Achilleion Palace is one of the most visited sights on Corfu and contains a museum and impressive gardens with wonderful views over the coast.
Southern Corfu
Southern Corfu has busy beach resorts like Benitses, historical buildings like the Achilleion Palace and Gardiki Castle, and wildlife at the Korision Lagoon.
Southern Corfu Drive
This Southern Corfu drive starts and ends in Moraïtika, taking in hill villages, secluded beaches, lovely views, and a visit to Gardiki Castle.
Southern Corfu Beaches and Villages
This guide to southern Corfu’s beaches and villages includes busy resorts, quiet beach, hill villages and the southernmost tip of Corfu at Cape Asprókavos.
Sidari
Sidari is a popular holiday resort on the north coast of Corfu with beaches and unusual rock formations as well as plenty of places to eat and to stay.
Northern Corfu
Northern Corfu is the most diverse part of the island, with Corfu's highest point, Mt Pantokrator, and beach resorts like Sidari and Palaiokastritsa.
Northern Corfu in Three Days
If you want to tour northern Corfu in three days you can see busy resorts, quiet fishing villages, Mount Pantokrator, and the Andinioti Lagoon.
Northern Corfu Drive
There are two sides to every Greek island, the tourist and the traditional, and this drive from Corfu Town through northern Corfu shows the two faces of Corfu.
Northern Corfu Beaches and Villages
Northern Corfu’s beaches and villages include busy resorts and secluded beaches, with several hill and mountain villages well worth visiting.
North-West Corfu Beaches and Villages
North-West Corfu’s beaches and villages include busy resorts, quiet beaches, hill villages, and places ideal for watching the sunset,
Mount Pantokrátor
Mount Pantokrator is the highest mountain on Corfu and it’s easy to drive to the top for spectacular views of Albania, Corfu, and even sometimes to Italy.
Mount Pantokrator Drive
This Mount Pantokrator drive takes you to the top of Corfu’s highest mountain with wonderful views to Albania, mainland Greece, and around Corfu.
Korission Lagoon
The Korission Lagoon on the west coast of Corfu is also called Lake Korission and has abundant wildlife, especially birds, and one of the best beaches on Corfu.
Kassiopi
Kassiopi is a popular tourist resort on the northeast coast of Corfu with a sandy beach, Byzantine fortress, old church, and lots of places to stay and to eat.
Kalámi
Kalami in north-west Corfu is a hidden gem which many people know about because writer Lawrence Durrell once lived here in The White House.
Latest Posts
-
The Lesser-Known Traditions of Greek Easter
Step off the beaten path this spring and discover the enchanting — and often surprising — Easter traditions found across Greece. -
Easter in the Mystical Castle of Monemvasia
In the castle town of Monemvasia, with its dramatic medieval backdrop and sea views, Easter is a deeply spiritual and atmospheric experience. -
Sifnos: Greece’s Hidden Culinary Star on the Rise
Sifnos, a Cycladic island, is gaining fame for its rich culinary heritage, especially the beloved melopita honey-cheese tart. -
Easter in Leonidio: A Tapestry of Light, Culture and Cliffs
In Leonidio, Easter comes alive with handmade hot air balloons in the sky and lanterns made from bitter oranges in the streets. -
April 9 Strike in Greece to Impact Public Transport, Ferries and Air Travel
Transportation and travel across Greece will face disruptions on Wednesday, April 9, as public transport, ferry and aviation workers join a nationwide strike called by Greek labor unions. -
Ancient Theater of Lefkada Brought Fully to Light Following Systematic Excavation
The Greek Culture Ministry has announced that the first ancient theater ever identified in the Ionian Islands has recently been brought fully to light on Lefkada, revealing an impressive monument that… -
Seven Greek Traditions Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage
From traditional barrel-making to age-old folk dances, seven new entries on Greece’s National Inventory preserve the country’s living heritage for future generations. -
Greek Air Traffic Controllers to Hold 24-hour Strike, Disrupting Flights on April 9
The Hellenic Air Traffic Controllers Union have announced a 24-hour strike for Wednesday, April 9, in response to the protest called by the Civil Servants’ Confederation (ADEDY). The strike is being h… -
Ten Best Budget Hotels on Santorini
Greece Travel Secrets picks the ten best budget hotels on Santorini, some with caldera views, some near beaches and some close to the heart of Fira. -
No Ferries in Greece on April 9 as Seamen Join Nationwide Strike
The Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) has announced its participation in the 24-hour strike called by the General Confederation of Greek Labor (GSEE) on Wednesday, April 9. The strike, which will…
Why not sign up for our Greece Travel Secrets newsletter? Each week you'll get emailed our regular Greece Travel Secrets Magazine for news, information, and inspiration for planning your travels in Greece.
As a welcome gift you'll also get a free e-book, Heaven on Earth. This contains 19 of Mike's favourite stories that he's written about travelling in Greece for newspapers and magazines over the years.
You'll find it over at Substack. Check out one of the Archive issues to find the Subscribe button.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, but at no cost to you.
BUY A JOURNAL TO RECORD YOUR OWN GREECE TRAVEL SECRETS!
LEARN A LITTLE GREEK BEFORE YOU GO!
FOLLOW OUR GREECE VIDEOS
ON YOUTUBE
No words or images to be used without prior permission.
We do not sell personal information: see our Privacy Policy.
California Consumer Privacy Act - CCPA: Sale Of Personal Information
Greece Travel Secrets does not sell any information it gathers for any reason. It has not collected or sold any personal information in the last twelve months or ever in the past.
This website was built using Site Build It!
