Greece Corfu Paleokastritsa
Paleocastritsa is a true beauty spot and takes you to some of Corfu’s best beaches, with lots of coves and caves to explore. Plus the 13th-century Angelokastro fortress is within easy reach.
The main resort is a lively village along Corfu’s rocky north-west coastline. It’s set in the middle of a clover-shaped bay surrounded by wooded hills and olive groves.
Overlooking the town is an 18th-century hilltop monastery. Half-a-dozen little beaches dot the bay and there are tavernas and café-bars spread around them. Plus there’s a colourful little port about 5 minutes’ walk from the village centre.
Instead of one beach, Paleocastritsa has six beaches. The main one is Agios Spyridon – it boasts turquoise waters and white sands, plus lots of sunloungers and umbrellas. From here you can grab a water taxi to the more secluded ones, too. Then there’s the beach up at Agios Georgios North – a 5-kilometre stretch of golden sand just 30 minutes’ drive away. The diving centre to the north of the beach is one of the most popular on Corfu.
Things to do
This yearly one day celebration celebrates St. Spyridon, who is believed to have saved Corfu from a Turkish siege in 1716. Just off the shore of Paleokastritsa there was a famous sea battle – and it’s this fight which is re-enacted every year. Lots of local boats light up the water with red flares – amazingly, the night ends with a boat set alight at sea. Back on the shore there’s a fireworks display, local orchestras and freshly grilled souvlakis.
Visit the Fortress of Angelokastro
Angelokastro is a 13th-century Byzantine fortress perched on the top of a cliff. It’s a 20-minute drive to the car park but there are a few stony steps to climb at the end. Once you’re up there you can wander the cemetery ruins and see restored 18th-century wall frescos. But the real highlight is the views you get of Corfu’s rocky north-western coast. Entry is free too.
Visit the Monastery of Paleocastritsa
Visit this working monastery to marvel at a masterpiece of architecture and experience the traditional life of Greek monks.
Experience the peaceful and picturesque environment of Paleokastritsa Monastery. Observe the daily routines of Greek monks, admire an impressive hilltop structure and enjoy spectacular views of Corfu’s countryside. Paleokastritsa Monastery sits on a headland above the village on Corfu’s northwest coast.
The monastery, which spreads over two levels, presents an excellent showcase of Greek monastic architecture. Its origins date back to 1228, although much of today’s building was built during the 18th century. Start your visit on the lower level, a flower-filled garden with whitewashed arches that resemble a tunnel. Look for the monastery’s traditional olive press. Next, visit the small shop to see the olive oils and kumquat liqueur made by the monks.
Climb the stone staircase to the monastery’s upper level, dominated by an airy courtyard and small chapel. Check out the well in the center of the courtyard. A local legend states that people who toss a coin into it will one day return to Corfu. Don’t miss the museum, which has displays of Byzantine figurines, religious books and other ecclesiastical objects. The living quarters of the resident monks are on the upper level, although they are not accessible to visitors.
Additional highlights of the monastery are the unrivaled views. Have your camera ready to take postcard-perfect pictures of Corfu’s rugged coastline, green countryside and outlying islets.
The walk is uphill and is approx. 20 minutes.
Relax on the beach
Agios Petros is a little sand-and-shingle beach just 200 metres walk from the village centre. It’s really secluded and surprisingly peaceful little beach, given its lively sideline in watersports. From the wooden jetty you can try your hand at paragliding, waterskiing or canoeing – or maybe jump on a banana boat.
Shopping
Paleokastritsa’s crafts shops offer locally-crafted souvenirs and jewellery and hand-made glazed ceramics. The capital Corfu Town, a 30-minute drive away, offers the island’s best shopping. It’s worth taking a stroll down Theotoki Street to the west of town