Paleokastritsa is a seaside village and a popular holiday destination on the west coast of central Corfu. Despite not having the charm of a historical village it is one of the most famous places in Corfu for good reasons. The village has great tourist amenities like hotels and resorts, restaurants, shops, and nightlife, the surroundings are stunning, and there is an abundance of things to do. The amenities and its central location make it a great hub for discovering the island as well.
History Of Paleokastritsa
In mythology, Corfu was inhabited by the Phaeacians, and under the rule of Alcinous, Odysseus met Nausicaa for the first time in what is now Paleokastritsa. According to archaeologists, the area has been inhabited as early as the 5th century as human-mad tombs from that era were discovered at the site of Angelokastro Castle. The nearby castle also gave Paleokastritsa its name, which means Little Old Castle.
Throughout the centuries, the area was often subject to pirate attacks, which forced the inhabitants to flee into the mountains where they founded the village of Lakones. In recent times, the lower seaside village of Paleokastritsa was further developed to facilitate its popularity as a tourist destination.
In 1981, Paleokastritsa was featured in a scene in the James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only.
Until the governmental reform of 2019, Paleokastritsa and the surrounding area formed an independent municipality. Nowadays, it is part of the Municipality of Central Corfu and the Diapontian Islands. The village has approximately 3,400 inhabitants.
How To Get To Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa is located on the west coast of central Corfu and can be reached by car, bus, boat, or private transfer.
By car, Paleokastritsa is a 23-kilometer drive from Corfu Town, where the airport and main ferry port are located. From Sidari, it’s a 33-kilometer drive, and from Kassiopi, it’s 40 kilometers. Street parking is free and there’s a large paid parking lot opposite Agios Spiridon Beach.
For the ultimate freedom and convenience to explore the island at your own pace, you can rent a car and pick it up upon arrival at Corfu Airport or Corfu Port, then enjoy a scenic drive to Paleokastritsa. You can search and book rental cars on our website here.
To get to Paleokastritsa by bus, you can take Green Buses line A9 from Corfu Town, or S6 from Nissaki. The main bus terminus is in front of Agios Spiridon Beach but there are several more stops along the road through the village. You can find more information about the bus journey on the Green Buses page.
For a more convenient and hassle-free door-to-door trip to your accommodation in Paleokastritsa, you can book a private transfer from the airport or ferry port.
There are no ferries to Paleokastritsa, but private vessels can moor at Alipa Port in the Paleokastritsa Bay.
- Also read: How To Get Around In Corfu
What To See And Do In Paleokastritsa
Despite not having a charming old town, you won’t have to get bored in Paleokastritsa as there are many things to see and do in and around the village.
Enjoy The Beaches
Paleokastritsa has many beautiful beaches tucked away in small bays with amazingly clear turquoise waters. Agios Spiridon Beach, which is named after a church, is the main and most popular beach. This beach is right next to the main road, but looks out on the beautiful green hills that flank the Agios Spiridon Bay.
To the west are two more small bays where you can find Agios Petros Beach and Ampelaki Beach. Next to the harbor below the Palaiochora Peninsula, there’s another small beach called Alipa Beach. On the northern shore of the Paleokastritsa Bay are two tiny unorganized beaches called Platakia and Veredosa. Agia Triada Beach is another popular sand beach that can be found on the eastern shore of the same bay.
Just outside Paleokastritsa, in the Liapades Bay, are a few more beaches that absolutely gorgeous, but less crowded. They can either be reached by boat or overland. Liapades Beach is organized, but a short walk away from there is Rovinia Beach which is completely unspoiled. Not far from there you can find two more virgin beaches that can only be reached on foot or by boat: Limni Beach and Klimatia Beach.
Water Sports
On the beaches in Paleokastritsa you can find many fun water sports like jet skis and other adrenaline pumping activities, but the calm waters also provide the perfect conditions for quiet activities like kayaking and peddle boarding.
Make A Boat Trip
In the Alipa Port you can rent a motor boat or you can go on an organized private or shared boat tour to discover the beautiful environment. Apart from the beaches mentioned above, there are many more beautiful and unspoiled beaches, but also some sea caves, and other places to go for a swim or enjoy some snorkeling.
The entire coast between Liapades and Giannades consists of stunning unspoiled sand beaches below spectacular cliffs and can only be visited by boat. Another popular, but absolutely beautiful destination is the double beach of Porto Timoni.
One of the top rated excursions is the Paradise, Yali Beach & Blue Cave Boat Tour which allows you to relax and swim at the most gorgeous virgin beaches.
Sunset Cruise
Another special boat tour that we can definitely recommend is the Paleokastritsa Paradise Sunset Cruise. With its location on the west coast of Corfu, the area is amazing for watching the sun set on the horizon of the Ionian Sea. During this romantic sunset cruise, which departs from Agios Spiridon Beach, you will cruise to some beautiful spots along the coast during the golden hour and sunset, while you can sip on some delicious local wine.
- Book Now: Paleokastritsa Paradise Sunset Cruise
Paleokastritsa Monastery
The Paleokastritsa Monastery is an absolute must-visit when you’re in Paleokastritsa. The monastery was founded in 1225, so the site captures a lot of history. You can admire the beautiful paintings and other decorations inside the church and visit the small monastery museum, but there are also a few viewpoints from where you have breathtaking views of the surroundings.
Angelokastro Castle
Another top recommendation is a visit to the nearby Angelokastro Castle, which dates back to the period between the 5th and 7th century. During the Middle Ages, the castle formed an important defensive triangle together with Gardiki Castle and Kassiopi Castle. With it’s location on top of a giant rock formation, the fortress offers amazing views and on a clear day you can see almost the entire island.
To reach Angelokastro Castle, you’ll pass through Krini and Makrades, two small historical settlements that might also be worth a quick stroll around.
Corfu Aquarium
Paleokastritsa is home to the largest aquarium in Greece: the Corfu Aquarium. This popular attraction has over 70 species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians that are native to the Ionian Sea and greater Mediterranean waters. The aquarium is great for all ages, but if you’re on a family holiday with children you’ll definitely don’t want to miss this.
Underwater Cruise
The Corfu Aquarium is not the only place where you can discover the underwater world of the Ionian Sea. With the Underwater Cruise by Corfu Sea Discovery you can get a tour of the real marine wildlife through the windows of the panoramic submarine. Tours start from the Alipa Port and last about 50 minutes.
- Book Now: Underwater Cruise In Paleokastritsa
Lakones
Lakones is the historical village on the hillside above Paleokastritsa. You can get there by car, but you can also follow a marked path up the hill. It’s well worth the efforts as you will be rewarded with spectacular views from the village and there are a few panorama cafes where you can rest your legs. While strolling around the narrow streets of the village you can also admire the historic village houses and some old churches.
Tours & Excursions
- Find Paleokastritsa tours and excursions on Viator and GetYourGuide.
Where To Stay In Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa has an abundance of accommodations, from luxury 5-star resort hotels to smaller guest houses and holiday homes and even a camping. Here are some of our recommendations that are highly rated by guests.
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Hotels
- Akrotiri Beach Resort Hotel – A 5-star luxury resort at Agia Triada Beach with many amenities, including an infinity pool, a fitness center, a restaurant, a bar, a panoramic sun terrace, and live music. The hotel is adult-friendly which makes it a perfect choice for couples, but also offers family rooms.
- Odysseus Hotel – A modern 3-star family-run hotel overlooking the beautiful bays of Paleokastritsa. The hotel features a restaurant, a swimming pool with a bar, and a garden.
- Zefiros Traditional Hotel – This 3-star hotel is located right next to Agios Spiridon Beach, has modern rooms, but has a more traditional and charming atmosphere than other hotels.
Studios And Apartments
- Angels Pool Studios and Apartments – Looking for more space than a hotel room? These studios and apartments are among the highest rated in Paleokastritsa and the complex offers a sun terrace with a pool as well.
- Thomas Beach Studios – Modern and luxury studios with a kitchenette and balcony, located right on the beachfront.
- Tango Studios – The aparthotel has modern and luxury studios that feature a kitchen and a balcony with a hot tub overlooking Paleokastritsa Bay, and there’s a bar-restaurant.
Campgrounds
- Camping Paleokastritsa – A budget option offering tents with normal beds and an abundance of facilities, including a swimming pool, barbecue facilities, a children’s playground, and a mini-market.
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Where To Eat And Drink In Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa is one of the larger villages in Corfu and its life is primarily centered around tourism so it has plenty of restaurants, cafes, and beach bars serving mostly Greek and other Mediterranean food. It also has some nightlife, but it’s rather layed-back and quiet compared to places like Kavos, Sidari, or Gouvia. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Akron Beach Bar – Beachfront taverna at Agia Triada Beach serving delicious seafood, salads, and other Mediterranean dishes.
- Spiros – Traditional Greek taverna serving grilled meat, seafood, and other local dishes.
- Petrino Garden – Another traditional Greek taverna with a nice garden.
- Nikos – Busy beach bar and restaurant, but conveniently located at Agios Spiridon Beach.
- Mediterraneo – Delicious pizza’s, pastas, and other Italian dishes.
- Monastre – A more expensive place for fine dining with amazing views, located next to the Paleokastritsa Monastery.
Shopping In Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa is one of the larger villages in Corfu with a big focus on tourism. You will therefore find many shops that are selling the stuff that you need for your holiday, like supermarkets, kiosks, bakeries, and souvenir shops. There’s not really a central shopping place, but you’d rather see shops scattered along the main road that leads through the village.
