Paleokatritsa and the best beaches of Corrù

Paleokastritsa is the most famous beach destination of the whole of Corfu island. And, consequently, also the most coveted and touristically equipped one of the whole island. It is not a real town, but a series of accommodations and services located close to its wonderful beaches.

In fact, there are six inlets that form sandy and pebble beaches and which welcome tourists in this part of the island. The main is Paleokastritsa beach is known as Agios Spiridon beach. It is the largest and best equipped, awarded with a Blue Flag for the cleanliness of its waters and the quality of the services available. In fact, here you can rent umbrellas, sun pads and water sports equipment. In addition to being able to benefit from refreshment points to refresh yourself and eat something.

A first glance is enough to understand how its beauty lives up to its fame. The clear blue waters that bathe it contrast with the luxuriant greenery of olive trees and Mediterranean plants, which doze on the heights and spurs of rock behind it. A peculiarity of this part of the coast is precisely the fact that it is mostly rocky. This gives its seabed a unique color and offers snorkelers an underwater spectacle of rare beauty.

The rocky conformation of the coast has also created a series of sea caves that creep between the promontories. And many decide to rent a boat to explore them closely and be fascinated by their mystery. The three main ones are the Blue Eye cave, Nafsika and that of St. Nickolas. Each with its own identity and charm. In the Blue Eye cave, for example, you can admire the beam of daylight creating an 'eye' in the intense blue of the water.

Of Paleokastritsa's six main coves, only two can be reached on foot. The first is the already described of Agios Spiridon beach. The second is located just beyond, to the east, near a small marina. The others, on the other hand, can only be reached by boat from the sea.

The name of the town is a reference to the nearby the Angel's Castle, or Angelokastro, a few kilometers further north.

Right here, in Paleokastritsa, as reported in Homer's Odyssey, it seems that the famous Alcinous Palace, king of the Phaeacians, was located.

On the promontory overlooking the main Paleokastritsa beach, is the Monastery. A place whose first origins date back to 1228. However, very little is left of the ancient structure today. What you will see dates back to a renovation that began in the 18th century. The monks still live here, but, without disturbing them in their lodgings, you can dedicate yourself to a visit to the monastery (free of charge). A fine example of Greek monastic architecture, as well as a place that enjoys an incredible view over the whole bay of Paleokastritsa. From the village, you can take a road immersed in the vegetation, which in twenty minutes will take you to this fascinating place of cultural heritage

To get to Paleokastritsa from Corfu Town there are daily buses that run from one place to another. From the east coast of Kerkyra to the northwest stretch where Paleokastritsa is located. They are 25 km away, on an easy road that cuts the island horizontally in two.

After a very pleasant day in the Paleokastritsa bay, if you fancy a bit of nightlife it is better to move to Corfu City, where you will certainly find numerous alternatives. What you can do in Paleokastritsa is try one of the Greek taverns to treat yourself to a tasty local dinner, or move to the nearby Lakones village to find other restaurant options.