Thinking of booking a trip to Paleokastritsa on Corfu? Here’s what to expect from this beautiful beach resort.
Where is it?
Paleokastritsa is on Corfu’s north-west coast, south of Agios Georgios Pagon and north of Liapades.
What’s the vibe like?
Paleokastritsa is one of the most popular beach resorts on Corfu and is well-known for its beautiful coastal scenery which winds around a series of small bays.
One of the island’s main honeypots, it attracts many day-trippers, including cruise ship passengers and organised excursions from other resort areas.
The scenery here is incredibly beautiful – and incredibly hilly. Unless you’re staying in one of the few beachfront hotels (and even then), steps and hills are likely to be involved. It takes 30 minutes to walk from one end to the other.
As a resort town, it’s long and spindly, clinging to the main road which terminates at Paleokastritsa Monastery.
Restaurants and amenities are spread out along the road in clusters. So you’re unlikely to be far from a bus stop, a taverna, or a shop, but if you have a particular beach or restaurant in mind it may be a reasonable trek.
Paleokastritsa is very popular with people of all nationalities but especially French, Brits, and Italians. There is a mix of package tourism and independent travel. It has a vibrant atmosphere but there isn’t much nightlife. It can feel pretty quiet in the evening once the day trippers have left.
Perhaps due to its hilly and adventurous it tends to attract lots of young couples, those exploring the area in ATVs and rental cars, and older travellers who enjoy the area’s vigorous walks.
What’s the beach like?
The stunning landscape is the star in Paleokastritsa rather than the beaches. It’s paradise for those who love coastal exploration.
From west to east, the beaches are:
- Ambelaki – follow the road behind the car park to this small organised shingle beach which has more privacy than its neighbours.
- Agios Petros – a small shingle beach on the other side of the car park from Agios Spyridon.
- Agios Spyridon – the largest and sandiest beach. It’s next to the car park and the bus stop and is also the most photographed, so get here early if you want a sun-lounger. Sometimes the water looks a bit murky from the boats.
- Alipa – behind the marina, less crowded than the others.
- Platakia and Verderosa – a small unorganised pebble beach accessed via steps from the main road.
- Agia Triada – the second-largest beach in Paleokastritsa, this shingle beach is surrounded by resort hotels and beach bars so has a lively atmosphere.
Small water taxis leave from the jetty at Agios Spyridon to beaches on the other side of the bay at Liapades, including Rovinia, Limni, and Paradise (Chomi). These beaches are natural and unorganised with dramatic cliff scenery. Sometimes you will find a boat selling cold drinks but it’s best to take your own supplies.
Water taxis also link Agios Spyridon to the Instagram-famous beach bar La Grotta, which is built into the rocks on the eastern side of Paleokastritsa.
Due to the number of daytrippers it attracts as well as its geography, Paleokastritsa feels busier and more cramped than other resorts on the island. Especially at the beaches. It’s not the resort for you if you like to find your own spot on the beach away from music or crowds.
Activities and amenities
There are several ways to explore the coastline here – kayak, pedalo, group boat trip, private motorboat hire, snorkelling and diving trips, and hiking are all on offer.
For beach bars, the eastern end of Paleokastritsa shines:
- Akron – take the steps down to Agia Triada beach.
- La Grotta – built into the rocks, accessed via steps from the main road or by water taxi.
- Acapulco – take the footpath next to Elia Taverna.
La Grotta might be the famous one but Acapulco is my favourite spot in Paleokastritsa. I really like this far eastern end which feels away from the crowds. It’s possible to walk from Acapulco to the main beach at Liapades, but it’s either a tough climb (including a short rope ladder section and a scramble at the end) or a long walk along the road with no sidewalk.
The most popular hike in Paleokastritsa is up the donkey trail to the village of Lakones. From here you can visit the Bella Vrista viewpoint or take the longer day hikes to the Byzantine castle Angelokastro, to the Fisherman’s Cabin taverna, or around to Agios Georgios Pagon.
The donkey trail is a steep but shaded 40-minute hike, the path is signposted from main road – look for the steps to the left of Odysseus Hotel.
For more walks in the area, I can recommend the Ciccerone book Walking & Trekking Corfu.
You can also drive up to Lakones or Bella Vrista for lunch, there are several hotels with restaurants and some (including the Golden Fox) have a pool available for customers if you want to make a day of it.
If you have a car you might also like to visit the Donkey Rescue Centre and the excellent tavernas in nearby village Doukades, and the Goulis Winery just outside Liapades.
Paleokastritsa is one of the best places in Corfu for diving and snorkelling. There are two dive centres – Achilleon Dive Centre on Agia Triada beach, and Poseidon Diving Centre which is near Odysseus Hotel.
And, of course, you can visit Paleokastritsa Monastery. It’s worth a walk or drive up for the lovely views. Entrance is free of charge but there is a dress code. It closes for lunch. There’s a small shop and museum containing coins and relics.
The area around the marina, Agios Spyridon beach and the car park can be considered the focal point of Paleokastritsa. Here you’ll find the most amenities including ATMs, travel agencies providing excursions, tourist shops and mini-markets.
Transport and accessibility
From the airport:
Paleokastritsa is a 35-minute drive from Corfu Airport and 45 minutes on the bus from Corfu Town.
The road between Corfu Town and Paleokastritsa is good but if you want to explore the wider area (including up to Bella Vrista) expect plenty of narrow and winding mountain roads.
A private transfer from the airport is around €30-40. Hoppa is available for shared transfers.
Public transport:
Paleokastritsa is served by Corfu’s Green Bus system, route A9. There are daily buses from the KTEL bus station just outside Corfu Town. Buses frequent during high season. Tickets are €2.30 one way.
There are several bus stops along the main road in Paleokastritsa, with the route terminating at the car park.
Sometimes, during peak summer season, there are extra bus routes available linking popular resorts – but do check before you go as these aren’t always operating.
For more information, check out: How to Get Around Corfu By Bus
Accessibility:
There are 3 beaches right next to the main car park. This part of Paleokastritsa is fairly flat although some access points involve a few steps.
Agios Spyridon beach has a Seatrac providing sea access for those with mobility issues.
From here, the main road leads uphill. Any accommodation much beyond the car park is likely to involve steps or a steep road.
There is a paved sidewalk but it only covers half of Paleokastritsa, from the car park to just before Agia Triada. After this point, you’ll have to walk along the road.
Prices
Paleokastritsa is not an expensive resort, despite its popularity. Food and drink prices are average for Corfu. There are no fancy restaurants, just a handful of tavernas and bars..
Accommodation and sun-loungers are slightly above average for Corfu but vary a lot by location. You will pay a premium for seafront hotels.
Where to stay
There is one long main road in Paleokastritsa with accommodation spread the length of it. The flattest part is around the car park at the western end. This is also the most convenient part for amenities. At this end, you’ll find Apollon and Zefiros, traditional hotels above popular cafes where you’ll find good food (including options for solo travellers).
Right by the same beach is Aragosta Suites, the prettiest rooms in town with tubs overlooking the bay. But be aware this is a busy location during the day. Thomas Beach Studios are also beachfront but in a quieter bit of coast.
If you’re after a hotel with resort facilities, the ones to look at in Paleokastritsa are:
- Akrotiri Beach Resort Hotel – 4-star with modern decor and infinity pool right by Agia Triada beach. It has spectacular views and is the one you’re most likely to see on social media. It doesn’t quite compare to Corfu’s true luxury hotels, but is definitely the best resort hotel in the area.
- Odysseus Hotel – comfortable and traditional 3-star hotel with sea-view pool.
- Paleokastritsa Palace Hotel – Adults Only (formerly the ArtNoveau) – a traditional 4-star with 2 pools and plenty of sea-view rooms, but decor is a bit dated.
Alternatively, if you don’t mind a longer walk, look east to hotels like Corfu Valley View and Phivos Studios which have more space, less daytrippers, landscaped gardens with pools, and the bonus of being near the excellent Spiros grill house. On hot humid days, when the beach seems a long walk away, you will be thankful for choosing accommodation with a pool.
Paleo Inn Hotel and Angels Pool Studios are good choices on a budget. Anywhere behind the main road is going to be hilly.
Read more:
Where to Stay on Corfu: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
A Quick Guide to North West Corfu
10 Most Beautiful Beaches on Corfu
Corfu’s Luxury Resorts – Where to Stay Right on the Beach
All images © The Mediterranean Traveller