PALEOKASTRITSA
Paleokastritsa is the jewel of Corfu, a stunning coastal region where dramatic, verdant cliffs plunge into the brilliant turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. It is a mythical landscape, with a history tied to Homer’s Odyssey.
This unique destination blends ancient spiritual sites with six beautiful bays, making it a paradise for beach lovers, boaters, and history enthusiasts alike. It’s truly a spectacular piece of Greece.
Most Popular Attractions
Historical & Cultural Sites
Paleokastritsa Monastery (Holy Monastery of Panagia Paleokastritsa): Perched high on a rocky peninsula, this 13th-century monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary offers stunning panoramic views and houses a small museum with Byzantine icons.
Angelokastro Castle: A powerful and well-preserved Byzantine castle on a dramatic hilltop nearby, offering some of the best views on the island and a glimpse into its defensive past.
Lakones Village: A traditional hilltop village above Paleokastritsa, famous for its “Bella Vista” viewpoint, offering sweeping views of the entire bay complex.
The Old Town (Corfu Town): The UNESCO World Heritage site is a short drive away, offering Venetian-era architecture, fortresses, and a vibrant cultural hub.
Mythical Petrified Ship of Odysseus: A prominent rock formation in the bay is locally believed to be the ship of Odysseus, which was turned to stone by Poseidon.
Beaches & Coastal Exploration
Agios Spiridon Beach (Paleokastritsa Beach): The main, crescent-shaped beach and hub of activity, with soft sand and the clearest turquoise water.
Ampelaki Beach: A smaller, more secluded pebble beach tucked away from the main hub, perfect for a quieter sunbathing experience.
Agios Petros Beach: A scenic, small beach near the main parking area, featuring pebbles and a great view of the cliffs.
Agia Triada Beach: A well-organized pebble beach known for its clear waters and proximity to beach clubs.
Alipa Beach/Marina: A picturesque cove with a small port, offering a charming place to stroll and admire the boats.
Grotta Beach & La Grotta Beach Bar: A stunning swimming spot and bar built into the cliffside, famous for cliff-jumping and diving boards.
Boat Rental & Self-Guided Tours: Rent a small motorboat (no license needed) to discover the myriad of hidden coves and inaccessible beaches along the coastline.
Paleokastritsa Bay Boat Tour: Short guided tours that whisk visitors around the six bays and famous caves, departing from the main beaches.
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Activities
Blue Eye Cave: A popular sea cave accessible by boat, named for the stunning blue color that illuminates the water inside.
Cave of Love: A small, secluded sea cave and cove, best accessed by boat, often visited by couples.
Paradise Beach: A stunning, often secluded beach backed by massive cliffs, accessible only by boat.
Marmera Beach (Marble Beach): A beach known for its fascinating rock patterns and marble-like appearance, accessible only by sea.
Iliodoros Cove: A small, beautiful cove with unique rock formations, another spot only reachable by boat.
Cliffside Hiking Trail: A short but rewarding path from the monastery area that offers dramatic coastal viewpoints.
Corfu Island Donkey Trail: A historic walking route that extends from the Paleokastritsa area up to the village of Lakones, offering excellent mountain and sea views.
Corfu Aquarium: Located in the center of Paleokastritsa, this small, affordable aquarium focuses on local marine life and reptiles.
Snorkeling & Swimming: The crystal-clear, sheltered bays provide ideal conditions for exploring the underwater world.
Paddle Boat & SUP Rental: Available on the main beaches for a fun, relaxed way to explore the shallower parts of the bay.
Activities & Experiences
Explore the Caves by Boat: Take a small boat trip to the famous Blue Eye Cave and Nausika Cave. Many local boatmen offer short, personalized tours right from the main beach.
Hike to Angelokastro Fortress: Trek up to the impressive 13th-century Byzantine fortress perched atop the highest peak of the coastline. The panoramic views of the entire Paleokastritsa bay and the Ionian Sea are breathtaking.
Sunbathe at La Grotta Beach Bar: Descend the steep steps to this unique, rocky cove. It’s not a beach, but a dramatic swimming spot with a stylish bar carved into the cliffside—perfect for a sunset cocktail and a dip.
Dive or Snorkel in the Ionian: Join one of the local dive centers to explore the clear, deep waters. Paleokastritsa is known for its excellent visibility, diverse marine life, and underwater rock formations.
Visit the Paleokastritsa Monastery (Theotokos): Walk up to this beautiful, active 13th-century Greek Orthodox monastery, which offers stunning views and features a small museum of Byzantine icons.
Rent a Small Motorboat: Hire your own boat (no license needed) for the day to discover the secluded, otherwise inaccessible coves and beaches along the coast, like Paradise Beach (also known as Chomi).
Lounge on the Six Beaches: Spend the day hopping between the area’s main beaches: Agios Spyridon (the main harbor), Agia Triada, Platakia, Alipa, Polyos, and the remote Chomoi.
Go Sea Kayaking or Paddleboarding (SUP): Rent equipment to explore the calmer waters of the coves at your own pace, providing a great low-impact way to see the coastline up close.
Take a Day Trip to Corfu Town: Catch a local bus or taxi to the beautiful, UNESCO-listed Old Town of Corfu (Kerkyra) for a mix of Venetian, French, and British architecture and historical sights.
Hike the Corfu Trail Section: Pick up a stretch of the long-distance Corfu Trail that passes through the area, offering a chance to wander through olive groves and traditional inland villages like Lakones and Krini.
Enjoy a Traditional Taverna Meal in Lakones: Drive or walk up to the village of Lakones, often called “Balcony of the Ionian,” to have dinner at a taverna overlooking the entire coast for a magical evening experience.
Local Tips & Transport
Car or Scooter Recommended: While the central area of Paleokastritsa is manageable on foot, a rental car or scooter is highly recommended to explore the wider area and Corfu island. The local bus service is reliable for getting to Corfu Town, but your own transport allows you to visit remote beaches and villages.
Local Bus Service (Green Buses): The Green Bus (KTEL) is the main, reliable service connecting Paleokastritsa to Corfu Town (Kerkyra). The service is frequent during the high season, but check the timetable in advance as routes and frequency change. The main bus stop is near the harbor.
Water Taxis & Boat Trips: This is the best way to move between the various beaches and coves. Small water taxis run frequently between the main harbor and the harder-to-reach beaches like Paradise and Stelari.
Taxis: Taxis are available but can be expensive for longer trips. If you need a ride, book in advance through your hotel or a local taxi office, as hailing one can be difficult outside the main tourist areas.
Embrace the Deep Water: Paleokastritsa is known for its deep, cold, and incredibly clear water due to underwater currents. This is why it’s so clear and great for snorkeling, but be aware that the water temperature can be a little cooler than other parts of the island, even in summer.
Dining Times: Dining follows a typical Greek/Mediterranean schedule. Lunch is usually between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, and dinner rarely starts before 8:00 PM, with many locals eating around 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM, especially during the summer heat.
Greek Coffee and Frappé: Embrace the coffee culture. A traditional Greek coffee is strong and consumed slowly. The Frappé (a cold, foamy instant coffee) is the national summer drink, while Freddo Espresso or Freddo Cappuccino are popular modern iced options.
The Corfu Kumquat: The kumquat is the island’s signature product, brought to Corfu in 1860. You will find it everywhere in the form of bright orange liqueur (a popular souvenir), spoon sweets, and jams. It’s a must-try local specialty.
Hidden Gems:
Viewpoint in Lakones: Instead of just visiting the village, walk a little further along the road from the traditional tavernas to find a less crowded, but equally spectacular, viewpoint for photographing the “Balcony of the Ionian” vista.
Liapades Beach Area: Just south of Paleokastritsa, the area around Liapades village has small, quiet coves like Rovinia Beach and Gefyra Beach that offer a more peaceful swimming experience away from the main resort crowds.
The Donkey Path to Angelokastro: While the main road is used by cars, a challenging but rewarding old donkey path leads from the village of Krini up to the Angelokastro fortress, offering ancient olive grove scenery.
Try Pastitsada or Sofrito: These are the two most famous Corfiot dishes. Pastitsada is pasta with slow-cooked veal or rooster in a rich, spicy tomato sauce, while Sofrito is beef cooked in a white wine, garlic, and parsley sauce, traditionally served with rice or mashed potato.
Language: While English is widely spoken in all tourist areas, a few Greek phrases will be appreciated. Try “Yassas” (Hello/Goodbye – formal/plural), “Yia mas!” (Cheers!), and “Efharisto” (Thank you).
Top Restaurants
Dolphin Taverna [$15-$30] – A charming, family-run taverna located slightly off the main road, highly praised by locals for its authentic Greek and Corfiot dishes like Moussaka, and for its warm atmosphere.
Taverna Elizabeth (Doukades) [$15-$25] – While a short drive from Paleokastritsa in the picturesque village of Doukades, it’s a very worthy, highly-rated family-run taverna famous for generous portions of traditional food like Stifado and Pastitsada, cooked to grandmother’s original recipes.
O Meraklis Taverna [$15-$25] – A popular spot known for delicious Greek cuisine, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and friendly service, perfect for experiencing local culture and food.
Spiros Taverna [$15-$25] – A long-established taverna in the village, serving authentic Greek cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and known for its friendly service and affordable prices.
Petrino Garden [$15-$30] – A charming restaurant located in what resembles an old house, offering a cozy, intimate atmosphere and generous portions of traditional Greek food.
Elia Taverna Traditional Greek Cuisine [$15-$25] – A traditional taverna offering classic Greek dishes and local specialities in a relaxed setting.
Nereids Restaurant & Bar [$20-$35] – A pretty, family-run restaurant with a long history in the heart of Paleokastritsa, known for traditional Greek cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients.
Apollon Garden Restaurant [$15-$30] – A great spot in Paleokastritsa offering delicious food in a peaceful and relaxing garden setting.
Flavor [$20-$35] – A charming restaurant run by a mother-daughter team, focusing on authentic Greek gastronomy with fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a cozy atmosphere.
Yialos Beach Taverna [$20-$35] – Located near Yialos beach, this taverna offers a picturesque setting surrounded by greenery and excellent value for money with a focus on traditional dishes.
Nausika Taverna [$15-$25] – A traditional tavern known for its authentic Greek menu and nicely presented dishes.
Taverna Poseidon [$20-$35] – Situated by the blue waters of Agia Triada beach, this is a traditional Greek restaurant with a long menu of Corfiot specialities and fresh fish.
Michalis Taverna (Lakones) [$15-$30] – Located in the nearby village of Lakones, this taverna offers a selection of authentic dishes often mentioned in local guides.
Boulis Taverna (Lakones) [$15-$25] – Located in the nearby village of Lakones, this spot is recommended for its warm, friendly owners and classic Greek dishes like Souvlaki.
TAVERNA by Coral [$15-$30] – A well-regarded taverna known for authentic Greek cuisine.
Alipa Restaurant [$25-$45] – Highly recommended for its delicious and fresh seafood, located in front of Alipa port, offering stunning views and beautifully presented dishes.
Limani Restaurant [$30-$50] – A top choice for a more upscale dining experience, housed in a renovated building with a stunning view of the port.
The Golden Fox [$30-$50] – A popular restaurant known for its stunning sea views and delicious Greek cuisine, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Belvedere Restaurant Café Bar [$25-$45] – Features a large terrace overlooking the sea, offering a warm atmosphere and a menu that includes grilled meats and local specialities alongside the view.
Vrachos Palaiokastritsa [$30-$50] – A beachfront restaurant overlooking the cliff-enclosed bay, offering a prime location and a menu with Greek specialities and a signature lobster with linguine dish.
On The Rocks Restaurant [$25-$45] – Known for its stunning cliffside location, delicious fresh seafood dishes, and picturesque views of the sea.
Monastre [$35-$60] – A stylish restaurant and bar perched on a rocky bluff opposite the Paleokastritsa Monastery, offering stunning sea views and a chic dining atmosphere.
Akron Beach Bar & Restaurant [$30-$50] – A modern and classy establishment on Agia Triada beach serving Mediterranean dishes with high-quality ingredients, known for its hip vibe and stunning bay views.
Nikos Restaurant [$25-$45] – A classic restaurant located right on Saint Spyridon main beach, known for fresh fish from the Ionian Sea, grilled meat, and a perfect sunset view behind Angelokastro mountain.
La Pergola [$20-$40] – A restaurant known for serving quality Italian cuisine, including pasta and wood-fired pizzas, in a beautiful setting with stunning views of the sea, offering a nice break from typical Greek fare.
Il Basilico [$20-$40] – Another popular Italian restaurant offering authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Da Giovanni [$20-$40] – An Italian restaurant located in the village, offering authentic Italian cuisine and warm hospitality.
Gran Aladino [$15-$25] – A unique, inexpensive spot offering a diverse and extensive menu that caters to different preferences, located on the main street near the beach.
Tango Cafe – Bar [$10-$20] – A must-visit spot for unbeatable quality and value for breakfast or a lighter lunch, including sandwiches and savory crepes.
La Grotta Bar [$10-$20] – Nestled along the stunning coastline, this is a charming seafront bar with a unique setup in a cave, perfect for drinks and lighter bites.
Utopia Cafe [$10-$20] – A cozy cafe known for its delicious coffee, special desserts, and low prices.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
La Grotta Bar: A legendary spot since the 1960s, located in a cliff-fringed sea cave underneath a hotel. Patrons must descend 142 steps, but are rewarded with a unique setting for sipping cocktails next to a crystalline natural lagoon.
Akron Beach Bar: A modern and upscale venue situated right on Agia Triada Beach. It functions as a sophisticated all-day spot, offering high-quality cocktails and refreshing drinks with stunning views of the sea and Alypa marina.
Unlimit Cocktail Bar: Hailed as one of the best cocktail spots in the village, located centrally in Paleokastritsa. It is known for its impressive selection of creative signature cocktails and a cozy, relaxed atmosphere, often featuring a beautiful garden.
Odysseus Main Bar (Odysseus Hotel): Located within the Odysseus Hotel, this main bar offers a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy refreshing cocktails on its sea-view terrace, perfect for early evening or finishing off a wonderful night.
Acapulco Pool Bar: Situated in a charming setting overlooking the clear sea in Paleokastritsa. It’s an ideal spot for enjoying a refreshing drink by the pool or the sea area in a casual and relaxed ambiance.
Restaurant & Cocktail Bar Horizon: A combined restaurant and bar offering a stunning elevated view over Paleokastritsa. It’s a great spot to enjoy a carefully crafted cocktail while watching the sunset over the Ionian Sea.
Angels Pool Bar: A relaxing and beautiful spot to discover refreshing drinks, situated conveniently within the Paleokastritsa area, offering a serene poolside experience.
Tango Cafe Paleokastritsa: Found in the village, this is a bar/café option for a drink, popular for its central location and easy-going atmosphere amidst the various tavernas and shops.
Belvedere Restaurant Bar: Located with a vantage point overlooking Paleokastritsa, this spot offers a lovely terrace where guests can enjoy drinks and cocktails along with their dining experience.
Nereids Restaurant Bar: Situated close to Agia Triada beach, this is a restaurant and bar providing a relaxed setting to enjoy a cocktail or drink after a day at the beach.
Gran Aladino Cocktail Bar: Found in the Agia Triada area, this venue offers a selection of cocktails and drinks in a friendly setting, near some of the village’s main beaches.
Dolphin Taverna Bar: Located near Alipa port, this spot provides a classic taverna atmosphere with a selection of drinks and cocktails, offering lovely views of the harbor.
Petrino Garden: A spot with an inviting garden setting in the Agia Triada area, offering a relaxed environment for evening drinks and conversation.
La Pergola Bar: The bar area of this popular Italian restaurant in Paleokastritsa offers a selection of wines and cocktails to be enjoyed on its large terrace with stunning views of the sea.
Golden Fox Bar: Situated up in the nearby mountain village of Lakones, this venue is famous for its breathtaking, panoramic views of Paleokastritsa’s bays, providing a spectacular backdrop for an evening drink.
Aragosta Beach Club: Located on the coastal area of Paleokastritsa, this brand new beach club offers an all-day holistic summer experience. It’s an ideal spot for enjoying signature cocktails and a lively atmosphere by the pure turquoise Ionian waters.
Akrotiri Beach Hotel Pool Bar: Located on a rocky peninsula with gorgeous views overlooking the beaches, this hotel bar stays open until late, making it a perfect spot for an evening dip and a relaxed late-night drink.
Unlimit Food Bar: The late-night/vibrant extension of the well-known cocktail bar in Paleokastritsa, offering a lively atmosphere that continues into the early hours of the morning.
La Grotta Beachside Club: While primarily a bar, its unique cave setting, music, and dramatic cliffside location near the water make it a vibrant and high-energy club-like spot, especially during peak season for a late-night cocktail.
Poseidon Taverna Bar (Agia Triada Beach): A popular taverna situated right at the back of Agia Triada beach. Its proximity to the water and lively evening crowds make it a go-to spot for a more dynamic night out by the sea.
Zorbas Bar: Located near the entrance of Paleokastritsa on the road towards Corfu town, this is a traditional yet lively spot offering drinks and a social atmosphere for locals and visitors.
The Meraklis Taverna Bar: Situated in the Agia Triada area, this spot offers an energetic atmosphere and is popular for both its food and for enjoying drinks in a lively Greek taverna setting.
The Greek-way Grill Bar: Found near Agia Triada beach, offering a lively local atmosphere that extends into the evening, with a focus on drinks and casual dining.
Il Pozzo (Lakones Village): Located in the nearby mountain village of Lakones, this spot offers a vibrant atmosphere and is a great choice for drinks and late-night socializing with a spectacular view.
Dolce Cafe (Lakones Village): Another venue in Lakones village that transitions from a daytime cafe into a lively evening spot for drinks with stunning panoramic views of the Paleokastritsa area.