Paleokastritsa is a set of small bays rather than one long beach. The water is clear and calm, the cliffs are green, and a monastery sits at the end of the headland. It is only a few minutes’ drive below Lakones.
Our top pick: Paleokastritsa: Paradise, Yali Beach and Blue Caves Boat Tour
Beaches and coves
- Main beach and harbour. The easiest to reach, with sunbeds, cafes and boat departures.
- Agios Spyridon. A smaller cove, more sheltered and quieter.
- Hidden coves. Several can only be reached from the sea, which is where boat trips come in.
Go in the morning. Tour buses arrive from late morning, parking fills and the beaches get crowded. Before 10:00 the bay is calm.
The monastery
The Theotokos monastery stands on the headland, with a courtyard, gardens and a small museum. Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees. Opening hours vary, so check locally.
From the sea
Seeing the cliffs and caves from a small boat is the best way to understand the bay. Highly rated options:
Paleokastritsa: Paradise, Yali Beach and Blue Caves Boat Tour
Small boat to caves and coves. 4.8/5 from 617 reviews.
Corfu: Palaiokastritsa Blue Caves and Hidden Beaches Cruise
Hidden beaches and caves. 4.9/5 from 102 reviews.
Why book online
- Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
- Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
- Mobile ticket on your phone
- Reviews from verified travelers
Villages nearby
- Lakones, the hill village above the bay, with the Bella Vista viewpoint.
- Liapades, a quiet bay just south-east.
- Doukades, a traditional stone village in the hills.
- Afionas and Porto Timoni, the double bay to the north-west.
- Agios Georgios Pagon, a long sandy beach on the north-west coast.
Getting there
From the airport, see Corfu airport to Paleokastritsa. From Lakones, drive down the winding road past the Bella Vista viewpoint. From Corfu town it is about 25 km. A bus runs in season; check the timetable.
Looking for a bed? See Paleokastritsa hotels.
Check prices in Paleokastritsa
Frequently asked questions
How far is Paleokastritsa from Lakones?
A few minutes by car down the winding road. Lakones sits above the bay.
What are the best beaches at Paleokastritsa?
The main beach by the harbour, Agios Spyridon and the smaller coves are the best known. They are mostly pebble and sand with clear water.
Can I visit the monastery?
Yes. The Theotokos monastery on the headland welcomes visitors with modest dress, with a small museum and gardens. Check opening hours locally.
Is parking easy?
Not in summer. Come early or after late afternoon, or take a taxi.
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