My complete Paleokastritsa, Corfu, travel guide [2026 updated]
Located on the north-west part of the island, Paleokastritsa has quickly become one of my favourite destinations, and has certainly some of the most beautiful beaches in Corfu! Made up of several pretty beaches overlooking a lagoon, the landscapes are absolutely breathtaking. The cypresses’ emerald, the water’s turquoise, the rock’s ivory… And the steep coast is home to a monastery sitting on a cliff! Such a lovely setting. A place you shouldn’t miss if you are visiting Corfu!
Paleokastritsa’s history
The name Paleokastritsa, which means “old castle” in Greek, comes from the nearby castle of Angelocastro (“Angel Castle”), located only a few kilometres north on the coast. It is one of the most important castles in Corfu – with Corfu Town’s castles, of course, the Old Fortress and the New Fortress – and it used to form a defensive triangle with the ones in Kassiopi and Gardiki. Angelokastro is also worth the visit, you can enjoy a wonderful view atop of it.
Paleokastritsa is full of history! It is known as the place where Ulysses made his final stopover before reaching Ithaca. There he met the beautiful “Nausicaa of the white arms”, daughter of king Alcinous. Castaway on the coast of the Phoenicians’ former lands, a place which is nowadays recognised as Paleokastritsa’s beach, he was rescued by them before putting an end to his long journey.
What is the best time to visit Paleokastritsa?
Nowadays, Paleokastritsa is a quite touristic destination, where, along the road leading to the coast, you will find some souvenir shops, tavernas and other hotels and guestrooms. The best period to visit Paleokastritsa is in May-June-September, if you can avoid the busy summer months (July-August) you will be rewarded with a peaceful atmosphere.
Did Paleokastritsa spark your interest? Here are some beautiful pictures of places and things to do in Paleokastritsa, and how to spend the day there!
Best beaches in Paleokastritsa, Corfu
Paleokastritsa’s coastline is home to many beaches with different atmospheres. Here are my favourites!
Agios Spiridonas beach
Agios Spiridonas is the main beach of Paleokastritsa, where you will find pedalo and boat rentals and the starting point to Paradise Beach (more about this beach later!). The beach itself is pretty and offers a really beautiful view but it quickly becomes overcrowded in the summer, which doesn’t make it the best place to relax!
We usually like to settle there when we want to go snorkelling, Agios Spiridonas Bay is a really good spot to explore. For those of you who are sensitive to cold, I recommend wearing a surf top so you can stay in the water long enough to go around the bay, the water there is not the warmest! Above the beach, you will find a few restaurants and coffee shops.
Liapades beach
Located a little outside of Paleokastritsa, it is an organised beach smaller and quieter than Agios Spiridonas beach. If you decide to go there by car, try to park as soon as you can in the village, for there is no parking next to the beach! The place is really idyllic.
Alipa beach
Alipa Beach is where Paleokastritsa’s marina is located, it is such a charming setting! There, you will find a restaurant right on the beach, which provides a fantastic view besides serving excellent local Corfiot food. A place you definitely shouldn’t miss! Opt for lunch there, when the beach is bathed in sunshine, rather than dinner when the sun is gone and the beach in the shadow.
Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach must be one of my favourite beaches in Corfu! The site’s natural beauty is absolutely breathtaking. The cliffs are made of rocks strata which give the place a surreal feeling, the atmosphere there is nothing like the rest of the island.
Like a hidden gem on the coast, Paradise Beach is only reachable by boat from Paleokastritsa’s main beach, Agios Spiridonas. The trip costs 20€/person, and it is totally worth it. You can also rent your own boat for a day! On your way there, you will discover several caves as well as the hundreds of fishes fluttering in the crystal water running alongside Paleokastritsa’s coast. Wonderful!
Once you reach Paradise Beach, you will just have to inform your captain of the time at which you want to leave and a boat will come to pick you up. There, you won’t find anywhere to get freshwater or something to eat, so don’t forget to pack food and drinks ahead.
And most importantly, don’t forget to bring an umbrella! There is barely any shadow on the beach. The only shadow you can find is right next to the cliff, and not only is it really narrow, but you will also have to run on burning hot pebbles to reach the sea. I wouldn’t recommend it 😁. The sea is a little cold but the water so clear, if you have a mask and a snorkel go explore the place!
Read also: 15 most beautiful beaches in Corfu, Greece
Experience Paleokastritsa in Corfu island!
Things to do in Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa is much more than a beach destination! Between its stunning coastline, its hilltop monastery, its hidden cave bar and the ancient fortress perched on a nearby cliff, there is easily enough to fill a very full day or even two, if you want to take your time.
Monastery of Paleokastritsa
Perched on a cliff above Agios Spiridonas Beach, between cypresses, oleanders and bougainvillaea, the Monastery of Paleokastritsa is one of the most iconic landmarks on the island. Founded in the 13th century and rebuilt several times over the centuries, it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Inside, you will find a charming courtyard bursting with bougainvillea, a small church with beautiful Byzantine icons, and a tiny museum displaying ancient olive oil presses and religious artefacts. The monastery also sells its own olive oil, honey and kumquat liqueur, worth picking up as a souvenir! Visiting is free, but dress appropriately (shoulders and knees covered). Opening hours are generally 7am to 1pm and 3pm to 8pm from April to October.
La Grotta beach bar
The best place to end your day on a high note! We love spending an hour or two at this beach bar, built directly in a cave (“grotta” means cave in Italian!), the cocktails are good and the house music gives a nice vibe to the place. You can also enjoy a splendid view of one of Paleokastritsa’s cove. But get ready: to reach La Grotta, you will have to climb down (and then up, remember this when about to order your 3rd cocktail) a few hundred steps to reach this hidden spot!
Angelokastro
Don’t miss the castle of Angelokastro! Located on top of a cliff, the view there is spectacular, the rock falling straight into the turquoise sea. It’s the ideal place to learn more about Corfu’s history while enjoying a wonderful sunset!
Take a boat tour
One of the best ways to experience Paleokastritsa is from the water. Several small boats depart regularly from Agios Spiridonas Beach and offer short tours of the coastline, taking you past sea caves, hidden coves and crystal-clear water that is simply impossible to reach on foot. The most popular stop is Paradise Beach, but the boats also pass through the Blue Caves, where the light filtering through the rock creates an otherworldly shade of turquoise. Most tours last around 30 to 45 minutes (or more if you stop at Paradise Beach) and cost between 10 and 20 euros per person. You can also rent your own small motorboat for the day if you prefer to explore at your own pace, there’s no licence required.
Visit the Corfu Aquarium
A short walk from the main beach of Agios Spiridonas, the Corfu Aquarium is a small but charming spot that is particularly enjoyable if you are travelling with children. It displays a variety of local marine species found in the Ionian Sea, including sea turtles, rays and various fish. A fun and educational stop before or after the beach!
Hike to the Bella Vista viewpoint
For one of the most spectacular views in Corfu, make the short drive or walk up to the village of Lakones, perched on the hill above Paleokastritsa. The viewpoint, known as Bella Vista, offers a breathtaking panorama of the entire bay, with the turquoise water winding between the green cliffs below. It is one of those views that genuinely takes your breath away, and one of the most photographed spots on the island. Several cafes in the village serve drinks and light snacks, making it a perfect stop for a mid-morning coffee.
I actually don’t have a photo of it on a beautiful day, but imagine the scene below with a blue sky and a beautiful light… It’s breathtaking!
How to get to Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa is located on the northwest coast of Corfu, about 25 kilometres from Corfu Town. Here is how to get there depending on where you are staying.
By car: the easiest and most flexible option. The drive from Corfu Town takes around 30 to 40 minutes, following the main road through the centre of the island. Parking can be tricky in high season, especially near the main beach, so arrive early. There are several paid car parks along the road leading down to the coast.
By bus: there is a regular bus service from Corfu Town (San Rocco Square) to Paleokastritsa. The journey takes around 45 minutes and buses run several times a day during the summer season. It is the cheapest option, but the schedule is limited so check timetables in advance. Note that there is no direct bus from Sidari or other northern resorts, you would need to go via Corfu Town.
By taxi: a taxi from Corfu Town costs around 25 to 35 euros and takes about 30 minutes. From Corfu Airport, expect to pay around 35 to 45 euros. It is worth agreeing on the price before you get in!
By scooter or quad bike: a popular option for those who want flexibility without a full car rental. Although I wouldn’t recommend it as much as a car. Several hire shops in Corfu Town and nearby resorts offer scooters and quads for the day at reasonable rates.
Where to stay in Paleokastritsa, Corfu
The 5 best hotels in Paleokastritsa
Affordable accommodations:
The 5 best Airbnbs in Paleokastritsa
A little FAQ about Paleokastritsa, Corfu
Is Paleokastritsa worth visiting?
Absolutely!! Paleokastritsa is widely considered one of the most beautiful spots in Corfu, and for good reason. The combination of dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, multiple beaches, a hilltop monastery and even a cave bar makes it unlike anywhere else on the island. Even if you are staying on the other side of Corfu, it is well worth the drive!
How long should I spend in Paleokastritsa?
A full day is ideal to make the most of everything the area has to offer: morning at the monastery or Bella Vista viewpoint, lunch at Alipa beach, an afternoon boat trip to Paradise Beach, and a sundowner at La Grotta. If you are short on time, a half-day visit covers the main highlights. You could also decide to stay for a night to enjoy all the things to do in Paleokastritsa!
What is Paleokastritsa known for?
Paleokastritsa is known for its exceptional natural beauty: a series of coves and bays framed by emerald cliffs, with some of the clearest water in Corfu. It is also famous for its 13th-century monastery perched above the sea, its cave bar La Grotta, and its connection to Homer’s Odyssey. Legend has it that this is where Ulysses met Nausicaa before reaching Ithaca.
Is there nightlife in Paleokastritsa?
Paleokastritsa is not a party destination. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, and most restaurants and bars close relatively early. La Grotta is the liveliest spot in the area, with a great vibe in the late afternoon and early evening. For a proper night out, head to Glyfada or Corfu Town.
Read also: 25 beautiful pictures of Corfu Town
Itinerary idea for a day in Paleokastritsa
Morning: climb to the Monastery of Paleokastritsa, visit the place (about 1 hour in total)
Lunch: have lunch at the restaurant on Alipa beach
Afternoon: Agios Spiridonas beach and a trip to Paradise Beach, you need more or less 30 minutes to reach the beach on your way there, depending on the different places your captain will show you (every ride is unique!), and 15 minutes on your way back.
Late afternoon: stop for a drink at La Grotta beach bar
About an hour and a half before sunset: depart for Angelokastro! Visit the site and enjoy the sunset from the castle, or from the restaurant down the hill which serves delicious traditional Greek food. You can also buy a few drinks and snacks before climbing to Angelokastro, the place is really quiet at the end of the day and perfect for an improvised aperitif on the rocks! Don’t forget to clean after yourself.
Read also: 20 amazing things to do in Corfu, Greece
Enjoy your visit or your stay in Paleokastritsa, and if you haven’t already, don’t forget to have a look at my article about Corfu Town and its pretty colourful streets!
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