Corfu, Paleokastritsa: Is It Worth Visiting In 2025

Is Paleokastritsa Worth Visiting?

Yes, Paleokastritsa, Corfu is worth visiting!

Paleokastritsa is situated on the west coast of Corfu, about 25 km from Corfu Town. 

As your plane or ferry will arrive in Corfu Town, you could wonder if it’s worth it to visit Paleokastritsa or if you should just stay on the East Coast.

If you’re spending a week in Corfu, it’s definitely worth taking a day trip to Paleokastritsa on one of those days.

The village is easy to reach from many towns around the island, and you can even take a bus from Corfu Town if you don’t rent a car in Corfu.

Alternatively, you could also stay in Paleokastritsa for your entire holiday.

I like to explore and move around a lot when traveling, so I suggest renting a car if you decide to base yourself in Paleokastritsa.

However, you won’t need a car if you’re only looking to enjoy the best Corfu beaches and slow living in the countryside.

Best Things To Do In Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa might be a small village, but it offers plenty of things to keep you busy!

With one day in Paleokastritsa, you can visit most tourist attractions. You can even do everything on this list if you start early.

1. Visit Paleokastritsa Monastery

Paleokastritsa Monastery dates back to the 13th century! However, the building as it is today was constructed in the 18th century. 

The Monastery is free to visit, and it features quite an impressive collection of religious artifacts that you can check out.

There is a dress code to enter the Monastery, and you should cover your knees and shoulders.

If your outfit is not appropriate, you can get a scarf and a skirt at the entrance for free.

I was wearing shorts, so they gave me a long skirt to wear over my outfit.

2. Admire The View Over Paleokastritsa Bay

Even if you don’t enter the monastery, you can admire the impressive view over the bay and cliffs along the coastline.

If you follow the path leading from the monastery toward the small graveyard, you get to an impressive viewpoint with an observation deck. 

3. Swim On Pristine Paleokastritsa Beaches

One of the best things to do in Paleokastritsa is to swim in crystal clear sea. 

I loved how the beaches in Paleokastritsa are sheltered

Agios Spiridon Beach is the most popular and largest beach in Paleokastritsa. I swam here and the sea was nice to swim even in May! 

Alternatively, Agios Petros Beach is a smaller and more secluded beach looking out to the other side of the bay.

I also like Agia Triada Beach, which is a great option for those who like to rent a sun bed for a day.

4. Take A Boat Tour To The Blue Eye Cave

The Blue Eye Cave is one of the most unique natural landmarks in Paleokastritsa, and you can see it on a short boat tour from the village.

You don’t need to book the tour in advance, as you can simply walk to Agios Spiridon Beach and take the next available boat.

These tours last about 30-45 minutes, so you can easily incorporate them into your itinerary.

5. Hike ‘Donkey Path’ Trail to Lakones

Corfu is a great island for hiking enthusiasts, and you can enjoy one of the most popular hikes right here in Paleokastritsa!

The trail starts on the main road, and takes you along a steep (but luckily shaded) trail up to the village of Lakones. 

It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to reach Lakones, depending on how many breaks you take to catch your breath. Going down is much quicker and you can be back in 15 minutes!

6. Grab A Drink In La Grotta

La Grotta is probably the trendiest beach bar in Corfu, or at least the one that started the trend of cliffside bars.

It is a cool place to grab a drink and a light snack as you swim in the crystal clear sea, away from the crowds.

Also, if you feel like Paleokastritsa beaches are too family-friendly – this is the place to go for young adults in the area.

7. Hike Up To Palaiochora

If you’re up for another hike, you can also hike the hill opposite the Palaiokastritsa Monastery.

The hiking path can be difficult to find, but there are green arrow markings you should follow to reach the ruins. 

8. Hire A Boat And Explore The Coastline

Did you know you don’t need a boating license to hire a small boat in Greece?

It is surprisingly easy to operate these small boats, so you can learn the basics and be off exploring the hidden caves in 15 minutes!

9. Enjoy Paleokastritsa Restaurants

There is no shortage of restaurants in Paleokastritsa, from traditional tavernas to fine dining restaurants with a view. 

If you’re looking for restaurants with vegan options in Corfu, Apollo has quite a few dishes on their menu!

I took a vegan almond pie in their bakery, and it was delicious!

Easy Day Trips From Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa is quite small, so you’ll quickly visit all the tourist attractions in the village.

However, there are plenty of fun places you can visit around, depending on how many days in Corfu you have. 

Going on these Corfu day trips will be easier if you have a car, but there are some places you can reach by public transport too!

10. Visit Angelokastro

Angelokastro is one of three historic Byzantine castles on the island, and the best preserved one. It is located just a short ride from Paleokastritsa and you’ll have to pay 3€ to get inside the castle.

The ruins are quite impressive to observe, even if you don’t go inside. Also, the view from the castle is incredible, and it is one of the best sunset spots in Corfu!

11. Swim At Porto Timoni Beach

The twin beach in Porto Timoni is one of the most recognizable beaches on the island.

It is situated about a 20-minute hike down from the village of Afionas.

The hike is not technically challenging, but the trail requires you to be cautious and wear proper footwear.

The best viewpoint is about ⅔ of the way to the beach!

12. See Cape Drastis And Canal d’Amour

The northwest of Corfu is easily the most impressive area of the island. 

The best view of the Cape is from the top of the road. As you park your car and walk to the viewpoint you’ll see the Cape in all its glory!

You can also swim at Cape Drastis. There is a small beach at the end of the dirt road where you get to swim surrounded by the white cliffs. It is a rock beach, so there is no shallow water beach entrance.

13. Visit Corfu Town

Even if you want to get to the beach as quickly as possible, you should still spend a couple of hours visiting the Old Town of Corfu. It is easy to visit by car or by public transport.

It is the main town on the island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Town is quite compact, so spend a couple of hours strolling around and admiring the cobblestone streets.

14. Go On A Boat Trip

Corfu is an island, so the best way to discover is to join a sailing tour around the island.

There are many boat tours in Corfu, so you can pick the one that is perfect for you. 

The most popular option is a day trip to Paxos and Antipaxos, but you can also choose to discover Corfu’s coastline and hidden beaches.

If you don’t have a car, look for tours that offer transfer, as most depart from Corfu Town.

How To Get To Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa is located about 25 km from Corfu Airport, and it takes about 40 minutes to get there.

The easiest way to get to Paleokastritsa is by driving, and you can simply follow Google Maps.

Driving in Corfu takes longer than it might seem on the map, as you’re driving on local roads with a low-speed limit. There are no highways on the island. 

If you don’t rent a car you can get a bus, a taxi or book a transfer!

If you’re taking a bus from Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa, check the timetable in advance to plan your journey. 

Buses on this route are quite frequent, but you don’t want to wait for an hour if you miss one. Also, buses are great if you’re visiting Corfu on a budget, as the ticket is less than 3€ in one direction.

There is also Uber in Corfu if you prefer to use the app, but it functions a bit differently than regular Uber.

Where To Stay In Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa is a popular choice among travelers when deciding where to stay in Corfu, as the village offers a perfect blend of liveliness and tranquility. 

You’ll get the opportunity to enjoy it when day trippers leave and see tourist attractions without crowds in the morning. 

The prices of accommodation are similar to average prices in Corfu, but more affordable than in Corfu Town.

Budget Option

Thalassa Studios

If you’re on a budget, booking a studio with a kitchen like Thalassa Studios is a great way to save money. These studios are ideally located, just a short walk from the beaches.

Rooms are beautifully decorated, featuring large double beds and plenty of space for your luggage. You also have a secluded terrace with a stunning view to relax or enjoy your meals!

😍 Check rates and availability!

Mid Range Option

Hotel Apollon Corfu

It is hard to beat the location of Hotel Apollon Corfu. This beachfront hotel is just a couple of steps from Agios Spiridon Beach and has a stunning view over the bay.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with a small balcony where you can relax and enjoy the view. The hotel also has a restaurant downstairs, and breakfast is already included in the price!

😍 Check rates and availability!

TOP Choice

Akrotiri Beach Resort Hotel

It doesn’t get much better than the Akrotiri Beach Resort Hotel! 

This adult-friendly hotel offers a perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy the tranquility of nature. The view from the rooms is absolutely stunning, and you’ll even get access to a private beach beneath the hotel.

😍 Check rates and availability!