PALEOKASTRITSA is a firm favourite with British holidaymakers. Surrounded by lush and beautiful countryside it is one of the most scenic resorts on the
Corfu island, but very hilly as well and the lack of footpaths can make walking scary. Night noise can be a problem as bikes scream up the hills.
Paleokastritsa plenty of visitors but the bay is big enough to contain them without feeling too busy though visiting day-trippers do push up the prices. Spread over three large bays, the holiday focus is on the main beach, a relatively narrow horseshoe crescent of shingle backed by a large car park choked with coaches.
The water in
Paleokastritsa is deep and unsuitable for children but there are sunbeds, showers and toilets. Boats leave regularly for reasonably priced trips and watersports include scuba diving. There is a small sandy beach to the north and another small sandy strip around the headland serviced by boat taxis so they are rarely peaceful. In
Paleokastritsa Corfu there is a handful of good tavernas are good but none with children's menus and all notoriously expensive so it's not great for a family holiday. There are a few tame music bars on the edge of the resort. Around the headland of
Paleokastritsa is an exclusive marina with some seriously show-off boats.
Overlooking the bay is a 13th century monastery that is such a favourite with coach parties traffic lights have been installed on the access road. Visiting traffic spoils the atmosphere. The monastery of
Paleoakstritsa itself has some impressive icons, a carved wooden ceiling and a bizarre sea monster. The most impressive attraction though is the paved gardens with stunning sea views though you might be less impressed at being forced by money-minded monks to buy a candle as you enter. There are spectacular views to be had in a ride up to Lakones and the villages beyond as well as notable tavernas to visit on the way..
