Paleokastritsa vacation packages

How to reach Paleokastritsa

• Transfer time: Corfu International Airport is about a 30- to 40-minute drive from Paleokastritsa. If you opt for the bus (this depends on your arrival time), you will need to switch to a Green Bus service for Paleokastritsa in Corfu Town, making the journey approximately one hour long.

• Price: Taking a taxi from the airport to Paleokastritsa will cost about $55–$66. The bus option should cost around $5.50.

Best time to visit Paleokastritsa

The best time for your Paleokastritsa vacation depends on the type of experience you envision.

• April to June offers temperatures ranging from 61 to 75°F and about 7 to 11 hours of sunshine daily. Some rain is possible, but it becomes drier as the months progress. These months are ideal for outdoor activities.

• July to August brings temperatures up to around 82°F with up to 12 hours of daily sunshine and minimal rainfall. With sea temperatures around 75°F, these months are perfect for a classic beach getaway. This is Paleokastritsa’s peak season, so book early to secure your accommodation.

• September to October is a great choice if you prefer milder weather (75 to 66°F), smaller crowds, and don’t mind brief showers. You’ll still enjoy about 8 hours of sunshine daily, and the sea remains warm enough for swimming.

• November to March is the off-season. With most accommodations, restaurants, and shops closed until spring, Paleokastritsa is quiet. Expect temperatures to decline from about 59°F in November to 50°F in January before rising to 55°F in March, with some heavy rainfalls.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken in Paleokastritsa.

• Currency: Greece uses the euro.

• Getting around: Paleokastritsa isn’t a village as such; it’s more like a collection of bays and beaches connected by roads, but it’s fairly easy to navigate on foot. If walking isn’t your preference, local taxis and car rental services are available. Taxi fares vary depending on the distance, while car rentals average around $44 per day. Alternatively, you can use the A9 Green Bus. For reference, a one-way bus ticket to Corfu Town costs approximately $2.75.

• Electricity and plug types: Standard voltage is 230V 50 Hz. Plugs are two-pin Type C and F.

• Extreme weather: Greece has experienced summer wildfires on its mainland and some islands. There is no official warning against traveling to Greece as of now, but it’s wise to check for updates before your trip.

• Time zone: Greece operates on Eastern European Time, which is 2 hours ahead of GMT (3 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time).

• Required travel documentation: U.S. citizens need a valid passport (issued less than 10 years ago and valid for at least 3 months after the departure date) but don’t require a visa for stays up to 90 days within a rolling 180-day period.

Best things to do in Paleokastritsa

Located on the northwest coast of Corfu, vacations in Paleokastritsa are all about the stunning landscapes: lush greenery, crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and tranquil bays.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Bella Vista: Near the village of Lakones, this is one of the most famous viewpoints in Corfu, offering panoramic views of Paleokastritsa’s bays and rugged coastline.

• Metal Cross Vantage Point: Just a short walk from Paleokastritsa Monastery, this spot provides breathtaking views over the Ionian Sea-ideal for watching the sunset.

Best districts

• Main Road: Lined with cypress and olive trees, Paleokastritsa’s winding main road serves as a village center with a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and shops.

Parks and gardens

• Capodistrias Museum Gardens: About a 30-minute drive from Paleokastritsa, these gardens, filled with laurels, cypresses, and olive trees, are among Corfu’s most notable public gardens.

Museums

• Paleokastritsa Monastery Museum: Perched high above the resort, most visitors come here for the views, but the monastery’s small ecclesiastical museum is worth a visit for its collection of icons, sacred vestments, and holy relics.

Historical monuments

• Palaiochora: Situated on the cape between Agios Spiridon and Paleokastritsa bays, this long-abandoned old village has been reclaimed by nature, with its crumbling buildings engulfed by greenery.

• Angelokastro: Positioned precariously on the island’s highest peak, 305 meters above sea level, this was one of the most important Byzantine citadels on Corfu, offering phenomenal views.

Day trips in the area

• Corfu Town: A 45-minute drive away, Corfu Town offers historical fortresses, stunning architecture, winding alleys, first-rate museums, vibrant dining options, green spaces, and city beaches.

• Afionas: Further up the coast from Paleokastritsa, this picturesque traditional village is worth exploring, but Afionas is renowned for its breathtaking, unspoiled double-sided beach, Porto Timoni.

Activities for families in Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa offers plenty for active families.

• Family-friendly beaches: Organized Agios Spyridon Beach is great for swimming, located in a crescent-shaped sandy bay, sheltered from wind and waves.

• Playgrounds: Just a short distance from Agios Spyridon Beach, the village playground is perfectly placed for kids tired of swimming and building sandcastles.

• Aquarium and zoos: Sea life, reptiles, and amphibians can be found at the Corfu Aquarium. For more cuddly encounters, Corfu’s Donkey Rescue is located just 6 kilometers away in Doukades.

• Boat tours: Setting sail from Alipa Port, Paleokastritsa’s glass-bottomed yellow “submarine” is sure to please the whole family.

• Water parks: A 20-minute drive from Paleokastritsa, Aqualand provides endless fun for the whole family with thrilling slides and pools.

Free things to do in Paleokastritsa

There’s plenty to do during vacations in Paleokastritsa, even on a budget, from swimming and sunbathing at the village’s idyllic beaches to scavenger hunts.

• Annual festivals: The Varkarola Festival, Paleokastritsa's biggest festival, takes place on the weekend closest to August 11th. Celebrating Saint Spyridon’s miraculous intervention during an Ottoman siege in 1716, it features a mock naval battle, traditional music and dancing, plus a fireworks display.

• Beaches: While most of Paleokastritsa’s beaches are organized, Greek law requires that beaches remain 70 percent sunlounger-free, providing plenty of space to lay out your towel.

• Geocaching: This GPS scavenger hunt is not just for kids; it's a fantastic way to discover scenic spots off the typical tourist path.

• Watch the sunset: There are numerous places to watch the sunset; choose a spot by the water's edge or head up into the hills.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking trails: The Donkey Path Trail to Lakones is one of the most popular hikes. Starting near the Odysseus Hotel, it goes uphill through olive groves, and the views are well worth the steep but short climb (30 minutes to an hour, depending on your fitness level).

• Snorkeling and scuba diving: With clear waters, rocky coves, and underwater caves, Paleokastritsa is one of the top spots in Corfu for underwater exploration. Dive centers are available on Agia Triada Beach and near the Odysseus Hotel.

• SUP: Stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to enjoy Paleokastritsa’s calm waters. Many local rental shops offer equipment and brief lessons, making it accessible for beginners.

• Kayaking: Explore Paleokastritsa's many coves and hidden beaches by kayak. Rentals are available along the shore, allowing you to paddle at your own pace and discover spots inaccessible on foot.

• Cliff diving: Just off the main road, in a rocky bay with deep water, La Grotta is a prime location for cliff diving.

Beaches in Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa is renowned for its breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it one of the top seaside destinations in Corfu. This area boasts several beautiful coves, each providing a unique beach experience ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

Agios Spiridon beach

The main beach in Paleokastritsa is Agios Spiridon Beach, a horseshoe-shaped bay with golden sand and shallow turquoise waters. It's perfect for families, offering sunbeds, umbrellas, and a variety of water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and pedal boats. During the summer months, it can become crowded, but the beach's excellent facilities and stunning views make it worth visiting.

Platakia beach

For those looking for a quieter atmosphere, Platakia Beach is a peaceful escape nestled along the coastline. Its tranquil surroundings and crystal-clear waters are perfect for relaxation while still being close to the main village's amenities.

La Grotta beach

A favorite among snorkelers, La Grotta Beach is famous for its rocky coves and clear waters. It's a great spot to explore the underwater world or simply relax by the sea. There's also a well-known beach bar perched above the cliffs, providing stunning views and a laid-back vibe.

Whether you're searching for a bustling beach with plenty of activities or a secluded cove to unwind, Paleokastritsa’s diverse beaches offer something for every type of traveler.

Local dishes in Paleokastritsa

Offering a variety of local ingredients from the land and sea, Greek classics, Corfiot specialties, and international favorites are all on the menu, so you're sure to find something you like on vacations to Paleokastritsa.

Some typical dishes

• Bourou-bourou: Similar to an Italian minestrone, this hearty Corfiot soup is made with pasta and seasonal vegetables.

• Tsigareli: This dish consists of sautéed greens with garlic and tomatoes, spiced with pepper or paprika.

Meze dishes

• Noumboulo: Corfu’s traditional pork tenderloin cold cut. Served in thin slices, it's perfect with rustic bread.

• Htapodi Ksydato: Boiled octopus marinated in vinegar, olive oil, and oregano. This modest small plate pairs well with Ouzo.

Meat dishes

• Pastitsada: A rich, comforting braised beef or chicken dish cooked with onions, tomatoes, and cinnamon, served over thick pasta.

• Sofrito: This Venetian-influenced dish is made by sautéing flour-dredged veal or beef in a white wine sauce, seasoned with garlic, parsley, and vinegar.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Bourdeto: Spiced with paprika and finished with lemon juice, this rustic fish, tomato, and onion stew is an island favorite.

• Bianco: This version of Bourdeto combines white fish, potatoes, white wine, garlic, and lemon juice.

Street food

• Crepes: Enjoy them sweet with chocolate spread and banana filling or savory with veggies and cheese.

• Gyros: These pita sandwiches come filled with spit-cooked meat and veggies – tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and cucumbers – and a generous dollop of Tzatziki.

Sweets and desserts

• Pasta Frolla: These sweet shortcrust pastry tarts are filled with kumquat marmalade and candied fruits.

• Sykomaida: This dense, sweet, spicy fig cake is made with sun-dried figs, nuts (ground almonds or walnuts), and Ouzo.

Local drinks

• Koum Quat: Made from kumquat grown on the island, this liqueur is a local specialty.

• Tsitsibira: Corfu’s signature ginger beer – fizzy, sweet, and tangy.