Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa lies on the northwest coast of Corfu in the Ionian Islands of Greece and is widely considered the most naturally spectacular area on the island. The landscape combines several distinct elements simultaneously: a series of six coves with clear water ranging from pale green to deep blue, a thickly wooded headland rising steeply from the sea, and the Paleokastritsa Monastery perched at the summit of a dramatic rocky promontory. The combination of sea, forest, and ancient religious architecture in a single view is unusual even by Ionian standards.

The monastery, founded in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 18th, remains an active religious site. Visitors are welcome during opening hours but must dress appropriately — shoulders and knees covered. The interior courtyard contains a small museum of icons, religious vestments, and an old olive press. The views from the monastery terrace over the surrounding coves and headlands are among the finest on Corfu. A small gift shop sells locally produced olive oil and honey.

Below the monastery, the main beach area is the largest and most accessible, with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a selection of tavernas and cafés directly on the sand. For calmer conditions, the smaller coves of Alipa and Platakia are reachable by a short walk or by the small motorized boats that ferry passengers between coves throughout the day. Snorkeling is excellent across all the coves, with clear visibility in the shallow limestone pools.

Boat trips departing from the main beach circumnavigate the headland and enter several sea caves, including the large Blue Cave accessible only by water. The boat circuit takes around 30 minutes and provides views of the monastery from the sea not visible from land. Glass-bottomed boats are available for non-swimmers who want to observe the sea floor.