Corfu's best-known bay area, with several coves, the Theotokos monastery on its headland, boat trips to sea caves and the Angelokastro castle nearby.
Paleokastritsa is Corfu's best-known bay area, about 25 km north-west of Corfu Town and 40-45 minutes away by road. The green KTEL Kerkyras bus from Corfu Town costs about €2.50 each way and takes around 45 minutes, while a taxi or rental car allows a detour through the village of Lakones and its viewpoint. The trip is easy to do in a single day and works from April to October, with the best swimming weather from May to September.
The area consists of several rocky coves set among steep green headlands. The Theotokos Monastery, perched on a promontory, is the main cultural stop, with a small museum, a courtyard of flowers and views over the bays. Boat trips from the harbour visit sea caves and the clear water along the coast, and small boats can be hired by the hour. Angelokastro, a Byzantine hilltop castle roughly 8 km from the beaches, gives wide views along the coast, and the Lakones road climbs to the Bella Vista viewpoint above the bays, often called the Corfu balcony, which is best at sunset or in clear morning light.
A good day plan is to leave Corfu Town in the morning, arrive at Paleokastritsa before the crowds, and visit the monastery first when it is quiet. Late morning suits a boat trip to the caves or a swim in one of the bays, followed by lunch at a waterfront taverna serving fish, local sofrito or pastitsada. In the afternoon, visitors can drive or take a taxi up to Lakones for the viewpoint and a coffee, and Angelokastro can be added if time allows. July and August are crowded, so spring and early autumn are more relaxed. Parking near the beaches fills early, which is a good reason to come by bus.
| Distance | About 25 km north-west of Corfu Town |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 40-45 minutes by road |
| Getting there | Bus: green KTEL Kerkyras bus from Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa, or taxi or rental car |
| Cost | Bus about €2.50 (~$2.88) each way; boat trips extra |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Paleokastritsa, 49083 Corfu, Greece |
How to get there
- Bus: green KTEL Kerkyras, about €2.50 (~$2.88), about 45 min
- Taxi from the airport roughly €35-45 (~$40-52)
- Rental car or scooter via Lakones and the Bella Vista viewpoint
Location
Paleokastritsa, 49083 Corfu, Greece
39.6738, 19.7050 View on map
Highlights
- Theotokos Monastery on its headland above the bays
- Boat trip to the sea caves along the coast
- Swimming in the clear coves of Paleokastritsa
- Bella Vista viewpoint above Lakones
- Angelokastro Byzantine castle nearby
Tips for visiting
- Take the green KTEL bus (about €2.50) to avoid scarce parking near the beaches.
- Arrive early to see the monastery before tour groups.
- Negotiate boat trip prices at the harbour and check the cave route.
- Bring swimwear and water shoes; the coves have rocky entries.
- Visit Lakones viewpoint late afternoon for the best light.
When to visit
May-June and September offer warm water with fewer crowds. Arrive in the morning to avoid midday heat and parking pressure.
Accessibility
The bus and beach areas have steps and slopes, and the monastery has stairs, so access is limited for wheelchair users. The Lakones viewpoint can be reached by car with little walking.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to Paleokastritsa from Corfu Town?
The green KTEL Kerkyras bus takes about 45 minutes and costs about €2.50. A taxi or rental car takes 40-45 minutes.
What is the Lakones viewpoint?
Lakones is a hillside village on the road above Paleokastritsa, and its Bella Vista viewpoint overlooks the bays. It is best in the late afternoon.
Is Angelokastro close to Paleokastritsa?
Angelokastro is a Byzantine castle on a cliff roughly 8 km from the main beaches. It is reached by car, taxi or a steep walk.