PALEOKASTRITSA
Area: Corfu
Country: Greece


Location:
On the NW coast, approached by a good road. 16 miles NW of Corfu Town and airport.

Telephone code from UK:
30 26630

Position:
The resort is hilly nestling beneath the folds of steep verdant slopes of olive groves and citrus orchards.

Description:
A location rather than a village, Paleokastritsa enjoys a spectacular setting on 5 small, enclosed bays. In the harbour, yachts from all parts of the Mediterranean are berthed. At the northernmost promontory is a 12th-century monastery whose lower entrance is guarded by traffic lights, hinting at its popularity. The area has no real centre; its only focal point is the car parks beside the beaches below the monastery. Magnificent views are obtained from both the monastery and the hills above, particularly from the village of Lakones.

Suitability:
An upmarket resort suitable for young and middle-aged families.

Accommodation:
High-quality hotels and private villas.

Shopping:
Some minimarkets and tourist shops, together with travel agents offering exchange facilities, are scattered along 2 miles of winding road.

Beach:
Main shingle beach. Crystal clear blue-green water which is usually icy-cold due to underground freshwater streams. It is deep and unsuitable for young children. Many other small, shingly coves, some reached only by boat.

Entertainments:
Daytime: water sports and scuba diving. Nightlife: discos and bars.

Eating:
Tavernas and expensive restaurants. Emphasis is on sea food, especially locally-caught lobsters.

Public-transport:
Frequent bus service to Corfu Town. Up to 12 per day in season.

Local-excursions:
Boat trips to secluded beaches for picnics and to the various grottos. A glass-bottom boat makes numerous trips daily. See also Corfu Town.