What to see and do in Palaiokastritsa, Corfu, Greece

Palaiokastritsa is a picturesque village on the northwest coast of the island of Corfu in Greece

It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and stunning scenery.  Corfu has been suggested to be the mythical island of the Phaeacians and the bay of Palaiokastritsa to be the place where Odysseus disembarked and met Nausicaa for the first time. 

The village is situated around a natural harbor, which is surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush green hills. There are several beaches in Papaiokastritsa, including the main beach which is lined with tavernas and cafes, and the smaller beaches of Agia Triada, Platakia, and the Blue Lagoon.

One of the main attractions of Papaiokastritsa is the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, which dates back to the 13th century. The monastery is built on a hill overlooking the village and the sea, and offers breathtaking views. Visitors can explore the monastery's museum, which contains Byzantine icons and other artifacts.

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The rock in the sea visible near the horizon at the center of the picture is considered by the locals to be the mythical petrified ship of Odysseus.

Palaiokastritsa is one of the most popular beach resort areas on Corfu and it is known for its  beautiful coastal scenery which winds around a series of small bays.

Ampelaki Beach does not have much sand. It has lots of rocks and is a good place for snorkeling.

Small water taxis leave from the jetty at Agios Spyridon to beaches on the other side of the bay.

 There is a donkey trail which is used to hike up to the village of Lakones.  A very narrow windy road also leads up to the village. Buses are only allowed to go up the road and are not allowed to come back down it.

Spiros Beach is covered in stones and pebbles. There are many big rocks in the water making it a good place for snorkeling.

From village of Lakones, you can continue up the road to the Bella Vista viewpoint. The historic monastery of Palaiokastritsa can be seen at the top of the hill of the peninsula to the right of the picture. The monastery, dates from 1225 and now houses a museum.

Angelokastro is a Byzantine castle to the west of Bella Vista. It is located at the top of the highest peak of the island's shoreline in the northwest coast and built on precipitous and rocky terrain. The castle never fell, despite frequent attempts at conquering it through the centuries. It also played a decisive role in defending the island against pirate incursions and during three sieges of Corfu by the Ottomans.

Overall, Papaiokastritsa is a beautiful and peaceful village that offers a perfect combination of stunning natural beauty, history, and outdoor activities. It is a popular destination for tourists, but still manages to retain its traditional Greek charm.