Paleokastritsa beach
Paleokastritsa is the most popular beach in Corfu, shrouded in an aura of ancient myths. According to legend, the legendary Odysseus stayed here. The history of the name of the beach is intertwined with echoes of the Byzantine era. The toponym is associated with the tumble-down Byzantine fortress located near it and translates as "a place with an old castle." The picturesque landscapes of Paleokastritsa have long gained fame as a hallmark of Corfu, and the coast is considered one of the best for a beach holiday on the island.
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Beach description
The Paleokastritsa Beach is located near the village of the same name in .the northwestern part of the island This place is very popular among visitors, but its main feature is its length which makes it possible for anyone and everyone to find a perfect spot to rest.
The beach is divided into 6 different zones which is why there are parts of the beach with just sandy surface, while some parts have sand mixed with pebbles. The local landscape consists of hills with steep descents via pathways in between rocks to the shoreline. You can admire truly breathtaking views on your way down.
You'll need to note the following if you decide to stay here:
- there are sea urchins here;
- it's recommended against diving from rocks as there are large boulders underwater;
- the underground springs make the water temperature here lower than on the other islands (22 degrees, while the air temperature is 30 degrees);
- it can be cold to swim during June;
- winters are rainy and windy, the high season falls on July to September period;
- you can get to some bays only by boat
The picturesque mountains surrounding the beach protect the water from storms. So high waves are rare here. If you like extreme water sports, it's better to find a different beach, as Paleokastritsa is perfect for family vacations. Smooth descent into warm clean water, shallow depth, protected bays and warm sand made this beach the best place on Korfu to stay with children.
The beach is marked with the Blue Flag for its clean waters. With the bays surrounded by pine groves and olive plantations, it's also a very scenic place where hiding from the sun is never a problem.
When is the best time to go?
Greece - a country with a long length from north to south, so the recommendations will vary depending on the place where you are going. The holiday season begins in May and reaches a peak in July-August: there are too many tourists, and the temperature on the southern islands reaches 40 degrees, which may still not play a role on the beach, but certainly not suitable for sightseeing. So the best time to relax in Greece is the end of spring-beginning of summer or September-October.
Video: Beach Paleokastritsa
Infrastructure
Paleokastritsa is not big, but a very popular resort. Here you can find accommodation of any kind you wish, from expensive or budget hotels to luxurious or moderate-priced villas (both ancient and modern). You can rent a room in a guest house close to the sea.
Among hotels near the sea it is possible to pay attention to Akrotiri Beach that is located on a small peninsula, with excellent conditions for relaxation, and a small Hotel Apollon. It has fewer rooms, but the cozy atmosphere there is very pleasant, the beach is located 40 m from it. For more budget-friendly holiday is suitable Korina Studios Paleokastritsa, where is everything necessary for a comfortable rest.
The infrastructure here is well developed. The beach itself is not only beautiful, but also is comfortable; it includes all services, which are necessary to provide maximum comfort. You may rent everything what is necessary for excellent holidays on the beach, starting from sunbeds and ending with diving equipment. Here is located one of the best diving Centers in Corfu.
In a central part of the beach is pier, from here motor boats depart heading towards sea caves and grottoes of the island. Along the coast there are a lot of good coastal taverns where you can eat well.
Weather in Paleokastritsa
Best hotels of Paleokastritsa
All hotels of PaleokastritsaUseful information
The beach coast and the turquoise waters of the sea are the main attraction of Paleokastritsa for tourists. You can take note of several attractions in the vicinity if you want to diversify your vacation. They are:
- Teotoku is a medieval monastery with a unique architecture and an original collection of ancient icons, as well as a cannon from the Ushakov fleet.
- Angelokastro – the ruins of an ancient citadel, from the tops of which there is a beautiful view of the coast. You can get here by regular bus from the capital to the village of Makrades, from which you have to walk 1.5 km on foot, so it is better to take a taxi.
- Uninhabited islets and remote lagoons, which can be reached by ordering a sea excursion.
- In early August, an interesting theatrical event is held on the beach, based on ancient myths about the Odyssey.
In regards to the length of the beach of Paleokastritsa, we can distinguish the following popular places:
- central area is ideal for families; fine sand here in places mixed with pebbles, there is entertainment for children;
- Astakos – popular among divers and snorkelling enthusiasts;
- Super Paradise is a snow-white pebble coast hidden between two sheer limestone cliffs; an ideal place for romantics and lovers;
- Blue Lagoon is a beach with an original rock bar and dance floor; an ideal place for youth recreation;
- Ermones is a clean pebble coast, but there may be large boulders in the water; place for diving enthusiasts
The island of Paleokastritsa is separated from the island’s capital for about 25 km, you can get to it by car in half an hour. There is a paid parking where you can leave a car.