Paleokastritsa beach
Paleokastritsa, the most popular beach in Corfu, is shrouded in an aura of ancient myths. According to legend, the legendary Odysseus once stayed here. The history behind the name of the beach is intertwined with echoes from the Byzantine era. The toponym is associated with the nearby ruins of a Byzantine fortress and translates to "a place with an old castle." The picturesque landscapes of Paleokastritsa have long been celebrated as a hallmark of Corfu, and the coast is considered one of the finest for a beach holiday on the island.
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Beach description
The Paleokastritsa Beach, located near the village of the same name in the northwestern part of the island, is a popular destination for visitors. Its expansive length ensures that everyone can find their perfect spot to relax and unwind.
The beach is divided into six distinct zones, offering a variety of surfaces ranging from pure sand to a mix of sand and pebbles. The local landscape features hills with steep descents, providing pathways through the rocks that lead to the shoreline. As you make your way down, you can admire the truly breathtaking views.
Before you settle in, take note of the following:
- Sea urchins inhabit the area;
- Diving from rocks is not recommended due to large boulders underwater;
- Underground springs keep the water temperature lower than on other islands, at around 22 degrees Celsius, while the air temperature hovers around 30 degrees;
- The water can feel cold for swimming in June;
- Winters are rainy and windy, with the high season spanning from July to September;
- Access to some bays is exclusively by boat.
The picturesque mountains that surround the beach shield the waters from storms, making high waves a rarity. If you're seeking extreme water sports, you might want to consider a different location, as Paleokastritsa is ideal for family vacations. With its smooth descent into the warm, clean water, shallow depths, protected bays, and warm sand, this beach is the quintessential spot on Corfu for families with children.
The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for its pristine waters. Encircled by pine groves and olive plantations, it offers a scenic retreat where shade from the sun is always within reach.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to visit Corfu for a beach vacation is typically between late May and early October. This period offers the ideal balance of warm weather, sunny days, and comfortable sea temperatures for swimming and water activities.
- Late May to June: This is a great time to enjoy the beaches with fewer crowds and pleasant weather. The sea might still be a bit cool, but the island is lush and beautiful after the winter rains.
- July to August: These are the hottest months, perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the warmest sea temperatures. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect more crowded beaches and higher prices.
- September: The weather remains warm, but the crowds start to thin out, making it a good time for those seeking a more peaceful beach experience.
- Early October: This can still be a good time for a beach vacation, especially in the first half of the month, as the weather is generally still warm, but the chance of rain increases as the month progresses.
Ultimately, the best time for a beach vacation in Corfu depends on your preferences for weather, water temperature, and crowd levels.
Video: Beach Paleokastritsa
Infrastructure
Paleokastritsa may not be large, but it is a very popular resort. Here, you can find accommodations to suit any preference, from upscale or budget hotels to luxurious or moderately priced villas, both historic and contemporary. You also have the option to rent a room in a guest house close to the sea.
Among the hotels near the sea, Akrotiri Beach stands out, perched on a small peninsula and offering excellent conditions for relaxation. Another noteworthy option is the quaint Hotel Apollon, with fewer rooms but a cozy atmosphere that many find very appealing; the beach is a mere 40 meters away. For a more budget-friendly holiday, consider Korina Studios Paleokastritsa, which offers all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
The infrastructure in Paleokastritsa is well-developed. The beach is not only stunning but also accommodating; it includes all the services necessary to ensure maximum comfort. You can rent everything you need for an excellent beach holiday, from sunbeds to diving equipment. Notably, one of the best diving centers in Corfu is located here.
At the central part of the beach, there is a pier from which motor boats set off towards the sea caves and grottoes of the island. Along the coast, numerous reputable coastal taverns offer delightful dining experiences.
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.